Umrah on Tourist Visa: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling

Yes, you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says holders of valid visa types may perform Umrah.

You’ll still need to follow the entry rules and book an Umrah permit through Nusuk. Check both before flying, as permit access and seasonal rules can change.

Can you perform Umrah on a tourist visa?

False reports have caused many pilgrims to cancel or delay their plans. These reports claimed that tourist visa holders could no longer perform Umrah.

The ministry gave a clear response: “To facilitate the performance of Umrah for the Guests of Allah, all visa holders are allowed to perform the rituals.”

This covers tourist eVisas, family visit visas, personal visit visas, work visas and transit or stopover visas. It also removes the old worry that only a dedicated Umrah visa can be used.

This is where people often get it wrong. A valid visa lets you travel, but it doesn’t replace your Nusuk permit. Check your visa on an official Saudi platform and use nusuk.sa or the Nusuk app for your permit.

Avoid agents who rely on social media messages or screenshots. We usually tell families to check official sources again a few days before departure.

What does a tourist visa allow?

Umrah on tourist visa means using Saudi Arabia’s tourist eVisa for the lesser pilgrimage. Umrah is voluntary worship and can normally be performed throughout the year, outside restricted Hajj periods.

The eVisa became popular because it removed many of the older application steps. It also allows pilgrims to visit Madinah and other parts of Saudi Arabia during the same trip.

The tourist eVisa is valid for 365 days from issue. It allows multiple entries, with each stay limited to 90 days. The total permitted stay is also 90 days.

You must book your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app. The permit is free and gives you a scheduled time for rituals such as Tawaf and Sa’i. Keep a screenshot because mobile data can be weak in busy areas.

Health insurance is included with the eVisa. Tourist visa travel may stop or face extra controls around Hajj. A previous suspension period ran from 29 April to 10 June, so always check the current dates.

Ramadan also needs careful planning. Airports, hotel receptions and transport points can have long queues. A queue that looks short may move slowly when families have several bags or documents to check.

Saudi Arabia recorded 13 million Umrah visitors in one recent annual period. Tourist visa use formed a growing part of that total because the application process is digital.

Who can use the tourist eVisa?

Citizens of 66 eligible countries can apply directly for the tourist eVisa. These include the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many EU countries.

If your nationality isn’t eligible, you may still perform Umrah using another valid Saudi visa. This may include a work, family, personal visit or transit visa. Check your exact position with Visit Saudi or a Saudi embassy.

The main requirements are:

• Intention: You declare that you intend to perform Umrah. Formal proof is not normally required, but you must follow Saudi rules.
• Age: Adults can apply from age 18. Children must travel with their parent or guardian.
• Passport: It should remain valid for at least six months after entry.
• Health: You need the required ACYW-135 meningococcal vaccination and must not have a contagious illness.
• Visa: You must hold a valid visa that permits entry to Saudi Arabia.

Women can travel without a mahram under the current rules. Families should apply together and link the documents for children where required.

Criminal records, false information or earlier visa overstays may lead to refusal. If you’re unsure, ask a Saudi embassy before paying for non-refundable flights.

Visit Saudi provides an online eligibility tool. The article’s reported approval rate is 85% for eligible applications, with many decisions issued quickly.

Which Umrah visa should you choose?

The tourist eVisa gives you more freedom than the older Umrah visa. It is valid for one year and supports multiple entries. You can stay for up to 90 days within the visa conditions.

It costs SAR 535, including health insurance. You can perform Umrah and travel to other permitted places in Saudi Arabia. This suits people who want to visit Madinah or spend time with family.

The traditional Umrah visa was usually arranged through a sponsor or agent. It allowed one stay of up to 90 days and often cost more than SAR 2,000 through agents.

That visa was mainly limited to Makkah, Madinah and related pilgrimage travel. It has now largely given way to eVisas for eligible nationalities.

A Hajj visa is different. It is only for the Dhu al-Hijjah Hajj season and is controlled by country quotas. Registration is handled through the Nusuk platform and approved channels.

A Hajj visa usually covers about 14 days. Its cost forms part of a Hajj package, and travel is focused on the ritual sites.

The trade-off is simple. A tourist eVisa offers more freedom, but you arrange more of the trip yourself. A package may cost more, but an experienced organiser can handle transport, rooms and local support.

Which documents should you carry?

Keep printed copies and digital copies of your main documents. Don’t rely on one phone, especially if the battery fails or the device is lost.

• Passport copy: Scan the information page. The passport needs at least six months’ validity.
• Personal photo: Use a passport-style photograph with a white background.
• Hotel booking: Carry details for your accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
• Travel plan: Keep your flight numbers, arrival date and departure date together.
• Nusuk permit: Save a screenshot and keep it easy to find.
• Vaccination proof: Carry your meningococcal certificate and any other required health records.
• Financial proof: A bank statement may be requested, though it is optional in many cases.

If you’re using another valid Saudi visa, carry a clear copy of it. Check that names and passport numbers match across every booking.

What will the visa and trip cost?

The tourist eVisa costs SAR 535 and is non-refundable. Approval commonly takes one to three days, though delays can happen if details don’t match.

The article’s estimated total trip budget is $1,500 to $3,000. Your real cost will depend on flights, travel dates, hotel distance and room type.

A cheaper hotel isn’t always cheaper overall. If it is far away, daily taxi fares can add up. You may also spend a long time waiting for lifts or shuttle buses.

In our experience, an advertised 400-metre walk can take around ten minutes in crowds. It feels much longer with elderly parents, a pram or shopping bags. Hotel lifts are also busiest before and after prayer.

The ACYW-135 vaccine is mandatory under the stated health rules. You may also need the Tawakkalna app to show your health status.

How do you book the Nusuk permit?

Download the official Nusuk app and create an account using your passport and visa details. Choose the available Umrah date and time that suits your travel plan.

Book early if you’re travelling during Ramadan or another busy period. Don’t choose a slot too close to your flight arrival. Immigration, baggage collection and the journey to Makkah may take longer than expected.

If your permit doesn’t appear, first check that your passport number matches the visa. Update the app and try again later. If the problem remains, use official Nusuk support rather than paying an unofficial agent.

How can you avoid common problems?

• Check ministry and Visit Saudi updates before paying for travel.
• Book your Nusuk permit as early as the system allows.
• Keep screenshots of your visa, permit and hotel booking.
• Follow the ihram rules and pack comfortable footwear.
• Allow extra time for airport queues, road traffic and hotel lifts.
• Use HotelsInMakkah.com to compare accommodation.

Missing vaccinations and permit problems cause many avoidable delays. Travelling during a restricted Hajj period can also stop your plans, even if your tourist visa is still valid.

Keep medicines, documents and one change of clothing in your hand luggage. Checked bags can be delayed. Families should also agree on a meeting point near the hotel in case anyone gets separated.

What should you do before departure?

Check your eligibility and apply through the official Saudi visa website. Confirm your Nusuk permit, vaccination record, flights and hotel before leaving home.

For accommodation, you can compare hotels in Makkah at Makkah hotels for Umrah. Look carefully at the walking route, not only the distance shown on a map.

For hotels near Haram, ask about lift waiting times, shuttle frequency and access for wheelchairs. These details matter more than a smart lobby after a tiring Tawaf.

Is a tourist visa right for you?

Umrah on tourist visa is a practical choice if you qualify and are happy to organise the trip yourself. It gives you flexible travel and allows visits beyond Makkah and Madinah.

Before booking, read the official rules at visa.visitsaudi.com. Rules can change, so check again close to departure.

You can also reserve hotels in Makkah through Umrah hotel booking and compare hotels near Haram. May Allah make your journey easy and accept your Umrah.

When you’re ready to price a stay, you can browse every Makkah hotel with live nightly rates and see what fits your dates and budget.