Umrah 2026 Guide For Pilgrims From Qatar

Last updated: Sep 4, 2026

Umrah from Qatar

1448 AH Umrah season (updated September 2026): Umrah visa issuance resumed on 31 May 2026, and pilgrims have been entering Makkah since 1 June 2026. The season closes on 7 April 2027, with the last visas issued on 9 March 2027. Check the Nusuk platform and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for permit availability before booking flights or hotels.

Qatari citizens

Qatari citizens generally travel to Saudi Arabia under GCC travel arrangements, and can enter using either a valid passport or Qatari national ID.

Ensure your travel document meets your airline’s validity requirements for boarding before you fly.

Qatar residents (non-citizens)

Your visa route depends on your passport nationality and travel purpose. Many travelers use the Saudi tourist eVisa if eligible, while others may use visit visas or other entry routes via official channels.

Always check your eligibility on official portals before booking flights. Start with the Saudi tourist eVisa portal, and if you need a different route, use the Saudi MOFA visa platform.

Umrah can also be performed on a Saudi tourist visa (excluding Hajj), as long as you follow any permit/appointment requirements in place at the time you travel (commonly managed through Nusuk).

Umrah requirements

Quick checklist

Valid passport (or national ID for eligible GCC travelers)
Correct Saudi entry permission for your situation (tourist/visit/other)
Nusuk set up for permits/appointments where required
Required vaccinations per Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) guidance
Medical insurance (requirements depend on your visa route and what’s issued to you)

Health requirements and vaccines

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health publishes annual health requirements and recommendations for Umrah and visit travelers. Use the latest document before travel: Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Visit (English PDF).

Common items included in MOH guidance can include:

Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination: mandatory for all pilgrims aged 1 year and above, taken at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia (exact dosing rules vary by vaccine type)
Polio vaccination for travelers arriving from countries listed by Saudi MOH (based on WHO polio surveillance)
Yellow fever certificate for travelers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries at risk of yellow fever transmission
Recommended vaccinations commonly include seasonal influenza and COVID-19, as per the same MOH guidance

If you have chronic conditions, carry your medical documents and enough medication in original packaging for the duration of your trip.

Nusuk permits and Rawdah appointments

Nusuk is Saudi Arabia’s official platform for Hajj and Umrah planning and services, operated under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Depending on the season and your traveler profile, you may need Nusuk to manage an Umrah permit/slot and (if you’re visiting Madinah) Rawdah appointments. For 2026, every Umrah visa application must also link to accommodation and transport bookings inside Nusuk before the visa is issued.

If you want the full step-by-step (including troubleshooting if you can’t find slots), consult our dedicated Umrah permit article below.

Umrah Permit 2026: All You Need to Know About the Permit for the Minor Pilgrimage

Age and family travel

Children can perform Umrah with their family. Appointment and permit availability for minors (and any age-related booking rules) can vary by season and is managed through official platforms, so check Nusuk for what applies to your travel dates.

Women’s attire and ihram basics

During Umrah, pilgrims observe ihram rules during the rites. In general:

Women typically wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that is not form-fitting, with a head covering.
Men in ihram wear the two-piece cloth (izaar and ridaa) and avoid stitched garments during ihram.
Both men and women generally avoid perfumes during ihram and choose footwear that aligns with ihram guidance.

Rules can vary based on personal practice and scholarly opinion, so follow the guidance you trust while complying with any official access or flow rules in place.

Where can I book Umrah packages from Qatar?

If you prefer an agent-arranged package, book through licensed/approved operators in Qatar and confirm what’s included (entry permissions if required, transport, hotels, and guidance). Approved lists can change, so verify before you pay. Please consult our dedicated article below.

Umrah Packages From Qatar 2026: What to Know Before Booking Your Umrah Package From Qatar This Year

Umrah from Qatar FAQs

Do Qatar residents need a visa for Umrah?

Yes, in most cases. Qatar residents (non-citizens) need a Saudi visa based on their passport nationality and travel purpose. Check your eligibility and available routes on the official portals before booking flights or hotels.

Do I need an Umrah permit if I already have a visa?

Often, yes. A visa determines entry permission, while permits and appointments (when required) help manage access and crowd flow. If Nusuk shows an Umrah permit/slot or appointment requirement for your profile and travel dates, follow what the app displays.

Is Rawdah booking separate from the Umrah permit?

Yes. Rawdah (in Madinah) is usually managed as a separate appointment. If Rawdah is part of your plan, check availability early in Nusuk and book the slot shown in the app.

What if I can’t find an Umrah or Rawdah slot?

Availability can change. Try different times and dates, check again later (slots can refresh), and make sure your traveler details are correct in Nusuk. For step-by-step troubleshooting, refer to the Umrah permit guide.

What documents should I keep handy during the trip?

Keep digital and backup copies. Carry your passport/ID, visa/entry confirmation (if applicable), insurance details (if included/required), and your Nusuk permit/appointment QR readily accessible on your phone. It’s also smart to keep screenshots or offline copies in case of connectivity issues.

Are vaccinations mandatory for Umrah?

The MenACWY meningococcal vaccine is mandatory for all pilgrims aged 1 year and above, taken at least 10 days before arrival. Additional requirements (polio, yellow fever) depend on your country of origin. Always follow the latest Saudi MOH guidance for your itinerary.

Do women need a mahram to perform Umrah?

No. Since 2022, women of any age can perform Umrah independently without a mahram (male guardian), in line with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s current policy. Women aged 18 and above can apply for an Umrah eVisa and travel independently. If you are arranging your trip through a package operator, confirm their group travel requirements in advance, as individual operators may have their own practices.

Sources

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.