Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa 2026: Requirements & Application for Pilgrims

The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is a special religious pilgrimage visa that allows Muslims from around the world to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory for Muslims who are able and must be performed during specific dates in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be undertaken at any time of year except during the Hajj season. This flexibility has made Umrah increasingly popular, with millions of Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia annually to fulfill this blessed spiritual journey.

Saudi Arabia has revolutionized the Umrah visa process in recent years, introducing electronic visas that simplify and expedite applications for pilgrims worldwide. The e-Visa system allows Muslims from eligible countries to apply online without visiting embassies, receiving their visa electronically within hours. This transformation aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals of welcoming increasing numbers of pilgrims while ensuring a smooth, dignified experience for all visitors to the holy sites.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about obtaining your Umrah visa in 2026, including detailed eligibility requirements, the step-by-step application process, costs and fees, processing times, and extensive practical information for planning your pilgrimage. Whether this is your first Umrah or a return visit to renew your spiritual connection, this guide will help you navigate the visa process and prepare for a meaningful and blessed journey to Islam's holiest sites.

The Umrah visa is a specialized religious visa issued exclusively for Muslims wishing to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This visa grants access to Islam's holiest cities - Makkah and Madinah - which are closed to non-Muslims. The pilgrimage involves performing specific rituals including Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwa hills), and other acts of worship that hold profound spiritual significance in Islam.

Umrah can be performed throughout the year except during the Hajj period (8th-13th Dhul Hijjah). During these days, only those with Hajj visas can enter Makkah. Outside this restricted period, Umrah pilgrims are welcome year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring during Ramadan when rewards for worship are multiplied, school holidays, and the winter months when temperatures are more comfortable.

The Saudi government manages Umrah visas carefully to ensure a safe, organized experience for pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah oversees the program, setting quotas and regulations to manage crowd flow at the holy sites. This careful management has resulted in significant improvements to the pilgrimage experience, with expanded facilities, better accommodation options, and streamlined services for visitors.

Saudi Arabia offers several pathways for Muslims to obtain Umrah visas, each suited to different circumstances and nationalities. Understanding the available options helps you choose the most appropriate route for your pilgrimage:

Umrah e-Visa: Citizens of 49 eligible countries can apply directly for an Umrah e-Visa through the official Saudi portal or authorized platforms. This is the fastest and most convenient option for eligible applicants, with approvals often within 24-72 hours. The e-Visa allows independent travel without mandatory package booking.

Umrah via Tourist Visa: An important development in Saudi's visa policy allows holders of Saudi tourist e-Visas to perform Umrah during their visit. This provides flexibility for Muslims who initially obtained tourist visas but wish to include the pilgrimage in their trip. Simply plan your Umrah during a valid tourist visa stay.

Package Umrah Visa: Muslims from countries not eligible for e-Visas must apply through licensed Umrah travel agents who arrange complete pilgrimage packages including visa, flights, accommodation, and ground transportation. While more structured, this route ensures comprehensive support throughout the journey.

Transit Umrah: Some airlines offer transit packages allowing passengers with layovers in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah during extended stopovers. This provides a unique opportunity for quick pilgrimages during connecting flights.

Eligibility for Umrah visas is determined by both religious requirements and nationality. All Umrah visa applicants must be Muslim - the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are closed to non-Muslims, and the Umrah visa is issued exclusively for Islamic pilgrimage purposes.

For nationalities not on the e-Visa eligible list, Umrah visas must be obtained through licensed Umrah travel agencies in the pilgrim's country of residence. These agencies have allocation quotas from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and can process visas for their clients as part of complete pilgrimage packages.

The mahram requirement has evolved significantly. Saudi Arabia now allows women of all ages to perform Umrah independently or in women-only groups, though specific regulations may vary. Women traveling solo should verify current requirements through official channels or their travel agent before booking.

There are no upper age limits for Umrah, though elderly pilgrims should consider their physical ability to perform the rituals, particularly the extensive walking involved. Wheelchair assistance and special services are available at the holy mosques for those who need them.

The documents required for an Umrah visa application depend on whether you're applying for an e-Visa or through a travel agency package. Here are the standard requirements:

For package Umrah visas obtained through travel agents, additional documents may be required including proof of Islamic faith (such as a letter from your local mosque), completed visa application forms specific to your country, and documentation for family groups. Your travel agent will provide a complete checklist of requirements.

All documents should be clear, legible, and in their original form. Translations may be required for documents not in Arabic or English. Passport name must match exactly with flight bookings and other documents to avoid issues at immigration.

The cost of an Umrah visa varies depending on the application method and nationality. Here's a breakdown of typical costs:

The Umrah e-Visa itself is relatively affordable. However, the total cost of performing Umrah includes flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah (which can be expensive, especially during peak seasons), transportation, and living expenses. Accommodation prices near the Haram in Makkah can range from $50-500+ per night depending on proximity and quality.

Package deals through licensed Umrah travel agents typically include visa processing, flights, accommodation, ground transportation, and sometimes meals and guided religious tours. While more expensive upfront, packages provide convenience and support, particularly valuable for first-time pilgrims or those from countries requiring agency-processed visas.

Peak season pricing (Ramadan, school holidays, winter months) can be significantly higher than off-peak periods. Budget-conscious pilgrims may consider traveling during quieter months like April, May, or October for lower costs while still performing this blessed act of worship.

The application process for an Umrah visa depends on your eligibility category. Here's a detailed guide for the most common pathways:

If you're from a country not eligible for e-Visas, you must use a licensed Umrah travel agent. The process typically works as follows:

Processing times for Umrah visas vary based on the application method and time of year:

During Ramadan and other peak pilgrimage seasons, processing may take longer due to high volume of applications. We strongly recommend applying well in advance - at least 2-4 weeks before your intended travel date. This provides buffer time for any issues and allows you to focus on spiritual preparation rather than visa concerns.

Once your e-Visa is approved, you'll receive it via email in PDF format. The visa is electronically linked to your passport, but carrying a printed copy is strongly recommended. Package visa travelers typically receive their visa documentation along with their complete travel package from their agent.

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual experience that benefits from proper preparation. Here are essential tips to help you make the most of your blessed pilgrimage: