Join millions of pilgrims heading to Makkah for the Umrah season.
Understand exactly which visa you can apply for, costs, rules and more.
This depends on your travel dates and purpose of visit.
What documents you need, timelines, and what to avoid.
Get a full breakdown of government fees, insurance, and service costs.
See realistic timelines for visa delivery by nationality and season.
Umrah visa vs tourist eVisa: which one fits your situation and when to apply.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) that can be performed at any time of the year. Only Muslims may perform Umrah. Whether you're planning your first Umrah or returning again, here's everything you need to know about visa requirements and the application process for 2026–2027 season.
2026 Season Update
Record demand, record numbers: Umrah by the data
New all-time record: 904,000 pilgrims in a single day
On February 21, 2026 (4 Ramadan 1447 AH), Saudi Arabia set an unprecedented record at Masjid al-Haram — up from 500,000 in March 2025 (Gulf News, Mar 7 2025) — an 81% increase in just one year. Demand for Umrah is surging even against a backdrop of global uncertainty. Source: Saudi Press Agency
Pilgrims from most countries are eligible for the Umrah visa — at least 8.4 million international pilgrims completed the journey in 2022 (GASTAT). Travelers from 66+ countries can also apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which permits Umrah outside the Hajj blackout window.
*Rawdah visits (Madinah) require a pre-booked Nusuk time slot — strictly enforced for all visitors regardless of visa type. Zamzam water (5L) is available to all pilgrims at the Haramain airports.
Umrah is permitted on the tourist eVisa outside Hajj season. Zamzam water allowance (5L) is confirmed for Umrah visa holders at Haramain airports; tourist eVisa holders should check with their airline, as allowances may vary.
*A Visa on Arrival may also be available at self-service kiosks or immigration counters at Saudi international airports — but only to holders of a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa, or permanent residents of the US, EU, or UK. It is not granted by nationality alone. See your nationality's section below for details.
Still not sure? Check all the specifications here
Visa types
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| Umrah Visa | Tourist eVisa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Muslims only — proof of faith required at application (religion, not nationality). The only visa option for some nationalities (e.g. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria). | 66+ nationalities eligible, regardless of religion — Muslims included. Note: non-Muslims can visit Saudi Arabia but cannot enter Makkah or perform Umrah under any circumstances. Not available to all nationalities. |
| Availability | Seasonal — not issued during Hajj blackout (typically late March–May; exact cutoff dates set each season) | Year-round |
| When to apply | Apply once you have confirmed travel dates — valid 90 days from issue to enter, stay up to 30 days | Up to 1 year before travel — apply any time |
| Entry window | Must enter within 90 days of visa issue date | Must enter within 1 year of issue date |
| Stay per entry | Up to 30 days inside Saudi Arabia | Up to 90 days continuous per visit |
| Entries | Single entry | Multiple entries |
| Cost | Check costs → | Check costs → |
| Can perform Umrah | ✓ Yes — this visa is for Umrah | ✓ Yes, but Makkah entry is blocked during Hajj season (typically late March–May) |
| Cities accessible | ✓ All Saudi cities (after completing Umrah, via Nusuk Masar) | ✓ All Saudi cities |
| Health insurance | ✓ Mandatory & included | ✓ Included — certificate issued separately after booking |
| Zamzam water (5L) | ✓ Official allowance | ~ Airline-dependent — sometimes not enforced, confirm with your airline |
| Business activities | ✗ Not permitted | ✗ Not permitted |
| Processing time | typically 4–5 working days (most nationalities) | 24–48 hours |
* UK nationals: British passport holders enter Saudi Arabia using the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system — single entry, up to 6 months, Umrah permitted outside the Hajj blackout. Available to all British nationals regardless of religion.
Why some nationalities must use a licensed agent
For Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi pilgrims, the mandatory agent route exists because Saudi authorities require pre-confirmed, government-approved hotel and transport bookings before any visa can be issued — and those bookings must go through Nusuk-authorized operators. It's a system built to protect pilgrims from unofficial packages and overcrowding at the holy sites. Once you understand why the system works this way, it makes sense.
