Umrah is a cherished pilgrimage that millions of Muslims undertake to Makkah each year. Unlike the annual Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year (outside the Hajj days) and is often called the “lesser pilgrimage.”
If you are planning to perform Umrah in 2025, this guide will walk you through everything from what Umrah means and how to perform the rituals, to the latest visa rules, package options, costs, and the best time to go for Umrah.
What is Umrah?
Umrah in Arabic literally means “to visit a populated place,” and in Islamic terms it refers to a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. It is a set of sacred rituals performed at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. It is shorter in duration and not obligatory (farz) like Hajj, but highly recommended as a way to seek Allah’s blessings. Because of this, Umrah is often called the “minor” or “lesser” pilgrimage.
One common question is how Umrah is different from Hajj. The key difference is timing and obligation: Hajj is only performed during specific days of Dhul-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic calendar) and is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are able, whereas Umrah is voluntary and can be performed year-round (except during Hajj period when Saudi authorities pause Umrah visas for crowd control.
Umrah involves some of the same holy places and rituals as Hajj but in a shortened form, and completing Umrah does not substitute for the obligatory Hajj. Many pilgrims perform Umrah multiple times in their life, some even combine an Umrah with a general visit to Saudi Arabia for tourism or family, since it is more flexible than Hajj.
Spiritually, Umrah holds great significance. It is considered a means of obtaining forgiveness and starting anew. According to Islamic tradition, performing one Umrah and then another erases the sins in between them, and a sincerely performed Umrah brings great reward.
In fact, performing Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan is especially meritorious, it is said to carry the reward of an equivalent Hajj (though it doesn’t count as Hajj). This spiritual benefit makes Ramadan a peak time for Umrah despite the intense crowds. Whether done in Ramadan or any other time, Umrah is a chance for Muslims to renew their faith, pray for their needs, and experience the profound unity of the ummah (global Muslim community) as worshippers from all nations gather around the Kaaba.
New Umrah Updates for 2025
We have compiled a few of the latest Umrah updates that you should take into consideration in 2025. Here they are:
- Hotel booking is now mandatory to get an Umrah visa. From June 10, 2025, Saudi Arabia requires international pilgrims to have a confirmed, approved hotel booking recorded on the Nusuk Masar platform before issuance of the Umrah visa.
- Umrah season reopened on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH) after Hajj concluded; first international arrivals began June 11.
- Stopover Visa (up to 96 hours) available when flying Saudia or flynas explicitly allows performing Umrah during your layover. This policy is subject to airline and eligibility updates; check when booking.
- MenACWY (meningococcal) vaccination is required for Umrah and Hajj travelers in 2025 per WHO and national health authorities, following clusters reported among pilgrims. Carry valid proof, taken ≥10 days before arrival, within the manufacturer’s validity window.
- Crowds are surging. GASTAT reported 15+ million Umrah pilgrims in Q1 2025 alone; plan your dates and permits early.
Rituals of Umrah: How to Perform Umrah Step-by-Step
Performing Umrah involves a series of sacred rituals carried out in and around the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca. The entire Umrah rites can be completed within a few hours (in one trip to Makkah) under normal conditions, making it much shorter than Hajj which spans several days. Here are the main rituals of Umrah, in order:
Enter the State of Ihram
Before reaching Mecca, pilgrims must enter ihram, a state of ritual purity and dedication. You do this at special boundary points called Miqat.
Men put on the Ihram garments: two clean white, unstitched cloths (one wrapped around the waist, one over the upper body). Women simply wear modest clothing that covers the body (there is no special colour or uniform for women, but no face veil or gloves in Ihram).
Before donning Ihram, it is recommended to bathe (ghusl), groom (trim nails, remove body hair), and men may apply some non-scented oil or perfume to the body (not the ihram cloth) as per the Sunnah.
Salah al-Ihram and Niyyah (intention) for Umrah
Before entering Ihram, pray two rak‘ahs Sunnah anywhere convenient, at an airport prayer room, on the plane before crossing the Miqat, or in Madinah (your hotel, Masjid Nabawi, the Miqat point, or on the train).
Pray with the intention of two nafl for Ihram; you may keep your head covered because you are not in Ihram yet.
O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.
Recite Surah Al-Kafirun (109) in the first rak‘ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) in the second, then make du‘a.
After that, declare your intention (niyyah) for Umrah by reciting:
❁لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
Labbayka Llāhumma ʿUmrah.
❁اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrah.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.
❁اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Immediately upon the niyyah, begin reciting the Talbiyah chant, which goes:
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ – ❁
Labbaik Allah humma labbaik Labbaik la sharika laka labbaik Innal hamda Wan-ni’mata Laka walmulk Laa sharika lak
This means “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am at your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty is Yours.”
Men should recite the Talbiyah aloud without disturbing others and women softly. Remain in the state of Ihram, meaning observe its rules: no cutting hair or nails, no perfume, no intimate relations, no hunting or uprooting plants, etc. until Umrah is complete.
Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba
Upon arriving at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, you will head towards the holy Kaaba, the black cubical structure at the center of the mosque.
Enter the mosque with your right foot and recite a small prayer of entry asking Allah for mercy. Any of the following du’a may be recited; you can also read both:
❁بِسْمِ اللهِ ❁ اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Bismi Llāh. Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad. Allāhumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.
In the name of Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your Mercy.
❁أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ ❁ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ ❁ وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ ❁ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
Aʿūdhu bi-Llāhi l-aẓīm, wa bi-wajhihi l-karīm, wa sulṭānihi l-qadīm, mina sh-shayṭāni r-rajīm.
I seek protection in Allah the Tremendous, His Noble Countenance, and His pre-eternal Sovereign Might from Shaytan the rejected.
Now, begin the Tawaf, which is circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
Men in Ihram should have their upper right shoulder uncovered during Tawaf. This is called Idtiba. Each tawaf begins at the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is mounted, you can circuit towards the Black Stone or kiss it if possible. Most people just wave or point at it with the right hand saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” because it’s too crowded to actually touch.
As you circle, you can recite prayers, make supplications, or simply focus on the remembrance of Allah. There are recommended duas for each round, but it’s not mandatory to follow a specific script; heartfelt personal prayers are fine. Seven rounds complete a Tawaf. This ritual symbolizes believers walking in harmony together around the One God.
Pray at Maqam Ibrahim & Drink Zamzam
After finishing seven rounds, stop performing Talbiyah. Now behind the station of Prophet Ibrahim – a small golden lattice structure near the Kaaba, pray two rak’ahs of salah if space is available.
As you make your way to the area for the two rak‘ahs, it is recommended to say aloud:
❁وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Wattakhidhū min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.
And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of salah. [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:125]
In these two rak’ahs it’s Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kafirun and Al-Ikhlas, but you may recite any portions of the Qur’an. This prayer is a way of thanking Allah for enabling you to complete the Tawaf.
Then, drink from the Zamzam water coolers available in the mosque. Zamzam is the blessed water from the ancient well of Zamzam in the mosque. Muslims drink it with the intention of healing and fulfillment of prayers. Do not forget to make dua while drinking Zamzam, as “Zamzam water is for whatever it’s drunk for,” meaning your sincere intentions, by Allah’s will. You may recite the following du’a after drinking the water:
❁اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا ❁ وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا ❁ وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا ❁ وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
Allāhumma innī as’aluka ʿilman nāfiʿa, wa rizqan wasiʿa, wa ʿamalan mutaqabbala, wa shifā’an min kulli dā’.
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is abundant, accepted deeds, and a cure for every illness.
Multazam
After you drink Zamzam, make your way to the Multazam, the space between the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) and the Kaaba door. During Hajj it’s usually too crowded to reach, but at quieter times, you may get close. If you do, raise your hands, hold the wall, and gently press your chest and cheeks against it. This follows the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and it’s a beautiful spot to make a long, heartfelt du’a. If the crowd is heavy, face the Multazam from where you are and make your du’a there. Allah hears you.
Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Next, you will perform Sa’i, which is the ritual walking between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah, located within the Grand Mosque’s premises. This commemorates the story of Lady Hajar (Hagar) – the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who ran back and forth searching for water for her infant son Ismail until Allah revealed the Zamzam spring.
To do Sa’i: Start at Safa, face the Kaaba from Safa, make a heartfelt intention for performing Sa’i for the sake of Allah, and recite:
إَنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ ❁
“inna ṣ-ṣafā wal-marwata min shaʿāʾir-illāh, faman ḥajjal-bayta awi iʿtamara falā junāḥa ʿalayhi an yaṭṭawwafa bihimā, wa man taṭawwaʿa khayran fa-inna Allāha shākirun ʿalīm”
Then proceed towards Marwah. The distance between the two is about 450m (~1500 ft). Men are encouraged to jog at a marked section in the middle, the women continue walking at a and normal pace. Reach Marwah, and that is one length. Then turn around, now facing Safa and go back, that counts as second length. You will do seven lengths total, ending at Marwah.
At each hill, you may raise your hands in supplication, praising Allah and making personal duas. Do not rush; take breaks if needed, as it can be tiring especially in crowds or for the elderly. The area is air-conditioned and has marble floors, making it easier than it was in ancient times in the open desert sun.
Halq or Taqsir (Shave or Trim Hair)
Finally, to exit the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah, men will perform Halq, which is shaving the head completely or at least perform Taqsir, a thorough trimming of all hair. Women will just cut a small lock of their hair, about an inch as a symbolic trimming.
Shaving the head is considered more virtuous for men, but trimming is permissible (many men trim if they plan another Umrah or are not ready for a full shave). With that, your Umrah is complete! You can now change out of the Ihram garments and resume normal activities.
It’s common to then go pray two rak’ahs again as thanksgiving, and continue to make dua. Your heart will feel light and purified, and it’s a beautiful time to ask Allah for anything good.
Those are the core rituals of Umrah, summarized in a few steps. Performing Umrah is a profound experience that many describe as life-changing, so make the most of every moment.
How to book an Umrah in 2025?
- Choose your visa path. If you are unsure, select an Umrah visa through an authorised agent on Nusuk or Masar. If you are eligible, a tourist eVisa or a 96 hour Stopover Visa with Saudia or flynas also permits Umrah.
- Book your hotel first. Your Umrah visa is issued only after a confirmed booking is recorded in Nusuk Masar.
- Book your flights. If you plan a stopover Umrah, add the Stopover Visa during checkout with Saudia or flynas and allow enough layover time.
- Get your vaccinations. MenACWY is required. Carry the printed certificate and any other Ministry of Health requirements for your country of origin.
- Install the Nusuk app. Use it to book Rawdah appointments, check live crowd guidance, and read official updates.
- Prepare your documents. Carry a passport with at least six months validity, recent passport photos, confirmed hotel and flight bookings, vaccination certificates, and any agent confirmations.
- Arrange ground transport. Pre book airport to Makkah and Madinah transfers. Consider the Haramain high speed rail if it fits your schedule.
- Choose your dates wisely. Ramadan offers a special experience but brings heavy crowds and higher prices. Hotels closer to the Haram cost more but save time and energy.
- Complete final checks. Confirm your airline’s Zamzam allowance, buy travel insurance, set up international payments and mobile roaming, and save emergency contacts.
Umrah Visa Requirements and Process
Planning the logistics for Umrah starts with understanding the visa requirements and entry rules, which saw some important updates in 2025. Here’s what you need to know, especially if you are from India:
Who Needs an Umrah Visa
All foreign nationals (non-Saudi, non-GCC) must have a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah. The GCC countries (e.g. UAE, Kuwait, etc.) are exempt and have freedom of movement. Everyone else will either use a special Umrah visa or a Saudi tourist visa (eVisa) for Umrah. Umrah visas are only issued to Muslims, you will actually need to affirm your religion in the application and sometimes provide a certificate from an Islamic center.
Visa Options for Umrah
Umrah visa via authorized operator or Nusuk–Masar
This is the usual route for pilgrims from countries that are not eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa. This includes India as well. Your licensed operator books approved hotels and transport in the Nusuk or Masar system, then files your visa application for Umrah. Since 2025, visas are linked to confirmed ministry-licensed hotel accommodation and travel in that system. The Umrah visa is often issued for up to 90 days, and it is not extendable. Always check the exact validity on your own visa.
Tourist eVisa for Umrah
Travelers whose nationalities appear on Saudi Arabia’s eligible list can apply online for a one-year, multiple-entry tourist eVisa and stay up to 90 days per visit. This visa allows Umrah but not Hajj. Indian citizens are not on the eligible list and should use other routes, such as an Umrah visa via an authorized tour and travel operator.
Visa on Arrival using a valid and previously used US, UK, or Schengen visa
Pilgrims of any nationality who hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa that has been used at least once may obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia and then perform Umrah outside the Hajj period. This is a helpful path for Indians and others who are not eligible for the tourist eVisa but do hold one of these visas.
Stopover visa for up to 96 hours
When you book with Saudia or flynas, you can add a stopover visa of up to 96 hours. You are allowed to perform Umrah during this stop by securing a Nusuk permit. This makes it a good option for short trips or tighter budgets.
Umrah Visa Fees for Indians in 2025
There is not a single “government sticker price” visible to Indian applicants because applications are package-linked and routed through licensed Umrah Tour and Travel agencies. The official Umrah visa itself is free of charge in terms of visa fee by Saudi government, but there is a charge for the required insurance and the service.
Typically, Indian agencies bundle a visa fee of around ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 (approx SAR 300-500) which covers the medical insurance and their processing charges. The umrah package usually includes the visa handling, so you might not pay it separately.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from India?
Most pilgrims get an Umrah visa through approved travel agencies or tour operators that file the application with the Saudi authorities. For India, this route is mandatory. Indian citizens cannot apply for an Umrah visa directly on Saudi portals.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah runs the Nusuk platform, which issues e-visas for travellers from certain countries, but India is not eligible for direct Nusuk e-visa in 2025. Indian Muslims should use a licensed Umrah tour and travel operator/agency in India. You usually purchase a package, share your documents, and the operator secures the visa for you. Travellers from regions like the USA and Europe can use Nusuk or apply for a tourist e-visa where eligible.
Best Time to Go for Umrah in 2025
One of the great things about Umrah is that it can be performed year-round, so you have the flexibility to choose a time that suits you. However, weather, crowd levels, and cost can vary drastically throughout the year.
Here are insights on the best times to do Umrah in 2025, along with what you can expect in each season:
Umrah in Ramadan (Late Feb – Late Mar 2025):
Ramadan is hands-down the most spiritually charged time to be in Makkah and Madinah. In 2025, Ramadan fell roughly from 1st March to 30th March 2025. Performing Umrah in Ramadan is hugely popular because, as mentioned earlier, an Umrah in Ramadan is rewarded like Hajj. There is a profound feeling of devotion in the air.
However, it is extremely crowded and expensive. Expect every hotel to be fully booked or charging premium rates, especially in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. You might literally be shoulder-to-shoulder in Tawaf and will need lots of patience. If you can handle the crowd and cost of Umrah in Ramadan, the spiritual benefits are unparalleled. Many say if you have never been for Ramadan Umrah, you should try at least once.
Shawwal, Dhul Qa’dah 1446 (April & May 2025):
The months right after Ramadan and leading up to Hajj are a bit tricky. Since Hajj 2025 took place in June, Saudi authorities stopped Umrah entries by mid-April 2025 to prepare. Generally, the two months before Hajj are considered off-limits for Umrah pilgrims to avoid mixing with arriving Hajj pilgrims. So, not the best time due to those restrictions.
Post-Hajj / Autumn 2025 (July through November 2025):
After the Hajj season concluded in late June 2025, Umrah resumed from mid-June onward. July and August 2025 were the height of summer in Saudi, extremely hot. While Umrah was open, not many international pilgrims choose peak summer due to the heat. Those who did go likely found very low crowds, aside from local Saudis/locals doing Umrah. By September, October, November 2025, conditions improve greatly. Autumn is one of the best times for Umrah.
Umrah in Winter 2025/26 (December 2025 – February 2026):
Winter is a very popular time for Umrah for two reasons: cool weather and school holidays. In December 2025, expect lovely weather, which is comfortable for Ihram and walking. This period includes the winter break for many countries, so you will see larger crowds,the especially around Christmas/New Year’s timeframe when people have vacation. It’s the coolest time of year, with even midday being pleasant.
Most likely in mid-Jan there will be an influx from countries like Pakistan and the west, since many go for Umrah in Rabi al-Awwal for religious reasons. Umrah visas for 2026 will be scheduled to close by March 20, 2026, so February 2026 was essentially the last full month in that cycle.
What’s Included in Umrah Tour Packages
The cost of Umrah can vary widely depending on your travel arrangements, time of year, and personal preferences. To make it easier, many people opt for Umrah tour packages offered by travel companies, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, etc. These packages bundle all the essential components like visa processing, flights, accommodation, ground transport, and often meals and guides into one. Let’s break down what goes into Umrah packages and the typical costs in 2025:
Most standard packages will cover the following:
Flights and Visa for Umrah:
Round-trip airfare from your home country to Saudi Arabia and assistance with the Umrah visa. Flights are a major cost component, prices depend on your city and season.
For instance, from India, economy class return flights might range ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 per person, cheaper from Delhi/Mumbai, and more from smaller cities. The visa fee (₹12-18k) is often included. If you have a transit or stopover, that can sometimes reduce cost versus a direct flight. Also, airlines like Saudia, Flynas, Air India, Indigo, Emirates, etc., have varying fares, so package providers negotiate group rates.
Umrah Accommodation in Makkah and Madinah:
This is the second big component. Umrah packages typically specify the number of nights in Makkah and in Madinah. Hotels come in different star categories. The price depends hugely on the hotel’s distance from the Haram.
For example: A 5-star hotel right next to the Haram (like in the Clock Tower complex in Makkah or a hotel literally facing the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah) can cost ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 per night. A 4-star hotel or good 3-star within a 5-10 minute walk might cost around ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per night. A budget hotel a bit farther (10-15 minute walk or a short shuttle ride) might be ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 per night.
As per new rules, whichever hotel you choose must be a Ministry-licensed hotel booked via Nusuk.
Ground Transportation during Umrah:
This includes all your travel within Saudi Arabia. A package will typically have:
Airport transfers: Private or group coach transport from Jeddah airport to your Makkah hotel and back from Madinah to airport, depending on your itinerary.
Inter-city transfer: Going from Makkah to Madinah (or vice versa). Some packages use a private AC bus for the group, others might book you on the Haramain High-Speed Train which connects Makkah and Madinah in 2.5 hours. Tthe train is faster but a bit more expensive and you have fixed timings.
Local transport: If your hotel is not walking distance, shuttles to the Haram during prayer times might be provided. Also, Ziyarat tours (site visits) are usually by bus.
Meals: Many full-service packages, especially catering to Indian/Pakistani pilgrims, include meals (full board). This means you will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided, often as a buffet or set menu, usually at your hotel or a designated dining hall. Some economy packages might only include breakfast, leaving you to arrange other meals yourself.
Ziyarat (Religious Tours): Packages commonly arrange guided visits to historical and religious sites.
In Madinah, for example, they will take you to Masjid Quba (the first mosque of Islam), Jabal Uhud (site of the Battle of Uhud), Qiblatain, Sab’a Masajid, etc.
In Makkah, sites like Jabal al-Noor (Hira cave), Jabal Thawr, Arafat, Mina, etc., are sometimes covered.
These tours are usually in group buses with a speaking guide explaining the significance of each place. Ziyarat tours are typically included in package price or occasionally optional with a small fee. It’s a great way to enrich your trip by connecting with Islamic history.
Add Ons for Your Umrah Journey
- Laundry service at the hotel for your ihram clothes.
- Free local SIM card (often with some credit).
- 24/7 staff support (group leader or representative in Makkah/Madinah).
- 5 liters of sealed Zamzam water to bring home.
- “Umrah kit” with items like a small wheeled bag, prayer mat, bottle holder, ID tags, and a booklet of duas.
Perks vary by package; premium packages include more conveniences. Now, let us get a general idea of Umrah package pricing for 2025 from India.
How much does Umrah Cost from India
Here is a simple, real-world breakdown of Umrah package tiers for travelers from India in 2025 to help you set expectations and shortlist the right Umrah tour package option
Budget/Economy Umrah Packages:
Roughly ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 per person for a ~10-day trip. This would typically include economy-class flights, 3-star hotels a bit away from the Haram (perhaps 10-15 min walk or shuttle), quadruple or triple sharing in a room (4 or 3 people per room to cut cost), all basic meals, group transport by bus, visa fees, etc. It’s a no-frills, value package, you still get everything you need for a comfortable Umrah, just not luxury. These are popular for large family groups or those on a tight budget.
Standard/Mid-range Umrah Packages:
The most popular choice. Ranges around ₹90,000 to ₹1,10,000 per person. Here you might get a 4-star hotel within a 5-7 minute walk or a good 3-star very close, double or triple sharing rooms, better flight timings, and all meals. It balances comfort and cost.
For example, a package at ₹1,00,000 might have you in a hotel like 500 meters from Haram, with a smaller group size, a dedicated tour guide, etc.
Many Indian middle-class pilgrims opt for this range for a more convenient experience without breaking the bank
Deluxe/Premium Umrah Packages:
These can start around ₹1,30,000 and go upwards (₹1.5–2 lakh) depending on how high-end you go. A premium package would include 5-star hotels very close to the Harams (often with Haram view rooms), double or private single room accommodation, direct flights (maybe business class upgrades at extra cost), private luxury transport, and top-notch service. Essentially, you are paying for maximum comfort, no long walks, no waiting in lines.
Some luxury packages also provide special services like a personal mutawif (guide) for your family, or organize private tours. For instance, staying at the Fairmont Makkah Clock Tower with Kaaba view and at The Oberoi in Madinah, that sort of trip can cost ₹2–3 lakhs per person easily, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime level experience. Generally, ₹1.5 lakh (~$1800) per head can get you a very comfortable package with 4-5 star hotels and full services.
Most prefer the ease of a package. Luxury seekers can spend over ₹5 lakhs with VIP services. But for a regular Umrah pilgrim from India ₹80k – ₹1 lakh in 2025 is a good package covering everything.
Conclusion
Umrah is a profound spiritual journey, and 2025 is a great time to do it. The Saudi Kingdom has introduced improvements like e-visas, the Nusuk platform, and relaxed rules like allowing women to travel without a mahram to make the pilgrimage to Mecca more accessible.
Umrah is an opportunity to seek forgiveness, rejuvenate your faith, and feel the universal brotherhood of Muslims as you stand before the Kaaba. May your Umrah be accepted and filled with safe travels, spiritual growth, and cherished memories. the door to the House of Allah is open, and you are invited to be His guest.
Safe travels and Allah’s blessings!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need Nusuk permits?
You will typically use Nusuk to book a Rawdah appointment in Madinah. Tawaf/sa’i do not need a time permit in normal periods, but check the app for any crowd-management updates.
- Can I perform Umrah on a 96-hour stopover visa?
Yes, when booked via Saudia/Flynas stopover you may perform Umrah during the stop.
- Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?
Saudi announcements in recent years indicated no mahram requirement for women pilgrims; Hajj guidance confirms women can register without a male guardian. Because rules can shift, verify at booking time.
- How much Zamzam can I bring?
Airline policies commonly allow one 5-liter sealed bottle from the approved source. Always check your carrier’s latest rules before traveling.
- What about Hajj-season blackouts?
Visa issuance often pauses or is restricted near Hajj; 2025 Umrah services restarted on 10 June. Some temporary entry rules applied to select nationalities during the lead-up.
- Is hotel booking compulsory for the Umrah visa now?
Yes, Saudi introduced a rule in 2025 mandating confirmed hotel bookings via official platforms for Umrah visa issuance.
- Can I apply for an Umrah visa online myself?
Online Umrah self-application is not available to Indian passport holders. Go through an authorized Umrah agent or the Saudi Consulate.
