Umrah Visa from New Zealand for Indians and NRIs: Rules and Travel Guide (2026)
Quick answer
New Zealand citizens can usually apply online for the Saudi tourist eVisa and perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Indian passport holders living in New Zealand on New Zealand residence, a work visa or a student visa should apply for an Umrah visa as Indian nationals — or for the tourist eVisa if they hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that qualifies. After the visa is issued, book Umrah and Rawdah permits free in the Nusuk app. Your passport needs at least six months' validity.
Large Indian and Indian-origin Muslim communities live in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton. Many families include members with different passports — this guide explains which visa each person should use so the whole family can travel together.
Which visa should you use from New Zealand?
- New Zealand passport holders: the Saudi tourist eVisa, applied for at visa.visitsaudi.com, allows Umrah outside the Hajj season.
- Indian passport holders living in New Zealand: apply for an Umrah visa as an Indian national. Your New Zealand residence status does not by itself make you eligible for the eVisa.
- Indian passport holders with a valid, used US, UK or Schengen visa may qualify for the Saudi tourist eVisa — confirm on the official portal.
- Mixed-passport families can travel together; each person simply applies under their own passport's route.
- Umrah on a tourist visa is not possible during the Hajj season.
Documents needed from New Zealand
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- Proof of New Zealand residence (New Zealand residence, a work visa or a student visa) for Indian passport holders
- Recent passport-style photograph on a white background
- Confirmed return or onward flight booking
- Accommodation booking for your stay in Makkah and Madinah
- Health insurance covering your stay in Saudi Arabia (often included in the visa fee)
- Vaccinations required by Saudi health authorities for the season — commonly meningitis (ACYW135); check current requirements
Travel guidance from New Zealand
- Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC) connect to Jeddah and Madinah with one stop via Doha, Dubai, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. There are no direct flights.
- Expect 20–28 hours of total travel from Auckland, depending on the connection.
- Check that your New Zealand visa allows travel and re-entry on your return date — some work and student visas have travel conditions.
- Budget in NZD: flights are usually the largest cost — use our cost calculator and switch currency to see an estimate.
- Book Umrah and Rawdah permits in Nusuk as soon as the visa is issued — slots fill quickly around Ramadan and school holidays.
Common mistakes from New Zealand-based pilgrims
- Assuming PR or a work permit qualifies an Indian passport for the eVisa.
- Booking non-refundable flights before the visa is issued.
- A residence card or visa that expires during the trip.
- Name spelling on the application not matching the passport.
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.
Can Indians living in New Zealand get the Saudi eVisa for Umrah?
Not just by living in New Zealand. Indian passport holders usually need an Umrah visa unless they hold a qualifying valid US, UK or Schengen visa. New Zealand citizens can use the tourist eVisa.
I am a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin — which visa do I use?
Apply with your New Zealand passport for the Saudi tourist eVisa. Travel on the same passport you applied with.
Are there direct flights from New Zealand to Jeddah?
Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC) connect to Jeddah and Madinah with one stop via Doha, Dubai, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. There are no direct flights.
Can my family with different passports travel together?
Yes. Each person applies under their own passport's route, then you book the same flights and hotels and travel together.
Can I book my Umrah permit (time slot) myself if I travel from New Zealand?
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.
Ask a questionReady to move forward?
Our specialists audit every document before submission, so faults are found while they are still free to fix.
Related guides
- Documents checklistEverything you need to submit, with the exact specification
- Rejection reasonsWhy applications fail, and how to make sure yours does not
- Women, children and seniorsMahram rules, children's documents and support for elderly pilgrims
- Umrah visa from the UKBritish passport holders: eVisa, documents, flights and Umrah permits