Umrah from Kolkata
What pilgrims leaving from Kolkata need to know: the flight, the visa route for Indians, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Kolkata
Kolkata pilgrims usually route through Delhi, Mumbai, or a Gulf hub rather than flying nonstop to Jeddah or Madinah, since scheduled direct service from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is limited and can change with the season, so it's worth checking current routings rather than assuming a nonstop exists. West Bengal has a large Muslim population and a longstanding Umrah and Hajj travel trade, particularly around Park Circus and other established Muslim neighbourhoods in the city. Because most trips involve a connection, build a realistic buffer between domestic and international legs, especially during Kolkata's humid pre-monsoon months (April to June) when weather delays are common. The rupee is used locally; carry both cash and card for pre-trip errands, since smaller travel offices may prefer cash. Ask any operator exactly which routing and connecting airport they plan to use before booking, since this affects both total travel time and cost.
Umrah visa for Indians
India is not on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so Indians normally cannot self-apply online for Umrah. The route is a licensed Umrah company, or an external agent contracted through Nusuk Masar, which books the visa with an approved hotel and transport package as one file, not a visa alone. It must be used within 30 days of issue, so confirm dates with the operator first. Many Indian pilgrims already resident in the Gulf apply through their country of residence instead. Holders of a valid, used US, UK or Schengen visa, or GCC residents, may instead qualify for the eVisa or visa-on-arrival route, so ask the operator to check. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), start several weeks ahead, since checks move faster the earlier you begin.
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 Kolkata
Your biggest variables are the flight from CCU, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in INR, 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.