Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for Indian citizens

If you're traveling from India to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, you'll need the correct visa.

Making the Umrah pilgrimage requires careful planning. We’ll guide you through the visa application process to Saudi Arabia, making this step of your travel planning easier. Let’s get started.

Do Indian citizens need an Umrah Visa?

Yes, Indian nationals who want to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia must get a visa.

The rituals of Umrah hold deep spiritual significance. The Tawaf, where pilgrims circle the Kaaba, shows the unity of Muslims across the world. The Sa'i, the walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa, reflect the perseverance of Hagar.

The Umrah Visa allows Muslims to visit Mecca and Medina, the sacred cities in Saudi Arabia, specifically for pilgrimage. This type of visa is tailored for Umrah and is different from the visas for work or tourism.

Indian citizens have three main ways to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah:

1. Through an Umrah Visa from a licensed local travel agent or service provider approved by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Umrah packages.

2. By getting a Saudi Tourist eVisa.

You can apply for this eVisa online if you:

• Are a permanent resident of the USA, the UK, or the EU.

• Have a valid visa from the US, the UK, or any Schengen Zone country and have already used it once.

• Are a GCC resident with a permanent residence visa for at least three months.

If none of these apply, you'll need to apply for a visa at a Saudi embassy or consulate.

3. With a Saudi Transit eVisa. A transit/stopover visa can also be used to perform Umrah. Once you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you can stay for up to 96 hours.

Introduction of new Umrah Visa rule in 2024

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has updated the rules for Umrah Visas. Umrah Visas will now be valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Previously, the validity of the visa started when you arrived in Saudi Arabia.

Also, Umrah Visas for visitors from other countries will now expire on 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah, which is May 23, 2024, for this season. Before, these visas expired on 29 Dhu al-Qa’dah. This change allows more time for Saudi officials to prepare for the Hajj season, aiming to improve the experience for those coming for Umrah and Hajj.

All international pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia by this new expiration date. There are fines for staying longer than your visa allows, which will apply to both the pilgrims and the companies that arranged their visas.

How to get a Saudi Umrah Visa from India

1. Find an approved travel agency or service provider in India. Ask them for the list of documents you will need.

2. Gather all the required documents and submit them to the travel agency along with your filled-out visa application form.

3. Pay the visa and agency fees.

4. Wait for your application to be processed. The agency will let you know when your visa is approved.

5. Collect your passport from the travel agency. Double-check the visa details to ensure they're correct.

Saudi Arabian embassy in India

If you need consular assistance for Saudi Arabian visas, you can contact the Saudi Arabia Embassy in New Delhi.

• Address: EP 30, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India

• Phone: +91 11 2410 2000

If you're outside India or need Saudi Arabian consular services from another country, our Embassies Finder can help locate the nearest diplomatic mission.

What else should you know about Saudi Arabia before packing your bags? Check out our trip guide.