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Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, can be performed year-round except during the days of Hajj. Since 2019, pilgrims from over 49 countries can perform Umrah on a tourist eVisa, while others apply for a dedicated Umrah visa through an authorized agent. This guide covers every visa option, the Nusuk booking system, required documents, costs, and practical advice for performing Umrah in 2026.
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Umrah is the lesser Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of year, unlike Hajj which falls on specific dates in the Islamic calendar. Millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia each year for Umrah, and since 2019 the process has become significantly easier thanks to the introduction of the tourist eVisa, which allows citizens of over 49 countries to perform Umrah without applying for a separate religious visa. For those whose nationalities are not on the eVisa list, a dedicated Umrah visa is still available through authorized travel agents, and residents of Saudi Arabia who hold a valid Iqama can perform Umrah at any time without needing any additional visa at all.
The biggest change in recent years is the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa), which is now mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims regardless of their visa type. You must book your Umrah time slot through the Nusuk app before you can enter Masjid al-Haram for Tawaf and Sa'i. Other important updates include the relaxation of the Mahram (male guardian) requirement for women aged 18 and above, ongoing expansion work at Masjid al-Haram to accommodate more pilgrims, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway connecting Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina in a fast and comfortable journey. The meningitis (ACWY) vaccination remains mandatory for all pilgrims and must be administered at least 10 days before travel.
There are three ways to legally perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, and the right one depends on your nationality and whether you already live in the Kingdom. Understanding the differences will save you time and money.
If you hold a passport from one of the 49+ countries eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, this is by far the easiest and most flexible option. The eVisa costs 300 SAR (about $80 USD), is valid for one full year with multiple entries, and allows you to stay up to 90 days per visit. You apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com, and the visa is typically approved within 5 to 30 minutes. The key advantage is flexibility: you can perform Umrah, visit Medina, explore other Saudi cities like Riyadh or AlUla, and return for another Umrah later in the year without applying for a new visa. Travel insurance is included in the fee.
Pilgrims whose nationalities are not eligible for the tourist eVisa can apply for a dedicated Umrah visa through an authorized Umrah travel agent in their home country. This visa is free of charge from the Saudi government (though the travel agent may charge processing fees), is valid for 30 days with a single entry, and typically takes 3 to 7 business days to process. Unlike the tourist eVisa, the dedicated Umrah visa restricts you to visiting Mecca and Medina only, so you cannot use it to explore other parts of Saudi Arabia. Your travel agent will usually bundle the visa with a package that includes flights, accommodation, and ground transport.
If you already live and work in Saudi Arabia on a valid Iqama (residence permit), you do not need any additional visa to perform Umrah. Simply download the Nusuk app, book your Umrah time slot, and travel to Mecca. There is no cost for the permit itself, and you can perform Umrah as many times as you wish during your residency. This is one of the most valued perks of living in Saudi Arabia for Muslim expats, as you can perform Umrah on a weekend trip without any visa paperwork at all.
The table below summarizes the key differences between the three options so you can quickly see which one applies to your situation.
| Tourist eVisa | Dedicated Umrah Visa | Iqama (Residents) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 300 SAR (~$80) | Free (agent fees vary) | Free |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entries | 30 days, single entry | Duration of Iqama |
| Processing | 5 to 30 minutes | 3 to 7 business days | No visa needed |
| Tourism allowed | Yes, all of Saudi Arabia | Mecca and Medina only | Yes, all of Saudi Arabia |
| Eligible | 49+ countries | All Muslim nationalities | All Iqama holders |
| Apply through | visa.visitsaudi.com | Authorized travel agent | Nusuk app only |
If your country is on the eVisa list, the tourist eVisa is always the better choice: it is faster, cheaper in total, and gives you the freedom to explore beyond Mecca and Medina.
Start by checking whether your nationality is eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com. If it is, the process is entirely online and takes minutes. Fill in the application form with your personal details and passport information, upload a recent passport-sized photograph, and pay the 300 SAR fee by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved almost instantly, though some may take up to 30 minutes. Once approved, the eVisa is linked electronically to your passport, so there is no physical sticker or stamp needed.
If your nationality is not on the eVisa list, contact an authorized Umrah travel agent in your country. They will handle the visa application on your behalf, which typically involves submitting your passport, photographs, vaccination certificates, and a completed application form. Processing takes 3 to 7 business days. Most agents bundle the visa with an Umrah package that includes flights, hotels in Mecca and Medina, ground transport between the cities, and sometimes guided services. The visa itself is free from the Saudi government, but agent fees and package costs vary widely, so compare several agents before committing.
Before applying for either visa type, get the mandatory Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination at least 10 days before your planned travel date and obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination as proof. Check the Saudi Ministry of Health website for any current COVID-19 requirements, as these change periodically. If you are traveling from a yellow fever endemic country, you will need that vaccination certificate as well.
Book return flights to either Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport, the nearest major airport to Mecca) or Medina (Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport) if you plan to start your trip there. For hotels, proximity to Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the most important factor. A hotel within walking distance of the mosque saves hours of commuting during peak times and is worth the premium, especially during Ramadan when roads around the Haram area become extremely congested. If you are visiting both cities, the Haramain High-Speed Train connects Mecca and Medina in about two and a half hours.
Every Umrah pilgrim, regardless of visa type, must register on the Nusuk platform(nusuk.sa) and book a time slot before performing Umrah. Download the Nusuk app on iOS or Android, create an account using your passport details, and select your preferred date and time for performing the pilgrimage. Book at least 24 to 48 hours in advance, as last-minute slots may not be available during busy periods. Once confirmed, you receive a QR code that you must present at the entrance to Masjid al-Haram. Without this QR code, you will not be allowed inside to perform Tawaf and Sa'i.
When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, enter the state of Ihram at the designated Miqat point (the boundary lines established by the Prophet for pilgrims approaching Mecca). For those flying into Jeddah, the Miqat can be entered at the airport or before departure from your home country. Proceed to Masjid al-Haram with your Nusuk QR code and perform the Umrah rituals: Tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba), prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, Sa'i (walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa), and finally Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming the hair) to exit the state of Ihram. The entire process typically takes two to three hours depending on crowd levels.
Umrah can be performed at any time of year except during the five days of Hajj (8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah). Ramadan carries the highest spiritual reward and draws the largest crowds, so expect higher hotel prices and packed conditions around Masjid al-Haram. The months of Rajab and Sha'ban (the two months before Ramadan) offer a good balance of spiritual significance and manageable crowds. The quietest and cheapest months are typically Safar and Rabi al-Awwal, when you can find hotel deals and walk around the Kaaba with much more space.
Avoid the peak summer months from June to August, when Mecca temperatures regularly exceed 113°F (45°C) and the outdoor portions of Tawaf become physically gruelling. Weekdays are consistently less crowded than weekends (Thursday and Friday in Saudi Arabia), so if your schedule allows, plan your Umrah for a Sunday through Wednesday slot for a calmer experience.
The total cost of Umrah depends heavily on when you go, how close your hotel is to Masjid al-Haram, and how long you stay. Here is a realistic breakdown for the main budget levels:
| Budget (3 to 5 days) | Mid-Range (5 to 7 days) | Premium (7 to 10 days) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | 300 SAR | 300 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Flights | 1,000 to 2,500 SAR | 1,500 to 4,000 SAR | 3,000 to 8,000 SAR |
| Hotel | 500 to 1,500 SAR | 2,000 to 5,000 SAR | 5,000 to 15,000 SAR |
| Transport + Food | 500 to 1,000 SAR | 1,000 to 2,500 SAR | 2,000 to 5,000 SAR |
| Total | 2,300 to 5,300 SAR | 4,800 to 11,800 SAR | 10,300 to 28,300 SAR |
Prices vary by season. Ramadan and school holidays are the most expensive periods. Booking 2 to 3 months in advance typically saves 20 to 30% on hotels near the Haram.
The most important document is a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity from your planned travel date, along with a recent passport-sized photograph on a white background. You will also need a completed online application form (filled in during the eVisa process or through your travel agent) and proof of a return flight booking with a hotel reservation in Mecca and, if you plan to visit, Medina.
Health documentation is essential. A Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination certificate is mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims and must be taken at least 10 days before travel. COVID-19 vaccination records may also be required depending on the current regulations, so check the Saudi Ministry of Health website before your trip. If you are traveling from a yellow fever endemic country, you will need that vaccination certificate as well. Travel insurance is included automatically with the eVisa, but pilgrims on dedicated Umrah visas should arrange their own coverage.
Some nationalities may be asked to provide proof of Muslim faith, though this is not universal. Women traveling without a male relative no longer need Mahram documentation for Saudi authorities, as the requirement was dropped in 2024 for women aged 18 and above. However, some travel agents in certain countries may still apply older rules due to their own internal policies, so applying through official online channels is recommended if you are traveling independently.
Packing for Umrah is different from a normal holiday because you will spend time in the state of Ihram, which restricts what you can wear and use. Here is what experienced pilgrims recommend bringing:
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Ihram clothing | 2 white unstitched cloths, Ihram belt | Loose modest clothing (white common, not required), comfortable hijab |
| Footwear | Flat sandals (easy to slip on and off) | Flat non-slip shoes or sandals |
| Toiletries | Unscented soap, shampoo, deodorant (no perfume during Ihram), sunscreen, lip balm | |
| Essentials | Light umbrella, empty water bottle, small prayer rug, money belt, copies of all documents | |
| Health | Prescription medication, blister plasters, electrolyte sachets, small first-aid kit | |
The difference between performing Tawaf in a calm mosque and a packed one is enormous. Crowd levels follow a predictable daily pattern, and timing your Umrah around the quieter windows makes the experience far more peaceful and focused. The table below shows typical crowd levels throughout the day:
| Time | Crowd Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| After Fajr (dawn) | Low | Best time overall |
| Mid-morning | Medium | Crowds build as tour groups arrive |
| After Dhuhr (noon) | High | Peak period, avoid if possible |
| After Asr (afternoon) | High | Stays busy through Maghrib |
| After Isha (night) | Medium | Gradually quietens after 11pm |
| Late night (1am to 3am) | Low | Second-best window |
If you are elderly or have mobility issues, a free wheelchair service operates within the mosque and can be arranged through staff at the entrances. Leave your valuables in the hotel safe during Tawaf, as the crowded conditions make it easy for items to be lost. Allow two to three hours for the complete Umrah rituals, though this can stretch to four or more hours during Ramadan peaks.
Hydration is the single most important health concern, especially from April to October when Mecca temperatures regularly exceed 104°F (40°C). Zamzam water is available free at stations throughout Masjid al-Haram, so carry an empty bottle and refill often. Bring electrolyte sachets to replace the salts you lose through sweat during long periods of walking. Wear sunscreen on any exposed skin for the outdoor portions of Tawaf, and use your umbrella as a portable shade when waiting in open areas.
Most pilgrims visit Medina before or after performing Umrah in Mecca. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects the two cities in about two and a half hours and is far more comfortable than the bus or car alternatives. While in Medina, visit Quba Mosque (the first mosque in Islam, a short drive south of the city center) and Uhud Mountain(the site of the famous battle, about 5 km north). The Prophet's Mosque itself is free to enter and open around the clock, and the spiritual atmosphere there is a highlight of any Umrah journey.
If you are from one of the 49+ countries eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa. No separate Umrah visa is needed. This is the recommended option as it gives you more flexibility (1-year validity, multiple entries, can visit other Saudi cities). If your nationality is not eligible for the tourist eVisa, you will need to apply for a dedicated Umrah visa through an authorized travel agent.
All Umrah pilgrims must book a permit through the Nusuk app or website (nusuk.sa). Download the app on iOS or Android, create an account with your passport details, select your preferred date and time for Umrah, book your permit (free for eVisa holders), and receive your QR code confirmation. Without a Nusuk permit, you cannot enter Masjid al-Haram for Umrah. Book at least 24 to 48 hours in advance.
Yes, since 2024 reforms, women aged 18 and above can perform Umrah without a male guardian (Mahram). Previously, women under 45 needed a Mahram. This rule has been relaxed significantly. Women can travel alone, in groups, or with other women. However, some travel agents from certain countries may still require Mahram documentation due to their own policies (not Saudi law). Apply directly through official channels if your agent insists on outdated requirements.
Umrah can be performed year-round except during the Hajj period (8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah). The best times are Ramadan (highest spiritual reward but very crowded), Rajab and Sha'ban (less crowded), and the months immediately after Hajj. Avoid the peak summer months from June to August when temperatures exceed 113°F (45°C), school holiday periods when crowds are heaviest, and the days immediately before and after Hajj. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Total Umrah costs vary significantly depending on your choices. A budget trip of 3 to 5 days costs roughly 3,000 to 5,000 SAR ($800 to $1,333 USD) including visa, basic hotel, and transport. A mid-range trip of 5 to 7 days runs 6,000 to 12,000 SAR ($1,600 to $3,200 USD) with a 4-star hotel near Haram. A premium trip of 7 to 10 days can cost 15,000 to 30,000+ SAR ($4,000 to $8,000 USD) with luxury accommodation, private transport, and guided services. The biggest cost factors are hotel proximity to Masjid al-Haram and the time of year, with Ramadan being the most expensive period.
Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination is mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims and must be taken at least 10 days before travel. The certificate must be valid (5-year validity for polysaccharide vaccine, varies for conjugate). Seasonal flu vaccination is recommended. COVID-19 vaccination requirements change regularly, so check the Saudi Ministry of Health website for current rules. Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from endemic countries. Polio vaccination may be required for certain nationalities.
Yes, visiting Medina and the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi) is highly recommended and commonly combined with Umrah, though it is not a mandatory part of Umrah rituals. You can visit Medina before or after performing Umrah in Mecca. The distance between Mecca and Medina is approximately 280 miles (450 km), which takes 4 to 5 hours by car or about 2.5 hours by the Haramain High-Speed Train. Most Umrah packages include Medina.
Essentials include Ihram garments (two white unstitched cloths for men), comfortable flat shoes or sandals that are easy to remove at the mosque, a small prayer rug, medication, a money belt, a light umbrella for sun protection during Tawaf, a water bottle (Zamzam water is free at the mosque), and copies of all documents. Women should pack modest loose clothing (white is common but not required), a comfortable hijab, and flat non-slip shoes. Both men and women should bring sunscreen and unscented toiletries, since perfume is not permitted while in the state of Ihram.
Planning your Umrah journey involves more than the visa. These guides cover related topics:
