Marhaba Haji
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Umrah Visa Guide • Last reviewed September 30, 2026

Umrah from Inside Saudi Arabia: Permits for Residents and Visitors (2026)

Quick answer

Saudi citizens and iqama residents do not need a visa for Umrah — they book a free Umrah permit in the Nusuk app (usually logging in with Absher credentials) and travel to Makkah for their time slot. Visitors already in Saudi Arabia on a valid tourist, visit or business visa can generally also book a Nusuk permit outside the Hajj season. Residents who want to bring family from abroad can use the family visit or host pathways.

For people already in the Kingdom, Umrah is about permits, not visas. The Nusuk app is the key step.

How residents book Umrah

  1. 01Install NusukDownload the official Nusuk app and sign in, typically with your Absher account.
  2. 02Choose Umrah permitSelect a date and time slot. Add dependants registered under your iqama.
  3. 03Travel to MakkahDrive, take a bus or use the Haramain train from Riyadh (via connection), Jeddah or Madinah.
  4. 04Show the permitKeep the permit QR code ready on your phone.

Bringing family from abroad

Residents can invite relatives on a family visit visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs platform, and relatives can then book Umrah permits in Nusuk. See our Host / Absher / Iqama pathway for help with this route.

Travel guidance inside the Kingdom

  • Non-residents driving need a valid licence accepted in Saudi Arabia.
  • Parking near the Haram is limited; many pilgrims park at the edge of Makkah and use shuttle buses.
  • Check whether an exit or entry restriction applies to Makkah during the Hajj season — residents also need a Hajj permit to be in Makkah then.
  • Checkpoints on the roads into Makkah may turn back visitors without a valid Nusuk permit or a Makkah-issued iqama — keep the permit QR code ready.
  • During Ramadan the authorities have at times limited residents to one Umrah per month to manage crowds; Nusuk will show what is allowed.
  • Saudi citizens can invite a wider circle of visitors (personal visit visa); expatriate residents can generally only sponsor close family on a family visit visa.

Confirm the current rules before you book

Saudi Arabia updates visa eligibility, fees and seasonal restrictions (especially around Hajj) with little notice. Before paying for flights or hotels, check the official sources: the Saudi visa platform (visa.visitsaudi.com / ksavisa.sa), the Nusuk platform (umrah.nusuk.sa) and the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country.

Umrah is generally not possible on tourist or visit visas during the Hajj season, when Makkah access is restricted to Hajj permit holders. Plan Umrah dates outside that window.

Frequently asked

Questions pilgrims ask about this

Short, direct answers to the questions we hear most often from Indian pilgrims.

Do iqama holders need a visa for Umrah?

No. Iqama residents only need a Nusuk Umrah permit.

Can I do Umrah while visiting Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?

Generally yes, outside the Hajj season, after booking a Nusuk permit.

How often can residents perform Umrah?

Permit frequency rules have changed over the years, especially during busy seasons. Nusuk shows the dates available to you.

Can I book my Umrah permit (time slot) myself if I travel from Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Once you hold a valid visa, Umrah and Rawdah visit permits are booked through the Nusuk app. Permits are free but slots can sell out in busy periods, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.

Do women need a mahram for Umrah?

Saudi Arabia has relaxed the mahram requirement for women aged 18 and above travelling on eligible visas, typically with a group or organised arrangement. Rules for younger travellers and specific visa types differ, so confirm your own case before applying.

Can Marhaba Haji help with my application?

Our core service is for pilgrims from India, but our specialists can review your documents and explain which pathway fits you. Contact us before booking and we will tell you honestly whether we can help or whether you should apply directly.

Still have a question? Ask our visa assistant in your own words — answers link back to our guides.

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