Umrah Visa 2026: Requirements, eVisa Countries and How to Apply
The right Umrah visa depends on two things: the passport you hold and the country where you live. In 2026 most pilgrims use one of four routes. Find yours below, then check the documents and health rules that apply to everyone.
Which Umrah visa can you use?
| Your situation | Usual visa route | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Passport from an eVisa country (e.g. UK, USA, Canada, Australia, most of Europe, Malaysia, Japan) | Saudi tourist eVisa or visa on arrival | visa.visitsaudi.com |
| Valid US, UK or Schengen visa, or residency there | Tourist eVisa / visa on arrival (conditions apply) | visa.visitsaudi.com |
| Resident of a GCC country | GCC resident eVisa | visa.visitsaudi.com |
| Other nationalities (e.g. India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria) | Dedicated Umrah visa | Licensed Umrah provider or Nusuk |
Route 1: The Saudi tourist eVisa
Citizens of roughly 60–70 countries can apply online for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which permits Umrah except during the Hajj season. The list includes the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most EU states, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and South Africa. The visa includes mandatory medical insurance and is usually issued as a one-year, multiple-entry visa.
- Open visa.visitsaudi.com and choose the tourist eVisa.
- Upload a passport scan (valid for at least six months) and a photo, and enter your trip details.
- Pay the fee, which includes insurance, and download the visa from your email.
- Book your Umrah slot in the Nusuk app before visiting the Haram for Umrah.
Pilgrims from these countries can read our tailored guides for the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa.
Route 2: Holders of US, UK or Schengen visas and residents
Saudi Arabia also extends the eVisa or visa on arrival to many travellers who hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa, or a residence permit from those countries, even when their passport is not on the eVisa list. Conditions — such as having already used the visa to enter that country — can apply, so read the eligibility questions on the portal carefully.
Route 3: Residents of GCC countries
Expatriates living in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain may apply for the GCC resident eVisa. Approval depends on factors such as residency validity and profession, which have changed over time. GCC citizens themselves need no visa. Our UAE Umrah page explains the options for pilgrims living in the Emirates.
Route 4: The dedicated Umrah visa
Pilgrims whose passports are not covered by the routes above — including many travellers from India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria — apply for a dedicated Umrah visa, usually through a licensed Umrah provider or the Nusuk platform. This visa is linked to confirmed accommodation and is valid for Umrah and travel within the Kingdom for the period stated on it.
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages
- Recent passport-style photograph with a white background
- Confirmed return flight and hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah
- Meningococcal ACYW vaccination certificate
- Proof of residency or US/UK/Schengen visa, if applying through Route 2 or 3
- Nusuk account with every traveller added, including children
Vaccines and health rules
The Saudi Ministry of Health requires Umrah pilgrims to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease (ACYW), at least 10 days before arrival. Travellers from certain countries may also need polio or yellow fever certificates. Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended rather than required at the time of writing.
When Umrah visas are paused
Saudi Arabia stops issuing Umrah visas and permits for several weeks before and during Hajj, so the Haram can host Hajj pilgrims. Hajj 2027 is expected in mid-May 2027, depending on moon sighting. If you plan to travel in April or May, check the season’s cut-off dates early — our best time for Umrah guide covers the calendar.
