Indian passport holders need a valid Saudi visa for Umrah, and 2026 rules from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have tightened entry validity to 30 days and made Nusuk hotel and transport bookings mandatory.
Do Indian Passport Holders Need a Visa for Umrah?
Yes. Every Indian passport holder needs a valid Saudi visa to enter the Kingdom and perform Umrah. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival route for Indian citizens travelling on an ordinary Indian passport alone.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirms that holders of tourist, eVisa, and Umrah visas can all perform Umrah while in Saudi Arabia, as long as they secure the Umrah permit through the Nusuk app.
Seasonal restrictions apply around Hajj, and the Umrah season closes completely before Hajj begins each year. The 1448 AH season is open now and runs to 7 April 2027.
Who This Guide Covers
This guide is for Indian passport holders planning Umrah in 2026. It also covers Indian nationals who are permanent residents of the US, UK, or EU, plus those who hold an active US, UK, or Schengen visa, since they qualify for additional visa routes that regular Indian passport holders do not.
Umrah Visa Options from India in 2026
There are four practical visa routes an Indian traveller can use to perform Umrah. The right one depends on your residency, the visas you already hold, and how long you want to stay in the Kingdom.
Dedicated Umrah Visa via Nusuk (Most Common)
Best for: Indian passport holders going to Saudi Arabia solely for Umrah. This is the route most Indian pilgrims use.
Indian nationals cannot apply for a standalone Umrah visa directly on the Nusuk platform. You must book a comprehensive Nusuk-approved package through an authorised Umrah agent in India, which bundles the visa with hotel and transport.
The visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance (reduced from 90 days this season). Once you enter Saudi Arabia, you can stay up to 90 days.
Saudi Tourist eVisa
Best for: Indian passport holders who also hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen tourist or business visa that has been used at least once, OR permanent residents of the US, UK, or EU.
Apply directly through the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal. The tourist eVisa permits Umrah, provided you book the Umrah permit on Nusuk before entering the Haram. It offers multiple entries and up to 90 days stay per visit, with one-year validity.
Standard Tourist Visit Visa via VFS Tasheer
Best for: Indian passport holders who do not qualify for the eVisa but want flexibility to tour other parts of Saudi Arabia along with Umrah.
Apply through a Saudi VFS Tasheer centre in India. It allows multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days per entry, with overall validity of one year.
Stopover Transit Visa with Saudia or Flynas
Best for: Travellers transiting Saudi Arabia on a Saudia or Flynas flight who want a quick Umrah during layover.
The Saudi stopover visa is issued alongside a qualifying flight booking with a small processing and insurance fee (around SAR 52.50). It permits stays of up to 96 hours and allows Umrah if you book the Nusuk permit before entering the Haram.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from India Through Nusuk
Indian pilgrims must apply through an authorised travel agent, not directly on Nusuk. Here is the flow most agents follow using the Nusuk platform.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Booking online: Wego is an official partner of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, with ministry-approved hotels and the eVisa in partnership with Nusuk.
Packages are supplied by licensed Umrah operators, so confirm your agent’s name against Nusuk’s list of authorised partners before you pay.
- Choose a licensed agent. Pick an agent that is registered on the Nusuk partners list or licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
- Select a comprehensive package. Indian nationals must pick a “Comprehensive Package (Visa Included)” that bundles visa, hotel, and transport. Standalone visa-only bookings are not available for Indian passport holders in 2026.
- Book hotel and transport upfront. As per the 2026 rules, pre-booked and verified accommodation in Makkah or Madinah is mandatory before visa issuance. Transport must also be booked through Nusuk or a Nusuk-compliant provider.
- Submit passport and photo. Provide a passport with at least six months’ validity and a passport-size photograph that meets Saudi specifications.
- Pay for the package. Payment covers the visa fee, insurance, and service costs. Most international debit and credit cards are accepted.
- Download the visa and Nusuk app. Once the agent confirms “Visa Issued” status, download the visa. Install the Nusuk app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book Umrah and Rawdah time slots.
Processing Time
Typical processing is 24 to 72 hours after all documents are submitted and payment clears. It can slow down during peak Ramadan or near the season-end cutoff, so apply early.
Documents Required for Umrah Visa from India
The exact checklist varies by visa route, but the core documents are the same.
- Passport with at least six months’ validity beyond entry and two blank pages.
- Passport-size photo matching current portal and app requirements.
- Vaccination certificate showing a valid Meningococcal ACWY dose (mandatory).
- Confirmed return flight ticket.
- Hotel booking in Makkah and/or Madinah through Nusuk or an approved provider.
- Transport booking through Nusuk or a licensed provider.
- Travel insurance, usually bundled into the package.
- Active email and Indian mobile number for notifications.
- Debit or credit card for online payment.
- For families: birth certificates for children, marriage certificate, and NOC where relevant.
Rules for Women Travelling Without a Mahram
Women aged 18 and above can perform Umrah without a male guardian (mahram). The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah no longer requires mahram documentation for Umrah visas, and airlines do not ask for it either.
Solo female pilgrims should still carry confirmed return tickets, Nusuk-approved hotel bookings, and travel insurance. Many Indian agents offer women-only or family groups for added safety.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Vaccination compliance is strictly checked on arrival. Missing the Meningococcal ACWY certificate means being refused boarding or entry.
Mandatory Vaccine: Meningococcal ACWY
The Saudi Ministry of Health requires all Umrah pilgrims aged one year and above to show proof of a quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal vaccine.
- The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
- Conjugate vaccine certificates are valid for 5 years.
- Polysaccharide vaccine certificates are valid for 3 years.
Recommended Vaccines
Seasonal influenza and up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination are strongly recommended, especially during Ramadan crowds. The CDC also advises routine vaccines including MMR, Tdap, polio, and hepatitis A and B to be current.
Umrah Visa Fees and Validity in 2026
Fees vary by visa route, and the figures below apply to Indian passport holders. The Saudi government itself charges SAR 300 for the visa plus SAR 100 to 180 for mandatory insurance, a total of SAR 400 to 480 (approximately INR 9,900 to 11,900).
Nusuk package prices in the table below are higher because they include the agent’s own service fee on top of that government charge.
Fee Comparison Across Visa Routes
| Visa Type | Approx. Cost (INR) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Nusuk Umrah package | From ₹14,990 (visa only component); full packages vary by hotel and season | 30 days from issuance; 90 days stay |
| Saudi eVisa (for US/UK/Schengen visa holders) | SAR 535 (≈₹12,000) including insurance | 1 year; multiple entries; 90 days per stay |
| VFS Tasheer tourist visa (standard) | Approx. ₹11,337 + insurance | 1 year; multiple entries; 90 days per stay |
| VFS Tasheer tourist visa (premium lounge) | Approx. ₹15,516 + insurance | Same as standard |
| Saudia/Flynas stopover transit visa | Approx. ₹1,264 (fees + insurance) | Up to 96 hours |
Fees exclude return flights and hotel costs. Check current rates on the official eVisa portal or with your Nusuk-approved agent before paying.
Key Validity Rules for 2026
- Umrah visa entry window: 30 days from issuance (reduced from 90 days in 2026).
- Stay after entry: Up to 90 days.
- 1448 AH season deadlines: Visa issuance ends 9 March 2027 and the last entry date is 23 March 2027. All pilgrims must depart by 7 April 2027.
Flights and Accommodation for Umrah from India
Most Indian Umrah pilgrims fly into Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED). Both are well connected from major Indian metros.
Popular Routes from India to Saudi Arabia
- From Delhi (DEL): Direct flights with Saudia, Air India, and IndiGo. One-stop options with flydubai via Dubai.
- From Mumbai (BOM): Saudia, Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express.
- From Hyderabad (HYD): Saudia, IndiGo, and seasonal charters.
- From Kozhikode (CCJ) and Kochi (COK): Saudia, Air India Express, IndiGo.
Compare fares across airlines on Wego’s flight search. Ramadan and the final weeks of the season usually see the highest fares, so booking two to three months ahead helps.
Where to Stay Near the Haram
For proximity to the Grand Mosque, look at hotels in Makkah within walking distance of the Haram. In Madinah, check hotels near the Prophet’s Mosque. Nusuk-compliant bookings are mandatory for the Umrah visa, so confirm the hotel is an approved partner before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Umrah visa expires before I travel?
Do not fly. Contact your Nusuk-approved agent to reapply. Airlines will not board passengers on expired Umrah visas, and Saudi immigration will refuse entry.
How early should I apply for an Umrah visa from India?
Apply at least four to six weeks before travel during peak periods like Ramadan or the final weeks of the season. With the 30-day validity window, the sweet spot is applying three to four weeks before departure so the visa does not lapse.
Is Umrah open right now?
Yes. The 1448 AH Umrah season is open and Nusuk is issuing visas. Book through an authorised Saudi agent, and plan to enter before 23 March 2027 and leave by 7 April 2027.
Sources
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Nusuk Umrah Platform
- Saudi eVisa Official Portal
- Visit Saudi Visa Regulations
- Saudi Ministry of Health Umrah Health Requirements
- Saudi VFS Tasheer India
- Saudi Stopover Visa
- CDC Saudi Arabia Traveler Health
- Nusuk Authorised Partners
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
