Umrah Visa Rules for Indians (2026–27): What Changed and How to Prepare

If you performed Umrah a few years ago and are planning to go again, be prepared: the process for Indian pilgrims has changed significantly. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has tightened several rules for the current season, and travellers who don't plan ahead are being denied boarding at Indian airports. Here is a clear summary of what applies to Indian passport holders now, and how a licensed operator handles each requirement for you.

1. The Umrah season calendar matters more than ever

Umrah now runs on a strict seasonal cycle around Hajj. The previous season (1447 AH) closed in spring 2026 — visa issuance stopped in late March and all Umrah pilgrims had to leave Saudi Arabia by mid-April so Makkah could be prepared for Hajj. The new season (1448 AH) opened after Hajj concluded in June 2026. Anyone who overstays into the Hajj window on an Umrah or tourist visa risks heavy fines (reported up to SAR 10,000), deportation and multi-year entry bans. Book with the calendar in mind, especially if you want a Ramadan Umrah, which sits near the end of each season and is the busiest, most expensive window.

2. Visa validity has been cut to 30 days from issuance

The single-entry Umrah visa's entry window has been reduced from roughly three months to just 30 days from the date of issuance. In practical terms: do not apply months before your travel date. Your visa application, flight dates and hotel bookings must be planned together so the visa is issued close to departure. This is one of the biggest reasons to use an experienced operator — we time the application so your visa is valid exactly when you fly.

3. Hotels and transport must be booked and verified through Nusuk

Nusuk (nusuk.sa) is the Saudi government's official pilgrimage platform. Under the current rules, a visa is only approved after pre-booked, electronically verified hotel accommodation in Makkah and/or Madinah is logged in the Nusuk system, along with confirmed transport arrangements and return flight tickets. Airlines in India have started verifying the Nusuk reference at check-in — if it doesn't match your visa, boarding can be refused.

4. The Nusuk app is still needed after you arrive

Even with a valid visa, entry permits for performing Umrah and for visiting the Rawdah at Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah must be booked as time slots through the Nusuk app. During peak periods the Mataf area around the Kaaba is reserved for pilgrims in Ihram, and digital permits with entry codes are checked. We guide every pilgrim in our groups through setting up Nusuk and booking their slots.

5. Vaccination requirements

• Meningococcal ACWY (quadrivalent) vaccine — mandatory for all pilgrims aged one year and above, taken at least 10 days before arrival. A conjugate vaccine certificate stays valid for about 5 years.
• Polio vaccination is now being checked for Indian pilgrims and should be completed well before departure — airlines have been instructed to treat missing vaccination certificates like a missing visa.
• Seasonal influenza and up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination are recommended, particularly for Ramadan travel when crowds are at their peak.

6. Women no longer need a mahram — with conditions

Saudi Arabia has removed the old mahram requirement. Women of any age can now apply for an Umrah visa and travel without a male guardian, provided they travel with an organised group or have approved accommodation declared at the visa stage. Most Indian operators, including us, arrange women into family clusters or ladies' groups for comfort and support throughout the journey.

7. What does it cost?

The visa component for Indian applicants generally runs in the range of ₹12,500–₹16,000 including mandatory insurance and processing. A complete 10–15 day Umrah package from India — flights, visa, hotels, meals, ziyarat and transfers — varies widely with hotel distance from the Haram and the travel window. Economy packages outside peak season cost far less than Ramadan-window trips with 5-star hotels near the Haram. Because prices move with airfare and Saudi hotel rates, send us an enquiry for the current month's exact pricing.

Document checklist for Indian pilgrims

1. Passport valid for at least 6 months from travel date, with blank pages
2. Recent passport-size photograph per Saudi specifications
3. Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate (≥10 days old) and polio vaccination proof
4. Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
5. Nusuk-verified hotel bookings in Makkah/Madinah (handled by your operator)
6. PAN/Aadhaar for booking formalities in India

How Al Zakwaan Tours handles all of this for you

Since 2010 we have taken over 10,000 pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj. For every booking we manage the Nusuk-compliant hotel and transport reservations, time your visa within the 30-day window, verify your vaccination certificates before ticketing, and brief you on the Nusuk app before departure. Our groups depart from Delhi, Lucknow and Mumbai with pilgrims from Aligarh, Delhi NCR, Patna and across UP and Bihar.

Also read: Umrah package from Aligarh — local guide and Umrah packages from Delhi (Okhla, Shaheen Bagh, Zakir Nagar).

Disclaimer: Saudi Umrah and visa regulations change frequently and without notice. The information above is a general guide based on publicly available updates as of July 2026 and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always confirm current rules, fees and deadlines with our team or official Saudi government sources before booking.