Glance through the chart to understand whether you need a Umrah Visa to perform Umrah from the UAE.
| Your Status | Most Common Option | What’s Next |
|---|---|---|
| GCC National | Visa-free entry | Enter with your national ID or passport, then book your Umrah permit in Nusuk. |
| Resident (US/UK/Schengen visa holder) | Tourist eVisa or Visa on Arrival | Check eligibility on the official visa portal. |
| Resident (Standard) | Tourist eVisa or Umrah via authorized provider | Apply via the Saudi eVisa portal or book through a Nusuk-approved provider. |
| Transit (Saudia/flynas) | Stopover visa | Use the airline’s stopover flow, then book a Nusuk Umrah permit. |
For a broader overview of this year’s Umrah rules and season dates, check out our complete Umrah visa 2026 guide.
Umrah Visa Options From the UAE
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that holders of all valid visa types may perform Umrah while in the Kingdom. This includes tourist, transit, work, and electronic visas — though restrictions apply during the Hajj season.
The process has two parts: getting a Saudi visa and booking an Umrah permit through Nusuk.
Step 1: Book Your Umrah Permit in Nusuk
Regardless of which visa you hold, you need a separate Umrah permit booked through Nusuk.
- Download Nusuk from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and create or sign in to your account.
- Verify your identity details exactly as shown on your passport.
- Choose Umrah and select an available time slot.
- Save your permit/QR code and keep it accessible offline.
- If you also plan to visit Rawdah, book it separately (availability varies).
For more on how the permit works, see our Umrah permit guide.
Step 2: Apply for the Right Visa Pathway
Option A: Tourist eVisa (common for many eligible travelers)
- Best for travelers who want flexibility and are eligible through the official Visit Saudi visa portal.
- The tourist eVisa explicitly allows Umrah outside of Hajj season.
- Typically issued within minutes to 24 hours.
Option B: Visa on Arrival (only if your nationality qualifies)
- Holders of a U.S., U.K., or Schengen business or tourist visa that has been used at least once and bears an entry stamp from the issuing country are eligible.
- Confirm eligibility on the official Visit Saudi visa portal before you fly.
Option C: Apply Through Wego’s Umrah Service
- Wego Umrah books the trip and the eVisa application together, with the eVisa issued in partnership with Nusuk.
- Compare packages by hotel class, nights in Makkah, nights in Madinah and budget before you commit. Browsing and pricing are open without an account.
- Selecting a package takes you to sign-in, then traveller and passport details for the visa application, then payment. Issuance rests with the Saudi authorities, not with Wego.
- Availability depends on your nationality and country of residence. The site runs an eligibility check before you enter any personal details, so confirm your passport is covered before planning around this route.
Option D: Umrah via an Authorized Package/Provider
- Often used when travelers prefer end-to-end support or need a provider-led flow.
- Use approved channels or platforms and keep written confirmations.
Option E: Airline Stopover/Transit Visa (Saudia/flynas Routes)
- Useful if you are transiting through Saudi Arabia and want to perform Umrah during a stopover.
- You still need to book your Umrah permit in Nusuk.
- For full details, see our Saudi transit visa guide for UAE residents.
Application Steps
Based on your chosen visa type, the portal labels may vary. Look for “Visit”, “Tourism”, or “Umrah” as your purpose.
- Go to the official Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visa website or the Saudi eVisa portal.
- Register for a new account or log in with your existing account.
- Go to the “Explore Visa Options” section.
- Select “Visit” and then “Umrah” as the purpose of your visit.
- Click “Apply Now” and complete the application.
If you don’t see “Umrah” as a purpose, choose the visit/tourist pathway that explicitly permits Umrah (excluding Hajj) and verify the latest rules. For full pricing details across all channels, see our Umrah visa price breakdown.
Documents and Requirements
Requirements vary by visa type and traveler profile. Make sure you have everything ready before applying — missing a single item can delay your application.
Essential Documents
- A passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry
- A recent passport-sized photograph (as per portal specifications)
- UAE residency proof (Emirates ID) with at least three months of remaining validity
- Supporting visa (US/UK/Schengen) if using that eligibility route
- Active email address and payment method
- Travel details (arrival city, dates, accommodation)
- A meningitis (MenACWY) vaccination certificate, taken at least 10 days before travel
- A confirmed hotel booking through a Nusuk-approved provider
Vaccination Requirements
All Umrah pilgrims must receive the meningococcal meningitis (ACWY) vaccine at least 10 days before travel — your visa will not be issued without it. The seasonal influenza vaccine is also strongly recommended.
For the full list of required and recommended vaccines, timing, and where to get them in the UAE, see our Umrah vaccine 2026 guide.
Mandatory Hotel Booking
All international pilgrims must have a verified hotel booking before their Umrah visa is issued. Accommodation must be booked through licensed hotels registered on the Nusuk Masar platform.
You can compare and book hotels in Makkah and hotels in Madinah on Wego, then confirm your selection through the Nusuk system.
Fees and Visa Validity
Costs vary depending on your visa channel. Always confirm the exact amount during your application, as fees may change by nationality and season.
Tourist eVisa / Visa on Arrival
As of April 2026, the official published fees are:
- Saudi tourist eVisa (online): approximately SAR 535 in total, which includes the SAR 300 visa fee plus bundled medical insurance and service charges.
- Visa on Arrival: approximately SAR 480 total (SAR 300 visa fee + SAR 180 mandatory medical insurance).
Insurance is provided by a local Saudi insurer (such as Tawuniya or MedGulf) and is automatically bundled with the visa.
Stopover/Transit Visa (Saudia/flynas)
The price of a stopover visa is the same for both airlines:
- Visa fee: Free
- Electronic service/application fee: approximately SAR 39.50 (around USD 10.50)
- Medical insurance: from SAR 13 (around USD 3.45)
New Visa Validity Rule
Saudi Arabia has shortened the Umrah entry visa validity from three months to one month from the date of issuance. Plan your travel dates carefully — if your visa expires before you depart, you will need to reapply through the Nusuk platform.
Once you arrive in Saudi Arabia, however, you can stay for up to three months. The duration of stay inside the Kingdom remains unchanged.
Getting to Saudi Arabia From the UAE
Several airlines operate direct flights from the UAE to Jeddah and Madinah, including Saudia, flynas, flydubai, Emirates, and Air Arabia.
Flights depart regularly from Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. For the latest fares and schedules, check our Umrah flights from UAE guide.
Driving From the UAE
If you prefer to drive, you can enter Saudi Arabia through approved land border crossings. You will need a valid UAE driving license, vehicle insurance purchased through the Manafith system, and your Umrah permit booked through the Nusuk app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Umrah permit if I already have a visa?
Yes. You still need to book your Umrah permit in the Nusuk app, regardless of which visa you hold.
Can UAE residents perform Umrah on any visa?
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that all valid visa types are eligible for performing Umrah. Eligibility for the visa itself depends on the visa type and your passport nationality — verify your pathway on the official Saudi visa portal before booking.
Can I perform Umrah on a stopover?
Yes. You still need a Nusuk Umrah permit, and you must be flying a qualifying Saudia or flynas route to use the 96-hour stopover visa.
How long does visa approval take?
Processing time varies by visa type, nationality, and season. The tourist eVisa is typically issued within minutes to 24 hours. Applications through the Nusuk platform take two to four business days.
Can women travel for Umrah from the UAE without a mahram?
Women aged 18 and above can now apply for Umrah independently through the Nusuk platform. However, rules may vary by nationality and visa channel, so confirm with the Saudi authorities or your travel agent before booking.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa?
Once you arrive, you can stay for up to three months. However, the visa itself must be used within one month of issuance — if you do not enter Saudi Arabia within that window, the visa expires and you will need to reapply.
Sources
- Saudi Press Agency — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Statement on Visa Types
- Saudi eVisa — Official Tourist Visa Portal
- Visit Saudi — Visa Regulations
- KSA Visa — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Portal
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Nusuk Umrah Platform
- Visit Saudi — Stopover Transit Visa
- Saudi Ministry of Health — Health Requirements for Pilgrims
- Gulf News — No Umrah Visa Without Approved Hotel Booking on Nusuk Masar
- Gulf News — Saudi Arabia Announces New Amendments to Umrah Visa Rules
- Gulf News — Umrah: Key Rules UAE Residents Need to Know
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa Fees Payment Page
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.

