An Umrah permit is the timed Nusuk slot that gets you through the gates of Masjid al-Haram. Here is what it is, who needs one, and how to book yours for the 1448 AH season.
What is an Umrah permit?
An Umrah permit is a digital time-slot booking issued through Nusuk, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official platform. Without a confirmed Nusuk permit, pilgrims may be denied entry into Masjid al-Haram even if they hold a valid Umrah visa.
Umrah permit vs Umrah visa
These are two separate things, and you need both if you are traveling from outside Saudi Arabia:
- Umrah visa: your permission to enter Saudi Arabia. Entry requirements depend on your nationality.
- Nusuk permit: your in-app time-slot booking for Umrah, managed entirely inside the Nusuk app.
If you are already in Saudi Arabia on another visa type (work, family visit, business, or transit), you can still perform Umrah by booking a permit through Nusuk. A separate Umrah visa is not required in those cases.
Do you need a permit for Umrah in 2026?
Yes. The Nusuk permit is mandatory for all pilgrims, regardless of visa type. International pilgrims must secure an Umrah permit via Nusuk before entering the Grand Mosque, and a separate Nusuk permit before praying in the Rawdah inside the Prophet’s Mosque. Slot availability varies by season, and popular dates fill quickly.
Important note about Rawdah visits
Rawdah (Riyad ul Jannah) visits in Madinah require a separate appointment. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that entering and praying in the Rawdah requires a permit obtained through Nusuk, booked independently from your Umrah permit.
1448 AH Umrah season: key dates
The 1448 AH Umrah season is open. These are the deadlines every pilgrim needs to plan around.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| May 31, 2026 | Umrah visa issuance resumed for the 1448 AH season |
| June 1, 2026 | Pilgrims allowed to enter Makkah on an Umrah permit |
| March 9, 2027 | Last date for Umrah visa issuance |
| March 23, 2027 | Last date to enter Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa |
| April 7, 2027 | All pilgrims must depart the Kingdom |
Violating Makkah entry restrictions carries serious penalties. The Saudi Ministry of Interior has confirmed a fine of up to SAR 20,000 for visit visa holders who enter or remain in Makkah and the holy sites between 1 Dhul Qi’dah and 14 Dhul Hijjah, along with deportation and a 10-year ban on re-entry.
Facilitators, including transport providers, accommodation operators, and travel agents who assist visit visa holders in accessing Makkah illegally, face fines of up to SAR 100,000.
Nusuk Card for Hajj 2026
For Hajj 2026, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the Nusuk Card mandatory. This smart ID had to be carried by every registered Hajj pilgrim from arrival to departure, and it granted access to Makkah and the holy sites. It combines personal, medical, and accommodation data in a single document.
Pilgrims could receive a physical card from their service provider or access a digital version through the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps. This requirement applies to Hajj pilgrims only. Umrah pilgrims outside the Hajj season do not need a Nusuk Card.
How to book an Umrah permit on Nusuk
Booking online: The permit slot is yours to book in Nusuk, and nobody can reserve it for you.
What has to exist first is the hotel booking, the transport and the visa. Wego, an official partner of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, handles all three in one flow.
Hotels are approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and packages come from licensed Umrah operators, so check the operator on your booking against your own country’s register. Transport is bundled on some tiers only.
What you need before you start
- Passport or Saudi ID details entered exactly as shown on your document
- Confirmed hotel booking through Nusuk or a licensed provider (mandatory before visa issuance)
- Confirmed transport booking through Nusuk (airport transfers, Makkah–Madinah, return; mandatory before visa issuance)
- An active mobile number and email address for verification
Steps to get an Umrah permit
- Download the Nusuk app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Register with your passport number, e-visa details, and personal information, or log in if you have an existing account.
- Tap Permits → Umrah.
- Select the person performing Umrah. If the option is available, you can add companions and proceed as a group.
- Choose your preferred date and time slot.
- Review the instructions and confirm your booking.
- Save the generated QR code, which is scanned at Masjid al-Haram entry gates.
If you cannot find a slot
- Try different days and times, since availability can refresh throughout the day
- Confirm your account details match your passport or ID exactly
- If booking as a group, try booking individually if group booking limits availability
- Use the official help and support options inside the app for errors you cannot resolve
Book through official channels
If you are buying an Umrah package, use official channels and verified providers. Nusuk Umrah is an official platform under the supervision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, providing services from visa issuance to package booking. You can check the Nusuk Umrah service providers list to see available licensed operators.
Umrah visa fees
The Umrah visa government fee is SAR 300. Mandatory medical insurance adds roughly SAR 100 to SAR 180, bringing the typical total to between SAR 400 and SAR 480. Travelers booking full packages through licensed Nusuk providers may pay more, depending on the accommodation and transport tier included.
The Saudi tourist eVisa, which also permits Umrah outside the Hajj season, costs approximately SAR 535, inclusive of insurance.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. The Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. The single-entry Umrah visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, and that is the window within which you must enter Saudi Arabia.
Umrah permit FAQs
Where do I show my Umrah permit?
Keep your permit available inside the Nusuk app. A QR code is generated when you book, and it is scanned at Masjid al-Haram entry gates. You do not need to print it, because the in-app QR code is sufficient.
Is the Umrah permit tied to a specific time?
Yes. Umrah permits are issued as timed bookings based on the slot you select in Nusuk. This system manages crowd flow at the Grand Mosque, so your permit is valid for the date and time window you chose.
Can I change my booked slot?
Open your booking in the app and use the options shown for your permit. If rescheduling is allowed, Nusuk will guide you through canceling or rebooking based on current availability.
Sources
- Nusuk: Official Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Platform
- Nusuk Umrah: Official Umrah Package Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Umrah Procedures
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: FAQ
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Nusuk Card
- Saudi Press Agency: SAR 20,000 Fine for Unauthorized Makkah Access during Hajj
- Saudi Press Agency: SAR 20,000 Fine for Visit Visa Holders Entering Makkah during Hajj Season
- Saudi Press Agency: Makkah Entry Permit Requirement Takes Effect for Residents
- Saudi National Portal: Umrah Permit Application
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.
