Last reviewed: September 2026 · Sources: Nusuk Hajj Platform, Ministry of Hajj & Umrah, Saudi Ministry of Health.
Saudi Arabia is home to the two holiest sites in Islam — Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. Every year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to the Kingdom to fulfill one of these sacred journeys. This guide explains the difference between Hajj and Umrah, outlines the current entry and visa rules for each, and covers everything visitors need to know to plan a safe, valid, and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage.
Hajj and Umrah: What Is the Difference?
Both Hajj and Umrah are Islamic pilgrimages performed in and around Makkah, but they differ significantly in obligation, timing, and scope of rituals.
Hajj — The Obligatory Major Pilgrimage
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically capable and financially able to undertake it. It is performed during a specific five-day period each year — from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, the core Hajj days fall approximately from 25 to 29 May 2026 (1447 AH), though exact dates are confirmed following the moon sighting and official Saudi announcement.
Hajj requires pilgrims to complete a fixed sequence of rituals at multiple sites, including Makkah, Mina, the plains of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and the Jamarat bridge. Completing all rites in the correct order is what distinguishes Hajj from any lesser pilgrimage. A person who has completed Hajj may be referred to as a Hajji (male) or Hajjah (female).
Umrah — The Voluntary Minor Pilgrimage
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year, except during the Hajj season when Umrah permits are suspended (see below). It is not obligatory, but it carries significant spiritual reward in Islam. The rituals of Umrah are fewer than Hajj — entering ihram (a state of spiritual purity), performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and cutting or shaving the hair. Umrah can typically be completed in a few hours.
| Hajj | Umrah | |
|---|---|---|
| Status in Islam | Fifth Pillar — obligatory once in a lifetime | Voluntary (highly recommended) |
| Timing | 8–12 Dhul Hijjah only | Any time except Hajj season |
| Duration | Minimum 5 days (typically 10–14 days with travel) | A few hours to several days |
| Sites visited | Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Jamarat | Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) primarily |
| Visa required | Hajj visa only (mandatory) | Tourist eVisa or Umrah visa |
| Quota system | Yes — national quotas apply | No quota (eVisa holders can visit freely) |
Who Can Perform Hajj or Umrah?
Both Hajj and Umrah are restricted to Muslims. Saudi Arabia enforces this requirement strictly. Makkah is closed to non-Muslims year-round under Saudi law, with checkpoints operating on all entry roads to the city. Non-Muslim travellers visiting Saudi Arabia on tourist visas may visit Madinah (excluding the inner sanctum of Masjid an-Nabawi), but they may not enter Makkah under any circumstances.
For Muslim travellers, the key eligibility requirements are:
- You must hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond your travel dates
- You must obtain the correct visa or travel authorisation (see below)
- You must not have been banned from entry to Saudi Arabia
- For Hajj specifically, each country operates a quota system — you may need to register through your country’s Hajj authority or the Nusuk platform and be selected
Hajj Visa and Registration (2026)
A standard Saudi tourist visa, visitor visa, business visa, or eVisa does not grant permission to perform Hajj. Only a valid Hajj visa issued through official channels allows access to Makkah and the Hajj sites during the pilgrimage period. Attempting Hajj on any other visa type is illegal and carries severe penalties including fines of up to SAR 20,000, deportation, and a ten-year entry ban.
Route 1: Nusuk Hajj Platform (Direct Saudi Registration)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah operates the Nusuk Hajj platform (hajj.nusuk.sa) as the official digital gateway for international pilgrims. The platform serves pilgrims from over 126 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and most of Europe and Southeast Asia.
The registration process for Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) followed this timeline:
- October 2025 — Platform opened for account creation and profile registration
- December 2025 — Package browsing and category selection became available
- January 2026 — Booking and payment window (quota filled on first-come, first-served basis)
- May 2026 — Hajj takes place (approximately 25–29 May 2026)
To register on Nusuk, pilgrims must:
- Create an account at hajj.nusuk.sa using a valid email address and password
- Upload a digital copy of their passport biodata page (passport must be valid for at least six months after Hajj ends)
- Upload a passport-style photograph meeting Nusuk’s photo standards
- Complete the application form including health information, accessibility needs, and arrival preferences
- Activate an integrated e-wallet and add funds via bank transfer or credit card
- Browse and select an official Nusuk-approved package (Standard, Premium, or Luxury tiers)
- Complete payment to confirm the booking
Packages include the Hajj visa, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transport to and between the Mashair sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah), and access to Hajj services. All-inclusive packages additionally cover international flights and meals.
Every registered pilgrim is issued a Nusuk Card — a mandatory smart identification card that must be carried throughout the pilgrimage from arrival to departure.
Route 2: National Hajj Mission
Pilgrims from countries where the government manages a national Hajj delegation must apply through their own national Hajj authority or a government-approved travel operator. Saudi Arabia allocates a fixed quota of approximately 1,000 visas per million Muslims in each country. National authorities manage the selection process, documentation, and integration into Saudi Arabia’s central Hajj system. Check with your country’s Hajj authority for application deadlines, which typically open several months before Hajj.
Umrah Visa Requirements
Saudi Tourist eVisa (eligible countries)
Citizens of approximately 66 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, EU member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea — can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa that permits Umrah. This eVisa is valid for 365 days with multiple entries and allows a cumulative stay of up to 90 days within that period. Applications are submitted online through the Visit Saudi eVisa portal or through authorised visa agencies. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
Key rules for eVisa holders performing Umrah:
- You must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa approval date
- Your total cumulative stay must not exceed 90 days across all visits within the 365-day validity period
- Umrah permits are suspended from the first of Dhul Qi’dah to the thirteenth of Dhul Hijjah each year to manage the Hajj season — plan your visit outside this window
- Suitable modest dress is required; conservative dress is recommended at religious sites
Dedicated Umrah Visa (other nationalities)
Pilgrims from countries not covered by the tourist eVisa must apply for a dedicated Umrah visa, which is issued only through Nusuk-registered service providers. This visa is linked to a pre-booked Umrah package that includes accommodation and transport. The application is submitted through your country’s Saudi embassy, an approved Hajj and Umrah operator, or the Nusuk platform.
Women Travelling Alone
Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, women no longer require a Mahram (male guardian) to perform Umrah or to enter Saudi Arabia independently. Women of any age may travel to Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah without a male companion, provided they hold a valid visa and meet all standard entry requirements.
Hajj Season: Makkah Entry Restrictions
During the weeks surrounding Hajj, Saudi Arabia enforces strict access controls on entry to Makkah. In 2026, the formal restriction period ran from 13 April to 31 May 2026. During this window, only the following individuals could enter Makkah:
- Registered Hajj pilgrims holding valid Hajj visas or permits
- Saudi nationals and residents with Makkah-issued national IDs or iqamas
- Workers holding permits issued for Holy Site services
All other residents and visitors — including GCC nationals, expatriate workers, and Saudi nationals with iqamas from other cities — required a special permit issued by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Individuals applied through the Absher platform; employers submitted requests via Muqeem. All checkpoints on roads entering Makkah operated with strict identity verification.
The penalties for entering Makkah without authorisation during Hajj season are severe:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Unauthorised entry to Makkah | SAR 20,000 fine + deportation + 10-year entry ban |
| Performing Hajj without a valid permit | SAR 20,000 fine + deportation + 10-year entry ban |
| Facilitating unauthorised access for others | Up to SAR 100,000 per person facilitated |
| Visa overstay during Hajj season | Up to SAR 50,000 fine + possible imprisonment |
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health enforces specific vaccination requirements for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Failure to present the required certificates can result in being denied entry.
Mandatory Vaccinations
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) — Required for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims aged one year and older. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia, and the certificate must show it was given within the past three to five years (conjugate vaccines are valid for five years; polysaccharide vaccines for three). This is the most consistently enforced health requirement at Saudi entry points.
Polio vaccination — Required for travellers arriving from countries where poliovirus is circulating. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) must be administered between four weeks and one year before travel. Travellers from countries declared free of polio (including the US, UK, and EU) are generally exempt.
Yellow Fever — Required for pilgrims aged nine months and older arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
COVID-19 — As of 2026, vaccination is mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 and older, those who are pregnant, and those with underlying conditions including chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological disease; kidney disease; hereditary blood disorders; immunodeficiency; or cancer.
Strongly Recommended Vaccinations
The Saudi Ministry of Health and most national health authorities also recommend:
- Seasonal influenza (particularly relevant given large crowds)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
All pilgrims must also obtain a signed health declaration from a licensed medical provider confirming fitness for the physically demanding requirements of the pilgrimage. Consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least six to eight weeks before travel.
Arrival, Transport, and Accommodation
International pilgrims typically arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah — JED) or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (Madinah — MED). Most Nusuk packages include airport transfers.
Within the Kingdom, official pilgrims travel between sites on the Mashair bus network, managed by accredited operators and included in all Nusuk packages. During Hajj, the Haramain High-Speed Railway links Makkah and Madinah (journey time approximately 35 minutes), though access is coordinated through designated pilgrim slots. The Grand Mosque in Makkah operates an internal electric cart service (bookable via the Tanaqol app) for those with mobility needs.
Accommodation ranges from simple shared rooms in walking distance of the Grand Mosque to five-star tower hotels directly adjacent to Masjid al-Haram. All Nusuk packages guarantee accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah, with proximity to the mosque varying by package tier.
Guidance for Families, Elderly Pilgrims, and Those with Disabilities
Saudi Arabia and the management of the Two Holy Mosques provide extensive support services for pilgrims with mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, or who are elderly.
At the Grand Mosque (Makkah)
- Free standard and electric wheelchairs are available at all mosque entrances
- Dedicated ground-floor circumambulation paths with reduced foot traffic allow slower-paced Tawaf
- The Tawaf may also be performed on the upper floors of the mosque, which are fully wheelchair accessible via lifts
- The Sa’i corridor between Safa and Marwah operates across four levels; the upper levels are wheelchair-accessible and less crowded
- Wheelchair pushers are available at all entrance gates
- Electric golf carts operate on the Mataf (circumambulation area) roof level
At the Mashair Sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah)
- Elderly pilgrims and those with disabilities may perform proxy stoning (Rami) — a companion throws the pebbles at the Jamarat on their behalf under Islamic law, and this is fully valid
- Dedicated stoning lanes with lower congestion are designated for those needing assistance
- The Muzdalifah concession permits elderly pilgrims and those with disabilities to depart Muzdalifah after midnight rather than remaining until Fajr prayer — this is a recognised Islamic concession (rukhsa)
At the Prophet’s Mosque (Madinah)
- Wheelchair loan service is free of charge
- Dedicated priority pathways and prayer areas for those with reduced mobility
- Electric cart shuttles available within the mosque complex
- Installed ramps at all main entrances
When registering on Nusuk, declare any accessibility needs in the application form. This allows the system to match you with providers offering appropriate services and accommodation. Companions accompanying elderly pilgrims or those with disabilities must be physically capable of providing support throughout the pilgrimage.
Scam Warnings: Booking Safely
Fraudulent Hajj and Umrah packages are a serious and recurring problem. Multiple law enforcement agencies — including Dubai Police, the UK’s Action Fraud unit, and Saudi authorities — have issued warnings about fake packages, fraudulent visa promises, and phishing schemes targeting pilgrims.
Red flags to watch for:
- Any agent or website claiming you can perform Hajj on a tourist visa, visitor visa, or eVisa — this is false and illegal
- Unsolicited offers via social media, WhatsApp, or email for Hajj packages at unusually low prices
- Requests to share passport copies, payment details, or personal data with unverified third parties
- Agents claiming to have special connections to bypass the official quota system
- Packages that do not include a Hajj visa or a Nusuk-issued reference number
Safe booking rules:
- For Hajj: book exclusively through hajj.nusuk.sa or your country’s officially recognised Hajj mission
- For Umrah: book through the Nusuk platform or a registered travel operator affiliated with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Verify any travel agent’s registration with your national Hajj authority or the Saudi embassy in your country
- If you suspect fraud, report it to your local police or Nusuk Support at Support@hajj.nusuk.sa
Emergency and Support Resources
- Saudi Emergency Number: 911
- Hajj Emergency Operations Centre: +966 920 000 915
- Nusuk Support: +966 920 002 814 / Support@hajj.nusuk.sa
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: www.haj.gov.sa
- Saudi Ministry of Health: www.moh.gov.sa
- Saudi eVisa portal: visa.visitsaudi.com
In addition to the Saudi emergency system, registered Hajj pilgrims can access medical care through the free pilgrim healthcare programme operated by the Ministry of Health at field hospitals and clinics throughout Makkah, Mina, and Arafat.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and reflects requirements as of the last-reviewed date above. Hajj dates are subject to change based on moon sighting. Visa rules and vaccination requirements change periodically — always verify the latest requirements with the Saudi Embassy in your country, the official Nusuk platform, and your national Hajj authority before booking or travelling. VisitSaudia.net is not affiliated with the Saudi government, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, or the Nusuk platform.
