Yes, you can perform Umrah during an eligible Saudi stopover if you have the correct entry permission and enough time to leave the airport, travel to Makkah, complete Umrah and return for your onward flight.
Saudi Arabia’s current stopover visa allows eligible Saudia and flynas passengers to enter the country for up to 96 hours, and Visit Saudi specifically states that the stopover can be used to perform Umrah.
How Long Can I Stay on a Saudi Stopover Visa?
The current stopover visa permits a stay of up to 96 hours.
Visit Saudi says the service is available through participating Saudia and flynas bookings and can be used for Umrah, sightseeing and visiting Madinah. Visit Saudi
It cannot be used for Hajj.
Do I Need a Nusuk Booking?
Current Visit Saudi guidance says religious visitors using the stopover visa should arrange the required Umrah or Ziyarah appointment through Nusuk.
Do not assume the stopover visa itself is the only preparation required.
Check the current Nusuk requirements before departure.
Is a 10-Hour Stopover Enough for Umrah?
It may be technically possible in some circumstances, but it can be very tight.
There is no official rule saying a certain number of hours guarantees enough time.
Your stopover must cover:
arrival and immigration → luggage arrangements → Jeddah to Makkah → Tawaf → Sa’i → Halq/Taqsir → return journey → airport security and boarding
A delay at any stage can put your onward flight at risk.
If your layover is short, do not plan Umrah simply because a map makes Jeddah and Makkah look close.
Our guide on how long Umrah takes can help you estimate the ritual itself.
Do I Need Ihram Before Landing in Jeddah?
Yes, if you are already intending to perform Umrah when flying towards Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says a passenger whose first arrival is Jeddah must enter Ihram and make the intention when the aircraft reaches the Miqat. Airlines normally announce this point during the flight.
Do not land in Jeddah planning to enter Ihram afterwards if you already intended Umrah before crossing the Miqat.
Read our complete Ihram guide before flying.
What If My Stopover Is in Madinah?
The planning is different.
If you enter Saudi Arabia in Madinah first and later travel towards Makkah for Umrah, you enter Ihram from the Miqat for travelers leaving Madinah.
This can sometimes be more comfortable because you do not need to remain in Ihram throughout the inbound flight.
What Happens to My Checked Luggage?
This depends on your ticket.
Your luggage may be:
- checked through to the final destination
- returned to you in Saudi Arabia
- require collection and re-checking
Confirm this with your airline before travelling.
GOV.UK also warns that travelers passing through Saudi immigration or using separate tickets may need the appropriate transit permission.
What If My Flights Are on Separate Tickets?
Be particularly careful.
If you miss the second flight, the onward airline may treat you as a no-show rather than a protected connecting passenger.
Leave a much larger time buffer.
Our guide on missing a connecting flight to Saudi Arabia explains related connection risks.
Should I Attempt Umrah on a Short Layover?
Only if the timetable gives you a realistic safety margin.
Do not make the journey so tight that you rush Tawaf, push through crowds or constantly watch the clock during worship.
A longer stopover provides a much better experience.
Final Answer
A Saudi stopover can be an excellent opportunity to perform Umrah, and current official rules specifically allow it through eligible stopover visa arrangements.
But visa eligibility is only half the question. You also need enough time for immigration, Miqat and Ihram planning, Makkah transfers, the complete Umrah and a safe return to the airport.
