What You Need to Know Before You Start
Applying for an Umrah visa as an Indian pilgrim for the first time is simpler than most people expect — provided your documents are in order before you begin. The entire process is now online; there is no requirement to visit an embassy or submit physical paperwork.
Here is what you should confirm before you begin:
- Your passport has at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel date
- You have a recent passport-size photo with a white background
- You have received the meningococcal meningitis (ACWY) vaccine
- You have a bank statement or evidence of funds to cover your trip (some agents require this)
- You are not currently subject to a Saudi travel ban
If all of the above are true, you can begin your application immediately.
Eligibility — Who Can Apply?
The Umrah visa is available to all Indian Muslim nationals. There is no minimum age — infants can travel with their parents — and there is no maximum age. You do not need to have performed Hajj or Umrah before to apply.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: Indian citizen with a valid Indian passport
- Religion: Must be Muslim (Saudi immigration verifies this)
- Travel history: No record of overstaying in Saudi Arabia or being deported
- Passport validity: At least 6 months beyond your intended travel date
- Women under 45: Must be accompanied by a mahram or travel with an organised group
If you are a dual citizen or hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, apply using your Indian passport — OCI alone is not sufficient.
Documents You Need to Prepare
Gather these documents before starting the online form:
- Passport — original, valid for 6+ months, at least 2 blank pages
- Passport photograph — white background, 35×45 mm, no glasses
- Confirmed return airline ticket — both outbound and return flights
- Hotel booking confirmation — covering your entire stay in Saudi Arabia
- Meningococcal meningitis vaccination certificate — ACWY vaccine
- Relationship documents (if travelling with family) — marriage certificate, children's birth certificates
- Mahram documents (for women under 45) — passport copy and proof of relationship to mahram
Scan all documents at a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. File sizes should not exceed the platform's upload limits (usually 2–5 MB per file).
How the Online Application Works
The Umrah visa application can be submitted through two routes:
Route 1 — Nusuk Platform (Direct) Create an account at nusuk.sa, complete the pilgrim profile, and submit your application with documents. Payment is accepted online via international debit or credit card.
Route 2 — Licensed Agent Provide your documents to a licensed Umrah visa agent. They submit the application on your behalf, monitor it, and notify you when the visa is issued. Most agents charge a service fee of ₹500–₹2,500.
For first-time applicants, using a licensed agent is recommended as they can check your documents before submission and reduce the risk of rejection.
What Happens After You Submit
Once your application is submitted:
- You will receive a confirmation reference number
- Processing takes 3–7 working days for standard applications, 24–48 hours for express
- You may be asked to provide additional documents if the reviewing authority requires clarification
- You will receive an email notification when your application is approved or if additional action is required
Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved, or ensure your tickets have a free cancellation window.
Receiving Your E-Visa
When approved, your Umrah e-visa will be sent to the email address registered with the Nusuk platform or provided to your agent. The e-visa is a PDF document that shows:
- Your full name and passport number
- Visa number and issue date
- Validity period
- Number of permitted entries
Save the e-visa on your phone and also print a physical copy. Saudi immigration officers will scan the visa barcode on arrival. You do not need to affix any sticker to your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Umrah visa last? Standard Umrah visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issue with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
Can I visit both Makkah and Madinah on the same visa? Yes. Your Umrah visa permits entry to both holy cities. Most pilgrims spend time in both.
Do I need to carry physical copies of my documents? Yes, carry printed copies of your e-visa, flight tickets, and hotel confirmation. Also keep them saved offline on your phone.
What if my application is rejected? Identify the rejection reason (your agent or the Nusuk platform will provide it), correct the issue, and reapply. Most rejections are due to simple document errors.
Is it safe to apply online directly? Yes, the Nusuk platform is the official Saudi government system and is secure. Only use the official website (nusuk.sa) — avoid unofficial lookalike sites.