Know before you go
Umrah Visa Guide
A plain-language overview of how the Umrah visa process works for Sri Lankan pilgrims — what your agency handles, what you need to provide, and when.
The Umrah visa process can sound intimidating, but for the vast majority of Sri Lankan pilgrims it’s largely handled for you. Here’s a general, practical overview of how it works, so you know what to expect and what to prepare.
If you’re travelling on an Umrah package — which is how most Sri Lankan pilgrims travel — the visa is normally arranged by your travel agency as part of that package. You are not expected to navigate the Saudi visa system on your own. Your role is simply to hand over the required documents on time; the agency takes care of the application, submission and approval. If anything is unclear or missing, they’ll usually tell you well before it becomes a problem.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah operates Nusuk (nusuk.sa) as the official government platform for Umrah and Hajj, including visas and related permits. Most Sri Lankan agencies submit pilgrim applications through Nusuk or a connected accredited system on your behalf. You generally won’t need to create an account or apply there yourself — but it’s worth knowing the name, since it’s the legitimate, official channel if you ever need to double-check something with your agency.
- Passport with at least six months’ validity remaining from your travel date, with blank visa pages available.
- Passport-size photographs — your agency will confirm the exact specifications and how many they need.
- Meningitis (ACYW135) vaccination certificate — a long-standing health requirement for Umrah and Hajj travellers set by Saudi authorities.
Health requirements (including which vaccinations are needed, and any additional ones) are set by Saudi authorities and can be updated from time to time. Please confirm the current requirements with your agency close to your departure date rather than relying solely on this list.
Visa processing needs lead time, so agencies typically ask for your documents some weeks ahead of departure rather than at the last minute. Exactly how far ahead depends on the agency, the season and current processing volumes — your agency will give you an exact deadline for your batch, so treat that date as firm and submit everything (a valid passport, photos and your vaccination certificate) as soon as you have it.
Travel arrangements and requirements for women performing Umrah are set by Saudi authorities and can vary or change over time, so we won’t state a specific rule here that could be out of date. If this applies to you, please confirm the current requirements directly with your agency — they handle this regularly and can advise on exactly what’s needed for your situation.
Visa fees apply and vary — this guide intentionally doesn’t quote a fixed amount, since official fees, any insurance component, and service charges can change and aren’t something we can responsibly pin down here. Ask your agency what’s included in your package price and what, if anything, is charged separately.
Comparing options? Browse verified Umrah packages from Sri Lankan agencies, or see the full list of agencies on this site — every one of them will handle your visa application as part of your booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for my Umrah visa myself?
Almost never, if you're travelling on a package. Your travel agency arranges the visa as part of the package price, usually by submitting your documents to Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk platform or through their own accredited channel. You provide documents; the agency handles the application itself.
What is Nusuk?
Nusuk (nusuk.sa) is the Saudi government's official platform for Umrah and Hajj, covering visas, permits and related services. Most Sri Lankan agencies apply through it or a connected system on your behalf — you generally won't need to use it directly, but it's useful to know it's the legitimate, official channel if you ever want to verify something.
How much does the Umrah visa cost?
Visa fees apply and do vary, so this guide can't responsibly quote a fixed number here — official fees, insurance components and any service charges can change. Ask your agency for the current amount included in (or added to) your package price.
Are visa requirements different for women pilgrims?
Some arrangements and requirements for women travelling for Umrah are set by Saudi authorities and have changed over time, so this guide won't state a specific rule that could be outdated by the time you read it. Please confirm current requirements directly with your agency — they handle this regularly and will know exactly what applies to your situation.
More Islamic tools
This tool and its guidance are presented in general terms and are not affiliated with, or speaking on behalf of, any particular school of thought, sect, or organization. For a ruling specific to your own situation, please consult your Maulavi or a qualified religious scholar you trust.