A summary of how entry and pilgrimage permits currently work. Rules are set and updated by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — treat this as an orientation and always re-check the Nusuk platform before you book or travel.
Route 1
Saudi Tourist e-Visa
Multiple entries, valid one year, up to 90 days per entry
Open to citizens of dozens of eligible countries; fully online, usually issued within a few days
Lets you perform Umrah and travel elsewhere in the Kingdom on the same trip
Still requires a separate Umrah permit through Nusuk before entering Masjid al-Haram
Route 2
Official Umrah Visa
Issued through licensed travel agents, dedicated to religious pilgrimage
Bundled with an approved service package (accommodation, transport) purchased via Nusuk
Traditional route for travellers who prefer a packaged trip
Newer option
One-year multiple-entry Umrah visa
Valid 365 days from issue; cumulative stay across all visits capped at 90 days
A new service package must be bought via Nusuk before each entry, and matched by a fresh Umrah permit
Visa pauses when you leave the Kingdom and resumes on your next entry; unused days carry forward
Not valid during the Hajj season (1 Dhul Qa'dah – 13 Dhul Hijjah)
The rule that applies to everyone: whichever visa gets you into the country, you still need a separate, timed Umrah permit issued through the Nusuk app before you can enter Masjid al-Haram — and a further permit if you want to visit Al-Rawdah in Madinah. Entry windows, stay durations and health requirements (such as vaccination rules) are amended periodically by the Ministry, so confirm the current terms on Nusuk shortly before you travel rather than relying on any single source, including this one.
تطبيق نسك
ن
The Nusuk App
Nusuk is Saudi Arabia's official platform for pilgrims — the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's single point for permits, bookings and on-the-ground support. Registration takes your passport or visa details, a verification code sent to your phone, and a password; once your account is active, everything below sits inside it.
Umrah permit
A timed entry slot to Masjid al-Haram — mandatory for every pilgrim before entering, regardless of visa type.
Rawdah appointment
A separate booking for the small, high-demand area inside Masjid an-Nabawi known as Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah.
Companion management
Add family members or children to your account so their permits move together with yours.
Ziyarat reservations
Optional visits to historic sites around Makkah and Madinah, booked the same way as your main permits.
Transport & stay
Haramain High-Speed Rail tickets, hotel accommodation and flight bookings through approved providers.
In the moment
Live crowd-density readings, maps and guided tours, the Qur'an, collected du'as, prayer times and Qiblah direction.
Getting registered. Download Nusuk (iOS or Android) or use the web platform, choose your pilgrim type (tourist e-visa holder or Umrah-visa holder), and enter your passport or visa number, date of birth and nationality. A one-time code arrives by SMS and email — enter both to activate the account, then set your password. Keep your registered phone number reachable while abroad; that's where Nusuk sends permit confirmations and codes.
iPhone & iPad
Scan the code, or tap through to the App Store listing.
The area between the Prophet's ﷺ pulpit and his house — described in hadith as one of the gardens of Paradise — admits visitors only by timed permit. Booking is free; the whole process runs through Nusuk, and any paid third-party "booking service" should be treated with suspicion.
1
Confirm your account is complete
Your Nusuk profile and passport details need to be fully verified before Rawdah booking becomes available — an incomplete profile is the most common reason the option won't open.
2
Go to Services → Book Rawdah Visit
It sits apart from the Umrah permit screen — a frequent first-time mix-up is booking one and assuming it covers both.
3
Pick a date and time slot
Slots typically release 7–14 days ahead (tightening to 3–5 days during Ramadan and the Hajj season), so an empty calendar further out is normal, not an error.
4
Confirm to receive your QR permit
The confirmed appointment and its QR code appear under My Profile → My Bookings, and are also emailed to your registered address as a backup.
5
Arrive within your window with the QR ready
Stewards scan the code at the entry point; without a valid permit, entry to the Rawdah itself isn't permitted, though the rest of Masjid an-Nabawi remains open.
If something isn't working: log out and back in to refresh a blank bookings screen; enter your mobile number with its full international dialling code if a verification code isn't arriving, wait 10–15 minutes before requesting another, and use Nusuk's in-app live chat or its 24-hour support line as a last resort. Nusuk has also added an instant-booking option for pilgrims already near the mosque with capacity available, plus a waitlist for fully booked slots.
الاتصال
Staying connected
You'll want data for Nusuk, maps and calling home — here's how pilgrims usually get online in Saudi Arabia.
STC
Sawa Ziyara (visitor line)
Visitor packages start around SAR 35
Can be reserved online in advance on the STC website
Activation on arrival requires a fingerprint at an STC sales point — this is a Saudi-wide rule, not an STC quirk
MBL
Visitors package
Packages start around SAR 30
Available at Mobily branches, airport kiosks and authorised shops
Straightforward walk-up purchase with your passport
ZN
Visitor SIM
Packages start around SAR 34.5
Kiosks at both Jeddah and Madinah airport arrival halls
Data-heavy plans aimed at tourists and pilgrims
1
Decide physical SIM or eSIM before you fly
A physical SIM means a short stop at the airport; an eSIM (from a Saudi carrier or an international eSIM marketplace) can be bought online, installed via QR code before departure, and left ready to switch on.
2
Physical SIM: buy it at the arrival hall
STC, Mobily and Zain all run kiosks at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International and Madinah's Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International — have your passport ready and expect a short fingerprint or biometric step to activate the line, which Saudi telecom rules require of every provider.
3
eSIM: activate remotely if you'd rather skip the queue
Saudi Arabia now lets international pilgrims activate an eSIM straight through a carrier's app using biometric verification via the Absher platform — no store visit needed, which is useful when airport counters are busy during peak Umrah season.
4
Top up as you go
All three carriers let you recharge through their apps, at convenience stores, or by USSD code — keep a little local cash for the first top-up in case a card payment doesn't go through.
Good to know: queues at airport SIM counters can run long during Ramadan and peak Umrah weeks, so an eSIM installed before departure is worth considering if you want to be reachable the moment you land. Whichever route you take, register the SIM to your own passport — Saudi law ties every active line to a verified identity.
المواسم والطقس
Seasons, weather, and why timing matters
Umrah has no fixed date on the solar calendar — the Islamic year is lunar, so your trip's Gregorian date shifts by about 10–11 days earlier each year. That means weather and crowd size are two separate things to plan around, and they don't always move together.
June – September
Summer
Daytime highs regularly pass 42–45°C in both Makkah and Madinah, with record spikes above 50°C
Dry heat, but the mataf courtyard and outdoor queues offer little shade at midday
Fewer visitors than winter — if you can handle the heat, permits and hotels are easier to get
December – February
Winter
Daytime temperatures around 25–30°C, dropping to a cool 15–18°C at night
The most comfortable stretch of the year for standing and walking outdoors
Also the most crowded — comfortable weather draws the largest volume of visitors
Mar–May & Oct–Nov
Spring & autumn
A middle ground: warm days (30–38°C) without winter's peak crowding
Occasional short, heavy rain in the shoulder months, mainly near Jeddah's coast — rare, but can cause local flash flooding
Often the best balance of manageable weather and manageable queues
Lunar, not seasonal
Ramadan
The busiest single stretch on the calendar, regardless of what the weather is doing outside. Hotel prices climb, flights fill up months ahead, and — as noted earlier — Nusuk permit and Rawdah slots tighten to just 3–5 days out. If Ramadan is your goal, book earlier than you think you need to.
1 Dhul Qa'dah – 13 Dhul Hijjah
The pre-Hajj & Hajj window
Umrah visas and permits pause during this stretch so the Kingdom can focus on Hajj. Hajj itself is expected around late May 2026, and will keep drifting earlier through the Gregorian calendar in the years after — check the current Hijri dates before you plan around it.
Planning around both calendars. Pick a Gregorian window with weather you can manage, then check where it falls in the Hijri calendar for Ramadan and the Hajj blackout. If your dates land in summer, lean harder on the sun protection and hydration items in the packing checklist below, plan Tawaf and Sa'i for early morning or after Isha when it's cooler, and rest indoors during peak afternoon heat.
قائمة السفر
What to pack
A reference checklist, not a rulebook — tick off items as you pack. Nothing here is saved once you close the page, so download a copy before you go.
Documents
Travel documents
Health
Medicines & prescriptions
Ihram & clothing
Clothing & ihram
Accessories
Everyday accessories
Electronics
Chargers & electronics
Good to have
Extras worth packing
التنقل
Getting around
Between cities, from the airport, and around the Haram itself — here's how pilgrims usually move.
CRM
Careem
The most widely used ride-hailing app in Saudi Arabia, with strong coverage in both Makkah and Madinah
Works well for airport pickups, city rides, and trips out to ziyarat sites
Account verification by SMS or WhatsApp — set it up before you land if you can
UBR
Uber
A solid alternative to Careem, with an account that usually carries over from home
Good for airport transfers — use the marked pickup zone and match the plate before getting in
Coverage and wait times can vary more than Careem during peak pilgrimage weeks
JNY
Jeeny
A local Saudi ride app that can undercut Careem or Uber on price in Makkah and Madinah
Some foreign phone numbers can't register — worth trying only once you have a Saudi SIM
Useful as a backup when the other two are short on drivers
1
Between Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah — the Haramain High-Speed Rail
The fastest and most comfortable way to cover ground: roughly two and a half hours between Makkah and Madinah, with a stop at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport along the way. Book through the official HHR Train app or website — enter your passport name exactly as it appears on your passport, and keep a copy of the ticket offline.
2
From the airport to your hotel
Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International is the main gateway for most pilgrims; Madinah's Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International handles many direct Umrah flights too. Careem, Uber and metered taxis all operate from both — use the airport's marked pickup area rather than accepting an offer from someone walking the arrivals hall. Many Umrah packages also include a pre-arranged private transfer; check with your travel agent before booking your own.
3
Around the city and out to ziyarat sites
Official white taxis are metered and available near hotels and the Haram; agree on the fare or insist on the meter before you set off. For a half-day trip to sites like Jabal al-Nour or Uhud, your hotel or a licensed local tour operator can usually arrange a car and driver for a fixed price — often more relaxed than juggling an app for several stops.
4
Moving through the mosque itself
Both Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi are largely a walk once you're there — most hotels within the central zone are five to fifteen minutes on foot. For anyone who needs extra support, the mosque authorities provide free wheelchairs at designated points near the gates, and paid electric-cart services operate along the outer courtyards for longer distances.
A practical habit: keep your hotel's name and address written down in Arabic (ask reception to write it for you), since not every driver reads English signage well, and a language gap is the most common cause of a longer-than-expected ride.
رحلة العمرة
What Umrah is, and the journey it follows
Umrah means "to visit a populated place" — the lesser pilgrimage to the Ka'bah, performed any time of year rather than on Hajj's fixed dates. Its rites trace back to Ibrahim and Isma'il, peace be upon them, who raised the Ka'bah and whose family's search for water became the walk between Safa and Marwah; the Prophet ﷺ himself performed it four times.
Its reward is described plainly in hadith: "Umrah after Umrah is an expiation for what came between them" (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim), and "Follow up Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows removes impurity from iron" (Sunan al-Tirmidhi). Scholars differ on whether it's obligatory once in a lifetime — the Shafi'i and Hanbali view, reading Qur'an 2:196 — or a strongly emphasised sunnah, as the Hanafi and Maliki view holds. Either way, it's one of the most rewarded acts of worship a Muslim can undertake.
Whatever the ruling on obligation, the rites themselves are fixed — four pillars, in sequence. This overview gives you the shape of the whole trip; the next section opens each stage with its exact wording.
١
Ihram
الإحرام
At or before the miqat: ghusl, the ihram garments, the intention, and the Talbiyah — the state you enter and stay in until the final trim.
٢
Tawaf
الطواف
Seven circuits of the Ka'bah beginning at the Black Stone, then two rak'ahs near Maqam Ibrahim and a drink of Zamzam.
٣
Sa'i
السعي
Seven passes between Safa and Marwah, retracing Hajar's search for water — the walk that gave Zamzam its name.
٤
Halq or Taqsir
الحلق أو التقصير
Shaving or trimming the hair closes Umrah and releases you from ihram — the visit is complete.
الأدعية
Every step, with its wording
Each stage below has its Arabic text, transliteration and English meaning — tap to open it, then press Listen to hear it spoken aloud.
Perform ghusl — a full purifying bath, the Prophet's ﷺ own practice before entering ihram — then wear the ihram garments (unstitched white cloths for men; plain, modest clothing for women — the face and hands remain uncovered), make your intention, and begin reciting the Talbiyah, which you repeat often until you start Tawaf.
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and dominion are Yours. You have no partner.
Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim. Men recite it aloud; women say it quietly.
Enter with the right foot, as with any mosque, and lower your gaze in humility as the Ka'bah comes into view. Many raise their hands and make personal du'a at first sight — there's no single wording required for that moment; speak to Allah in your own words.
Entering the mosque
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allāhumma-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik
O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me.
Sahih Muslim — the general dua for entering any mosque.
Begin level with the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), Ka'bah on your left. Say the takbir at the start of each of the seven circuits — kissing or touching the stone if possible, otherwise gesturing toward it without pushing. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite the verse below; elsewhere, any dhikr or personal du'a is fine. Close with two rak'ahs near Maqam Ibrahim (Surah al-Kafirun, then al-Ikhlas) and a drink of Zamzam.
Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā 'adhāban-nār
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Qur'an 2:201, repeated by the Prophet ﷺ on this exact stretch of Tawaf (Sunan Abu Dawud).
After Tawaf, at Maqam Ibrahim
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Wattakhidhū min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣallā
And take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.
Qur'an 2:125 — recited before the two rak'ahs. Pray them anywhere in the mosque if the area is crowded.
Approach Safa reciting the verse below, then climb it, face the Ka'bah, and say the takbir three times followed by the dhikr — repeating the whole sequence three times with your own du'a in between. Walk to Marwah (this is one circuit), repeat the same dhikr there, and continue for seven one-way trips in total, ending at Marwah.
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu yuḥyī wa yumītu wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in qadīr. Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdah, anjaza wa'dahu wa naṣara 'abdahu wa hazamal-aḥzāba waḥdah
There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. His is the dominion and His is all praise; He gives life and causes death, and He has power over all things. There is no god but Allah alone, who fulfilled His promise, granted victory to His servant, and defeated the enemy alliance alone.
Sahih Muslim — said three times, facing the Qiblah, with personal du'a after each repetition.
Allāhumma innī as'aluka 'ilman nāfi'an, wa rizqan wāsi'an, wa shifā'an min kulli dā'
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, ample provision, and healing from every illness.
A widely used form drawn on the hadith "Zamzam water is for whatever it is drunk for" (Ibn Majah) — make it your own du'a, this need not be recited verbatim.
Men shave the head completely (halq) or trim evenly all over (taqsir); the Prophet ﷺ prayed for those who shave three times and for those who trim once — shaving is the more complete option for men. Women cut roughly a fingertip's length from a gathered lock of hair. Once done, ihram restrictions end and your Umrah is complete — no fixed du'a is prescribed for this step itself.
What about Tawaf al-Wada' (the farewell tawaf)? It's obligatory before leaving Makkah after Hajj, but for Umrah alone most scholars consider it recommended rather than required — Umrah's own rites end at halq or taqsir. Many people still perform it as a graceful way to say goodbye to the Ka'bah before travelling home; skipping it after Umrah isn't missing a pillar.
A note on authenticity. Every Arabic text above comes from the Qur'an or from hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud or Sunan Ibn Majah, referenced beside each one. Where scholars differ on wording or where no fixed text exists, that's noted rather than papered over. This page is a study companion, not a fatwa — for rulings on your specific situation, ask a qualified local scholar.
These aren't part of the four pillars above, but they're some of the most-read du'as around an Umrah trip — when you set out, when you first reach Madinah, and when you stand before the Prophet's ﷺ grave.
Allah is the Greatest, three times. Glory to the One who made this possible for us — we could not have done it ourselves — and to our Lord we shall return. O Allah, we ask You for righteousness and piety on this journey, and for deeds that please You.
Sahih Muslim, narrated by Ibn Umar — said whenever mounting transport to travel, including on the way to the airport.
Allāhumma rabbas-samāwātis-sab'i wa mā aẓlalna, wa rabbal-araḍīnas-sab'i wa mā aqlalna, as'aluka khayra hādhihil-qaryati wa khayra ahlihā, wa a'ūdhu bika min sharrihā wa sharri ahlihā
O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and what they shade, and Lord of the seven earths and what they carry — I ask You for the good of this town and the good of its people, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of its people.
Sunan al-Nasa'i, graded hasan by several scholars — recited entering any town, and often said arriving in Madinah specifically.
Standing before the Prophet's ﷺ grave (in the Rawdah)
As-salāmu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh
Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
The same greeting said in every prayer's tashahhud (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) — customarily repeated quietly, facing the grave, without touching or pressing against the grille.
At the Multazam (between the Black Stone and the door)
Allāhumma yā rabbal-baytil-'atīq, a'tiq riqābanā wa riqāba ābā'inā wa ummahātinā wa ikhwāninā wa awlādinā minan-nār
O Allah, Lord of the Ancient House, free our necks and the necks of our parents, siblings and children from the Fire.
Widely recited at the Multazam, though its chain is considered weak by several hadith scholars — treat it as a heartfelt personal supplication rather than a verified prophetic text, and feel free to make du'a here in your own words instead.
الصدقة
Making the most of sadaqah on this trip
Charity is rewarded everywhere, but many scholars hold that good deeds carry extra weight in the two Harams — reason enough for sadaqah to be a deliberate part of the trip, not an afterthought. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Charity does not decrease wealth" (Sahih Muslim), and "Save yourself from the Fire even with half a date given in charity" (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim).
Before you fly
Set a sadaqah budget
Decide a fixed amount before you travel, so giving stays deliberate rather than reactive to whoever you meet
Settle any outstanding debts and your zakat first — sadaqah is separate from, not a substitute for, an obligation already due
Consider giving on behalf of parents or family who've passed — a common and moving practice among pilgrims
While you're there
Feed someone nearby
Buying dates, Zamzam, or a meal for those around you at iftar or after prayer is one of the most loved local customs
Even a small, sincere gift counts — the "half a date" hadith above is often read as reassurance that the amount matters less than the sincerity
Give at organized points (mosque courtyards, distribution tables) rather than pressing through crowds at the gates or mataf
Lasting reward
Make it ongoing (sadaqah jariyah)
Sponsoring something that keeps benefiting people — a Zamzam cooler, copies of the Qur'an, a water point — keeps earning reward after you've gone home
"When a person dies, his deeds end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him" (Sahih Muslim)
Many mosque-affiliated waqf offices accept exactly this kind of dedicated giving
Give through channels you can trust. Around any major place of worship, some of the people asking for money are in genuine need and some are part of organised begging operations that don't reach the people they claim to. Donation boxes inside and around both mosques, the mosque's own waqf offices, and Saudi Arabia's national giving platform, Ehsan, are reliable ways to make sure sadaqah actually reaches its cause. Trust your own judgment on individual cases — this isn't a reason to withhold kindness, just a reason to also give deliberately through verified channels.
المعالم
Famous places worth knowing
Beyond the two mosques, both cities hold sites tied closely to the Seerah. Many are optional ziyarat stops rather than rites of Umrah itself.
Masjid al-Haram
The Grand Mosque surrounding the Ka'bah — the direction every Muslim faces in prayer, and the heart of both Umrah and Hajj.
Jabal al-Nour & Cave of Hira
The mountain where the Prophet ﷺ received the first revelation inside the cave of Hira, reached by a steep climb east of the Haram.
Jabal Thawr
South of the city, where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr sheltered in a cave during the migration to Madinah while being pursued.
Mina
The tented valley where Hajj pilgrims stay for several days — a short distance from the Haram, quiet outside the Hajj season.
Mount Arafat
Where the Prophet ﷺ gave his Farewell Sermon; standing here is the single obligatory pillar of Hajj, though it lies outside Umrah.
Muzdalifah
The open plain between Arafat and Mina where Hajj pilgrims gather pebbles and spend the night under open sky.
Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's ﷺ Mosque in the heart of Madinah, built around his original house and expanded into one of the world's largest mosques.
Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah
The garden of Paradise on earth, described in hadith — the space between the Prophet's ﷺ pulpit and his house, now permit-only.
Quba Mosque
The first mosque in Islamic history, founded by the Prophet ﷺ on arrival in Madinah — praying two rak'ahs here carries the reward of an Umrah, per hadith.
Masjid al-Qiblatain
The Mosque of the Two Qiblahs, where the direction of prayer changed mid-salah from Jerusalem to Makkah.
Mount Uhud
Site of the second major battle of early Islam; the martyrs' cemetery at its foot, including Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, is a common ziyarat stop.
Jannat al-Baqi
Madinah's historic cemetery beside the Prophet's Mosque, resting place of many of his family and companions.
التسوق والمطاعم
Shopping & famous eateries
Where pilgrims usually pick up gifts, essentials and a good meal, near both mosques.
ABM
Abraj Al Bait (Clock Tower) Mall
A vast mall directly beside Masjid al-Haram — prayer wear, abayas, perfumes, dates and souvenirs across several floors, with mosque views from the upper levels.
SZ
Souq al-Zal
An older, closer-in market for prayer beads, oud and attar (alcohol-free perfume), abayas and modest wear at more traditional prices.
B&P
Bin Dawood & Panda supermarkets
Reliable chains scattered around the Haram for dates, Zamzam packs, snacks and everyday essentials at fixed prices.
ALB
Al Baik
The fried-chicken chain pilgrims from around the world talk about — queues are part of the experience, especially near Haram branches after Isha.
M&K
Mandi & Kabsa houses
Family-style rice-and-meat restaurants around Ajyad and Ibrahim al-Khalil streets — generous plates meant for sharing.
CT
Clock Tower rooftop cafés
Coffee and light meals with a direct view down onto the Haram and the Ka'bah — worth the elevator queue at least once.
ANM
Al Noor Mall
Directly facing Masjid an-Nabawi's King Fahd Gate — a straightforward stop for clothing, perfume and gifts between prayers.
DTS
Madinah date markets
Stalls and shops around the mosque and near Quba selling Ajwa and other Madinah dates by the box — a favourite gift to carry home.
T&B
Taibah & Bab al-Majidi markets
Older souq streets a short walk from the mosque, good for prayer mats, modest clothing and everyday shopping at local prices.
A&T
Al Baik & Al Tazaj
The same beloved fried-chicken and grilled-chicken chains familiar from Makkah, with branches close to the Haram in Madinah too.
MM
Madani Mandi restaurants
Local mandi and mutabbaq maqluba spots around the mosque's southern side — hearty, affordable, and popular after Fajr and Isha.
CH
Cafés along Al Haram Street
Quiet cafés facing the mosque's courtyards — a good place to sit with tea between the five daily prayers.
الخريطة
Finding your way around
Key sites in both cities, plotted with their names and approximate distance from the main mosque. Switch cities to re-centre the map.
Mosques & mataf Historic & Hajj sites
الرعاية الصحية
Medical care and emergencies
Every Umrah visa issued from outside Saudi Arabia comes with mandatory health insurance already built into the visa fee — here's what it covers, where to get treated, and who to call.
Included in your visa
What the mandatory insurance covers
Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation, up to SAR 100,000
COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment
Pregnancy complications and emergency childbirth
Emergency dental care and dialysis
Traffic accident injuries
Medical evacuation, and repatriation in the event of death
Compensation for flight delays or cancellations
Valid for 90 days from your entry date, within Saudi Arabia only
Using it
How to access care
Government hospitals and affiliated private facilities both accept it — bring your passport and visa/Nusuk details
Verify your policy anytime at riaya-ksa.com, the Comprehensive Insurance Programme for the Guests of the Merciful
Policy helpline: 800 440 0008 (within Saudi Arabia) or +966 13 812 9700 (international)
For anything the policy doesn't cover — routine consultations, non-emergency specialist visits — private hospitals are an option at your own cost
Near Masjid al-Haram
Makkah
Ajyad Emergency Hospital — 24-hour emergency care, closest to the Haram itself
Al-Haram Emergency Hospital — just north of the mosque, opposite King Abdullah Gate
Al-Noor Specialist Hospital — around 3.5 km out, for specialist and non-emergency care
King Abdullah Medical City — the region's larger tertiary hospital
Near Masjid an-Nabawi
Madinah
First-aid points sit right in the mosque's own courtyards, near the Bab Jibril, Al-Safiyyah, Bab As-Salam and Al-Majidi gates — the fastest option for anything minor
King Fahad Hospital — the region's largest and most comprehensive facility
Al-Ansar Hospital — a further major government hospital serving the city
Emergency numbers worth saving before you land
General emergency (works in Makkah & Madinah)911
Police999
Ambulance (Saudi Red Crescent)997
Civil Defence (fire)998
Tourism support (in-Kingdom / from abroad)930 / +966 920 000 890
Ministry of Health service centre937
Ministry of Hajj & Umrah (international)+966 920 002 814
A practical habit: save a screenshot of your Nusuk permit and insurance details, keep your passport on you, and have your hotel's address written in Arabic — exactly as suggested for transport, this is the detail that speeds up help the most if something goes wrong.
ملاحظاتكم
Help us make this site better
Missing a du'a, found an outdated rule, or wish there was a section on something else? Tell us what would make your Umrah journey smoother — this goes straight to the person building the site.