Saudi Arabia Updates Visa Rules for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims from India in 2026
Saudi Arabia has announced new visa regulations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims traveling from India in 2026. The Umrah visa entry period has now been reduced to just one month. Additionally, travelers holding Umrah or tourist visas will not be allowed to remain in Makkah after April 18, 2026.
All accommodation and travel bookings must now be made through the Nusuk app. The country will maintain its Hajj quota for Indian pilgrims at 175,025 but has introduced a new short-Hajj package lasting 20 days.
To enforce these rules, violations can result in hefty fines of up to SAR 10,000, deportation, and future entry bans. Indian travel agents will need to ensure that pilgrims have the correct visa type, proof of vaccinations, and Nusuk reservations to prevent penalties and issues with boarding flights.
