As of Thursday (November 20), Bangladeshi citizens cannot directly apply for the standard Saudi tourist eVisa unless they hold a valid, already-used US, UK, or Schengen visa (or are permanent residents in those countries/GCC). In that case, they can get an eVisa online and perform Umrah independently.

For everyone else (the vast majority), the only reliable and government-recommended way is through a licensed Bangladeshi Hajj/Umrah agency that partners with Saudi-approved companies via the Nusuk platform. This ensures visa approval, prevents fraud and includes full support.

Direct “Umrah eVisa” applications without an agency are complicated and often rejected for Bangladeshi passports, so agencies are the safest route for 95% of pilgrims.

Two Available Options

Option 1: Agency

Package (Recommended & most common)

Safest, hassle-free, includes visa, flight, hotel, transport and guide. 2025–2026 prices start from TK 1 lakh 62 thousand–1 lakh 85 thousand (economy, 14–15 days, shared room) up to TK 3lakh+ (5-star, Ramadan, close to Haram). No government-fixed minimum price for Umrah (unlike Hajj), but reputable agencies charge fair rates.

Option 2: Independent with tourist e-Visa (only if eligible)

Only if you have a valid US/UK/Schengen visa that has been used at least once. Apply at visitsaudi.com (cost ≈ TK 18,000–20,000 (visa + mandatory insurance). Then book your own flights/hotels and use the Nusuk app for Umrah permit (free). Cheaper (total ≈ TK 1 lakh 20 thousand–2 lakh) but requires more effort and Arabic/English skills.

Step-by-step process (agency route – recommended)

1.      Choose a reputable & licensed agency

Must be registered with HAAB (Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh), check the latest list at haab.org.bd or search ‘HAAB licensed Umrah agencies 2025’. Trusted agencies (2025 popular ones): Zamzam Travels BD, Holy Hajj & Umrah, Jetway Hajj Group, Al Aqsa International, Tawfiq Air International, Royal Hajj Group. Read Google/Facebook reviews + ask for Saudi company MoU (proof they are Nusuk-approved). Avoid Facebook-only agents, since many scams ocuured in 2025.

2.      Select your package & pay deposit

Popular packages 2025–2026:

o    Economy (10–15 days): TK 162,000–195,000 (shared room, bus transport)

o    Standard: TK 220,000–280,000 (better hotel, closer to Haram)

o    VIP/Ramadan: TK 3 lakh 50 thousand–6 lakh or more. Most agencies offer Madinah-first or Makkah-first options. Pay 50% deposit, rest in installments or before departure.

3.      Submit documents to agency (processing time: 7–14 days)

o    Original passport (valid min 8–12 months recommended)

o    4–6 recent photos (4×3 cm white background)

o    NID/Birth certificate copy

o    Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine certificate (mandatory, valid 3 years) – take at any government-approved center (e.g., DGHS centers in Dhaka)

o    Polio vaccine certificate (mandatory for all)

o    COVID vaccine no longer required (2025)

o    Relationship proof (if with family)

o    Medical fitness certificate (some agencies require) Agency submits everything via Nusuk → you get e-Umrah visa in passport (free).

4.      Get training & prepare spiritually

Attend the free Umrah training/manzil provided by most agencies (highly recommended for first-timers). Learn the rituals properly (watch YouTube: Mufti Menk or Yasmin Mogahed Umrah guides). Download Nusuk app now and create account with your passport number (agency will link your permit).

5.      Book flights & final payment

Usually Dhaka–Jeddah/Madinah direct (Saudia, Biman, Flynas). Flight cost included in package. Final payment 15–20 days before departure.

6.      Travel Day

Reach airport 4–5 hours early. Men: Wear Ihram from Dhaka if flying to Jeddah (or from Madinah hotel if Madinah-first). Make Niyyah & Talbiyah on the plane/at Miqat.

7.      Perform Umrah (4 pillars)

o    Ihram (niyyah + 2 sheets for men)

o    Tawaf (7 circles around Ka’bah) – use Nusuk slot

o    Sa’i (7 walks between Safa & Marwah)

o    Halq (shave head – men) or Taqsir (trim hair – women/men) Congratulations – you are now in tahleel (Umrah complete)!

8.      Stay & Ziyarah

Most packages include Madinah ziyarah (Masjid Nabawi, Uhud, Quba etc.). Use Nusuk app to book Rawdah/Riyadh-ul-Jannah slot (very limited – book immediately after landing). Perform extra Umrah if staying longer (multiple Umrah allowed in current rules).

9.      Return

Visa usually valid 90 days (you can extend stay if needed). Fly back – end of journey.

Special tips from 2025 pilgrims & agencies

Best time 2025–2026: December 2025–April 2026 (cool weather, less crowd). Avoid Ramadan if first-timer (extremely crowded, prices ×2–3).

First-timers should NEVER go independently – many get stuck with permits/hotels.

Book 2–4 months early for good prices and Rawdah slots.

Women alone: Allowed without Mahram since 2022, but go with a trusted group/agency package.

Use Nusuk app daily, book Tawaf & Rawdah slots as soon as you get visa.

Health: Take meningitis, polio and flu vaccines 2–3 weeks before. Carry ORS, mask, comfortable sandals (marble floors are tough).

Money: Take SAR 2,000–3,000 cash + bKash/Visa card (widely accepted).

Transport in KSA: Use Careem/Uber (cheap) or agency bus.

Hotels: Pay extra TK 30,000–50,000 for <500m from Haram (worth it for elderly).

Scams: Never pay full amount upfront; never trust non-HAAB agents promising 'cheap visa only'.

If you have US/UK visa: Go tourist eVisa route – total cost can be under TK 1 lakh 50 thousand if you book budget hotels.

Current cheapest reliable packages (Nov 2025): TK 1 lakh 68 thousand–1 lakh 75 thousand (non-shifting, departing December).

Safe travels and may Allah accept your Umrah!