Can You Perform Umrah on a Saudi Tourist Visa? (2026 Guide)
Yes, the Saudi tourist eVisa lets eligible travellers perform Umrah for most of the year, except during the Hajj season. Here are the rules, the timing, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Yes, you can perform Umrah on a Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa. Since 2022, the Kingdom has let tourist-visa holders perform Umrah at any time of year, except during the Hajj season. The tourist eVisa is commonly a 1-year, multiple-entry visa with stays of up to 90 days, so eligible travellers can visit Makkah for Umrah, often more than once, without a separate Umrah visa. You still cannot use it for Hajj or for paid work.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Saudi tourist eVisa lets eligible travellers perform Umrah for most of the year, except during the Hajj season.
- It is commonly a 1-year, multiple-entry visa with stays of up to 90 days, so you can perform Umrah more than once.
- You do not need a separate Umrah visa. The tourist eVisa covers it.
- It does not cover Hajj, paid work, or study.
- Only Muslims may enter Makkah and the central sanctuary in Madinah. The rest of Saudi Arabia is open to all visitors.
Can you perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes. Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has allowed holders of the tourist eVisa to perform Umrah, the non-mandatory pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) that Muslims can undertake at any time of year. You no longer need a special pilgrimage visa just to visit the Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba. For eligible travellers, the standard tourist visa is enough.
There is one clear boundary. The tourist eVisa covers Umrah, not Hajj. Hajj is the obligatory pilgrimage performed on fixed dates, and it requires its own dedicated Hajj visa. If your plan is Umrah plus some sightseeing across the Kingdom, the tourist eVisa is built for exactly that.
When can you perform Umrah, and when can’t you?
You can perform Umrah on a tourist visa all year, except during the Hajj season. The Hajj period falls in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, and in the weeks around it the authorities restrict Umrah so the focus stays on Hajj pilgrims. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Hajj dates move roughly 10 to 11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar, so always confirm the current season before you book.
Outside that window, timing is flexible. Many travellers choose the cooler months, or the last third of Ramadan, when performing Umrah carries special significance. Those are also the busiest and most crowded times in Makkah, so plan ahead if you go then.
Tourist eVisa vs dedicated Umrah visa: what’s the difference?
Both let you perform Umrah, but they suit different travellers. The dedicated Umrah visa, issued through Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk platform, is purpose-built for pilgrims and can be used year-round outside Hajj. The tourist eVisa is more versatile. It is a 1-year, multiple-entry visa that lets you combine Umrah with tourism across the Kingdom, from Riyadh to AlUla to the Red Sea coast, on a single document.
In our experience helping travellers, most people who want to see more of Saudi Arabia, and not only Makkah and Madinah (Medina), find the tourist eVisa the simpler choice. If your trip is purely a pilgrimage, either route works well.
Who is eligible to use the tourist visa for Umrah?
Eligibility for Umrah on a tourist visa follows the ordinary tourist eVisa rules. Citizens of 66 eligible countries can apply online and use that visa for Umrah. If your nationality is not on the eVisa list, you may still qualify for a visa on arrival when you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa. Otherwise, you can apply through the nearest Saudi embassy.
For the complete document checklist, see our tourist visa requirements guide.
How long can you stay, and how many times?
Your visa lasts a year and permits multiple entries, giving you up to 90 days in the country across that period. You can use those days in one visit or spread them over several trips, which is what makes returning for Umrah straightforward.
What do you need to apply?
The requirements match any tourist eVisa. You need a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-style photo on a white background sized 2 by 2 inches, and a debit or credit card for payment. Your approved eVisa arrives by email as a PDF, usually within about five working days. Every traveller needs their own eVisa, including children, so families apply separately for each member.
Can women perform Umrah on the tourist visa?
Yes. Under current Saudi rules, women of all ages can perform Umrah without a mahram, a male guardian, whether they travel alone or in a group, using the tourist eVisa. This is a significant change from older requirements. Pilgrimage rules can be updated, so it is worth confirming the latest guidance with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel.
Can you visit Madinah too?
Yes. Many pilgrims pair Umrah in Makkah with a visit to Madinah and the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), and the tourist eVisa lets you travel throughout Saudi Arabia to do so. One point matters for planning. Entry to Makkah and the central sanctuary area of Madinah is reserved for Muslims. The rest of the country, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, is open to visitors of all faiths.
How to apply for your Umrah-ready eVisa
Applying takes three steps and about five working days. First, choose your visa and enter your travel and passport details. Next, upload your passport scan and photo, then pay securely online. Finally, you receive your approved eVisa by email as a PDF. When you are ready to plan your pilgrimage, , and you can at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes. Eligible tourist eVisa holders can perform Umrah for most of the year, except during the Hajj season. You do not need a separate Umrah visa, because the tourist eVisa covers the pilgrimage to Makkah along with travel across the rest of Saudi Arabia.
Can I perform Hajj on a tourist visa?
No. The tourist eVisa covers Umrah only, and only outside the Hajj season. Hajj needs a dedicated Hajj visa issued through the official channels. If your goal is Hajj, the tourist visa is not the right route.
When is Umrah not allowed on a tourist visa?
Umrah on a tourist visa is restricted during the Hajj season, which falls in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, these dates move each year, so confirm the current Hajj period before you book.
Do I need a separate Umrah visa if I already have a tourist eVisa?
No. The tourist eVisa already permits Umrah for eligible travellers, so a separate Umrah visa is not required. A dedicated Umrah visa through the Nusuk platform is an alternative if you prefer a pilgrimage-only route.
Can women perform Umrah on a tourist visa without a mahram?
Yes. Under current Saudi rules, women of all ages can perform Umrah without a mahram, alone or in a group, on the tourist eVisa. Pilgrimage rules can change, so confirm the latest guidance before you travel.
How many times can I perform Umrah on one tourist visa?
The visa covers a full year with multiple entries, and you can spend up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia during it. That allowance lets you perform Umrah more than once without applying again.
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