Umrah Visa
The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is a travel document that helps facilitate the Umrah pilgrimage for Muslims. This visa grants entry to the country specifically for the purpose of undertaking the spiritual journey of Umrah. Typically, it permits a short stay of 90 days, with a validity period of up to one year for multiple-entry visas and up to 90 days for single-entry visas.
There is significant importance in the spiritual journey of Umrah for Muslim people worldwide. Umrah facilitates the journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Umrah, unlike the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage, is a voluntary act of worship that Muslim people can partake in at any point of the year. There are several rituals that Muslims take part in for Umrah, including fasting, Tawaf, which is going around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, reciting their intentions, and sa’ii, which is walking back and forth between Mount Safa and Mount Marwa seven times while reciting prayers. Umrah as a spiritual journey is hugely significant for the Islamic faith and is a deep-rooted tradition as an opportunity to cleanse your soul, seek forgiveness, and become closer to Allah.
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Who Requires an Umrah Visa?
The Umrah Visa is designed solely for Muslims coming to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Depending on your nationality, the visa you will require if you wish to participate in Umrah varies. Generally, if you are from a country that is eligible for the Saudi Tourist e-Visa, you are eligible to perform the Umrah pilgrimage with this visa. The Saudi Tourist e-Visa allows foreigners to come to Saudi Arabia for tourist purposes as well as the Umrah spiritual journey. If you are not a citizen of a country that is eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, you will be required to
obtain the specific Umrah Visa. Obtaining an Umrah Visa is only possible through official agencies authorized by the Saudi government. These agencies will help you by facilitating the visa application process for you.
While the Tourist e-Visa allows visitors to partake in tourist activities as well as the Umrah pilgrimage, this is not the case for the Umrah Visa. With this visa, you are only allowed to participate in the Umrah pilgrimage. You are not authorized to partake in additional touristic activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Umrah is a pilgrimage that is exclusive to Muslims. It is a requirement to be a follower of Islam. Additional requirements for the Umrah Visa include holding a valid passport, being able to provide proof of their financial ability for their time in Saudi Arabia, and meeting health requirements to be able to perform Umrah. If individuals have a chronic illness or specific medical conditions, they may be required to provide medical clearance from their doctor stating they are well enough for the pilgrimage. There is not an age required to take part in Umrah, but pilgrims younger than 18 years old are typically required to be accompanied by a guardian.
In the past, women have not been permitted to perform Umrah without a male relative, but as of 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has changed this law. Now, women who wish to participate in Umrah or Hajj may do so without a mahram (male guardian) if they are accompanied by “trustworthy women or secure company”. Everyone is required to have proof of vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis, administered at least 10 days prior to and no longer than 3 years before entering Saudi Arabia. Depending on your nationality, you may also have to provide specific vaccination records, such as Yellow Fever or Polio. When applying for the Saudi Umrah Visa you should be sure to check the specific
Umrah Visa Required Documents
There are essential documents required for you to visit Saudi Arabia with the Umrah Visa or the Saudi e-Tourist Visa. In order to qualify, applicants must meet all requirements and make sure they provide accurate information to avoid delays in the visa application process. If you are eligible for the Saudi Arabia e-Tourist Visa, you are permitted to participate in Umrah when visiting. Many people traveling opt to apply for the Umrah Visa as it is often easier to be approved for this visa, although the travel activities you are allowed to participate in are significantly different with this visa. Below are the general requirements for both the Umrah Visa and the Saudi e-Tourist Visa.
Umrah Visa Requirements
In order to obtain an Umrah Visa, you must apply using an approved Umrah Visa travel agent. You cannot apply for this visa at Saudi embassies, only with travel agencies that have been authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Valid Passport
You are required to hold a valid passport that will be eligible for at least six months beyond when you plan on entering Saudi Arabia.
Completed Visa Application Form
You must complete the Umrah Visa application form fully and accurately. Make sure to double-check to ensure you haven’t made any mistakes and it is completely filled out.
Passport-Sized Photo
you must submit a recently taken photo that meets passport photo requirements.
Vaccination Certificate
All participants require a vaccination certification against Meningococcal Meningitis. This must be issued between 3 days and 3 years before entry into Saudi Arabia. Depending on your nationality, you may also require a Yellow Fever or Polio vaccination.
Round Trip Ticket
You must provide your roundtrip flight ticket.
Trip Details
You must have information regarding your trip during your time in Saudi Arabia. This includes accommodation details, transportation information, or tour package details.
Visa Fee
Upon applying for the visa, you will be required to pay the Umrah Package Fee, which varies depending on the applicant’s details.
Saudi e-Tourist Visa Requirements
Many nationalities are eligible for the Saudi e-Tourist Visa. With this visa, you are not only permitted to partake in touristic activities but also religious pilgrimages, such as Umrah.
Valid Passport
You must have a valid passport to obtain any visa into Saudi Arabia. It must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended date of entry into the country.
Digital Passport-Sized Photograph
You must submit a digital copy of a recently taken passport-sized photo. It must meet standard passport photo requirements
Visa Fee
you are required to pay the visa fee to process your e-visa application.
Application Process
The application process will vary depending on whether you are applying for the Umrah Visa or if you are applying for the Saudi e-Tourist Visa. It’s important to follow these steps closely to ensure a quick and straightforward application process.
Umrah Visa Application Process
The first step to applying for the Umrah Visa is to find a travel agent that has been authorized by the Saudi government. This agency will help you to facilitate the visa process.
You should collect all of the necessary supporting documents you need to apply for the Umrah Visa. This includes the visa application form, passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, etc.
Submit all of your documents to the authorized agent. They will take care of the rest of the process.
Pay the required Umrah package fee to the authorized agent. This may vary depending on personal factors.
Once your authorized agent receives approval, they will contact you. Depending on whether your agent applied for the Umrah Visa online or not, you will either receive your visa stamped directly in your passport or an electronic visa.
Saudi e-Tourist Visa Application Process
Complete the online application form at saudivisa.com with your personal details and travel plans while you are in the country. Make sure everything is accurate and you fill this out completely.
Upload your scanned copies of the required documents, including your passport and photographs.
You will be required to pay the applicable visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
Review your application carefully before submitting it. Once you have thoroughly double-checked everything, submit the application.
Once your visa has been processed, you will receive a notification via email. You should print a copy of this document and bring it with you when traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the Umrah Visa and the Saudi e-Tourist Visa varies. If you are applying for the Umrah Visa, you should typically have it processed within 5 business days from the time the authorized agent submits the application.
The e-Tourist Visa is typically issued within 24-48 hours of applying. In order to avoid any possible delays or unforeseen issues, it is advisable to apply well in advance before you intend to visit Saudi Arabia.
Umrah Visa Fees
The Umrah Visa cost can vary depending on several factors. The main factor that affects the Umrah Visa price is the authorized agent’s fees. As it is required to apply for this visa using an agent, they may charge different service fees for processing. Many people choose to use Nusuk as their travel agent, they offer many different packages at varying costs. Umrah Visa charges are generally lower compared to the Hajj Visa cost and typically range from approximately 100 USD to 150 USD. Additional charges may include visa processing and other services provided by the travel agency or tour operator.
The Saudi Arabia e-visa fee when applying via saudivisa.com is 199 USD, regardless of your nationality. For instance, an Umrah Visa for USA citizens falls under this fee structure. Additionally, citizens of countries not eligible for the e-Visa, but who are GCC residents or hold a US, a UK, or a Schengen residency or business/tourist visas, will also pay the same amount.
Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
The Umrah Visa for Saudi Arabia allows for a short stay of 90 days, with the option of multiple entries valid for up to one year, or single-entry visas valid for up to 90 days. Touristic activities are not permitted with the Umrah Visa. You are allowed to partake in Umrah as many times as you wish during your trip.
The Saudi e-Tourist Visa, a multiple-entry visa, permitting holders to stay for up to 90 days during each visit.
Umrah Visa Frequently Asked Questions
You are only eligible to apply for the Umrah Visa with an authorized agent. Once your application has been submitted, there is an Umrah Visa online check where you can monitor the status. You can do this at the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
The Umrah Visa price as of 2024 for Pakistan citizens is typically between 44,000 and 52,000 Pakistani rupees. This may vary based on multiple factors, including the specific agency fees and the services included in the package.
The cost of a package for the Hajj Visa as of 2024 is much higher than the price of the Umrah Visa package. This is due to Umrah taking much less time to complete, than Hajj not being mandatory, and being available to Muslims throughout the year.