Umrah Visa Process — How to Get an Umrah Visa for Saudi Arabia

Since Saudi Arabia's tourism reforms, there are now multiple pathways to obtain permission to perform Umrah. The primary method is the Umrah e-visa through the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa), which is the Saudi government's official digital portal for pilgrimage services. This visa is specifically designed for Umrah pilgrims and can be processed entirely online. Alternatively, citizens of countries eligible for the Saudi tourist e-visa (including the US, UK, EU nations, Australia, and many others) can perform Umrah on a tourist visa without needing a separate Umrah visa. The tourist e-visa is available through the Visit Saudi platform (visa.visitsaudi.com) and costs approximately 440 SAR including insurance. Citizens of GCC countries do not need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia and can perform Umrah freely. Saudi residents with valid iqama (residency permits) can perform Umrah by simply obtaining an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app.

The Nusuk platform is the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's official digital service for pilgrimage management. To apply for an Umrah e-visa through Nusuk, visit nusuk.sa and create an account. Select your nationality and travel dates, then upload the required documents: a clear scan of your passport bio page, a passport-sized photograph with a white background, and proof of vaccination if required. The platform will also ask you to book your Umrah appointment slot, specifying the date and approximate time you plan to perform tawaf. Payment is made online via credit card. Processing typically takes 24 to 72 hours, after which the e-visa is sent to your email and can be printed or displayed digitally. The Nusuk Umrah visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and allows a stay of up to 30 days, though terms may vary. The platform also allows you to book hotels, transportation, and guided tours as part of your Umrah planning.

Citizens of over 60 countries eligible for the Saudi tourist e-visa can now perform Umrah without obtaining a separate Umrah visa. The tourist e-visa, obtained through visitsaudi.com, is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. This option offers greater flexibility — you can combine Umrah with tourism, visiting other Saudi cities like Riyadh, Al Ula, or the Red Sea coast. The tourist e-visa costs approximately 440 SAR and is processed within minutes to 24 hours. However, pilgrims using the tourist visa should still register their Umrah visit through the Nusuk or Eatmarna app to obtain an appointment slot for tawaf during busy periods. Without a registered appointment, access to the mataf (tawaf area) may be restricted during peak times. The tourist visa does not include the Hajj period — separate Hajj visas are always required for Hajj.

Documentation requirements for Umrah visas are less extensive than Hajj visas but still important. Essential documents include a valid passport with at least six months validity, passport-sized photographs meeting Saudi specifications (white background, clear face, no head covering except for religious reasons), and proof of health insurance (sometimes included in the visa fee). Vaccination requirements for Umrah are generally less stringent than for Hajj but may include meningococcal vaccination depending on current health directives. Check the latest requirements on the Nusuk platform or Saudi embassy website, as these can change. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly recommended even if not mandatory, as healthcare costs for uninsured visitors in Saudi Arabia can be very high. Pilgrims with chronic health conditions should carry a medical report from their doctor along with sufficient medication supply.