Umrah from Nairobi
What pilgrims leaving from Nairobi need to know: the flight, the visa route for Kenyans, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Nairobi
Kenya has a significant Muslim minority, particularly along the coast and in the northeast, and Nairobi, as the country's main international gateway, sees seasonal nonstop Saudia service to Jeddah around Hajj and Ramadan, with one-stop options through Doha or another Gulf hub available more consistently outside those peak windows, so confirm current schedules with your agent. Nairobi's Umrah travel trade is well developed and serves pilgrims from across East Africa given Jomo Kenyatta International Airport's role as a regional hub. Kenya's Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims plays a role in coordinating official Hajj matters, while private agencies handle most Umrah bookings, so check an operator's registration before paying. The Kenyan shilling is used locally. Nairobi's mild, temperate climate due to its elevation makes for a real contrast with Saudi Arabia's heat, so prepare accordingly. Book several months ahead of Ramadan and Hajj season, when demand across East Africa is at its highest.
Umrah visa for Kenyans
Kenya is not on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so Kenyans 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. 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 Nairobi
Your biggest variables are the flight from NBO, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in KES, 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.