Umrah from Medan

Flying from Medan

Medan and North Sumatra send a substantial number of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia each year, and Kualanamu International Airport does run seasonal direct or near-direct Umrah and Hajj charter flights during peak periods, though outside those windows pilgrims more commonly connect through Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, or a Gulf hub, so it's worth confirming the current routing with a licensed agent. As across Indonesia, only book through an operator holding a valid PPIU (Umrah travel organiser) permit from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, since unlicensed agencies have left pilgrims stranded in the past. Medan's proximity to Malaysia means some pilgrims also route through Kuala Lumpur, which can offer more flight options. The Indonesian rupiah is used locally; Malaysian ringgit is sometimes accepted informally given the cross-border trade, but it's best to convert properly before travel. Medan's tropical climate is hot and humid year-round, worth factoring into how you pack for the drier heat of Saudi Arabia.

Umrah visa for Indonesians

Indonesia is not on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so Indonesians 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. Indonesia's Hajj waiting list is the world's longest, often decades in some provinces, since demand far exceeds the quota. 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.

Full visa guide for Indonesians →

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 Medan

Your biggest variables are the flight from KNO, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in IDR, 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.