Hajj-season application
Visa requested during the closure.
The fix. Apply after 15 Dhul Hijjah or use a tourist eVisa only when the season reopens.
Saudi Arabia Umrah visa for Indian pilgrims
Indian Muslims perform Umrah on either the dedicated Umrah visa, issued through the Nusuk platform or a Ministry of Hajj and Umrah-approved agent for about SAR 535 all-in (SAR 300 visa, insurance and VAT), or the tourist eVisa for those who qualify, since both permit Umrah outside the Hajj season. The Umrah visa is valid 90 days, allows travel anywhere in the Kingdom, and requires a meningitis (ACWY) vaccination certificate, a passport valid 6 months and bookings through the Nusuk ecosystem; the Umrah and Rawdah permits are booked free on the Nusuk app. Issuance takes 1 to 7 days, the Umrah season closes from about 1 Dhul Qa'dah to 15 Dhul Hijjah each year, and Hajj itself is only possible through the Haj Committee of India or a registered private tour operator within India's quota.
Saudi Arabia Umrah visa (Nusuk): quick answers
Who qualifies for an Umrah visa? Any Indian Muslim with a passport valid 6 months, applying through Nusuk (individuals and families can book flights, hotels and the visa directly since 2023) or through an agent registered with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah; women of any age may travel without a mahram since 2021. Children travel on their own visas, and the ACWY meningitis vaccine (within 3 years and at least 10 days before travel) is mandatory, with polio proof for some travellers. Indians holding a used US, UK or Schengen visa can instead use the tourist eVisa, which also permits Umrah.
What does it cost? About SAR 535 all-in (roughly INR 12,000) for the Umrah eVisa: SAR 300 visa fee, mandatory insurance and 15 per cent VAT, paid on Nusuk or through the agent, who adds a service fee of INR 2,000 to 5,000. The Nusuk permits for Umrah and the Rawdah are free. Packages from India combining flights, hotels and transport run INR 70,000 to 1.5 lakh for 10 to 14 days in the economy segment. Vistolane charges the government fee and insurance at the official rate and shows its service separately.
How long does it take? Nusuk issues most Umrah eVisas within 24 hours and almost all within 7 days; agents receive visas in the same window once the package is confirmed. Apply 2 to 4 weeks before travel, earlier for Ramadan when flights and Makkah hotels sell out months ahead, and remember the season closes for about 6 weeks around Hajj.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Umrah eVisa (Nusuk), single or multiple entry, 90 days; tourist eVisa also valid for Umrah outside the Hajj season |
| Government fee | SAR 535 all-in (SAR 300 visa + insurance + VAT) |
| Processing | 24 hours to 7 days |
| Season | Open all year except roughly 1 Dhul Qa'dah to 15 Dhul Hijjah |
| Permits | Umrah and Rawdah permits booked free on the Nusuk app |
| Health | ACWY meningitis vaccine within 3 years, at least 10 days before travel; polio for some |
| Hajj | Not allowed on Umrah or tourist visas; Haj Committee of India or registered private operators within the quota |
| Verified | 30 Oct 2026 against nusuk.sa and visa.visitsaudi.com |
Umrah visa or tourist eVisa: which to use
| Option | Who | Fee | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umrah eVisa via Nusuk | Any Indian Muslim; individuals and families | About SAR 535 | 90 days from issue | Book hotels, transport and permits on Nusuk; agent optional |
| Umrah visa via an approved agent | Pilgrims on group packages | About SAR 535 plus agent fee | 90 days | Agent handles visa, hotels and transport; Ministry-licensed only |
| Tourist eVisa or visa on arrival | Indians with a used US, UK or Schengen visa or eligible residence | About SAR 535 | 1 year, 90 days per visit | Umrah allowed outside the Hajj season; see the Saudi tourist route page |
| Hajj | Pilgrims selected by the Haj Committee of India or registered private tour operators | Package-based | Hajj season | Separate quota and visa; not on Umrah or tourist visas |
Since 2022 the Umrah visa allows travel throughout the Kingdom for its 90 days, so pilgrims combine Makkah and Madinah with Jeddah, Taif or AlUla. The Nusuk app issues the Umrah permit (tawaf slot) and the Rawdah permit for the Prophet's Mosque; permits are free but limited, so book as soon as the visa is issued. Women travel without a mahram, children need their own visas, and the ACWY vaccine certificate is checked at check-in.
Fees and what they cover
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Umrah eVisa, all-in | About SAR 535 | SAR 300 visa + insurance + VAT |
| Agent service fee | INR 2,000 to 5,000 | Ministry-licensed agents |
| Nusuk Umrah and Rawdah permits | Free | Book on the app |
| ACWY meningitis vaccine | INR 2,500 to 4,000 | Government or private clinic; certificate within 3 years |
| Economy package from India | INR 70,000 to 1.5 lakh | 10 to 14 days, flights, hotels, transport |
| Visa extension | Not available | Leave before the 90 days end |
Vistolane charges the government fee and insurance at the official rate and shows agent and vaccine costs separately.
How the application runs, step by step
- Vaccinate and prepare documents. ACWY meningitis certificate at least 10 days before travel; passport valid 6 months; photo.
- Apply on Nusuk or through a licensed agent. Create the Nusuk account, enter travellers, pay about SAR 535 per person; or confirm the agent's package.
- Visa issued in 24 hours to 7 days. Download the eVisa; book hotels and transport on Nusuk or through the agent.
- Book permits. Umrah and Rawdah permits on the Nusuk app once the visa is active.
- Travel and perform Umrah. Enter via Jeddah or Madinah; show the eVisa, vaccine certificate and bookings; leave within 90 days.
Timeline for an Indian pilgrim
| Stage | Typical time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccination | At least 10 days before travel | Certificate valid 3 years |
| Visa | 24 hours to 7 days | Nusuk or agent |
| Permits | Same day on Nusuk | Limited slots in Ramadan |
| Season closure | About 1 Dhul Qa'dah to 15 Dhul Hijjah | No Umrah visas issued |
Ramadan Umrah is the peak: book flights and Makkah hotels 3 to 4 months ahead and apply for the visa as soon as bookings are confirmed.
During the pilgrimage and after
Pilgrims may travel anywhere in the Kingdom during the 90 days, use the Haramain high-speed rail between Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah, and enter the Grand Mosque at any time; the Umrah permit sets the tawaf slot and the Rawdah permit the visit to the Prophet's grave. Overstaying the Umrah visa carries fines and a ban, and the visa cannot be converted to work or residence. Pilgrims who later qualify for the tourist eVisa can repeat Umrah on it outside the Hajj season.
Document checklist: identity and health
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Passport valid 6 months, 2 blank pages | Each pilgrim including children |
| ACWY meningitis vaccination certificate | Within 3 years; at least 10 days before travel |
| Polio certificate | If required for your state of residence |
| Photo | White background |
Bookings
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Nusuk account or licensed agent confirmation | Visa and package |
| Hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah | Through Nusuk-approved providers |
| Return ticket | Within 90 days |
On the ground
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Nusuk app with Umrah and Rawdah permits | Booked after visa issue |
| Insurance certificate | Included in the visa fee |
| Ihram and essentials | Personal preparation |
Why applications on this route get refused, and the fix
Vaccine certificate missing
No ACWY proof at check-in.
The fix. Vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate.
Unlicensed agent
Package from an agent not registered with the Ministry.
The fix. Check the Ministry's licensed agent list or book directly on Nusuk.
Passport validity
Under 6 months at entry.
The fix. Renew before applying.
Previous overstay
Fines or ban from an earlier visit.
The fix. Settle through Absher before reapplying.
Official sources
Questions, answered
How much is an Umrah visa for Indians?
About SAR 535 all-in (SAR 300 visa plus insurance and VAT), roughly INR 12,000, paid on Nusuk or through a licensed agent who adds INR 2,000 to 5,000; the Umrah and Rawdah permits are free.
Can I apply for an Umrah visa myself?
Yes. Since 2023 individuals and families book the visa, hotels and transport directly on the Nusuk platform; licensed agents remain an option for group packages.
When is Umrah closed?
From about 1 Dhul Qa'dah to 15 Dhul Hijjah each year for Hajj; Umrah visas are not issued and tourist visa holders may not perform Umrah in that window.
Can I do Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes, outside the Hajj season, if you qualify for the Saudi tourist eVisa through a used US, UK or Schengen visa or eligible residence.
Does Vistolane handle Umrah visas?
Yes. Vistolane files the Nusuk application, checks vaccination and passport validity and charges the government fee and insurance at the official rate.