Updated: 10 March 2025, 11:58 am
|||What is an Umrah Visa?
Umrah is one of the pillars of Islam and must be performed once in the lifetime of every Muslim. It consists of visiting the holy sites of Islam most notably, Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam. To be able to complete this holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims living outside of KSA must acquire an Umrah Visa, which allows them to visit Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season and complete their Umrah.
Who Needs an Umrah Visa?
Individuals planning to perform Umrah have several visa options, with the Umrah visa and the Saudi e-visa being the most common choices, although other types of visas are also available.
For citizens of 63 eligible countries, the multiple-entry Saudi e-visa offers flexibility, allowing stays of up to 90 days for tourism, cultural events, family visits, and leisure activities. However, it doesn’t allow participation in Hajj or studying.
If you’re not eligible for the e-visa, you can easily apply for an Umrah visa through an authorized travel agent or a platform like Nusuk.
Eligibility Criteria for Umrah Visa
To obtain a Saudi e-visa or Umrah visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. They must be practicing Muslims and at least 18 years old if applying alone. Minors under 18 can apply with a parent or legal guardian, and children aged five and above are allowed to perform Umrah.
For the Saudi e-visa, applicants must either be citizens or legal residents of one of the 63 eligible countries. Those from other countries must apply for an Umrah visa through an authorized agency.
Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has eased certain rules, allowing women aged 18 to 65 to perform Umrah without a male guardian, provided they travel in a group and have formal consent from a mahram (husband or father).
Documents Required for an Umrah Visa
To apply for a Saudi Umrah visa, applicants must provide the following documents:
- Visa application form – Completed and submitted through authorized travel agents approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.
- Valid passport – Must be valid for at least six months from the application submission date.
- Personal photo – Must meet the following requirements:
- Color photo with a white background (2×2 inches).
- Natural facial expressions with the face covering 80% of the frame.
- No eyeglasses or headwear, except for religious purposes.
- Vaccination certificate – Proof of Meningitis vaccination, issued at least 10 days before entry (mandatory in 2025). Additional vaccinations may be required based on nationality, age, and health conditions.
- Proof of relationship (for women and children) – A marriage or birth certificate confirming the relationship with the Mahram (male guardian), typically the husband or father.
- No-objection letter – Required for women traveling in a group without a Mahram.
- Confirmed airline ticket – A round-trip or onward ticket must be provided.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa?
To apply for an Umrah visa, you have two options based on your eligibility and nationality:
- Apply through an authorized travel agent: If you are not eligible for the Saudi e-visa, a travel agent will handle the visa application process for you.
- Apply online via the Saudi e-visa: For nationals of eligible countries, you can apply for an e-visa, although it’s mainly for tourism and may not specifically cover Umrah.
Umrah Visa Online Application (E-Visa Process)
Step 1: Fill out the online e-Visa application form available on The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
Step 2: Submit visa application.
Step 3: Pay visa fees using the secure online payment gateway with a valid credit or debit card.
Step 4: Wait to receive the approved visa.
Umrah visa online processing time
The processing time for an online Saudi Umrah visa is typically a minimum of 24 hours.
Umrah Visa E-Visa Cost
There are two options for the Saudi Umrah Visa:
1- A single-entry visa costing between USD $100 to $200 and valid for up to 90 days.
2- A multiple-entry visa costing between USD $300 and $500 and valid for up to one year.
Applying Umrah visa Through Travel Agents
You can apply for a Umrah visa with the assistance of a travel agency. Below is the process:
Step 1: Find the right agent or agency.
Step 2: Provide them with the documents needed for application submission and pay the fees.
Step 3: Once documents are verified, they are sent to the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry approved Umrah Operator.
Step 4: Umrah visas and insurance are issued and delivered to you by your agent/agency.
Applying for an Umrah Visa Through Travel Agents – Processing Time
The processing time will depend on the agency you are working with, so it’s better to check with them; but as a general rule, processing time is around a few days.
Applying for an Umrah Visa Through Travel Agents – Cost
The cost will depend on the agent you decide to work with and the mark up they charge as their fees.
How to Prepare for Umrah
- Ensure all required documents like your visa and passport are ready.
- Get the necessary vaccinations, including meningitis, and bring personal medications.
- Carry sufficient Saudi Riyals and ensure your cards are internationally enabled.
- Pack simple, modest clothing suitable for the climate and comfortable footwear.
- Familiarize yourself with the Umrah rituals and prayers.
- Practice walking long distances and stay active to prepare physically.
- Book flights and accommodations early and research transport options.
- Stay informed about health protocols and travel restrictions.
Read more: Visa-Free Countries for Saudi Iqama Holders
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the entry validity of an Umrah visa after it is issued?
A Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued, so you must enter the country before that.
2. Do I need to carry physical visa print outs to the airport?
Yes, you must carry physical print outs of your visa at the airport.
3. Are the prices for Umrah visas the same for adults, children, infants and senior citizens?
Yes, the price for the Umrah visa is the same regardless of the age of the applicant.
4. Do I need to provide proof of accommodation to apply for an Umrah visa?
No, you do not need to have proof of accommodation when applying for a Umrah visa.
5. What is the age limit for Umrah?
Any Muslim of any age can perform Umrah, there are no age restrictions.
6. What is the difference between Umrah visa and other visa types?
The Umrah visa is issued strictly to Muslims while other types of visas can be issued to anyone who meets the criteria.
7. How long does a Saudi Umrah visa application process take?
Online Umrah visa applications are processed within 5 business days. As for Saudi tourist e-Visa, these can be issued within as little as 24 hours.
8. Are there any mandatory vaccinations before visiting KSA for Umrah in 2025?
The latest health guidelines from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health requires Umrah pilgrims to receive a meningitis vaccine at least 10 days prior to their departure.
9. Can I apply for the Saudi Golden Visa while holding an active Umrah Visa?
Yes, holding an active Umrah Visa does not affect your eligibility to apply for the Saudi Golden Visa (Premium Residency). You can proceed with your application while on an Umrah Visa, as the two visa types are processed separately.
