Can my relatives abroad come to Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa, and when does the season open?

Relatives abroad get an Umrah visa through an external agent with a service package, and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says Umrah visas are issued from 15 Dhu al-Hijjah for a season running from 1 Muharram to 30 Dhu al-Qi'dah.

What the ministry's FAQ says

• An external agent can't issue an Umrah visa without a service package.
• The Umrah season starts on 1 Muharram and ends on 30 Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Umrah visas start being issued from 15 Dhu al-Hijjah.
• A woman is allowed to come for Umrah without a mahram.
• Someone who previously left Saudi Arabia on a final exit or an exit re-entry visa can still be issued an Umrah visa.

Once they arrive

Visitors are eligible for the Umrah permit service on Nusuk, where they choose a date and time slot; the ministry lists the permit as free.

Official sources

• Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Frequently Asked Questions
• Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Umrah Permit Application

On Saudi Expats: the Hajj and Umrah visa checklist and the Hajj and Umrah budget tool.

Checked September 2026. Season dates follow the Hijri calendar, so convert them to Gregorian dates for the year your relatives travel.

Have your family come for Umrah recently? Share your experience below: how did the visa and permits go?