Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain Your Umrah Visa for Saudi Arabia

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain Your Umrah Visa for Saudi Arabia

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain Your Umrah Visa for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia eVisa for Umrah Pilgrimage

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is an online visa that serves as a Umrah Visa, allowing travelers to enter and perform Umrah pilgrimage. Applicants can easily obtain this eVisa through a simple online application process.

How to Apply for a Umrah Visa?

Eligible applicants must complete the online visa application form by providing accurate personal details such as:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Address
  • Passport number

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date. The Saudi Arabia online visa is a multiple-entry visa, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days for tourism or Umrah purposes.

Read also: Who needs a Tourist Visit Visa for Saudi Arabia?

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE can travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa.

Types of Religious Pilgrimage Visas

There are two types of visas for religious trips to Saudi Arabia:

  • Hajj Visa - For the annual pilgrimage during specific dates.
  • Umrah Visa - Can be used any time of the year.

The Umrah pilgrimage can be performed anytime, while Hajj occurs during the last month of the Islamic calendar (August to September). Muslims are encouraged to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.

New Simplified Visa Process

Since October 2019, Saudi Arabia has simplified the visa process for tourists and pilgrims, introducing an electronic system that eliminates the need for physical visits to Saudi embassies.

Eligible citizens can apply for Umrah or Hajj visas online without visiting Saudi consulates.

Read also: Saudi Tourist eVisa for pilgrimage to Perform Umrah

Where to Apply for Umrah or Hajj Visa?

Applicants can apply via the new Saudi Arabia online eVisa system or through Musafirevisa.com. Both Hajj and Umrah visas require:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
  • Completed online visa application form
  • A recent passport-size color photograph with a white background showing a full-face view
  • A certificate from a mosque or Islamic center if the applicant has converted to Islam and lacks a Muslim name

Women and children must be accompanied by a Mahram (male guardian). Proof of relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, is required. The Mahram must travel on the same flights.

Women over 45 may travel without a Mahram if part of an organized group with a notarized letter of no objection.

Read also: Saudi Visa Requirements for British Citizens | UK Visa Saudi

Umrah Visa Requirements

The Umrah visa allows Muslims to perform the pilgrimage any time during the year with fewer restrictions than the Hajj visa.

  • The visa validity must not exceed the last day of Ramadan
  • Visa holders must leave Saudi Arabia before Eid-ul-Fitr
  • Stay allowed for up to 2 weeks to complete Umrah

Hajj Visa Requirements

Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage for adult Muslims who are physically and financially able. It occurs during the last month of the Islamic calendar over five to six days.

  • Applications accepted from Mid-Shawwal to 25th Dhu-al-Qa’dah annually
  • Latest entry to Saudi Arabia is 4 Dhu’l-Hijjah via King Abdulaziz Airport
  • Hajj visa holders must leave by 10th Muharram
  • Passport must have at least 6 months validity and 2 adjacent blank pages
  • Contracting pilgrimage services (guides, accommodation, transportation, etc.) is required

Check with the Saudi Consulate for up-to-date fee details.

Can I Use a Tourist Visa for Umrah or Hajj?

The Saudi Arabia tourist visa is now available online for citizens of many countries including the US, Schengen countries, Australia, Japan, and more.

While pilgrims are encouraged to apply for Umrah or Hajj visas online, the tourist visa can also be used for tourism purposes.

Applications can be completed without visiting Saudi embassies or consulates.

Read also: What is Saudi Tourist visa and How do you obtain it?

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