What is Umrah?
Umrah is a major reason Muslims seek a Saudi Arabia visa. It’s a pilgrimage performed often, with no fixed time of year, so pilgrims can go whenever they choose except during Hajj. Travelers visit the Holy city of Mecca and complete a series of required rituals.
Is Umrah Covered Under the Tourist e-Visa?
Yes, the Umrah is covered under the tourist e-Visa. The new e-visa system allows the pilgrims to apply online from anywhere, whether at home or at work. With this travel document, pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia and complete the Umrah pilgrimage without needing a separate visa. Mostly, applicants choose to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan, as during this month, performing Umrah is akin to completing Hajj per their religious beliefs.
Saudi Arabia Umrah e-Visa Eligible Countries
Citizens from the following countries can apply for an Umrah eVisa:
Saudi Arabia Umrah e-Visa Validity
The Umrah e-Visa allows individuals to undertake Umrah and remains valid for 1 year, permitting multiple entries. If performing Umrah during Ramadan, travelers must leave the Kingdom before the last day of Ramadan, no matter if their stay is less than 90 days. After 90 days, the visa is no longer valid at the border.
Requirements for Women and Minors
Accompanying Family Members
The women and kids must be accompanied by their husbands or other male relatives.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate for the children is required, with the names of both parents.
Marriage Certificate
For married women a proof of marriage certificate is required.
Travelling Without Mahram/ Husband
A woman above 45 can perform Hajj without a Mahram if she provides an official letter of consent from her Mahram and travels with a designated group.
Required Documents for Saudi Umrah e-Visa
The office of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah announced an online visa policy for pilgrims in 2019. The applicants must prepare the following documents before submitting an online visa application. This includes:
- Valid Passport: An eligible country's passport with at least 6 months of validity left after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
- Passport-size Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph taken against an all-white background. (The photograph should be colored and display the applicant's full face directly facing the camera).
Process for Getting Your Saudi e-Visa for Umrah
Get a quick overview of the Umrah eVisa application process in just 40 seconds! From filling out the form to receiving your visa, this video guides you through every step you need for a smooth start to your spiritual journey.
How to Apply for an Umrah e-Visa?
The process of e-visa application is as follows:
After submitting the e-visa application, you have to wait for its processing. If approved, the visa will arrive in your email inbox. Take a printout as soon as possible and save its digital copy on your mobile phone.
Saudi Umrah e-Visa Processing Time
Normal Processing
The Umrah e-Visa is processed within 2-4 Working Days. Ideals for those applying in advance.
Rush Processing
The e-Visa application process is typically completed within 1- 2 Working Days, best for applicants who require priortized planning and swift approval.
Super Rush Processing
The e-Visa gets issued within 12 - 24 Hours. Best suited for those who want their application to be processed on urgent timelines.
Umrah e-Visa Fees
You have to pay a visa fee and service fee to get a visa online. The Saudi Arabia visa fee is dependent on the processing time selected by the applicant.
Unified Hajj-Umrah Visa
Pilgrims once needed separate visas for Hajj and Umrah. Now, with the unified Hajj and Umrah visa introduced by the Saudi minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mohammed Benten. The new visa aims to increase the number of pilgrims visiting the KSA with a simpler application.
Earlier, the Hajj visa allowed entry only from 4 Dhu Al-Hijjah to 10 Muharram, while the Umrah visa was valid for 15 days during the Umrah season. Pilgrims needed separate visas for each.
With the new system, applicants can use an online process to get both Hajj and Umrah visas. Approval from the Ministry of Hajj requires proof that the supporting organization is authorized to assist pilgrims. This unified visa is only for Muslims traveling for pilgrimage, while tourists need to apply for a tourist e-visa.
Important Points to Consider
After arriving in the KSA, please download and register on the country's approved apps. There are two apps that you must install and register to.
- Tawakkalna app: It is a mandatory requirement. The app works in the KSA only. It contains all important records, including vaccination data. You must show this record when entering any hotel, restaurant, or mosque.
- Etmarna app: You will link this app to the Tawakkalna app. It is essential to use this app to get prayer permits.
- Remember that the Saudi Umrah e-visa is granted only for performing an Umrah and not for Hajj or to find employment.
Frequently asked questions
You can use it to perform Umrah. The electronic or e-visa Saudi Arabia is launched to enhance international tourism. Umrah e-visa is issued solely for performing Umrah, but you can also perform an Umrah on your tourist e-visa. But, an e-visa is not valid for performing Hajj.
Though you can use your tourist visa to perform an Umrah, there is a difference between the two visa types. For instance, with a tourist visa, you can enter multiple times in KSA, and its stay validity is longer than the Umrah e-visa.
You can only perform Umrah with this visa and visit Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah. You cannot visit any other city apart from these. Otherwise, you may be arrested, fined, or deported.
All visa holders must have insurance coverage for their entire stay in the kingdom. But, this won't necessarily be arranged by the pilgrim. In December 2019, the Saudi Arabia Ministry for Hajj and Umrah announced an agreement with the Company for Cooperative Insurance, covering all visa holders. The insurance policy will be linked to the pilgrim's passport. It will allow them access to public/private hospitals and sufficient coverage in case of accidents, flight cancellations/delays, repatriation or death, and unforeseen disasters.
Content Disclaimer: Information is current as of May 2025. Please verify details with agencies, embassies, or airlines before making travel plans.
