Umrah is a sacred and spiritual journey to the Holy Kaaba in Saudia Arabia.  It is a voluntary pilgrimage for Muslims to perform from across the world. This can be done at any time of the year but the most rewarding time is in the month of Ramadan.

For traveling to Saudia Arabia for the purpose of performing an Umrah, you need a visa to do so. An Umrah visa is different from a tourist visa; it acts as serves as an official document that is issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), allowing pilgrims to enter the country to perform Umrah. There is no limit to how many times an individual can perform an Umrah, although the validity of the visa is necessary.

If you are planning to take the spiritual journey to the Holy Land of Makkah, then read below a step-by-step guide for Umrah visa application and some important points to know before doing so!

SAUDIA ARABIA UMRAH VISA

The Saudi Umrah Visa allows travelers to perform Umrah while staying in the country. Apart from the main pilgrimage, Muslim visa holders are also allowed to visit other cities such as the second holy city Madinah, and other cities such as Jeddah and Riyadh. After performing Umrah, travelers are allowed to explore the country or visit their relatives as long as their visa is valid. Only Muslims can visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madina for Umrah.

CAN YOU APPLY FOR THE UMRAH VISA ONLINE?

Yes, now the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allows Muslims from a list of 50 countries to apply online for an e-visa. However, you need to check if you fit all the requirements that are necessary for an e-visa. Or you can visit your nearest Saudi Embassy or seek professional help from a travel agency such as FlySaudi.

The citizens of Muslim countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar can enter Saudia Arabia with an Umrah visa. They can stay in the country for about 90 days. Pilgrims from other countries must have an Umrah visa to perform Umrah.

UK or Schengen passport holders are eligible for the Umrah visa on arrival. However, it is always best to apply for a visa before visiting the country.

For newly converted Muslims or international Muslims who do not have a Muslim name and want to perform Umrah, it is recommended to create a Muslim certificate that confirms their religion. This can be made from a nearby mosque or any Islamic organization that is found in their birth city/country!

HOW LONG CAN UMRAH VISA HOLDERS STAY IN THE COUNTRY?

The Umrah visa on arrival which is for those from eligible countries is a multiple-entry visa. This is valid for a year from the date of its issuance.

For e-visa holders, the special Umrah visa allows for a single entry with a stay of up to 90 days for a Muslim.

The Umrah visa obtained through a package is valid for two weeks. However, if you are performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan, then you will be required to depart from the country on the last day of Ramadan.

VISA APPLICATION GUIDE FOR ALL MUSLIMS

For a smooth and safe visa application process, we have compiled a list of important documents that are required in order to receive an Umrah visa.

  • Your passport should be valid for at least six months, from the day you enter the country. Moreover, there should be at least two blank pages on your passport to stamp for the Immigration Officer.
  • A complete and filled application form for an Umrah visa.
  • 2 recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
  • Airline ticket confirming a round-trip.
  • Vaccination certificate for COVID-19 and immunization against meningitis and evidence for any other diseases issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health.
  • If a female under the age of 45 is traveling with a mahram, she should provide evidence of a relationship between her and the companion.
  • Attach a copy of the hotel booking or a travel itinerary/package.
  • Muslims who have non-Muslim names should attach a certificate of proof from a mosque or Islamic center from their home country that verifies their religion.

HOW TO GET A VISA FOR UMRAH?

If it is your first time planning a trip to Saudia Arabia for Umrah, then choose the services of a professional Umrah travel agency such as FlySaudi. Applying through a reliable travel agency guarantees your chance to easily obtain the Umrah visa as we do not miss anything for you!

Moreover, we offer attractive and affordable Umrah packages that you can choose from. These include a travel itinerary that covers everything for you from airline tickets to the hotel bookings. See our website for different Umrah packages that suit your budget and needs!