Umrah from Nigeria: Visa, Licensed Operators and Help in Saudi Arabia

Planning Umrah from Lagos, Abuja or Kano? How to check your Umrah visa, why to book with a NAHCON-licensed operator, what to do after landing, and private transport in Saudi Arabia.

Quick answer

Pilgrims living in Nigeria should buy their Umrah package from an operator licensed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which regulates Hajj and Umrah operators and has ordered unlicensed ones to regularise or close. Once your visa is issued, you can check it on Saudi Arabia's official visa platform with your passport and visa numbers. Marhaba Haji does not sell Umrah packages or visas to residents of Nigeria; we help inside Saudi Arabia with private airport pickups, Makkah–Madinah transport, ziyarat and help for elderly pilgrims.

Buy from a NAHCON-licensed operator

NAHCON licenses private Hajj and Umrah operators in Nigeria, verifies them before each season and has told unlicensed companies to regularise their operations or face sanctions. Under NAHCON's tightened rules, licensed operators must also disclose their pricing and refund policies.

Before you pay, ask to see the operator's NAHCON licence, pay through a bank and keep your receipts and agreement. Ask what the package includes in Saudi Arabia: hotel distance from the Haram, airport transfers and Makkah–Madinah transport.

Checking your Umrah visa

  • Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform: confirm an issued visa is genuine with your passport and visa numbers.
  • Nusuk app: see your Umrah booking and book permits.
  • Your operator: the status of your application and the reason for any delay.

After you land

  1. 1. Immigration and bags

    Keep your passport, a copy of your visa and your hotel address in your hand luggage.

  2. 2. SIM card

    Mobile operators have counters at Jeddah and Madinah airports; bring your passport to register.

  3. 3. Getting to your hotel

    If your operator's package includes a bus, get their representative's number before you fly. If you want a private car, book it before you travel so the driver is waiting at arrivals.

  4. 4. Nusuk permits

    Open the Nusuk app to see your Umrah booking and book your Umrah and Rawdah permits in time.

  5. 5. Makkah to Madinah

    About 4.5 to 5 hours by car, or the Haramain train. Travelling from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, the miqat is Dhul Hulayfah (Bir Ali).

Miqat on the flight

Flights to Jeddah cross the miqat boundary before landing, so pilgrims coming for Umrah usually make the intention of ihram on the plane before the miqat; many put on ihram clothing at home or at the airport. Scholars differ on some details, so follow the guidance of your own scholar.

If you land in Madinah first, the miqat for Makkah is Dhul Hulayfah (Bir Ali) on the way.

Transport in Saudi Arabia

Our transfer rates

Fixed prices per vehicle, not per person. We confirm the price and how to pay on WhatsApp before you fly.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Still have a question?

Send us a message on WhatsApp with your dates, arrival airport and hotel.

01Does Marhaba Haji sell Umrah packages or visas in Nigeria?
No. Buy your package from a NAHCON-licensed operator. We only provide services inside Saudi Arabia, such as private transport, ziyarat and help for elderly pilgrims, on top of your operator's package.
02How do I know my Umrah visa is genuine?
Enter your passport number and visa number on Saudi Arabia's official visa platform. A genuine visa appears there.
03Can I book only an airport pickup?
Yes. Send your flight number, arrival airport, hotel and number of passengers on WhatsApp and we confirm the vehicle and price before you fly.

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Sources

Last checked: 3 November 2026. This is not legal advice; rules change.