Umrah Visa for Indians: Eligibility, Types, Fees, Application Process, and Rules

Umrah Visa for Indians - A Complete Guide (2025) 

Going on Umrah is a significant sacred journey for Muslims in India and requires careful preparation and in-depth planning, including obtaining a valid Umrah visa from India for a seamless journey to the Holy Land of Makkah (or Mecca). Umrah visa allows Indian pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia specifically to perform this sacred Islamic pilgrimage, and stay back for a specified period of time to make Ziyarat tours of various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah (or Medina). 

Understanding the eligibility criteria and essential documents is paramount for successful Umrah visa applications. The following extensive guide contains everything you need to know about applying for an Umrah visa from India, including the current fees, rules, and step-by-step process to apply for it. 

What is an Umrah Visa? 

An Umrah visa is an important travel permit issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, allowing Muslims from around the world to enter into their country to specifically perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah. It is a religious visa, different from work and tourist visas, and is generally obtained through trusted Umrah travel agents licensed to process them. Umrah visas can be single or multiple entry. 

Additionally, there are a few key differences between Umrah visa and Hajj visa, including: 

• Purpose: Umrah visa is designed for Muslims to perform Umrah, and Hajj visa is designed for Muslims to go on the Hajj pilgrimage.
• Restrictions: Umrah visas are generally valid for a specific period, and pilgrims may visit other Saudi Arabia cities during their stay. Hajj visas are valid only for the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah and the other areas dedicated to the sacred rites.
• Availability: Umrah visa is available year-round, while Hajj visa is issued exclusively during the Hajj season.
• Application Process: In some countries, Umrah visas can be obtained by applying online. Hajj visa cannot be obtained directly from the Saudi Arabian authorities.

Who Can Apply for an Umrah Visa from India? 

The following clearly outlines who can apply for a visa for Umrah from India. If you fail to meet any of these requirements, the chances of your application being rejected are high. 

• Eligibility Criteria for Indian Nationals

Any Indian citizen who is a Muslim and at least 18 years of age can apply for an Umrah visa. Children (minors) under the permissible age of 18 have to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Some Muslims need to provide proof of their Islamic faith, especially if their name does not indicate it. Typically, a certificate from a mosque or recognized Islamic centre affirming the Muslim faith of such individuals is sufficient evidence. 

• Age Restrictions

There are no age restrictions to perform Umrah, and even children are allowed to visit the Holy Land for this pilgrimage. However, they must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian responsible for their safety and well-being, as the rituals of Umrah can be challenging for many. 

• Mahram Requirements

Female pilgrims must be accompanied by a Mahram (a close male relative they are not allowed to marry, such as father, brother, or son) on their Umrah journey. However, women aged 45 and above are now allowed to travel for Umrah without a Mahram if they are going as part of a recognized group. However, they need to bring a written permission (No-Objection Certificate) from their Mahram for the pilgrimage. 

• Passport Validity and Documentation

All pilgrims must have a passport valid for at least six months to obtain Umrah visa for Indians. They must also produce other important documents, including recent passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation in Makkah or Madinah, essential vaccination certificates, and return flight details. 

Types of Umrah Visas for Indian Citizens 

The types of visas for Umrah that Indian Muslims can avail can be broadly categorized into the following. You can pick whichever you are most qualified to obtain for an easier, hassle-free application process. 

• Standard Umrah Visa

A standard Umrah visa is one that you can obtain through the assistance of a registered and licensed Umrah travel agency. These experts can help process applications quickly and efficiently at reasonable charges, allowing pilgrims to have peace of mind knowing that their visas will be processed in time for their journey to Makkah. Many agencies also offer all-inclusive Umrah packages with flight and hotel deals, including Umrah visa services as part of the deal. 

• e-Visa for Umrah

Provided they meet the eligibility criteria, some Indians can opt for the Umrah visa online apply option, otherwise called an e-Visa to Saudi Arabia, allowing them to perform Umrah during their visit. However, they must have a valid GCC residence visa or hold a valid UK, Schengen, or US visa to apply for an Umrah e-Visa on the official Saudi e-Visa website. 

• Umrah Visa with Saudi Tourist Packages

Yes, it is possible to apply for an Umrah visa as part of a Saudi tourist package, as you will require a separate visa to perform the Islamic pilgrimage. This rule may be subject to change by the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry, allowing tourists to perform Umrah on a tourist visa. Nevertheless, it's best to have a valid Umrah visa meant for the specific purpose of this holy Islamic pilgrimage. 

Umrah Visa Fees for Indians in 2025 

Whether you’re seeking a 15 days Umrah visa price from India or a permit for a longer trip, there are certain factors that will influence the overall cost. Elaborated below are a few of these key aspects that determine how much you will ultimately pay for your visa for Umrah pilgrimage from India. 

• General Price Range: The Umrah visa price from India in 2025 typically ranges from INR 7,000 to INR 15,000, depending on the specific visa type, such as single-entry or multiple-entry. The final cost may vary based on market rate fluctuations and other pivotal factors.
• Government Visa Charges: There may be government charges associated with your Umrah visa application processing fees. The exact cost will depend on the current fees, so keep a watch on the latest price and other updates.
• Travel Agency Service Fees: You will need to pay service fees if you employ the services of a travel agency for obtaining Umrah visa. However, depending on the reliability and competency of the agency, even an Umrah visa 3 months’ price can be quite reasonable, subject to current rates and terms.
• Additional Costs and Expenses: Depending on how you decide to apply for your Umrah visa, you may incur other expenses, such as travel insurance, RT-PCR tests (if applicable), vaccinations, biometric capture (facial scans, fingerprints, etc.), and similar essentials.

How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from India 

Step-by-Step Process 

1. Choose an Approved Umrah Travel Agent: The Saudi Arabian Embassy will only process applications made through licensed and authorized Umrah travel agencies in India. Therefore, choose a reputable and experienced agency with the necessary license to process your application.
2. Submit All Required Documents: To help the agency complete and submit your application without errors, furnish all essential documents they require. These include a valid passport, round-trip flight tickets, recent passport-size photographs, vaccination certificates, and accommodation proof.
3. Pay Visa Processing Fees: Make payment once the agency confirms the final visa charges to you, which may include a nominal service fee towards the agency's services. The price may vary depending on the type of visa (single or multiple-entry).

4. Get Visa Approval: The agency will inform you once your application has been approved, and the visa for Umrah is typically issued electronically after the processing time is complete.

Required Documents 

• Application Form: You must have an Umrah visa application form filled out completely with all required personal details, such as name, contact information, etc.
• Valid Passport: Your Indian passport should have at least a six-month validity period from the intended date of your planned journey to Saudi for Umrah.
• Passport-Size Photographs: All Muslims must submit their most recent passport-size photos along with the form.
• Confirmed Return Ticket: A confirmed flight ticket showing you intend to return to India after your pilgrimage is a pivotal requirement.
• Proof of Accommodation: If you're booking a hotel, you must give proof of the reservation. If you're planning to stay with friends or relatives, you will need a letter from your hosts confirming this.
• Vaccination Certificates: Include proof of vaccinations for Meningococcal Meningitis, COVID-19 (if required), Yellow Fever, Polio, and all others deemed necessary by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
• Travel Itinerary: You may need to furnish details of your intended travel destinations once in Saudi Arabia, particularly holy sites you wish to visit as part of Ziyarat during Umrah.
• Certificate from A Mosque or Islamic Organization: Converts to Islam and those with non-Muslim names must provide a legitimate certificate confirming their Muslim faith from a mosque or a recognized Islamic organization.
• Financial Statement: You will need to submit bank statements and similar documents to demonstrate you have enough funds to cover all your travel expenses.
• Mahram Certificate for Female Pilgrims: Female pilgrims must submit a certificate proving their relationship with the Mahram and stating they have permission to perform Umrah.
• Travel Insurance: You must give proof you have comprehensive travel insurance when going for Umrah, covering various emergencies and unforeseen events.

Umrah Visa Rules and Conditions for Indian Umrah Pilgrims 

All Indian Muslims going for Umrah need to follow the rules, regulations, and conditions set forth by the Saudi government to ensure a smooth pilgrimage. Detailed below are a few of the most important ones to remember, especially if it’s your first time traveling to Makkah for Umrah. 

• Visa Validity Period: An Umrah visa for Indians is typically valid for 90 days, and overstaying after the validity expires may lead to fines, detention, even deportation.
• Restrictions: It is a religious visa that does not permit you to travel to Makkah for any reason outside of performing Umrah, which means you cannot use it for work, tourism, and other purposes.
• Duration of Stay: If you're booking a multiple-entry Umrah visa, you can enter and exit Saudi Arabia frequently. However, your overall duration of stay cannot exceed the permitted 90-day validity period.
• Dressing: In addition to avoiding apparel that are not permitted for pilgrims during Umrah, you must dress modestly at other times as well, especially when out in public.
• Conduct Rules: Avoid physical contact in public, such as holding hands or hugging, and be respectful toward the locals, particularly during prayer times.

• Respect for Sacred Sites: Treat the Haram, mosques, and all other sacred Islamic sites with reverence and respect during your visit.

When to Apply for an Umrah Visa 

• Best Time to Apply

The best time for Indians to book an Umrah visa is usually during the off-peak months following Hajj, which are Muharram, Safar, and Rabi al-Awwal. You may also consider booking it during the time of Dhul-Qi'dah. All these are good months cost-wise, as the prices are low. Additionally, crowds are fewer during this time, making it possible to perform the pilgrimage at a relaxed pace. 

• Low Umrah Season vs. Ramadan Rush

The off-peak seasons listed above are good for booking your Umrah visa if you want to take advantage of low prices. Conversely, the cost of Umrah visa applications will be higher during Ramadan, as it is peak season. However, if cost is not a concern, Ramadan is an excellent option as it brings greater spiritual rewards. You can also offset the overall travel cost by booking a Ramadan Umrah package deal well in advance of the trip. 

• How Early to Book before Your Travel Date

It's prudent to pick a reliable agency and submit an online application for Umrah visa from India at least a month in advance, leaving you enough chance to reapply in case it gets rejected. Moreover, since the visa process typically takes around 10 to 15 days, this gives you plenty of time to gather all essential documents so that the application is successful. 

What’s Included in an Umrah Visa Package? 

Note that before you book an Umrah deal, it's important to ensure it contains everything promised therein, allowing for a smooth experience. As such, a good Umrah visa package offered by a registered, trustworthy, and competent travel agency will include all the following and more. 

♦ Makkah & Madinah Hotels with Breakfast 

♦ Makkah & Madinah Ziyarat Tours - with the option of an expert guide 

♦ Round-Trip Flight Tickets 

♦ Airport Transfers 

♦ Laundry Service 

♦ Umrah Visa Assistance 

♦ 24-Hour Local Ground Support and On-Call Assistance 

♦ All Prices Are Based On Four People Sharing 

Umrah Visa FAQs for Indian Pilgrims 

Can I apply for an Umrah visa online myself? 

The Saudi government does not permit direct online applications for Indian citizens. You can apply at the Saudi Consulate in India or contract a licensed and trusted travel agency to submit the Umrah visa application on your behalf. 

Can women travel alone for Umrah? 

Female pilgrims aged 45 and above traveling in a recognized group can perform Umrah without a Mahram, provided they have a No-Objection certificate from their Mahram to do so. Many Umrah agencies in India offer safe and secure travel arrangements for women going for Umrah independently. 

Can I visit other cities in Saudi on this visa? 

Yes, Umrah visa from India generally allows visits to other cities in Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Medina, and Riyadh. However, the primary purpose of this type of visa is to perform Umrah in Makkah. It's wise to be aware of the latest visa-specific rules and conditions, as they may change from time to time at the discretion of the Saudi authorities.