Key Official Principles

• The Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) is the only official channel for obtaining Umrah permits and Hajj bookings [citation:2][citation:6]
• The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provides all electronic services through its official portal and smart devices to facilitate beneficiaries’ transactions [citation:3]
• All procedures are conducted electronically through official channels – no third-party agents outside Nusuk are authorized for Hajj/Umrah bookings [citation:7]

Official Visa Categories for Umrah Pilgrims from Europe

• Tourist e-Visa: Permits Umrah outside the Hajj season. Available to citizens of eligible countries including all EU nations.
• Umrah Visa: Traditional pilgrimage visa obtained through licensed travel agents.
• Transit/Stopover Visa: Free 96-hour visa available via Saudia and Flynas, which permits Umrah.

Rules for Non-EU Citizens Residing in Europe

• Your eligibility depends on your passport nationality and any valid visas you hold
• If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen tourist/business visa used at least once, you qualify for Saudi eVisa or Visa on Arrival regardless of your passport
• Your European residence permit alone is not sufficient – you need a qualifying visa or eligible passport
• For official requirements, always check the official Saudi eVisa portal

Important Official Clarification on Temporary Residency

• Temporary residency in an European country (such as student or work permits) does NOT automatically qualify you for a Saudi eVisa
• Your eligibility is determined by your passport nationality or valid visa status
• If you have a valid, used Schengen visa sticker in your passport, you qualify
• For residents performing Hajj from within Saudi Arabia, a valid residency permit is required with priority given to those whose residency was issued more than one Gregorian year ago [citation:2][citation:6]

Official Guidelines for Permanent Residents

• Permanent residency in an EU country qualifies you for the Saudi eVisa pathway, even if your passport is not on the eligible list
• You must apply online via the official Saudi eVisa portal
• Your permanent residence card should be presented along with your passport when applying or upon arrival
• All Umrah permits must be obtained through the official Nusuk application [citation:1][citation:3]

Important Information for Visit Visa Holders

• Your valid Schengen tourist visa (with at least one entry stamp) qualifies you for Saudi eVisa or Visa on Arrival, regardless of nationality
• You can apply online from anywhere, including while on your visit to Europe
• Processing takes minutes through the official eVisa portal
• Entry into Mecca for Umrah is permitted outside the Hajj season

Official Nusuk Requirements

• Umrah permit application is provided exclusively through the Nusuk app (available on iOS, Android, and Huawei AppGallery) [citation:1]
• Permit to visit Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in the Prophet’s Mosque is also issued through Nusuk [citation:3]
• The service is free and available in Arabic and English [citation:1]
• All Hajj bookings for domestic pilgrims (including expatriates) must be completed through Nusuk [citation:2][citation:6]

Official Requirements for Hajj Registration (for reference)

• Applicants must be at least 15 years old (Gregorian calendar)
• Comply with approved health requirements
• For expatriates: valid residency permit required [citation:2][citation:6]

Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?

Yes. The Saudi tourist eVisa permits Umrah outside the Hajj season. However, during Hajj (approximately April-June 2026), only Hajj visa holders are permitted entry to Mecca [citation:7][citation:9][citation:10].

I have a European residence permit but no Schengen visa. Can I apply?

Your European residence permit alone does NOT qualify you for a Saudi eVisa. You will need either a valid used Schengen visa or an eligible passport. Always verify your eligibility on the official eVisa portal [citation:1][citation:3].

Is Nusuk registration mandatory?

Yes. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requires all Umrah pilgrims to obtain permits through the Nusuk app. This is the only official channel for Umrah permit issuance [citation:1][citation:3].

What happens if I try to enter Mecca without a permit during Hajj season?

The Ministry of Interior has announced that residents and visitors without proper authorization will be turned away at security checkpoints. Violations of entry rules will result in punitive action under Saudi law [citation:9][citation:10].