Key Takeaways
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
- Umrah visas for Indian citizens are applied for through authorised agents.
- Meningitis (ACYW) vaccination is required for Umrah pilgrims.
- Saudi rules on visa validity and stay change often – always confirm at booking.
In this article
For most pilgrims from India, the Umrah visa is the first practical step of the journey. The good news: the process today is fully electronic and usually quick when your documents are in order. Here is what you need to know.
Who Can Apply?
Any Muslim holding a valid Indian passport can apply for an Umrah visa through a travel agency authorised to work with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. The visa is linked to your package – hotel, transport and return flight – so it is applied for together with your booking.
Documents Required
- Passport – original, valid for at least 6 months from the travel date, with at least two blank pages.
- Photograph – recent passport-size colour photo with a white background, face clearly visible (no caps; women may wear a hijab that does not cover the face).
- Aadhaar and PAN card copies (commonly requested for booking and ticketing).
- Meningitis vaccination certificate (quadrivalent ACYW).
- Relationship proof for families travelling together – e.g. marriage certificate or birth certificate for children.
- Guardian consent / NOC for minors travelling without one or both parents.
The name on your ticket, visa and hotel booking must exactly match your passport. If your passport has only a given name and no surname, tell us early – some airlines need special handling.
Step-by-Step Visa Process
Choose your package and dates
Decide on travel month, hotel category and duration. We confirm availability for flights and hotels.
Submit documents
Share clear scans of your passport (first and last pages), photo and other documents at our Gorakhpur office or on WhatsApp.
Visa application
We submit your application through the official Saudi system. Mandatory medical insurance is included in the visa fee.
Visa issued
The e-visa is usually issued within a few working days. You receive a printable copy – no passport stamping is required.
Final documents
Before departure you get your e-visa, air ticket, hotel vouchers, transport details and group leader contacts.
Visa Validity and Length of Stay
The validity of the Umrah visa and the maximum length of stay are set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah and are revised from time to time. Our team confirms the current rules when you book, so your itinerary always fits the visa conditions. Overstaying can lead to heavy fines and future travel bans.
Umrah visa issuance usually stops for several weeks before and during the Hajj season and resumes afterwards. If you want to travel in Shawwal or Dhul Qa‘dah, plan and book early.
Other Ways to Perform Umrah
Saudi Arabia also allows holders of a Saudi tourist visa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Indian passport holders with a valid, used US, UK or Schengen visa may be eligible for a Saudi tourist e-visa. Eligibility rules change frequently, so ask us before relying on this route.
Apps You Will Use in Saudi Arabia
- Nusuk – the official app for booking the Rawdah visit in Masjid an-Nabawi and, at certain times (especially Ramadan), Umrah permits.
- Tawakkalna – the Saudi government services app, sometimes needed for permits and health information.
Our group leaders help you install and register on these apps after arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women travel for Umrah without a Mahram?
Saudi regulations now allow adult women to perform Umrah without a Mahram as part of an organised group. Read our guide for women pilgrims for details.
Is a police clearance certificate needed?
Not for a standard Umrah visa from India at present.
Can I visit other Saudi cities on an Umrah visa?
Rules have been relaxed in recent years, but conditions apply. We will advise you based on current regulations.
Need help with your Umrah visa?
Share your documents on WhatsApp and our visa desk will guide you step by step.
Travel Point Team
Hajj & Umrah Specialists since 2014 · Gorakhpur, Uttar PradeshOur team has guided thousands of pilgrims from Gorakhpur and across India on Hajj and Umrah. These guides are written from first-hand experience to help you prepare with confidence. For religious rulings, please also consult a trusted scholar.
