Great news for Algerians: you can now perform Umrah independently WITHOUT going through a travel agency! Saudi Arabia allows individual applications via the Nusuk platform or through a tourist e-Visa. If you hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa, you can get a Saudi tourist e-Visa and perform Umrah freely. Otherwise, you can register directly on the Nusuk platform to get an Umrah visa and book services (accommodation, transport) yourself.
Fees: Nusuk Umrah visa: ~SAR 300-500 (~€70-120) | Tourist e-Visa: SAR 480 (~€117)
Processing time: Nusuk: 1-5 days | Tourist e-Visa: instant to 24h
Visa center in Algeria: No visa center needed — apply online via Nusuk or e-Visa portal
You have two options to perform Umrah independently: **Option 1 — Nusuk Platform:** Register on nusuk.sa to apply for an Umrah visa directly. You can also book accommodation and transport through the platform. This is the dedicated Umrah path. **Option 2 — Tourist e-Visa:** If you already hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa, you're eligible for the Saudi tourist e-Visa (visa.visitsaudi.com). With this visa, you can visit Saudi Arabia AND perform Umrah freely — no separate Umrah visa needed. Both options allow you to arrange everything yourself without a travel agency.
Estimated duration: Nusuk: 1-5 days | e-Visa: instant to 24h
For applicants in Algeria: Many Algerians successfully perform Umrah independently now! The key is to book your hotels through Nusuk (even if using a tourist e-Visa) to ensure smooth entry. Avoid unlicensed middlemen who charge extra — you can do everything yourself online.
Book your hotels in Mecca and Medina through the Nusuk platform. This is now strongly recommended (and sometimes required) by Saudi authorities to verify your booking and ensure visa approval. You can also book flights and inter-city transport through the platform, or arrange them separately. Confirmed round-trip flight tickets are required.
Estimated duration: 1-2 days for bookings
Before traveling, make sure you have: your visa (Nusuk or e-Visa), confirmed hotel bookings, round-trip tickets, and the required Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate. Print all your booking confirmations. At the Saudi port of entry, you'll need to show your visa, passport, and may be asked for your hotel and return flight confirmations.
Estimated duration: 1-2 days preparation
Tip: Get your Meningitis ACWY vaccination at Institut Pasteur d'Algérie or any approved vaccination center. The certificate is MANDATORY for entry.