Umrah Visa from India 2026: eVisa, Requirements & Process

Good news for Indian pilgrims: India is eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which permits Umrah outside the Hajj season and is usually the simplest and cheapest route. You can also use a dedicated Umrah visa, or a visa-on-arrival shortcut if you hold a used US, UK or Schengen visa. Knowing which route fits you avoids paying for more than you need. Here is how each works in 2026. Fees and eligibility change — verified July 2026; confirm on the official portal before paying.

Option 1: the tourist eVisa (simplest)

Apply online for the tourist eVisa — about SAR 535 (roughly ₹12,000) including insurance, valid one year, multiple entry, up to 90 days per stay. It lets you perform Umrah and travel anywhere in the Kingdom, so you can add Madinah, Jeddah or AlUla to the trip, and approval is often within hours. For most independent Indian travellers this is the best route. Full detail in the Saudi eVisa guide and the visa comparison.

Option 2: visa on arrival (if you hold a used US/UK/Schengen visa)

An Indian citizen holding a valid, previously-used US, UK or Schengen visa can get a Saudi visa on arrival (SAR 480) without applying in advance — the visa must be valid and have been used at least once, with an entry stamp from the issuing country. See Saudi visa on arrival for the full rules and eligible airports.

Option 3: the dedicated Umrah visa

You can also travel on a dedicated Umrah visa arranged through an approved operator, bundled with a Nusuk-registered hotel and transport. This suits pilgrims who prefer a managed package over a self-planned trip, or who want everything arranged in one place. It is more expensive once the package is added, but it removes the planning work.

Requirements

• Passport valid at least 6 months with blank pages.
• Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination certificate — standard for Umrah pilgrims; check any other current vaccination requirements before travel.
• A photo and accurate personal details matching your passport exactly.
• For the Umrah-visa route, a Nusuk-registered hotel booking through your operator.

The Nusuk permit

Whichever visa you use, you still book your Umrah permit and free Rawdah appointment in the Nusuk app. Your visa is entry to the country; the Nusuk permit is permission to perform the pilgrimage. Set up your account before you fly so slots are ready when you arrive.

Which route is best?

For most independent Indian travellers, the tourist eVisa wins on cost, speed and flexibility — you can plan the whole trip yourself and travel on beyond the holy cities. Choose the dedicated Umrah visa if you want a managed package, or the visa on arrival if you already hold a used US/UK/Schengen visa and prefer to sort it at the airport. See how to plan Umrah yourself, and pre-book your airport transfer for a smooth arrival. Figures verified July 2026.