Last Updated: January 15, 2026
Performing Umrah is a spiritual dream for millions of Muslims across South Asia. With Saudi Arabia opening online visa systems and allowing flexible travel, it is now possible to plan your own 20-day Umrah trip without expensive group agents.
Here is your complete humanized guide to applying for the Umrah visa with flight tickets, accommodation tips, and planning a peaceful self-guided journey to Makkah and Madinah in 2025.
βοΈ 1. Understanding the Umrah Visa Options (2025)
Saudi Arabia offers two main types of visas for pilgrims:
π’ A. Umrah-Specific Visa
- Valid only for Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah
- Does not allow travel to other Saudi cities
- Usually valid for 30 days during the visa period
- Can be applied via approved Umrah agents in your country
π’ B. Tourist eVisa
- Launched in 2019, updated for 2025
- Valid for 90 days with multiple entries
- Allows performing Umrah outside Hajj season
- Can visit other cities like Riyadh, Abha, Dammam
π» 2. How to Apply for Umrah Visa Online (2025)
Saudi Arabia has made visa applications easier via the Nusuk platform and approved agents.
πΉ For Indian, Pakistani & Bangladeshi pilgrims:
β
Visit the Nusuk official website (nusuk.sa) or Ministry-approved Umrah agent sites.
β
Upload passport copy (valid minimum 6 months), passport-size photo (white background), and personal details.
β
Pay the visa fee (approx βΉ7500ββΉ10,000 / PKR 25,000β35,000 / BDT 9,000β12,000) depending on agent service charges.
β
Wait 24β72 hours for visa approval, often emailed as an e-visa PDF.
Watch live – Makkah TV Free Watch
π 3. Flight Booking Tips for a 20-Day Journey
β
Book early (2-3 months in advance) for best fares.
β
Use Skyscanner, Cleartrip, or direct airline websites like Saudia, Emirates, Air India, PIA, Biman for comparisons.
β
For budget-friendly options, consider layover flights via Gulf countries (Oman, Kuwait, Qatar).
β
Always choose flights arriving in Jeddah if starting with Makkah, or Madinah Airport if starting your ziyarat there.
π Example Fare (June 2025):
- Mumbai to Jeddah return: βΉ28,000 β βΉ38,000
- Karachi to Jeddah return: PKR 75,000 β 95,000
- Dhaka to Jeddah return: BDT 45,000 β 55,000
π 4. Planning Your Self-Guided 20-Day Itinerary
β Days 1-10: Makkah Al-Mukarramah
- Perform Umrah rituals (Tawaf, Saβi, Halq/Taqsir) after arrival and freshening up.
- Pray all five daily salah in Masjid Al Haram to absorb the spiritual atmosphere.
- Explore Mount Hira (Cave of Hira) and Mount Thawr early morning to avoid heat.
- Visit Makkah Museum for Islamic heritage and ancient Kaaba models.
- Shop affordable dates, tasbeehs, ihrams at Souq Al-Hijaz or Bin Dawood.
β Days 11-20: Madinah Al-Munawwarah
- Travel via Haramain High-Speed Train (Makkah to Madinah, ~2.5 hours, SAR 180β250) for a comfortable journey.
- Perform salaam and ziyarat at Masjid Nabawi daily, especially in Riyadh ul Jannah.
- Visit important sites:
- Quba Mosque (first mosque of Islam)
- Qiblatain Mosque
- Uhud Mountain (battle site of Uhud)
- Enjoy peaceful evening walks along King Fahd Road markets near Masjid Nabawi.
π¨ 5. Accommodation Tips for Budget and Comfort
β
Book hotels via Booking.com or Agoda with free cancellation options.
β
In Makkah, choose Ajyad or Ibrahim Al Khalil streets for cheaper stays within 10β15 min walk to Haram.
β
In Madinah, Northern side hotels near Gate 25 are convenient for female travelers.
β
For a 20-day tour, consider aparthotels with kitchenettes to prepare your own food and save daily costs.
π Estimated Hotel Budget (per night for 2 adults):
- Makkah: βΉ2500ββΉ4500 / PKR 9000β16000 / BDT 3500β6000
- Madinah: βΉ2200ββΉ4000 / PKR 8000β14000 / BDT 3200β5500
π½οΈ 6. Food & Local Transportation
β
Most hotels include breakfast buffet with traditional Arabic items, eggs, cereals, and tea/coffee.
β
For lunch/dinner, popular options include Al Baik (Saudi fried chicken chain), Taza, Zamzam Refreshment, or Pakistani/Indian restaurants in Aziziyah, Makkah.
β
Use Uber or Careem apps for local travel in both cities for safety, fixed fares, and English-friendly drivers.
π§³ 7. Important Packing List for 20 Days
β
Ihram sets (2 for men, multiple abayas for women)
β
Comfortable walking shoes/sandals
β
Mini prayer mat
β
Reusable water bottle
β
Small backpack for Haram
β
Portable WiFi device or local SIM (STC or Zain)
β
Medicines (paracetamol, ORS, antihistamines, personal prescriptions)
β οΈ 8. Travel & Spiritual Etiquette
β
Maintain cleanliness and politeness with hotel staff and locals.
β
Avoid crowding or pushing in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Nabawi.
β
Refrain from taking unnecessary photos/videos in Haram areas out of respect.
β
Carry a small notebook for duas and reflections during your journey.

π 9. Final Checklist Before You Fly
β
Confirm visa validity dates and flight timings.
β
Print all bookings and keep digital copies on your phone.
β
Inform family or friends with a full itinerary copy for safety.
β
Carry enough local currency (Saudi Riyals) for initial expenses; ATMs are widely available but daily withdrawal charges apply on international cards.
π Final Thoughts
Performing Umrah is a journey of faith, patience, and inner peace. With Saudi Arabiaβs open visa policies and modern travel infrastructure in 2025, pilgrims from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh can now plan self-guided 20-day tours with confidence, safety, and spiritual focus.
May your Umrah be accepted and bring barakah (blessings) to your life. π€²
π¬ Have you planned your self-guided Umrah before? Share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments to guide others.


Brilliant post!!
order online
online
diflucan pill costs