Based on personal experience + updated for 2026 rules
The Umrah visa is the very first step of your pilgrimage journey — and also the step that confuses people the most. How much does it cost? Can you apply directly? Do you need a travel agent? What documents are required?
I went through this process myself when planning our self-booked Umrah in 2023, and I’ll share exactly how we got our visa, what it cost, and what’s changed since then. This guide covers both Indian passport holders and US passport holders — because the process is completely different for each.
The Big Difference: India vs USA
Before we dive in, here’s the key thing to understand:
| Indian passport | US passport | |
|---|---|---|
| Can you apply directly online? | No | Yes |
| Need a travel agent? | Yes (mandatory) | No (optional) |
| Visa type | Umrah visa via agent | Tourist e-visa (allows Umrah) |
| Typical cost | ₹12,500–₹18,000 per person | $150–$180 (~SAR 535) per person |
| Processing time | 3–7 working days | Minutes to 72 hours |
| Validity | 90 days (single entry) | 1 year (multiple entry) |
The bottom line: if you hold a US passport, the process is dramatically easier. If you hold an Indian passport, you’ll need an agent but it’s still straightforward once you know how.
Part 1: Umrah Visa for Indian Passport Holders
My personal experience
When we planned our family Umrah in February 2023, the visa was the one thing I couldn’t do myself online. The Saudi government’s Nusuk platform doesn’t allow Indian citizens to apply directly — you must go through a licensed travel agent.
I found a travel agent near our home. I walked in, asked if they handle Umrah visa processing, and they said yes. The entire interaction was surprisingly simple.
What the agent asked for:
- Passport copies (scanned pages — we didn’t hand over the originals)
- Passport-sized photographs
That’s it. No hotel booking proof, no flight tickets, no vaccination certificates were asked for at the time. The agent handled everything else on their end.
Timeline:
- Day 1: Visited the agent, submitted passport copies and photos
- Day 3–5: Agent processed the application through the Saudi Ministry portal
- Day 5: Received the e-visa on WhatsApp as a digital image
We printed colour copies of the e-visa and carried them to the airport. At Saudi immigration, they checked the passport and the printed e-visa — smooth and quick.
Cost: ₹15,000 per person (₹45,000 total for 3 passengers). This included the visa processing fee and mandatory travel insurance.
Updated process for 2026
The process has changed since our 2023 trip. Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules through the Nusuk Masar platform. Here’s what Indian pilgrims need to know now:
What’s new in 2025/2026:
Pre-booked accommodation through the Nusuk platform is now mandatory before the visa application can be processed. Your agent will need to arrange this. Transport arrangements must also be pre-booked and logged in the Nusuk system. The agent handles this as part of the process. Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is required for all pilgrims.
Documents you’ll need to give your agent:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from date of travel, at least 2 blank pages)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate (check current requirements)
- Your travel dates and preferred cities (Makkah, Madinah, or both)
How to find a legitimate agent:
There are several ways to find a trustworthy agent. You can visit travel agent offices in your city that display “Umrah” or “Hajj” signage — they’re common in Muslim-majority neighbourhoods. Ask at your local mosque for recommendations. Check if the agent is licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Ask friends or family who’ve recently performed Umrah.
What to ask the agent before paying:
- “What’s included in the ₹15,000?” (visa fee + insurance + processing?)
- “Are there any additional charges?”
- “How long will it take?”
- “Will I get the visa digitally or as a passport stamp?”
- “Are you registered with the Saudi Ministry?”
Expected cost in 2026: ₹12,500–₹18,000 per person, depending on the agent and what’s included. Some agents charge separately for the mandatory Nusuk hotel booking — clarify this upfront.
Pro tip: Always get quotes from 2–3 agents before committing. Prices vary significantly between cities and even between agents in the same city.
Can Indian passport holders use a tourist e-visa instead?
There’s an important exception. If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa with an entry stamp in your Indian passport, you may be eligible to apply for the Saudi tourist e-visa directly at visa.visitsaudi.com. This tourist e-visa allows Umrah and costs around SAR 535 (~₹12,000). Check eligibility on the official portal — this could save you money and time compared to going through an agent.
Part 2: Umrah Visa for US Passport Holders
If you hold a US passport, you’re in luck — the process is significantly easier and you don’t need any travel agent.
The tourist e-visa route (recommended)
US citizens are among the 66 nationalities eligible for the Saudi tourist e-visa, which explicitly allows Umrah (but not Hajj). This is the fastest, cheapest, and simplest way to get your Umrah visa.
How to apply (step-by-step):
- Go to visa.visitsaudi.com (the official Saudi e-visa portal)
- Click “Apply Now”
- Select your nationality (United States)
- Fill in the application form with your personal and passport details
- Upload a recent passport photo (white background, clear face)
- Pay the fee: approximately $150–$180 (SAR 535), which includes mandatory health insurance
- Submit and wait — most applications are approved within minutes to hours (maximum 72 hours)
- Download your e-visa from your email and print a copy
What the e-visa gives you:
- 1-year validity with multiple entries
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Permission to perform Umrah
- Freedom to visit any city in Saudi Arabia (not just Makkah/Madinah)
- No travel agent required
Documents needed:
- Valid US passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Recent digital passport photo (white background)
- Credit or debit card for payment
Important after getting the e-visa:
Even with the tourist e-visa in hand, you must still register on the Nusuk app (nusuk.sa) to book your Umrah permit and schedule your Tawaf slot at Masjid al-Haram. You’ll also use Nusuk to book a Rawdah appointment in Madinah. The visa gets you into Saudi Arabia — Nusuk gets you into the holy sites.
Traditional Umrah visa route (alternative)
US citizens can also apply for a traditional Umrah visa through an authorized travel agency. This is typically bundled with a full Umrah package (flights + hotel + transport). Cost: $200–$300 for the visa alone, but usually included in package prices of $1,500–$5,000.
This route makes sense if you want an all-inclusive package. For self-bookers, the tourist e-visa is clearly the better option.
Part 3: Important Rules for Everyone (2026)
Nusuk platform — mandatory for all pilgrims
Regardless of your visa type or nationality, you must use the Nusuk app (available on iOS and Android) for:
- Booking your Umrah permit
- Scheduling Tawaf time at Masjid al-Haram
- Booking Rawdah appointment in Madinah
- Managing your accommodation and transport records
Download the app early and create your account before traveling.
Vaccination requirements
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine — mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims. Must be administered at least 10 days before travel. Get the certificate from your doctor.
- COVID-19 vaccine — check current requirements at the time of travel, as these change frequently.
- Seasonal flu vaccine — recommended but not always mandatory.
When is Umrah visa available?
Umrah visas are issued year-round except during the Hajj season (approximately 2–3 weeks around the Hajj dates, which shift each year on the Islamic calendar). After Hajj ends, Umrah visas typically resume within a few weeks.
Visa validity and overstaying
The Umrah visa (for Indian passport holders) allows a stay of up to 90 days. You must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa being issued. Overstaying can result in fines of up to SAR 10,000 and potential travel bans — take this seriously.
Quick Comparison: All Your Options
| Route | Who can use it | Cost | Processing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agent-processed Umrah visa | Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi citizens | ₹12,500–₹18,000 | 3–7 days | Indian self-bookers |
| Tourist e-visa (direct) | US, UK, EU + 63 other nationalities | $150–$180 | Minutes to 72 hours | US/UK self-bookers |
| Tourist e-visa (for Indians with US/UK/Schengen stamp) | Indian passport + valid US/UK/Schengen visa | ~SAR 535 | Minutes to 72 hours | Indians with prior western visas |
| Umrah package visa | Anyone | Included in $1,500–$5,000 package | Handled by agency | Those wanting all-inclusive |
Common Questions
Q: Can I get “just the visa” from a travel agent without buying their full package?
Yes! This is exactly what we did. We told the agent we only needed the visa — not flights, not hotels, not transport. Some agents are happy to process visa-only applications. Others may push you toward a package. If one agent won’t do visa-only, try another.
Q: Is the Umrah visa free?
The Saudi government’s visa fee itself is relatively small, but agents charge a service/processing fee on top. For Indians, the total cost through an agent is typically ₹12,500–₹18,000. For US citizens using the tourist e-visa, the total cost is $150–$180.
Q: How early should I apply?
Apply 2–4 weeks before your planned travel date. During peak seasons (Ramadan, school holidays, winter), apply even earlier as processing times can increase.
Q: Can women travel for Umrah without a male guardian (Mahram)?
Women aged 45 and above can travel for Umrah without a Mahram if traveling in a group. Women under 45 typically need a Mahram (husband, father, brother, or son). Some reports suggest Saudi Arabia has relaxed this requirement in recent years — check the latest regulations at the time of your travel.
Q: What if my visa application is rejected?
Common reasons for rejection include passport validity issues (less than 6 months), blurry or incorrect photos, name mismatches between passport and application, and incomplete documentation. Fix the issue and reapply — rejections are usually fixable.
My Honest Advice
If you’re an Indian passport holder, don’t stress about the visa process. Yes, you need an agent, but it’s a simple transaction — hand over copies, pay the fee, receive the visa in 3–5 days. The key is finding a trustworthy agent (ask around at your mosque) and getting quotes from multiple agents so you’re not overpaying.
If you’re a US passport holder, you have it easy. The tourist e-visa takes minutes online and gives you a full year of multiple-entry access. No agents, no packages, no middlemen.
Either way, get your visa sorted first — it’s the foundation of your entire Umrah plan. Everything else (flights, hotels, transport) comes after.
May Allah make your visa process smooth and your Umrah accepted. Ameen.
Related Articles:
- → How I Self-Booked Umrah for My Family — Complete Guide
- → SAPTCO Bus Madinah to Makkah — Complete Guide
- → Hotel Review: Budget Stay in Madinah
- → Hotel Review: Budget Stay in Makkah
Disclaimer: Visa requirements and costs change frequently. Always verify current rules at nusuk.sa (for Umrah permits) and visa.visitsaudi.com (for tourist e-visas) before planning. Information in this article reflects rules as of early 2026. This is a personal travel blog — we are not a visa processing agency. Some links may be affiliate links (see our Disclaimer for details).