Getting a visa for Medina

The main routes at a glance

The tourist eVisa

The simplest option for most Western, East Asian and many other travellers is the Saudi tourist eVisa, available online to citizens of roughly sixty countries. It is typically issued as a one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit, and it bundles in basic medical insurance. Crucially for pilgrims, it covers Umrah at any time outside the Hajj season — you do not need a separate Umrah visa if you qualify for the eVisa. Apply through the official Saudi visa portal or the Nusuk platform; approval is usually fast, often within minutes to a couple of days. Fees change periodically, so check the official portal for current amounts rather than relying on third-party sites, many of which add hefty mark-ups for the same visa.

Visa on arrival and transit options

Travellers from eVisa-eligible countries can generally also obtain a visa on arrival at Medina airport and other international gateways, though applying online in advance is cheaper and avoids queueing. Saudi Arabia has also extended visa-on-arrival eligibility to holders of valid, used visit visas for the US or UK, or Schengen visas, subject to conditions — verify the current rules before flying, as they are adjusted from time to time.

If you are connecting through the Kingdom on Saudia or flynas, a free stopover visa has been offered allowing a stay of up to 96 hours, long enough for Umrah and a short visit to Medina. It is arranged during flight booking; conditions apply, so confirm with the airline.

Umrah and Hajj visas

Nationalities not covered by the eVisa scheme apply for a dedicated Umrah visa, normally through a licensed travel agent as part of a package that may bundle flights, hotels and transport. Umrah is also permitted on family and personal visit visas.

Hajj is different. It is only possible on a Hajj visa issued under national quotas, booked through your country's approved Hajj operators or, for pilgrims from some Western countries, directly through the official Nusuk Hajj platform. Tourist and Umrah visas do not permit Hajj, and enforcement around the season is strict, with checkpoints on roads into Mecca. The interplay between the two pilgrimages and Medina is explained on the Hajj & Umrah page.

Non-Muslim visitors

Medina is open to non-Muslim tourists in a way Mecca is not. You can stay in the city, visit the museums, Mount Uhud's surroundings and the markets — but the central haram zone immediately around the Prophet's Mosque is reserved for Muslims, with signed boundaries and checkpoints on approach roads. Plan accommodation outside the central pedestrian zone and read the etiquette guide before you travel.

Common questions