What Is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is a special entry permit issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that allows Muslim pilgrims to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Unlike the Hajj visa, which is issued only during a fixed annual period, the Umrah visa can be applied for throughout most of the year — except for a restricted window around the Hajj season (roughly Shawwal to Dhul Hijjah).
For Indian pilgrims, the Umrah visa is processed entirely online through the Saudi Nusuk platform or via a licensed Umrah service provider. Since 2023, Saudi Arabia no longer requires pilgrims to apply through a government-approved package — individual applications are now permitted.
Who Can Apply from India?
Any Indian Muslim national holding a valid Indian passport can apply for an Umrah visa, subject to the following conditions:
- The applicant must be Muslim
- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of travel
- Women under 45 must travel with a mahram (male guardian) or as part of an organised group with the requisite documentation
- Applicants must not be on any Saudi travel blacklist
- Applicants must not have overstayed a previous Saudi visa
There is no age limit for Umrah — children (with appropriate documents) and senior citizens can all apply.
Types of Umrah Visa
| Feature | Standard eVisa | Express eVisa | |---|---|---| | Processing time | 3–7 working days | 24–48 hours | | Validity | 90 days from issue | 90 days from issue | | Duration of stay | 30 days per entry | 30 days per entry | | Multiple entry | Yes | Yes | | Fee (approx.) | ₹6,000–₹8,000 | ₹9,000–₹12,000 | | Suitable for | Planned trips | Urgent travel |
Fees vary by agent and may include service charges. Government visa fees are collected by Saudi authorities.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Umrah visa application follows a clear sequence. See our detailed step-by-step guide for full instructions, but the overview is:
- Confirm eligibility and check your passport validity
- Gather all required documents (see below)
- Book your flights and hotel accommodation
- Create an account on the Nusuk platform or apply via a licensed agent
- Fill in your application form — enter details exactly as they appear in your passport
- Upload scanned copies of your documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Wait for approval (3–7 days standard, 24–48 hours express)
- Receive your e-visa by email and save it on your phone
Required Documents
Every Umrah visa application from India requires:
- Passport — original, valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages
- Passport photograph — white background, 35×45 mm, no glasses, face clearly visible
- Confirmed return airline tickets — must show travel dates matching your intended trip
- Hotel booking confirmation — for all nights in Makkah and Madinah
- Meningococcal meningitis vaccination certificate — mandatory (ACWY quadrivalent)
- COVID-19 vaccination proof — currently not required but check before travel
For a detailed breakdown of each document, see our required documents guide.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet these specific requirements:
- Minimum 6 months validity from your travel date
- At least 2 blank visa pages
- No major damage, torn pages, or obscured printing
- Name, date of birth, and passport number must exactly match your airline ticket and hotel booking
If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it before applying. A Tatkal passport renewal typically takes 1–3 working days. See our passport requirements guide for full details.
Photo Requirements
Saudi authorities are strict about passport photographs. Your photo must:
- Be 35×45 mm in size
- Have a plain white background
- Show your full face, looking straight ahead
- Not include glasses, hats, or sunglasses (hijab is permitted for women)
- Be taken within the last 6 months
- Be in colour, not black and white
See our photo requirements guide for a complete list of specifications.
Vaccination Requirements
The only mandatory vaccination for Umrah is the meningococcal meningitis (ACWY) vaccine. The certificate must be:
- Issued by a recognised government hospital, clinic, or travel medicine centre
- In English or Arabic
- Showing your name, date of vaccination, vaccine brand, and issuing authority
- Dated within the last 3 years (some authorities state 5 years — check current Saudi guidance)
Polio vaccination may be required for travellers from countries with active polio transmission — India was removed from the high-risk list in 2014, but confirm before travel.
See our vaccination guide for where to get vaccinated in India.
Visa Fees & Processing Time
Total costs for an Umrah visa from India typically include:
- Saudi government visa fee: approximately SAR 300–500 (₹6,500–₹11,000 at current rates)
- Service fee: ₹500–₹2,500 depending on agent
- Vaccination (if not already done): ₹1,500–₹3,000 at private clinics
Standard processing takes 3–7 working days. Express processing (available through most licensed agents) takes 24–48 hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent reasons applications are delayed or rejected:
- Applying with a passport valid for less than 6 months
- Submitting a photo with a coloured or non-white background
- Name mismatch between passport, tickets, and hotel booking
- Uploading blurry or compressed document scans
- Applying during the Hajj restricted period
See our common mistakes guide for the complete list.
Reasons for Rejection
Umrah visa rejections are relatively uncommon if your documents are in order, but they do occur. The most frequent reasons are:
- Incorrect or non-compliant passport photograph
- Passport validity below 6 months
- Missing mahram documentation for women under 45
- Previous overstay or immigration violation in Saudi Arabia
- Expired or missing vaccination certificate
See our visa rejection reasons guide for what to do if your application is refused.
Entry & Exit Rules
Once your Umrah visa is issued:
- The visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue
- You can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 30 days per entry
- Multiple entries are permitted within the validity period
- You may only visit Makkah, Madinah, and other permitted areas — access to certain restricted regions requires separate permits
- Overstaying your visa results in fines and a potential travel ban
See our entry and exit rules guide for full immigration procedures.
Special Requirements
Women
Women under 45 must be accompanied by a mahram or travel as part of an organised group. Women over 45 may travel without a mahram if they join a recognised group and provide a No Objection Certificate. See our women's Umrah visa guide.
Senior Citizens
There is no maximum age limit for Umrah. Senior citizens should carry a fitness-to-travel letter from their doctor and book accommodation as close as possible to Masjid Al-Haram. Wheelchair services are available at Saudi airports. See our senior citizen guide.
Children
Children may perform Umrah at any age. Required documents include a birth certificate and proof of relationship to the accompanying adult. See our children's Umrah guide.
Groups
Groups of 10 or more may apply collectively, which can streamline processing. See our group visa guide.
How to Use the Nusuk Platform
The Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) is the official Saudi government portal for Umrah bookings. It allows you to:
- Apply for an Umrah visa directly
- Book Rawdah (Prophet's Mosque) visit permits
- Book Umrah time-slot permits for Masjid Al-Haram
- Manage your itinerary
See our Nusuk platform guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an Umrah visa without going through an agent? Yes. Since 2023, Indian pilgrims can apply directly on the Nusuk platform without an agent. However, using a licensed agent often simplifies the process, especially if this is your first application.
How early should I apply before my travel date? Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel. This gives enough buffer for standard processing and any corrections if your application is returned.
Can I extend my Umrah visa once in Saudi Arabia? Extensions are generally not available for Umrah visas. You must leave before your permitted stay expires.
Is there a specific Umrah season? Umrah can be performed year-round except during the Hajj restricted period (approximately mid-Shawwal to end of Dhul Hijjah). The most popular periods are Ramadan, school holidays, and the cooler winter months.
Do I need travel insurance? Travel insurance is not mandatory for an Umrah visa, but it is strongly recommended given the cost of medical care in Saudi Arabia.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa? No. Performing Umrah on a tourist visa is against Saudi regulations and can result in a ban on future travel to Saudi Arabia.
What if my visa is rejected? You can reapply after correcting the reason for rejection. Most rejections are due to documentation errors rather than personal ineligibility. See our rejection reasons guide.
Can non-Muslims enter Makkah? No. Makkah is restricted to Muslims only. Immigration authorities verify religious affiliation at checkpoints.
How do I check my visa status after applying? Log in to your Nusuk account or contact your agent. You will also receive email notifications when your application status changes.