An Indian's Guide to Umrah: Complete Details Here

Updated on Jun 04, 2025 | Saudi e-Visa

Embarking on the holy journey of Umrah is a prestigious occasion for Muslims worldwide. If you are an Indian passport holder and wish to experience a fulfilling tour to the house of Allah, you have to perform the sacred act of Umrah.

In this pilgrimage, Muslims travel to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates and calls for specific needs, the door to performing Umrah is always open and welcomes pilgrims with open arms. Thus, as you plan to travel to Mecca from India, the first step is to come to our online portal and apply for the Saudi Umrah Visa.

In 2023, around 18 lakh Indian Muslims traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. The country gets quite a significant number of Indian travelers for religious purposes. And for them, the first step in getting closer to the faith is to secure the Umrah Visa.

The KSA online visa application is easy and requires just a handful of information from your end. Once done with the visa application, you can set on this remarkable opportunity to lead a more meaningful and holier life. Allah awaits you to give His blessings and forgive you for all your sins.

First Step: Know about the Umrah Visa, Its Types, and How to Apply for the Visa

The Saudi Arabia government issues this travel document for Muslims to take a pilgrimage to Mecca and perform Umrah. The visa is given only for religious purposes and not for tourism or work. Pilgrims have to meet certain eligibility criteria to get the visa, which can either be of single-entry or multiple-entry. Also, during the KSA online visa application, choose the necessary Umrah package according to your budget and requirements.

The single-entry Saudi Umrah Visa will let you stay in the country for up to 30 days and will enable you to perform Umrah only during a particular season. The validity of the visa is for 30 days from the date of issuance

The multiple-entry Umrah Visa lets you enter Saudi Arabia multiple times over a period of 365 days and gives you a window of 90 days of staying during each visit. The validity is for 1 year, and those who wish to perform Umrah more than once can apply for this visa.

As an Indian Muslim, you have to meet the following to apply for the Saudi Umrah Visa:

Have a passport valid for 6 months from your departure from KSA
A male under the age of 18 years needs to be with a Mahram (a male guardian)
A female under the age of 45 years must be accompanied by a Mahram (a male guardian who is an unmarriageable relative)
There should be vaccination certificates for COVID-19 (polio and meningitis vaccination proof may also be required)
Have bank statements in favor of financial stability supporting the stay in Mecca
Have a confirmed ticket ensuring your return to India after performing Umrah
Have proof of accommodation that confirms you have booked a hotel in Mecca

The KSA online visa application is quite simple. Come to our online portal and fill out the application. Upload a clear photograph and documents. Once completed with the application details, pay the processing fee and wait for it to be approved.

Now that you have acquired the Umrah Visa, plan a detailed itinerary to make the most out of your journey to the holy land of Mecca.

Commencing on the Holy Journey of Umrah

As you leave India to perform Umrah, there are several steps to follow after being done with the KSA online visa application. From visiting places to perform Ziyarat to mindfully adhering to the steps of performing Umrah, there is a lot to be done in the stipulated time frame. So, you must have a planned itinerary beforehand.

First, it is crucial to know the key aspects of Umrah.

Spiritual significance

Performing Umrah gives you the chance to cleanse yourself of all your sins. This is a path that brings you closer to Allah so that you reflect well on the ways of your life and commit strongly to Islamic principles.

Following the Sunnah

Sunnah was preached and followed by Prophet Muhammad. And performing Umrah is how to tread on the path of Sunnah and gain a deeper insight into Islamic rituals.

Unity and equality

As you set out on the journey of performing Umrah, you, along with all other pilgrims, wear Ihram. This simple white clothing signifies that everyone is equal before Allah.

The next step is to practice the rituals of Umrah to establish a closer connection with Allah. Be mindful of the steps, as each is linked to the next.

Entering Ihram

The very first thing you do as you begin the holy Umrah journey is cleanse yourself thoroughly with ‘wudu’ or water and wear the Ihram garments (the simple white clothing that weaves unity among Muslims globally).

Making Niyyah

Pour your intentions clearly before Allah as you stand in the door to Mecca. This will help you perform Umrah with a clear heart and mind.

Tawaf

With your intentions now out in the open before Allah, start circling the Kabba, beginning your walk from the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) and ending it right there. Do this seven times.

Sa’i

Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, had walked seven times between Safa and Marwa hills when desperately searching for water. Commemorate the hardship by doing the same.

Head shaving for men and trimming for women

The journey of Umrah requires men to completely shave their heads while women only need to trim/cut a little part of their hair. This action signifies that you are ready to let go of worldly attachments and get closer to Allah by embracing humility.

Farewell Tawaf

The end of your Umrah rituals happens only when you are done with the final circumambulation of the Kaaba.

Make your Umrah journey all the more memorable by visiting the places where you can perform Ziyarat. There are several holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and visiting these landmarks will take you closer to Allah all the more, thus marking the fulfilment of your holy journey.

Visit these cities to perform Ziyarat in Mecca:

Jannat-Ul-Mu'Alla
Cave of Hira
Mina
Arafat
Jabal E Rehmat
Masjid Nimra
Cave of Sour
Muzdalifah
Devil Place
Masjid Jinn

Visit these cities to perform Ziyarat in Medina:

Masjid E Qiblatain
Seven Mosques
Beer E Ghars
Jabal E Uhud
Masjid E Quba
Salman Farsi Dates Farm

Now that you know what are the things to do on your holy Umrah journey, there is some decorum to be maintained on your trip to Saudi Arabia. Besides having a printed copy of the Saudi Umrah Visa with you at all times, remember to adhere to the following things that will ensure a hassle-free and pleasant experience:

There are going to be large crowds, so be patient and do not push anyone on the way
Show respect and courtesy towards pilgrims of other nationalities and the locals as well
Do not wear inappropriate clothing and be mindful to exhibit culturally sensitive behavior
Do not get into fights or disagreements or show any kind of untoward behavior
Refrain from using foul gestures or curse words
Be respectful and humble when entering mosques or other holy places
Make sure your children are not causing disturbance to other pilgrims

Prepare to Perform Umrah with the Saudi Umrah Visa

Muslims from all over the world embark on the journey of Umrah to have a life-altering experience. As an Indian Muslim, you are no different and expect the same as you set on this profoundly personal journey. So, be mindful of the above-mentioned tips and follow the Umrah guidelines.

Apply for the Saudi Umrah Visa well in advance so that there arises no problem on the date of departure. Carefully fill out our KSA online visa application, and the eVisa will be issued to you in just about a few days.

Saudi Visa Application