Umrah from Berlin
What pilgrims leaving from Berlin need to know: the flight, the visa route for Germans, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Berlin
Germany has one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe, with deep Turkish community roots alongside significant Arab, Bosnian, and other communities, and Berlin Brandenburg Airport offers strong one-stop connections to Jeddah and Madinah, especially through Istanbul, given the close ties between Berlin's Turkish community and Turkish Airlines' hub. A scheduled nonstop flight from Berlin is not consistently available, so plan on one connection, commonly through Istanbul, Frankfurt, or a Gulf hub. Berlin's Umrah travel trade is well developed and multilingual, serving Turkish, Arabic, and German-speaking pilgrims. Euros are used locally. Berlin's continental climate means cold winters and warm summers, so pack according to your travel season, keeping in mind the significant contrast with Saudi Arabia's heat either way. Local mosques across Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and Wedding are a reliable source of trusted operator referrals. Book well ahead of Ramadan for the best fares.
Umrah visa for Germans
German passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most Germans can apply directly through Nusuk or Visit Saudi rather than use an agent. The eVisa is multiple-entry, valid a year, covers Umrah as well as tourism, and allows up to 90 days per entry. It must still be used to enter within 30 days of issue, and hotel and transport now have to be booked inside Nusuk before it is issued. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), book early, since rooms and Rawdah or Mataf permit slots fill fast around Ramadan. Germans who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.
When to go
Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.
What it costs from Berlin
Your biggest variables are the flight from BER, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in EUR, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.
Before you book
- Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
- Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
- Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
- Install the offline companion before you fly.