Umrah from Moscow
What pilgrims leaving from Moscow need to know: the flight, the visa route for Russians, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Moscow
Moscow has a significant and growing Muslim population, including many migrant workers and residents from Central Asia and the North Caucasus, and pilgrims here typically connect through Istanbul rather than flying nonstop from Sheremetyevo Airport, since a consistent scheduled direct flight to Jeddah or Madinah is not currently available. International sanctions and banking restrictions affecting Russia have complicated payment logistics for many kinds of international travel, so confirm exactly how any Moscow-based agent handles currency and payment before booking. Moscow's Umrah travel trade is large given the size of the city's Muslim population, serving both ethnic Russian converts and the large Central Asian and Caucasian migrant community. The Russian rouble is used locally. Moscow's climate brings long, cold winters and warm summers, so pack according to your travel month, keeping the significant shift to Saudi Arabia's heat in mind. Verify current visa, routing, and payment arrangements closely given the broader complications affecting travel from Russia.
Umrah visa for Russians
Russian passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most Russians 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. Russians who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.
Full visa guide for Russians →
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 Moscow
Your biggest variables are the flight from SVO, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in RUB, 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.