What Is Umrah? A Brief Overview for First-Time Pilgrims
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah in Saudi Arabia, involving a set of rituals performed at and around Masjid al-Haram — the Grand Mosque that houses the Kaaba, the cubic black-draped structure that Muslims around the world face during prayer.
Unlike Hajj, Umrah has no fixed dates and can be performed at any point in the Islamic calendar. It consists of four primary rituals:
Ihram: Entering a state of spiritual purity by wearing the two-piece white seamless garment (for men) or modest white/plain clothing (for women), accompanied by the intention (niyyah) and the recitation of the Talbiyah. Ihram is assumed at the Miqat — designated points outside Makkah.
Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. This is performed at Masjid al-Haram and is the centrepiece of the pilgrimage.
Sa'i: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating the action of Hajar (Hagar), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, in search of water for her infant son Ismail.
Halq or Taqsir: Shaving (Halq) or shortening (Taqsir) the hair, marking the completion of Umrah and the exit from the state of Ihram.
Most Umrah packages also include time in Madinah — visiting Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque), Masjid Quba, and other significant sites — though technically these visits are separate from the Umrah ritual itself and are motivated by Sunnah and devotion rather than obligation.
Umrah Visa 2025–26: The New Rules Every Indian Pilgrim Must Know
The Nusuk Platform — Now Central to Everything
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk Masar platform as a unified digital gateway for all Umrah-related services. From the 2025–26 Umrah season, this platform has become the backbone of the entire process. The new requirement — which came into effect on 10 June 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH) — mandates that no international pilgrim will be granted an Umrah visa without first documenting their housing contracts through Nusuk Masar, exclusively in hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
In practical terms: every Umrah visa application must now be linked to a verified Booking Reference Number (BRN) for both accommodation and transport before the visa is issued. Bookings must be made through Nusuk or a licensed partner so the BRN syncs with the Ministry's visa system.
Can Indian Passport Holders Apply Directly on Nusuk?
No — not currently. As of June 2025, Indian passport holders cannot apply for an Umrah visa directly through the Nusuk.sa platform. Only travellers from eVisa-eligible or visa-exempt countries (UK, USA, EU nations, GCC countries, Malaysia, and others) can use the direct Nusuk route. Indian Muslims must apply for their visa through a licensed and authorised Umrah travel agent recognised by the Saudi authorities.
This is a critical distinction: Indian pilgrims cannot self-process their Umrah visa online. An authorised agent is mandatory.
What Has Changed in 2025–26: A Summary
| Rule |
Old System |
New System (2025–26) |
| Hotel booking requirement |
Recommended but not mandatory |
Mandatory — BRN required before visa |
| Transport booking requirement |
Optional |
Mandatory — must be pre-booked and logged |
| Visa entry window |
90 days from issuance |
30 days from issuance |
| Total stay allowance |
30 days |
Up to 90 days |
| Visa type |
Multiple categories |
"Any Visa is an Umrah Visa" policy (tourist, transit, or Umrah visa all qualify) |
| Application route (India) |
Through agents or embassy |
Only through authorised agents — no direct Nusuk self-application |
The "Any Visa Is an Umrah Visa" Policy
A significant change in 2026: holders of Saudi tourist, transit, or personal visit visas can also perform Umrah, as long as the visa is linked to Nusuk before arrival and a permit is issued through the app. This has expanded the pathways through which a pilgrim can enter Saudi Arabia while performing Umrah.
Practical Timeline: When to Apply
Because you must now enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of visa issuance (rather than 90), the planning sequence has changed:
- Fix your dates first — book flights and hotels before applying for the visa
- Confirm your BRN through your authorised agency (accommodation + transport must both be logged)
- Apply for visa approximately 3–4 weeks before departure
- Enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of visa issuance
- Total permitted stay: up to 90 days from entry
Visa processing typically takes 24–72 hours for standard applications; some agencies offer express processing.
Documents Required for Umrah Visa (India)
| Document |
Notes |
| Valid passport |
Minimum 6 months validity from travel date |
| Recent passport-sized photographs |
White background, Saudi visa specifications |
| Confirmed return flight tickets |
Both onward and return must be confirmed |
| Verified hotel booking (BRN) |
For Makkah and Madinah — must be through Nusuk-compliant accommodation |
| Pre-booked transport confirmation |
Logged in the Nusuk system |
| Mahram documentation (for women under 45) |
Women must travel with a Mahram (male guardian) — husband, father, brother, or son — or in a group of women under specific conditions set by the Saudi Ministry |
| Medical/health certificate |
May be required for elderly or those with specific health conditions |
| Travel insurance |
Highly recommended; some agencies require it |
Important: Saudi regulations require that women under 45 years of age travel with a Mahram. Women 45 years and above may travel in a group without a Mahram, provided they submit a no-objection letter from their Mahram. Verify current rules with your agency, as these have evolved.
Umrah Package Cost from India: A Realistic Breakdown (2025–26)
Package costs from India vary significantly based on five variables: departure city, accommodation tier (star rating and hotel zone), room sharing arrangement, season of travel, and trip duration. Understanding each helps you build a realistic budget.
Variable 1 — Accommodation Hotel Zones
Distance from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah is the single biggest driver of hotel price — and for good reason. The closer you are, the less walking required between prayers and your room, which matters enormously for elderly pilgrims, those with mobility limitations, and families with children.
| Zone |
Distance from Haram |
Typical Hotel Category |
Nightly Rate (Per Room) |
| Zone A (Premium) |
0–200 metres |
5-star (Hilton, Marriott, Pullman) |
₹8,000–₹25,000+ |
| Zone B (Comfort) |
200–600 metres |
3–4 star |
₹4,000–₹8,000 |
| Zone C (Economy) |
600 metres–1 km |
Budget/guesthouses |
₹2,000–₹4,000 |
For elderly pilgrims or those with limited mobility: Dermatologists consistently recommend Zone A or B — the short walk to Haram for each of the five daily prayers, multiplied over 10–15 days, covers significant distances. Being farther away reduces the number of prayers that can comfortably be offered in congregation at the Haram itself.
Variable 2 — Room Sharing
Your per-person rate goes up as you share with fewer people. For the same room:
- Quad sharing (4 per room) — lowest per-person cost
- Triple sharing (3 per room) — moderate
- Twin sharing (2 per room) — standard
- Single occupancy — highest per-person cost, typically 40–60% premium over twin
Variable 3 — Season of Travel
Timing your Umrah significantly affects cost:
| Season |
Demand |
Price Premium |
| Ramadan (March–April 2025) |
Extremely High |
+80–120% over off-season |
| Dhul Hijjah (Hajj season, May–June 2025) |
High |
+40–60% |
| Rabi al-Awwal (Prophet's birthday month) |
Moderate |
+20–30% |
| Off-season (Shawwal to Dhul Qa'dah) |
Low |
Best value — 30–40% lower |
| Winter months (November–January) |
Moderate |
Comfortable climate; moderate pricing |
Planning ahead and choosing off-peak travel can make the same trip 30–40% less expensive.
Complete Package Cost Ranges from India (2025–26)
| Package Type |
Duration |
What's Included |
Cost Per Person |
| Budget / Economy |
10–12 days |
Economy flights, Zone C hotels, quad sharing, visa, shared transport |
₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Silver / Standard |
12–15 days |
Economy or budget airline, Zone B hotels, triple/twin sharing, visa, group transport |
₹1,00,000 – ₹1,40,000 |
| Deluxe / Gold |
14–15 days |
Direct flights or preferred airline, Zone B hotels 3–4 star, twin sharing, visa, private transfers, Ziyarat |
₹1,40,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Premium / 5 Star |
14–21 days |
Direct flights, Zone A 5-star hotels, twin or single sharing, visa, private AC transport, guided Ziyarat, full meals |
₹1,80,000 – ₹3,00,000+ |
| Luxury / VIP |
15–21 days |
Business class flights, Haramain-adjacent 5-star, single occupancy, personal guide, all-inclusive |
₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000+ |
Cost Component-by-Component Breakdown
| Component |
Economy |
Standard |
Deluxe/5-Star |
| Return flights |
₹35,000–₹50,000 |
₹40,000–₹60,000 |
₹55,000–₹80,000 |
| Umrah visa |
₹12,000–₹15,000 |
₹14,000–₹18,000 |
₹15,000–₹22,000 |
| Hotel Makkah (10–14 nights) |
₹18,000–₹35,000 |
₹35,000–₹65,000 |
₹80,000–₹2,00,000 |
| Hotel Madinah (4–5 nights) |
₹10,000–₹18,000 |
₹18,000–₹35,000 |
₹40,000–₹1,00,000 |
| Ground transport |
₹5,000–₹8,000 |
₹7,000–₹12,000 |
₹12,000–₹25,000 |
| Food (if not included) |
₹8,000–₹15,000 |
₹10,000–₹18,000 |
Included in luxury |
| Ziyarat / guided tours |
₹2,000–₹5,000 |
₹3,000–₹7,000 |
₹5,000–₹15,000 |
Note on TCS: Tax Collected at Source (TCS) at 5% applies to overseas remittances above ₹7 lakh under India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme. TCS is credited against your income tax liability and refundable if your tax liability is lower. Ask your agency to clarify TCS applicability and structure when comparing packages.
Best Umrah Travel Agencies from India (2025–26)
1. Atlas Umrah (Mumbai)
Website: atlasumrah.com | Phone: +91 22 6141 1000
One of India's largest and most recognised Umrah operators, Atlas offers daily departures with a strong track record for reliability. Their packages span economy to luxury tiers with groups of varying sizes. Known for hotels near Haram, responsive on-ground support in Saudi Arabia, and NRI-friendly booking. Reviews consistently highlight the quality of their Makkah and Madinah ground staff.
Packages from: ₹85,000 | Best for: Group travel, first-time pilgrims, families
2. Al Khalid Tours & Travels (Mumbai)
Website: alkhalidtours.com | Phone: +91-22-23011111
A household name in Indian Umrah travel, led by Dr. Yusuf Ahmed Kherada — described by The Times of India as the "Walking Encyclopaedia on Hajj and Umrah." Al Khalid specialises in premium and luxury Umrah packages with direct flights, luxurious hotels, and decades of on-the-ground experience. Their deep knowledge of logistics and spiritual itineraries makes them particularly well-suited for pilgrims who want expert guidance alongside comfort.
Packages from: ₹1,10,000 | Best for: Premium packages, experienced guidance, elderly pilgrims
3. Al Hadi India (Mumbai)
Website: alhadiindia.com
Known for competitive mid-range packages with strong value-for-money positioning. Their Deluxe packages, starting from approximately ₹72,786 per person, provide a 3–4 star hotel experience at near-economy pricing. Customer reviews highlight the quality of their group leader (guide), Arif Bhai, who accompanies every group on Ziyarat visits personally.
Packages from: ₹72,000 | Best for: Mid-range budget, families, solo travellers from Mumbai
4. GoSalam (New Delhi & Srinagar)
Website: gosalam.com
A verified and authorised agency with offices in New Delhi and Srinagar, specialising in BRN-compliant packages with transparent component-wise pricing. Offers 24/7 on-ground support in Saudi Arabia and India, over a decade of experience, and 50,000+ pilgrims served. Their economy options starting from ₹69,000 are among the most competitive in North India.
Packages from: ₹69,000 | Best for: North Indian pilgrims, budget packages, single travellers
5. Atyab Travels (Hyderabad)
Website: atyabtravels.in
A Hyderabad-based agency strong among South Indian pilgrims, known for competitive pricing and the inclusion of an Umrah kit with every booking (Ihram, hijab, ihram belt, Tasbih, and an Umrah guide in English/Hindi/Urdu). Their packages span economy to luxury and they arrange direct flights from Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore — eliminating the need to transit through Mumbai or Delhi.
Packages from: ₹45,000 (short stay, economy) | Best for: South Indian pilgrims, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore departures
6. Talbiya Umrah Pvt. Ltd. (Multiple Cities)
Website: talbiyaumrah.com
Recognised among the top 10 Hajj and Umrah operators in India, Talbiya offers Umrah, Hajj, Iraq Ziyarat, and Islamic tours. Strong on customisation and tailor-made packages for families, solo travellers, and senior citizens. Good for pilgrims who want more personalised attention than a large group operator provides.
Packages from: ₹80,000 | Best for: Personalised packages, Iraq Ziyarat add-ons, family groups
7. DIY Umrah India (Pan-India Digital Platform)
Website: diyumrah.in
A newer, tech-forward platform for pilgrims who want to build a customised package rather than choosing from fixed group itineraries. Handles BRN verification, Nusuk compliance, medical insurance, and all mandatory Saudi requirements. Particularly useful for travellers departing from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, or Delhi who want flexibility in departure dates without joining a fixed group.
Packages from: ₹75,000 | Best for: Customised itineraries, tech-savvy pilgrims, flexible dates
8. Al Mahad Tours and Travels (Hyderabad)
Website: almahadtravels.com
Offers a full range of Economy, Deluxe, Luxury, Short-Stay, and Family Umrah Packages. Also operates UmrahVisaFromIndia.com, a visa facilitation service that manages document verification, BRN processing, and submission. Useful for pilgrims who want to handle flights independently but need visa and hotel booking support.
Packages from: ₹70,000 | Best for: Flexible packages, visa-only or hotel-only bookings, South India
Seasonal Guide: Best Time to Perform Umrah from India
| Period |
Islamic Month |
Climate |
Crowd |
Cost |
Recommended For |
| Ramadan (Mar–Apr 2025) |
Ramadan 1446 |
Warm |
Very crowded |
Premium |
Spiritually intense; many prefer this despite cost |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) |
Varies |
Cool (20–28°C) |
Moderate |
Good value |
Elderly, families, first-timers |
| Off-season (Jul–Sep) |
Muharram–Safar |
Very hot (40–45°C) |
Low |
Best value |
Budget-conscious pilgrims; heat is a real challenge |
| Spring (Mar–May) |
Rajab–Sha'ban |
Pleasant |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Good balance of value and comfort |
Practical tip for India departures: Flights from Hyderabad and Calicut (Kozhikode) to Jeddah and Madinah are frequently more competitive than those from Delhi or Mumbai. If your origin city does not have a direct connection, flying to a hub with direct Saudi flights and booking separately can sometimes be cheaper than a through-ticket via a major metro.
Step-by-Step Planning Checklist
6–8 Months Before Departure
- Choose your travel dates considering season, budget, and family schedule
- Select a travel tier (economy, standard, deluxe, 5-star)
- Contact 2–3 authorised agencies for quotes and compare component-by-component
3–4 Months Before
- Confirm agency and pay initial deposit
- Verify your passport validity (minimum 6 months from travel date)
- Begin collecting documents: photographs, return ticket (may be provisional)
- For women: confirm Mahram arrangements if travelling with a male guardian or group
4–6 Weeks Before
- Confirm hotel BRN with your agency (must be Nusuk Masar-verified)
- Confirm transport bookings are logged in the system
- Apply for Umrah visa (remember: you must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of visa issuance, so do not apply too early)
- Arrange travel insurance
- Begin preparing spiritually: learn Tawaf and Sa'i rituals, study duas, purchase Ihram
1–2 Weeks Before
- Confirm all bookings and receive physical/digital confirmation documents
- Purchase Saudi riyals or arrange a prepaid forex card (zero-markup cards like Niyo are useful)
- Pack light: Ihram (men), loose modest clothing (women), comfortable walking shoes, medications, sunscreen
- Download the Nusuk app for on-ground navigation and Umrah permit
In Saudi Arabia
- Obtain Umrah permit through Nusuk (required to enter Masjid al-Haram in certain periods)
- Stay close to your group and agency's ground representative
- Keep photocopies of all documents separately from originals
Key Tips for Indian Pilgrims
Book and verify before you apply for the visa. Under the new rules, the visa only comes after your hotel and transport are logged in Nusuk. Do not apply for a visa expecting to sort bookings later — applications without a valid BRN are rejected.
Compare agencies on ground support quality, not just price. The difference between a ₹85,000 and a ₹1,00,000 package is often the quality of in-Kingdom support — how quickly your agency responds when there is a hotel problem, whether they have an on-ground representative in Makkah, and whether the Ziyarat guide is knowledgeable. Read recent reviews, not testimonials on agency websites.
Factor in personal spending. Packages typically do not include personal meals (unless explicitly stated), Zamzam water purchases to bring home, gifts (Itr, dates, prayer beads), and shopping in Makkah and Madinah. Budget an additional ₹15,000–₹30,000 per person for personal expenses depending on how much you plan to bring home.
For elderly pilgrims: prioritise proximity over savings. A Zone A or Zone B hotel that saves 15 minutes of walking per prayer adds up to hours saved per day for five prayers. The additional cost is meaningful — but so is the ability to pray at the Haram without exhaustion.
Group packages are not the only option. Independent and customised packages have become significantly more viable in 2025–26, with platforms like DIY Umrah India managing the Nusuk compliance while you choose your own flights, hotels, and dates. This suits travellers with specific date requirements or those who want to travel with immediate family only.
A Final Word
Umrah is not primarily a travel experience. It is a spiritual one — and the logistical clarity of a well-planned journey directly affects the quality of presence a pilgrim can bring to the rituals themselves. Understanding the visa rules, choosing a trustworthy agency, and budgeting honestly are not bureaucratic distractions from the spiritual purpose. They are the preparation that allows the pilgrim to arrive unburdened and present.
May your journey to the House of Allah be blessed, accepted, and filled with ease.
Package prices, visa fees, and regulations reflect information available as of June 2026. Umrah rules are subject to change by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Always verify current requirements with your authorised travel agency and through official Saudi government channels (nusuk.sa, moh.gov.sa) before booking. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute travel or financial advice.