Planning your spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for Umrah? In this guide, you’ll learn about the Saudi Arabia Umrah visa fees, other essential expenses to consider, and how to apply for a 3-month Umrah visa.
Processing times and costs for the Saudi Umrah Visa
The Saudi Umrah Visa is available in two options:
The Umrah visa is available on the Nusuk platform through travel packages. Prices are quoted in riyals, the official currency of Saudi Arabia, and the abbreviation “SAR” (Saudi riyal) is frequently used throughout the website.
The iVisa advantage
Many travel agencies authorized to obtain Umrah visas for their clients will push for the purchase of complete travel packages. This is because it benefits them financially, but it might limit your choices by tying you to specific flights and hotels, which may not always be the most affordable or convenient.
We work with a fulfillment partner approved by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide our clients with a single-entry Umrah visa.
With this setup, you have the freedom to choose your own airline and place to stay, whether it's a hotel or an Airbnb, according to what best fits your budget and needs.
The Umrah visa price we offer comprises the government fee of USD $155.00 and our service fee, which depends on how quickly you need the visa processed. There are three options:
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Standard processing which takes 4 days.
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Rush processing which takes 2 days.
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Super Rush processing which takes 24 hours.
Additional fees to consider when planning your Umrah trip
In addition to the actual cost of the Saudi Arabia visa, you must consider additional travel costs. Check some expenses below that you will need to include in your travel budget:
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Health insurance: It is a crucial aspect of Umrah travel and is required to obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The cost varies depending on the coverage and the insurance provider. Choose a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and COVID-19 treatment to travel hassle-free.
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Accommodation: The accommodation cost depends on the type of hotel and the location. Hotels in Mecca and Medina, the two holy cities, are typically more expensive than hotels in other parts of Saudi Arabia. It is essential to book accommodation in advance to get the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes.
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Transportation: Most Umrah pilgrims travel by air to Saudi Arabia, and the flight ticket prices vary depending on the season and the airline. It is advisable to book airfare in advance to get the best deals. Once in Saudi Arabia, you can use buses and taxis to get around the city.
Umrah visa options
An Umrah visa is issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), allowing you to enter the country to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. You can complete this religious journey anytime during the year.
With this visa, you can visit the holy cities of Jeddah, Makkah (Mecca), and Medina. The Saudi government offers many opportunities for travelers to perform Umrah. Below, we list some of the options.
Please note: These Saudi visas cannot be used to perform Hajj. During the Hajj period, the Saudi embassy issues special Hajj Visas, and you will require a Hajj visa to enter the country. None of these visas permit studying or working.
Umrah visa
First, let’s start with the most obvious choice for pilgrims: the Umrah visa. Launched in 2019 by the government of Saudi Arabia, the Umrah visa aims to make it easier for travelers to visit the Kingdom.
Over 50 countries can apply online with us for an Umrah visa. The special Umrah visas are more convenient and tailored for those intending to perform the Umrah pilgrimage at any time of the year. It allows a single entry and a maximum stay of up to 90 days in total.
Watch this video to learn more:
Did you know?
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Not all nationalities are eligible for the online Umrah visa. If you find that you don’t qualify, you can still perform Umrah using a Saudi Tourist eVisa.
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The Umrah visa is specifically for pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. Attempting to seek employment or conduct activities not related to pilgrimage can result in severe penalties, including detention or deportation.
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There’s no discounted Umrah visa fee for children. They will pay the same rate as adults.
Umrah visa on arrival
Another option is the Umrah visa on arrival at one of Saudi Arabia's entry points. To qualify for this visa, you will need to meet one of these conditions:
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Be from one of the countries in the eligible countries list.
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Hold a USA, United Kingdom, or Schengen Visa. To get a visa based on this condition, the visa needs to be valid, has to be a tourist or business visa, and has to be used at least once with an entry stamp from the issuing country.
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Have permanent residence in the US, UK, or EU.
An Umrah visa on arrival can be issued as a single or multiple-entry visa that’s valid for one year from the date of issuance and allows for stays of up to 90 days.
Umrah visa through a travel package
Considered a separate or specific Umrah visa, this travel document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) allows you to enter the country only to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Pilgrims worldwide can apply for this Umrah visa, making it the most accessible option.
You will need to contact a Mu’assasa, which is an approved travel agency in your home country to apply for this Umrah visa. The travel agent will help apply for the visa on your behalf after you select a travel package.
Most agencies will provide you with several packages at different price ranges to choose the one that best suits you. These packages include health insurance, visa fees, and your accommodation and travel costs within the country. (Flights to Saudi Arabia are usually not included in the package.)
The Umrah visa issued through a travel package is a single-entry visa that is typically valid for stays of up to two weeks unless you’re performing Umrah during Ramadan, which may result in the visa being extended to the end of the month.
Introduction of new Umrah visa rule in 2024
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has made significant updates to the Umrah visa rules. Umrah visas now remain valid for 90 days from the issue date. Previously, the validity of the visa began once you arrived in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah visas for pilgrims coming from outside the country will now expire on 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah.
The previous expiry date was 29 Dhu al-Qa’dah. This change allows Saudi authorities more time to prepare for the Hajj season, aiming to improve the experience for both Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
All international pilgrims must leave the country by the new expiry date. There are penalties for overstaying an Umrah visa, which will be levied on both the pilgrims and the companies that arranged their visas.
Get your Saudi Umrah Visa with us
Follow these three steps to get your Saudi Arabia visa:
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First, fill out the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa application form on our website or mobile app with your details and trip information. Please verify all the information to avoid mistakes.
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Second, choose the processing time that suits your needs and pay the fees using a credit or debit card.
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Third, and finally, upload the required documents and click “Submit.” Then, wait for the visa to arrive in your email. Once you have it, print it out and have a digital copy ready as well when you travel to Saudi Arabia.
What can help your visa get approved?
1.Complete and accurate documentation
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and includes a recent photo. You'll also need to show proof of travel insurance. Incorrect personal details or outdated photos can delay the process, so double-check all documents for compliance with Saudi guidelines.
2.Health and vaccination proof
The Meningitis vaccine is mandatory for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. You need a vaccination certificate that was issued within the last three years. Ensure you’re vaccinated on time and carry the official certificate with you. Missing or outdated vaccination certificates can hinder the approval process.
3.Mahram requirement for female travelers
If you're a woman under 45 traveling for Umrah, you need to be accompanied by a male relative, known as a Mahram, and you must provide documents proving your relationship. It’s essential that these documents are complete and properly translated if necessary. Missing or incomplete proof can be a stumbling block.
4.Only use designated entry points
Entry into Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa is restricted to specific airports, including Jeddah and Medina. Double-check that your flight is scheduled to arrive at an airport authorized for Umrah entry.
5.Use accredited agencies
Your visa application must go through an online portal or agency that is accredited by the Saudi government. Make sure to verify the accreditation status of your chosen agency, as using unaccredited or dubious agencies can lead to application rejections.
The Saudi government has introduced some security measures for religious tourism. For example, before the trip, Muslims must now register on the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps.
Do you have questions about the Umrah visa?
Contact our customer support team via WhatsApp or iVisa chat if you have any questions about the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa or the Tourist eVisa. Our team is available 24/7 and will gladly help you!