Every year, thousands of Nigerians travel to Saudi Arabia — mostly for Umrah and Hajj, but also for business, family visits and, increasingly, tourism in Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla. The cost of the trip depends heavily on your visa route and how close to the Haram you want to stay.
This guide explains how much it costs to travel to Saudi Arabia from Nigeria in 2026: visa options, flights, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, local transport and a sample one-week budget in naira.
How we calculated: We converted at roughly ₦1,400 to $1 and ₦354 to SAR 1, close to open-market rates in early October 2026. Prices for flights, hotels and agency packages are typical ranges, not quotes, and can rise sharply during Ramadan and the Hajj season.
Quick answer: cost of a 7-day trip to Saudi Arabia
| Travel style | Estimated total per person |
|---|---|
| Budget (hotel further from the Haram, economy everything) | About ₦1.8 million – ₦2.6 million |
| Mid-range (hotel close to the Haram, more comfort) | About ₦3.5 million – ₦5.1 million |
These figures exclude Hajj, which is organised through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and approved operators at a separately announced fare each year.
1. Saudi visa options for Nigerians
Nigeria is not on Saudi Arabia’s list of countries eligible for the standard tourist eVisa, so most Nigerians use one of these routes:
| Visa route | Who it suits | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Umrah visa | Pilgrims, booked through the Nusuk platform or a licensed agency with an accommodation package | Varies by package — budget about ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 for the visa, insurance and agency fees |
| Tourist eVisa via another visa | Nigerians with a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has been used at least once | About SAR 535 (≈ ₦190,000), including mandatory insurance |
| Consular visa | Business, family visit and other purposes, through authorised agencies and the visa centre | Depends on visa type |
Since February 2025, Nigerian nationals generally receive single-entry visas valid for 30 days rather than one-year multiple-entry visas. Tourist and family visit visas are also usually paused during the Hajj season. A valid yellow fever certificate is required.
For documents and step-by-step guidance, see our Saudi Arabia visa requirements for Nigerians.
2. Flights from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia
There are currently no regular non-stop flights between Lagos and Jeddah, so most travellers connect through Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Doha, Cairo or Dubai.
| Fare type | Typical return price | In naira (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest fares (booked early, off-peak) | About $580 – $750 | ₦810,000 – ₦1.05 million |
| Typical economy fares | About $810 – $1,160 | ₦1.13 million – ₦1.62 million |
Flight comparison data shows November among the cheaper months. Fares climb steeply in Ramadan — especially the last ten days — and in the weeks around Hajj.
3. Hotels in Makkah and Madinah
Where you stay is the biggest variable in your budget.
| Type of stay | Price per night | Six nights (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotel (a bus or taxi ride from the Haram) | SAR 200 – 350 | ₦425,000 – ₦745,000 |
| Mid-range hotel close to the Haram | SAR 500 – 1,000 | ₦1.06 million – ₦2.12 million |
Hotels within walking distance of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah can cost much more, especially in Ramadan. Sharing a room with family or friends cuts the cost per person significantly.
4. Getting around Saudi Arabia
- Jeddah airport to Makkah: Taxis and ride-hailing usually cost about SAR 150 – 250.
- Makkah to Madinah: The Haramain High-Speed Railway is the fastest option, taking a little over two hours. Book tickets early, especially around Ramadan.
- Within cities: Ride-hailing apps and buses are widely available. Many hotels near the Haram also run shuttles.
Budget roughly SAR 400 – 800 (₦142,000 – ₦283,000) for transport during a week-long Umrah trip that covers both Makkah and Madinah.
5. Food and daily costs
| Daily expense | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Food and drinks | SAR 50 – 80 | SAR 100 – 180 |
| In naira (per day) | ₦18,000 – ₦28,000 | ₦35,000 – ₦64,000 |
Simple restaurants around the Haram serve affordable rice and chicken dishes, and supermarkets are good value for water and snacks.
Sample 7-day Umrah budget for one person
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Visa, insurance and agency fees | ₦200,000 | ₦400,000 |
| Return flight | ₦810,000 | ₦1.62 million |
| Hotels (6 nights) | ₦425,000 | ₦2.12 million |
| Transport within Saudi Arabia | ₦142,000 | ₦283,000 |
| Food (7 days) | ₦124,000 | ₦446,000 |
| SIM card, Zamzam water, gifts and extras | ₦80,000 | ₦200,000 |
| Estimated total | About ₦1.8 million | About ₦5.1 million |
Many pilgrims buy an all-inclusive Umrah package from a licensed Nigerian agency instead. Compare what each package includes — flights, visa, hotel distance from the Haram, transport and ziyarah tours — before paying.
When is the cheapest time to go?
- Cheapest: Outside Ramadan and the Hajj season, especially in the months after Hajj and in November.
- Most expensive: Ramadan (above all its last ten days), the Hajj season and school holidays.
Tips to save money
- Travel off-peak if your schedule allows.
- Book flights early and compare different connecting airlines.
- Stay slightly further from the Haram and use hotel shuttles.
- Share rooms with family or a trusted group.
- Use only licensed agencies and get every promise in writing.
- Book Haramain train tickets in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians get a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Not directly. Nigeria is not on the standard eVisa list. Nigerians who hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has been used at least once may qualify, at about SAR 535 including insurance.
How much is Umrah from Nigeria?
A careful do-it-yourself budget for a week starts at about ₦1.8 million per person, while a more comfortable trip with a hotel near the Haram can cost ₦3.5 million to ₦5.1 million or more. Ramadan prices are much higher.
How much is a flight from Lagos to Jeddah?
Typical return fares range from about $810 to $1,160 (₦1.13 million to ₦1.62 million), with cheaper fares in off-peak months.
How long is a Saudi visa valid for Nigerians?
Since February 2025, Nigerians generally receive single-entry visas valid for 30 days.
Final word
The cost of travelling to Saudi Arabia from Nigeria ranges from about ₦1.8 million for a careful week-long Umrah to over ₦5 million for a more comfortable trip close to the Haram. Choose the right visa route, travel off-peak if you can and always book through licensed operators.
Related guides: cost to travel to Dubai from Nigeria, Turkey trip costs and visa-free countries for Nigerians.
Last checked: October 2026. Sources: House of Saud visa guide, KAYAK Lagos–Jeddah fares, reports on Saudi Arabia’s 2026 eVisa eligibility list and exchange-rate trackers. All costs are estimates — confirm visa rules with official Saudi sources or a licensed agency.
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