French passport holders can perform Umrah using an eligible Saudi visa outside the Hajj season. Before booking, confirm the current visa route, health requirements, Nusuk permit process and the package inclusions for your chosen dates.
Visa Options for French Citizens
France is on Saudi Arabia’s official tourist eVisa eligibility list. The tourist eVisa can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season, but it cannot be used for Hajj.
The eVisa is normally valid for one year with multiple entries and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Check the approved visa itself before travelling because visa conditions, insurance and entry rules can change.
French residents travelling on another passport should check the eligibility rules for that passport nationality rather than relying on French residency.
Using Nusuk and an Umrah Package
Nusuk Umrah is the official platform supervised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It lists packages and service providers, including visa-inclusive and visa-free options for eligible travellers.
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 managed by licensed Umrah operators.
An approved visa does not replace the Umrah permit. Use the Nusuk app to obtain the separate permit before performing Umrah.
Health Requirements Before Leaving France
Saudi Arabia’s 2026 Umrah health rules require all Umrah travellers to have a meningococcal vaccine covering serogroups ACYW. It must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
A conjugate vaccine is valid for five years, while a polysaccharide vaccine is valid for three years. If the certificate does not identify the vaccine type, Saudi authorities treat it as valid for three years.
Some older travellers, pregnant women and people with specified chronic or immune conditions must also provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity. Check the current Saudi guidance and France Diplomatie advice before departure.
Flights and Packages From France
Wego’s published timetable currently lists nonstop Paris Charles de Gaulle to Jeddah services with Saudia. Scheduled flying time is about five hours and 45 minutes, though operating days and aircraft can change.
Paris is only a shortcut in the form above. Travellers departing from Marseille, Lyon, Nice or elsewhere can leave the origin set to their nearest airport and change it on the next screen.
Package prices vary with flights, hotel standard, room occupancy, travel dates and included transport. Compare the total package, not only the headline price, and check whether it includes the visa application, meals, airport transfers and intercity transport.
Key Dates for the 1448 AH Season
The 1448 AH Umrah season opened for visa issuance and arrivals on 31 May 2026. Entry to Makkah and Umrah permits through Nusuk began on 1 June 2026.
The final date for issuing Umrah visas is 9 March 2027, the final entry date is 23 March 2027, and Umrah pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia by 7 April 2027. These dates may not describe every other Saudi visa category.
Documents and Booking Checks
Prepare the passport, visa, return-flight details, accommodation or service-package information and required vaccination certificates. Your provider may request additional documents depending on the application route.
Before paying, confirm the hotel names, room occupancy, baggage allowance, ground transport and cancellation conditions in writing. Keep the approved visa, Nusuk permit, bookings and vaccination record accessible throughout the journey.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming French residency establishes eVisa eligibility for every passport
- Confusing the visa with the separate Nusuk Umrah permit
- Booking a package without checking its inclusions and cancellation terms
- Using an old vaccination certificate without checking its validity
- Planning close to Hajj without checking the official seasonal deadlines
Sources
- Saudi eVisa: official eligibility list and terms
- Nusuk: official Umrah platform
- Saudi Ministry of Health: 2026 Umrah health requirements
- Saudi Press Agency: 1448 AH Umrah calendar
- France Diplomatie: Saudi Arabia travel advice
Disclaimer: The information published in this article is accurate at the time of writing and is intended for general guidance only. Visa rules, fees, vaccination requirements, flight schedules, and package prices change frequently. Verify all details with official sources and your travel provider before booking. Wego accepts no liability for changes made by Saudi or French authorities after publication.
