Many Indian families wish to bring their children on Umrah — it is considered a spiritually significant experience for children and families alike. Saudi Arabia welcomes children of all ages for Umrah, and the visa process for minors is straightforward once you have the right documents.
Age Requirements for Umrah
There is no minimum age for Umrah. Infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers can all perform Umrah. Saudi Arabia does not restrict Umrah access based on age.
There is also no maximum age — elderly grandparents and great-grandparents are equally welcome.
Does Every Child Need Their Own Visa?
Yes. Every person travelling to Saudi Arabia — including infants — requires their own:
- Valid Indian passport
- Individual Umrah visa application
- Separate visa (the visa is issued per person, not per family)
A child cannot travel on a parent's passport. Each child must have their own passport, even if the child is just a few months old.
Documents Required for a Child's Umrah Visa
In addition to the standard documents (passport, photograph, airline ticket included in the family booking, hotel booking, vaccination certificate), children require:
- Birth certificate: To establish parentage and the family relationship
- Parent's passport copy: To confirm the accompanying guardian's identity
- For children with a single travelling parent: A No Objection Certificate from the non-travelling parent (or death certificate if applicable) may be required
Vaccination Requirements for Children
The Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is mandatory for all pilgrims including children. Children should receive the vaccine at a licensed vaccination centre before applying. The certificate must show:
- The child's name as it appears on the passport
- Date of vaccination
- Vaccine type (must be quadrivalent ACWY)
- Clinic stamp and healthcare provider signature
For very young infants, check with your paediatrician about age eligibility for the meningococcal vaccine and whether any exemption documentation process applies.
Practical Considerations for Travelling with Children
During the journey:
- Book aisle seats where possible for easier movement with young children
- Carry snacks, entertainment, and any medications the child needs
- Jeddah and Madinah airports have family-friendly facilities
At the Haram:
- The Grand Mosque in Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) is accessible with prams/pushchairs in many areas
- Designated family areas exist in parts of the mosque
- The Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) can be performed with young children, though it requires patience during busy periods
- The Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwa) has covered, air-conditioned corridors
Accommodation:
- Choose a hotel close to the Masjid al-Haram to minimise walking distance for young children
- Many hotels near the Haram are family-friendly with room configurations for families
Start your family's Umrah visa application at nusukumrah.com/apply. Our team processes family applications together to ensure all visas are issued for the same travel dates.