November 21, 2025 | 11:32 WIB
Naflah Azizah Wibowo

Depok, Indonesia – The Saudi Arabian government’s latest policy legalizing independent Umrah opens new opportunities for Muslims worldwide, including Indonesia, to organize their pilgrimage more flexibly. No longer bound to a single travel package, pilgrims can now choose their own airlines, hotels, and arrange worship schedules without group restrictions.

However, this freedom demands much more thorough planning. Without a travel agent, pilgrims must understand visa procedures, transportation, accommodation, and mandatory applications during worship.

To make your journey more comfortable and prevent getting lost in the process, here’s an independent Umrah guide compiled from field experience and latest practices in Saudi Arabia. Please excuse any shortcomings as this is based on the author’s personal experience.

1. Mandatory Documents: Visa, Siskopatuh, and Procedures

a. Umrah Visa Through Agents

Although called “independent,” visas still cannot be self-issued.

Saudi Arabia requires visas to be submitted through official visa agents.

Price range: Rp3–5 million, varies depending on:

• Umrah season (Ramadan is more expensive)
• Length of stay
• Chosen agent

Typically, visas include:

• Basic health insurance in Saudi Arabia
• Siskopatuh registration
• Service advice for Indonesian pilgrims

b. Siskopatuh Registration

Every Indonesian pilgrim MUST be registered in Siskopatuh (Computerized Integrated Management System for Umrah and Hajj).

Benefits:

• Pilgrim’s name is recorded as an official pilgrim
• Protects pilgrims from illegal agents
• Facilitates Ministry of Religious Affairs monitoring of pilgrim whereabouts

If you use an agent to create a visa, this registration is done automatically.

2. Mandatory Vaccinations: Location, Price, and Procedures

Saudi Arabia requires two vaccines:

a. Meningitis Vaccine (ACWY)

Mandatory for all pilgrims. Valid for 2–3 years. Given at:

• Certain health centers
• International clinics
• Regional public hospitals

Cost: Rp300–600 thousand depending on facility.

b. Polio Vaccine (bOPV)

Since 2023, Indonesia is among countries required to provide polio vaccines for Umrah pilgrims.

Cost: Rp150–250 thousand. Valid for 1 year.

Tips: Get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before departure so it doesn’t disturb your physical condition approaching Umrah.

3. Flight Tickets: Strategy for Getting the Cheapest Prices

Round-trip ticket prices Indonesia–Saudi Arabia are highly volatile.

Estimated price Rp20–40 million depending on:

• Peak season (Ramadan, Rabi’ al-Awwal, December)
• Airline (Saudia, Garuda, Qatar, Emirates, Etihad)
• Direct flight vs transit
• Booking time (most important)

How to Get the Cheapest Prices

• Book 3–6 months in advance
• Check prices via Google Flights, Trip.com, Skyscanner, Traveloka, etc.
• Choose flexible dates (weekdays are cheaper)
• Check alternative airports: Jeddah (King Abdulaziz Airport) or Madinah (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport)

4. Accommodation: Choose Near Mosque or Cheap?

Hotel prices in Makkah and Madinah heavily depend on distance to the mosque:

MAKKAH

• Radius <500 meters from Masjid al-Haram = 500–2000 SAR/night
• Distance 1–2 km = 100–300 SAR/night
• Distance >2 km = 50–100 SAR/night

Nearest transportation:

• Hotel shuttle bus
• Online taxi
• Walking (if able)

MADINAH

Cheaper than Makkah.

• Near Gates 326–330 (Rawdah direction) = 200–600 SAR/night
• Outside ring area = 80–200 SAR/night

Tips: To save money, choose hotels 700–1000 meters away but with good reviews.

5. In-City Transportation: Uber, Careem, or Walking?

Online Taxi (Most Practical)

Applications:

• Uber
• Careem

Estimate:

• Within city: 20–100 SAR
• Long distance: depends on road conditions

Advantages:

• Clear fares
• Safe
• Can pay cash or card

6. Intercity Transportation: Differences, Travel Time, and Costs

Jeddah – Makkah

• Uber: ±155 SAR (can be more depending on conditions). Travel time ±2 hours.
• High-Speed Train (Haramain): 70–90 SAR/person. Travel time ±30 minutes.

Makkah – Madinah

• Reserved Taxi (web): 400 SAR/car (for 4–8 people → much cheaper if shared), 4 hours.
• Bus: 150–180 SAR/person, 6 hours.
• High-Speed Train: 120–300 SAR/person, depending on booking time.

Madinah – Jeddah

• Reserved Taxi: 400 SAR/car, 3–4 hours.
• Bus: 100–150 SAR/person, 6 hours.
• High-Speed Train: 120–300 SAR/person.

NOTES!

– Reserved Taxi: Fixed price, ideal for families/groups, direct hotel pick-up and drop-off, free to bring lots of luggage.

– Bus: Cheapest, but longer journey. Free 1 suitcase max 25 kg.

– High-Speed Train: Fastest, higher price, only allowed to bring 1 small suitcase + 1 bag. Extra luggage charged and process is quite complicated.

7. Food: Price Range & Money-Saving Tips

Food prices in Saudi Arabia are relatively affordable:

• Bread, juice, snacks: 5–10 SAR
• Fast food (Al Baik, Kudu): 10–20 SAR
• Local restaurants: 20–40 SAR
• Mid-high restaurants: 40–80 SAR

Budget recommendations:

• Look for restaurants near Asian worker hotels
• Eat at mall food courts (clean, cheap, safe)
• Bring sambal sachets if needed

8. Mandatory Applications in Saudi Arabia

a. Uber / Careem

Safe & fast transportation.

b. HHR Haramain

For booking high-speed trains. Passport registration required.

c. Nusuk

Application for All Worship Activities:

• Rawdah reservation
• Worship schedule
• Information on Masjid al-Haram & Nabawi rules

IMPORTANT: Rawdah access only possible through Nusuk.

9. Physical & Mental Preparation: Don’t Underestimate

Umrah requires high physical activity:

• Walking 10,000–20,000 steps/day
• Standing long during tawaf & sa’i
• Extreme weather changes (heat 40°C)

Preparation:

• Jogging or brisk walking 30–40 minutes/day
• Take vitamins D, C, magnesium
• Read more Umrah manuals

10. Risks & Security: Beware of Scams and Theft

Independent Umrah has weaknesses: You must protect yourself!

Avoid:

• Strangers offering too much help
• Illegal guide figures charging hundreds of riyals
• “Fake” taxi offers in front of hotels

Safety Tips:

• Store passport in hotel safe
• Use anti-theft bags
• Don’t wear flashy jewelry
• Don’t stare at people asking for money too long (will be followed continuously)

Conclusion: Independent Umrah is Freer, But Requires Self-Control

With thorough preparation, independent Umrah can be a more flexible, economical, and personal experience. However, vigilance, good time management, and deep understanding of the Saudi Arabian system are still necessary.

May your worship be smooth, safe, and full of blessings!