The Complete Umrah Visa Guide (2026): Types, Requirements, BRN Rules & Step-by-Step Application

Umrah Visa Types: Which One Is Right for You?

Saudi Arabia offers several pathways depending on your nationality, residency status, and travel purpose. Understanding the distinction is vital to choosing the most cost-effective and compliant route:

Visa Pathway	Permitted Stay	Validity	Key Eligibility	Best For
Official Umrah eVisa	Up to 90 Days	90 Days	All nationalities with BRN compliance	Pilgrims seeking dedicated Umrah status, Zamzam quota & full support
Saudi Tourist eVisa	90 Days (Cumulative)	1 Year (Multiple Entry)	66+ eligible countries, US/UK/Schengen visa holders	Eligible passport holders combining tourism, business & Umrah
GCC Resident eVisa	Up to 90 Days	1 Year / Single Entry	Active GCC Iqama holders (profession criteria applies)	Expats living in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain
Host / Family Visit Visa	30 to 90 Days	Up to 1 Year	Sponsored by a Saudi citizen or resident via Absher	Pilgrims staying with family or friends residing in Saudi Arabia
Transit / Stopover Visa	Up to 96 Hours (4 Days)	90 Days	Flying with Saudia or Flynas with a layover	Short Umrah visits during transit

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Essential 2026 Regulatory Updates & Compliance Rules

1. Hotel and Food BRN Compliance

Under the regulatory framework of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU), all standard Umrah visa applications must be accompanied by valid Booking Reference Numbers (BRNs) generated through approved portals (such as Maqam or approved local platforms). These include:

• Hotel BRN: Certified proof of confirmed hotel booking in Makkah and Madinah for the entire duration of your stay.
• Food & Catering BRN: Verified catering or ground service references that ensure health and safety standards for pilgrims.

At Marhaba Haji, our concierge automatically validates and attaches required BRN codes to eliminate common rejection triggers.

2. Removal of the Mahram Requirement for Women

Women of all age groups can now apply for an Umrah visa and travel to Saudi Arabia independently or in organized female groups without being accompanied by a male guardian (Mahram). This progressive reform applies across all major visa pathways.

3. Mandatory Comprehensive Medical Insurance

Every issued Umrah visa automatically incorporates integrated Saudi medical insurance authorized by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI). This policy covers emergency inpatient hospital care, COVID-19 treatment, accidental emergencies, and emergency medical evacuation up to SAR 100,000.

4. Nusuk App Permits for Rawdah Al-Sharifa

While an Umrah visa grants entry into the Kingdom, access to perform the ritual of Umrah and to visit the Rawdah Al-Sharifa (the Noble Garden) inside Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah requires scheduling a digital appointment via the Nusuk App. Appointments open periodically and should be reserved immediately upon visa issuance.

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Document Checklist: What You Need to Apply

To ensure guaranteed first-time approval, ensure you have the following high-resolution digital documents ready:

1. Valid Passport: Must possess at least 6 months of remaining validity from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia, with at least two blank facing pages.
2. Digital Passport-Size Photograph:
   • Taken within the last 6 months against a plain white background.
   • Full face centered, neutral expression, eyes open and clearly visible.
   • Resolution of at least 600x600 pixels (JPEG/PNG format).
3. Confirmed Return Air Tickets: Flight reservations showing departure from and return to your home country.
4. Accommodation Details / BRN: Confirmed hotel reservation in Makkah and Madinah.
5. Health & Vaccine Records: Proof of Meningococcal (Meningitis ACWY) vaccination administered not less than 10 days before arrival (if traveling from specified regions).

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Your Umrah Visa

Step 1: Choose Your Visa Package & Stay Duration

Select the package aligned with your pilgrimage plan:

• 15-Day Short Stay Umrah Visa: Ideal for a focused, efficient journey covering the core Umrah rituals in Makkah and Ziyarah in Madinah.
• 20-Day Extended Stay Umrah Visa: Designed for pilgrims seeking extra days for prayer, contemplation, and historical exploration.
• Group Umrah Packages: Tailored for families and community groups of 30–50 pilgrims needing unified logistics.

Step 2: Submit Your Details & Upload Scans

Use the streamlined Marhaba Haji Online Application to fill in your personal, passport, and travel details. Our automated document scanner checks image resolution, passport machine-readable zones (MRZ), and data matching to prevent errors.

Step 3: Verification & BRN Generation

Our dedicated visa concierge team validates your documents against Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Ministry of Hajj & Umrah parameters, securing the required Hotel and Ground Transport BRNs.

Step 4: Visa Issuance & PDF Download

Once approved by the Saudi authorities, your Saudi Umrah eVisa with embedded barcode and medical insurance policy is delivered directly to your email and WhatsApp within 24 to 72 hours.

Step 5: Nusuk Slot Booking & Departure

Download the Nusuk app, create an account using your visa number and passport details, and reserve your Rawdah Al-Sharifa visitation slot.

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Umrah Visa Cost & Fee Breakdown (2026)

The total cost of an Umrah visa encompasses several components set by the Saudi government and service providers:

• Embassy / MOFA Visa Fee: Standard government filing fee.
• Mandatory Health Insurance: Integrated emergency medical coverage.
• BRN System & Ground Services: Verification fees for hotel and logistics coordination.
• Concierge & Expert Document Review: Document verification, error handling, and 24/7 dedicated pilgrim support.

For transparent pricing without hidden surcharges, explore our Visa Options & Pricing starting from ₹18,500 with all fees and taxes fully inclusive.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa?

Yes. If you hold a valid Saudi Multiple-Entry Tourist eVisa (or qualify for Visa on Arrival through valid US/UK/Schengen visas), you are legally permitted to perform Umrah throughout the year, except during the restricted Hajj pilgrimage period. However, you must still book your Umrah and Rawdah permits via the Nusuk app.

How far in advance should I apply for an Umrah visa?

We recommend submitting your application 2 to 3 weeks prior to your planned departure date. While eVisas are often processed within 24 to 72 hours, early submission allows ample time to resolve document anomalies and secure prime Rawdah booking slots.

What is a Hotel BRN and why is it mandatory?

A Booking Reference Number (BRN) is an electronic confirmation code issued through Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah certified portals. It proves that the pilgrim has secured approved lodging and ground services, preventing overcrowding and unauthorized stays.

Can women travel for Umrah without a Mahram in 2026?

Yes, absolutely. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially permitted women of all ages to apply for an Umrah visa and travel independently without requiring a male guardian (Mahram).

What is the validity of an Umrah visa versus duration of stay?

A standard Umrah eVisa is valid for entry for 90 days from the date of issue. Once you enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, your permitted length of stay is up to 90 days (or the specific duration specified on your individual visa package).

Can I bring Zamzam water back with an Umrah visa?

Yes. Pilgrims holding an Umrah visa are permitted to purchase one factory-packaged 5-litre can of Zamzam water from designated airport counters (such as King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah) for their return flight, subject to airline baggage policies.

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Start Your Journey with Peace of Mind

Your pilgrimage is a sacred milestone that deserves absolute peace of mind. Let Marhaba Haji handle the complex paperwork, BRN validations, and embassy filings so you can focus entirely on your spiritual preparations.

Apply for Your Umrah Visa Today or connect with our 24/7 concierge team on WhatsApp Support for immediate guidance.