Ruth Haines
Saudi Arabia offers multiple visa options for travellers to the Kingdom, including the Umrah Visa. This visa is specifically for those undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca. It is recommended that travellers visit a licensed visa company or Saudi Diplomatic Mission to apply for an Umrah Visa, and it is not possible to apply at Saudi embassies or missions abroad. The visa is valid for 90 days, and travellers can enter Saudi Arabia through any airport. However, it is important to note that with an Umrah Visa, you can only visit Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to apply for an Umrah visa | Through a travel agent authorised by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah |
| Who can apply for an Umrah visa | Foreign applicants over the age of 18, of the Muslim faith |
| Documents required for the application | Valid passport with a six-month validity period, recent passport photograph, purchased non-refundable flight tickets, evidence of relationship with 'mahram' (for women), health insurance covering COVID-19 infections, proof of meningitis vaccination |
| Visa validity | 90 days |
| Cities that can be visited with an Umrah visa | Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina |
| Airports that can be used to enter Saudi Arabia with an Umrah visa | Any Saudi airport |
| Other requirements | Registration on the Tawakkalna app after entering the country, pre-booking the Umrah permit via the Umrahna or Tawakkalna app |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Umrah visa requirements
Umrah is a minor, non-mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims to receive the blessings of Allah. To obtain a Saudi Umrah visa, applicants must meet several requirements.
Firstly, applicants must be practising Muslims, as Umrah is a religious pilgrimage exclusive to followers of Islam. There is no specific age limit for Umrah visas, but minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Applicants should be in good health and free from any contagious diseases. A valid passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of travel is essential, and applicants must demonstrate financial capability to cover the expenses of their Umrah journey. Pilgrims with non-Islamic names must have a certificate or letter from the Islamic Centre to prove their conversion to Islam.
For women, there are additional requirements. Females below 45 years of age must be accompanied by a Mahram (a husband or father). If a woman is over 45, she can travel without a Mahram but must be part of an organised group. A notarized Mahram consent letter is required, signed by the authorized male guardian.
To apply for a Saudi Umrah visa, applicants must complete a visa application form and apply through travel agents authorised by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The application process is automated and completely online. Applicants must provide general information, passport details, contact details, and other data, as well as a scanned copy of their passport, a photograph, a copy of their return ticket, and hotel reservation. The visa fees can be paid using a valid credit or debit card.
It is important to note that Umrah visas are only valid for visiting Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina. Any attempts to go to other cities may result in deportation, fines, or arrest.
Exploring During a Layover: What Are Your Options?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Where to apply for an Umrah visa
To apply for an Umrah visa, foreign applicants must be of the Muslim faith and meet a set of Saudi Umrah and Hajj visa requirements. Here is a step-by-step guide on where and how to apply for an Umrah visa:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and of the Muslim faith. Additionally, applicants must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entering Saudi Arabia or that meets the rules of reciprocity.
Step 2: Find an Approved Travel Agency
To apply for an Umrah visa, you must contact an approved travel agency in your home country. These agencies are authorised by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to handle Umrah visa applications. The travel agent will assist you in preparing your application and organising your journey for the Umrah pilgrimage. They will typically offer various packages at different price ranges to suit your needs.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents for your application. This includes a recent passport photograph, purchased non-refundable flight tickets, health insurance covering COVID-19 infections, and proof of meningitis vaccination at least ten days before travelling but not older than three years. Female pilgrims may also need to provide evidence of their relationship with their 'mahram' (partner/brother/father), unless they are over 45 years old and travelling with a group organisation.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Work with your chosen travel agency to complete the Umrah visa application form. Provide them with all the necessary documents and personal information required for the application. The travel agency will then submit your application on your behalf.
Step 5: Register on Mandatory Apps
Once your Umrah visa is approved, you will need to download and register on certain apps before or upon entering Saudi Arabia. These apps include Tawakkalna and Umrahna. Additionally, it is recommended to download the Nusuk app, an official digital platform released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
It is important to note that Umrah-specific Saudi visas cannot be applied for at Saudi embassies or missions abroad. The application must be made through authorised travel agents, and the process typically takes around five business days. Starting the application process early is advised to avoid possible delays.
Uber at Seattle Airport: How to Get a Ride
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Umrah visa cost
The Umrah visa is a special permit issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that allows Muslims to perform the lesser pilgrimage, known as Umrah, to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The cost of an Umrah visa can vary depending on several factors, including your country of origin, the time of year, the type of visa, and the package and services provided.
It is important to note that Umrah visas cannot be applied for at Saudi embassies or missions abroad. They must be applied for through travel agents authorised by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The visa application process typically involves submitting a recent passport photograph, a valid passport with a six-month validity period, purchased non-refundable flight tickets, evidence of a relationship between female pilgrims and their 'mahram' (for women under 45), health insurance covering COVID-19 infections, and proof of meningitis vaccination.
The cost of an Umrah visa ranges from $150 to $300 USD for US citizens. This price includes the administrative cost of processing the application and granting entry into Saudi Arabia. However, it does not include other expenses such as accommodation, flights, and transportation, which are often bundled into Umrah packages offered by licensed travel agencies. These packages can vary in price, with economy packages starting around 800 SAR (approximately $213 USD) and premium packages costing up to 6,500 SAR (approximately $1,733 USD).
During peak seasons like Ramadan, the demand for Umrah visas increases, resulting in higher fees. Travel agencies and service providers adjust their prices to reflect the limited availability of flights, accommodations, and other services during this time. Additionally, the method of application can impact the price, with eVisa applications being cheaper than applying through an authorised travel agent or the Nusuk platform.
It is always advisable to start the Umrah visa application process early to avoid possible delays and to carefully review the pricing and conditions of the visa and any associated packages.
Smoking at Kos Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Umrah visa processing time
Umrah is a pilgrimage that Muslims can complete by visiting the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and performing a series of religious rituals. The journey is open to all Muslims worldwide, but visitors must have a valid Umrah visa to enter the country. Umrah visas are not issued during the Hajj period, and you must apply for a special Hajj Visa through an authorized travel agency.
To apply for a Saudi Umrah visa, foreign applicants must be at least 18 years old and of the Muslim faith. Women between 18 and 65 years old can perform Umrah without a male guardian, but they must be part of a group and have the permission of their husband or father (known as a Mahram). Children under 18 must apply with a parent or legal guardian.
The Umrah visa price depends on the package and services provided. The main factor that affects the Umrah Visa price is the authorized agent’s fees. Umrah Visa charges are generally lower compared to Hajj Visa costs and typically range from approximately $100 to $150. As of 2022, an Umrah visa application costs between $380 to $490. However, the visa fees are liable to change from country to country. For example, service fees from the UK cost £89 ($120), while from the US, they range anywhere from $173 to $220. Additionally, pilgrims are also required to pay for the Umrah travel package, raising the overall cost of Umrah between $1,500 to $2,000.
The Umrah visa is typically valid for two weeks. However, if you are performing Umrah during Ramadan, you must leave by the last day of the holy month, regardless of whether you have stayed for two weeks. The Umrah-specific Saudi visa validity period has been extended from 30 days to 90 days. This longer validity period is meant to give Umrah pilgrims ample time to complete the Umrah holy rituals.
The processing time for the Umrah Visa varies. In normal circumstances, an Umrah visa takes five to ten days to finish processing, depending on your country of residence. Umrah visas are typically processed in around 5 business days from the time the authorized agent submits the application. It is always advised to start your Saudi Umrah visa application process early, at least one month before your intended travel date, so as to avoid possible delays or unforeseen circumstances.
How to Upgrade to Business on Emirates at the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Umrah visa validity
Umrah-specific Saudi visas are valid for 90 days, as of new rules implemented in 2022. This is an extension from the previous 30-day validity period, which now gives pilgrims more time to complete their holy rituals.
It is important to note that Umrah visas cannot be obtained at Saudi embassies or missions abroad. They must be applied for through travel agents authorised by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The application process typically takes five to ten business days, although it can vary depending on the applicant's country of residence.
The visa is only valid for visiting Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina. Travelling to other cities with an Umrah visa is prohibited and may result in deportation, fines, or arrest.
To apply for an Umrah visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport from one of the eligible countries, valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. US citizens are exempt from this rule and can enter with a valid passport, regardless of the expiry date.
- One recent passport photograph, taken against a white background, with the applicant facing forward, and no eyeglasses or headwear (unless for religious reasons).
- Purchased non-refundable flight tickets.
- Health insurance covering COVID-19 infections.
- Proof of Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination at least ten days before travelling, but not older than three years. Depending on nationality, age, and health condition, other vaccinations may be required, such as yellow fever, polio, and influenza.
- Women and children should be accompanied by a husband, father, or other male relative (mahram), and proof of relationship must be provided. However, as of 2022, women aged 18 to 65 can travel without a male guardian if they are part of an organised group and have permission from their mahram.
- Applicants with a non-Muslim name must submit proof from their local masjid or Islamic organisation verifying that they are Muslim.
Exploring Singapore During a Layover: Can We Leave the Airport?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot get an Umrah visa at the airport. You must apply for your visa in advance.
You can apply for an Umrah visa through travel agents authorised by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
To apply for an Umrah visa, you must be at least 18 years old, of the Muslim faith, and hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entering Saudi Arabia. You will also need to submit a recent passport photograph, proof of vaccination, and evidence of a relationship between female pilgrims and their 'mahram'.
The processing time for an Umrah visa is usually around 5 business days, but it can vary depending on your country of residence. It is recommended to start the application process early to avoid possible delays.
Yes, it is possible to perform Umrah on a transit visa. However, it is important to note that there may be additional requirements and restrictions, such as the need to obtain an Umrah permit and the limited duration of the transit visa.
