How to Perform Umrah Independently with a Transit Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: A Spiritual Journey Made Accessible

Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca, holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Unlike Hajj, which occurs annually during specific dates, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, offering flexibility for pilgrims seeking to fulfill this sacred act of worship. Historically, performing Umrah often required coordination through travel agencies, which could be costly and complex. However, recent changes in Saudi Arabia’s visa policies, particularly the introduction of the 96-hour transit visa, have made it easier and more affordable to undertake Umrah independently. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for performing Umrah on your own using a transit visa, empowering pilgrims to plan a budget-friendly, self-guided spiritual journey.

In 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 continues to transform the country into a global tourism and pilgrimage hub, welcoming over 25 million visitors annually. The transit visa, offered free with flights on Saudia or Flynas, allows travelers to stay in the Kingdom for up to four days, providing ample time to complete Umrah rituals and explore holy sites. This article covers everything you need to know—from securing the visa and booking flights to performing the rituals and navigating Mecca—ensuring a seamless, fulfilling experience for first-time pilgrims and seasoned travelers alike.

Understanding Umrah and the Transit Visa

Umrah involves a series of rituals performed in and around the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram (Sacred Mosque) in Mecca. These include entering a state of Ihram (spiritual purity), performing Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and shaving or trimming the hair. The entire process can be completed in 3–5 hours, depending on pace and crowd levels, making it feasible within the transit visa’s 96-hour window.

The Saudi transit visa, also known as the stopover visa, is a single-entry, non-extendable visa valid for 96 hours (4 days) with a 90-day validity period from issuance. It’s free when booked with Saudia or Flynas flights, though administrative and medical insurance fees (approximately SAR 94–100, or ~USD 25) apply. The visa allows pilgrims to perform Umrah, visit holy sites like the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, and explore cultural attractions, making it a versatile option for transit passengers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Umrah Independently with a Transit Visa

Step 1: Plan Your Transit and Book Flights

To obtain the transit visa, you must book a flight with Saudia (Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier) or Flynas (a budget airline) that includes a layover in Saudi Arabia of up to 96 hours. The layover can be in Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport, closest to Mecca) or other airports like Riyadh or Medina. Here’s how to proceed:

Choose Your Route: Select an international flight with a stopover in Saudi Arabia. For example, fly from London to Jakarta via Jeddah, or from New York to Dubai via Riyadh. Ensure the layover is between 12 and 96 hours to qualify for the transit visa.
Book Through Saudia or Flynas: Use the airlines’ websites to book tickets. During the booking process, you’ll see an option to apply for the stopover visa under “Additional Services.” Upload a recent passport-sized photo (200×200 pixels, ~20KB) and provide a valid email address.
Confirm Onward Travel: You need a confirmed onward flight ticket departing within 96 hours of your arrival in Saudi Arabia. The visa is linked to your flight itinerary.
Timing Considerations: Plan your Umrah outside the Hajj season (typically in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, around June–July 2025), as transit visas cannot be used for Hajj. Avoid the last days of Ramadan, as Umrah visa holders must exit before Eid al-Fitr.

Tip: Book flights 2–6 months in advance for better deals, and aim for a Jeddah layover to minimize travel time to Mecca (1-hour drive). Check visa eligibility with Saudia or Flynas customer service if unsure.

Step 2: Apply for the Transit Visa

The transit visa application is integrated into the flight booking process:

Complete the Online Form: Provide personal details (name, nationality, passport number), flight information, and upload your photo. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and has two blank pages.
Pay Fees: The visa itself is free, but you’ll pay administrative and medical insurance fees (~SAR 94–100). These cover emergency medical care and hospitalization during your stay.
Receive Confirmation: Within minutes to a few hours, you’ll receive an email with your approved visa and insurance details. Print the visa or save it on your phone for immigration checks.

Note: The visa is single-use and non-extendable. If you have a return layover, you’ll need a new transit visa for the second stopover.

Step 3: Register on the Nusuk Platform

To perform Umrah, you must obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform, Saudi Arabia’s official app for pilgrimage management:

Download Nusuk: Available on iOS and Android, Nusuk allows you to book Umrah permits, prayer slots at the Masjid al-Haram, and visits to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
Register: Create an account with your passport details and transit visa information. If traveling with family, add up to 9 companions under one account (though some users report issues adding family members, so register individually if needed).
Book an Umrah Permit: Select a date and time slot for your Umrah. Permits are free but required to enter the Masjid al-Haram. Book as soon as you have your visa to secure a slot, especially during peak seasons like Ramadan.

Tip: Download the Tawakkalna app (mandatory for Saudi Arabia) to store vaccination records and link with Nusuk for seamless permit access.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Journey

Proper preparation ensures a smooth Umrah experience:

Travel Documents: Carry your passport, transit visa, flight tickets, and Nusuk permit (digital or printed). No vaccinations (e.g., meningitis) are required for Umrah with a transit visa, unlike Hajj.
Packing Essentials:
- Ihram Garments: Two white, unstitched cloths for men; loose, modest clothing (preferably white) for women. Purchase in advance or at Jeddah airport.
- Compact daypack for shoes, water bottle, and prayer essentials. Umrah is performed barefoot, so you’ll need to store shoes during rituals.
- Reusable water bottle to refill at Zamzam water stations (Jamjam-branded). Note: You cannot take Zamzam water out of Saudi Arabia.
- Comfortable sandals, sunscreen, and a small towel for the dry, hot climate (25–40°C in Mecca).
Health and Safety: Ensure you’re physically fit, as Umrah involves walking 2–3 miles. Stay hydrated and carry snacks like dates or nuts.
Accommodation: Book a hotel in Mecca near the Masjid al-Haram (e.g., Hilton Suites, Pullman Zamzam) for convenience. Some hotels offer free shuttle services to the mosque. Alternatively, Saudia may provide free 24-hour accommodation for transit passengers—check during booking.

Tip: Women over 18 can travel solo for Umrah, but those under 45 may need a mahram (male guardian) or group travel consent, depending on visa type. Confirm with the Saudi Embassy if unsure.

Step 5: Travel to Mecca

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia:

Clear Immigration: Present your passport, transit visa, and flight tickets. Immigration officers may verify your Nusuk permit.
Get a Local SIM: Purchase a Zain or STC SIM card at the airport (~SAR 30) for data to use Nusuk and navigate.
Travel to Mecca: From Jeddah, take a taxi (~~SAR 150–200, 1 hour) or SAPTCO bus (~~SAR 20, 1.5 hours) to Mecca. From Riyadh or Medina, consider domestic flights or the Haramain High-Speed Train (2–3 hours, ~SAR 150). Book train tickets via www.hhr.sa.
Check into Your Hotel: Confirm your Nusuk permit and rest before starting Umrah.

Tip: If time permits, visit Medina (4–5 hours from Mecca by train) to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque. Book a Rawdah visit via Nusuk.

Step 6: Perform Umrah Rituals

Follow these steps to complete Umrah, typically taking 3–5 hours:

Enter Ihram:
- Before crossing the Miqat (boundary for Umrah), perform Ghusl (full ritual bath), wear Ihram garments, and make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah).
- Recite the Talbiyah prayer en route to the Masjid al-Haram.
Tawaf:
- Enter the Masjid al-Haram barefoot, carrying shoes in your daypack. Show your Nusuk permit at the gate.
- Perform Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, reciting supplications. Start at the Black Stone corner if possible.
- Pray two Rak’ahs behind the Maqam Ibrahim after Tawaf.
Sa’i:
- Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa. Recite prayers and reflect on Hagar’s search for water.
- Men should jog lightly in the green-lit section (if marked).
Halq or Taqsir:
- Men shave their heads (Halq) or trim hair (Taqsir); women trim a fingertip-length of hair. This completes Umrah, and Ihram restrictions are lifted.

Tip: Perform Umrah early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and heat. Follow signs and staff guidance in the mosque.

Step 7: Post-Umrah and Departure

After Umrah:

Explore Mecca: Visit sites like the Kaaba Museum or Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira) if time allows. Shop for souvenirs in Mecca’s souqs.
Return to the Airport: Arrange transport back to your departure airport (e.g., Jeddah). Allow 3–4 hours for check-in and security.
Departure: Ensure you exit within 96 hours to comply with the transit visa. Keep your Nusuk app active in case of immigration checks.

Tip: If transiting through Jeddah on your return, you cannot perform Umrah again unless you apply for a new transit visa.

Practical Tips for a Successful Umrah

Timing: A 96-hour transit allows enough time for Umrah, travel, and rest. Plan for 1 day in Mecca, with optional visits to Medina or Jeddah if you have 2–3 days.
Budget: Expect to spend ~USD 200–400, including flights, accommodation, transport, and food. The transit visa’s low cost makes this cheaper than agency-led Umrah packages.
Apps: Use Nusuk for permits, Tawakkalna for health records, and Careem or Uber for taxis. Download offline maps for Mecca.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly, follow mosque etiquette, and avoid photography during rituals. Be patient in crowds.
Health: Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and rest between rituals to avoid fatigue. Carry a small first-aid kit.
Solo Travel: Independent Umrah requires planning but is rewarding. Solo female travelers should confirm visa and mahram rules with the Saudi Embassy.

Challenges and Solutions

Crowds: Mecca can be busy, especially during Ramadan. Book Nusuk permits early and choose off-peak times.
App Issues: Nusuk may glitch when adding companions. Register individually or contact Nusuk support via the app.
Transport: Public transport is reliable but slower. Pre-book taxis or trains for efficiency.
Visa Restrictions: The transit visa is single-entry and non-extendable. Plan your itinerary carefully to stay within 96 hours.
Language Barriers: English signage is common, but learning basic Arabic phrases (e.g., for taxis) helps. Use translation apps like Google Translate.

Why Perform Umrah Independently with a Transit Visa?

Performing Umrah independently with a transit visa offers:

Affordability: Save thousands compared to agency packages, with free visas and budget flights.
Flexibility: Choose your schedule and pace, unlike group tours.
Empowerment: Plan your own spiritual journey, deepening your connection to the rituals.
Cultural Immersion: Explore Mecca and Medina at your leisure, visiting local markets and historical sites.
Sustainability: Short transits reduce your environmental impact compared to longer trips.

In 2025, social media platforms like X highlight the growing popularity of DIY Umrah, with posts praising the transit visa’s ease and affordability. Travelers share tips on Nusuk, budget hotels, and train travel, reflecting a community-driven approach to pilgrimage planning.

Conclusion: A Journey of Faith and Freedom

Performing Umrah independently with a Saudi transit visa is a transformative experience, blending spiritual fulfillment with practical accessibility. The 96-hour visa, combined with Saudia or Flynas flights and the Nusuk platform, empowers pilgrims to undertake this sacred journey without the constraints of travel agencies. From booking flights and securing permits to navigating Mecca’s holy sites, this guide equips you with the knowledge to plan a seamless, budget-friendly Umrah.

As Saudi Arabia welcomes millions to its holy cities, the transit visa opens doors for Muslims worldwide to answer the call of faith. Start planning today—book your flight, download Nusuk, and prepare your heart for a journey that will leave you spiritually enriched. For more information, visit www.visitsaudi.com, www.saudia.com, or www.flynas.com.