How to get a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for citizens of Malaysia

If you're a Malaysian citizen planning to perform Umrah, it’s important to know about the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa options available. Performing Umrah is a spiritual journey, and having the correct visa will ensure you have a smooth and fulfilling experience. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Umrah Visa, including helpful tips and recent updates.

At iVisa, we do not offer the Umrah-specific visa, but we do offer the Saudi tourist visa, which allows you to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Difficulty rating: 9/100

We understand that getting an Umrah Visa can be challenging, so we rate the process a 9/100 in difficulty.

This is due to several factors: the need for specific documents such as proof of accommodation and dealing with local agents who may add steps compared to a fully online process.

The visa form itself requires answering 9 key questions, and you’ll need to submit 2 main documents.

What is the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa?

The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is designed specifically for Muslims wishing to perform Umrah in the holy cities of Makkah (Mecca) and Medina.

It’s a single-entry visa issued for religious purposes and cannot be used for Hajj or other activities like studying or business. If you're planning to perform Hajj, you’ll need to apply for a separate Hajj Visa.

One great perk of the Umrah Visa is that it allows you to return home with ZamZam water, something not permitted on a standard tourist visa.

2024 Umrah Visa updates

Saudi authorities have introduced new rules for Umrah visas in 2024. Umrah visas are now valid for 90 days from the issue date, allowing more flexibility for pilgrims.

However, for the current season, all Umrah visas will expire on 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah (May 23, 2024). Overstaying beyond this date can result in penalties for both pilgrims and their agents. Be sure to plan your departure in accordance with these dates to avoid any issues.

Entering Saudi Arabia for Umrah

If you're traveling on an Umrah Visa, you can enter Saudi Arabia not only via airports but also by land borders, such as through Bahrain or Dubai. This gives you added flexibility, especially if you're traveling within the region.

Processing time and costs

When applying for an Umrah Visa, processing times can vary. On average, it may take a few days to a week, depending on your local agent’s timeline and the time of year.

What you need for the Umrah Visa application

To apply for an Umrah Visa, you’ll need the following documents:

• Passport scan: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date.

• Recent photo: A passport-sized color photo.

• Proof of accommodation: Confirmation of your stay in Saudi Arabia.

• Bank statement: Proof of financial ability to support yourself during the trip.

• Vaccination certificate: A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be needed if you’re coming from a high-risk country.

These documents are essential to ensure your visa application goes through smoothly.

"We were nervous about applying for the Umrah Visa because of the number of documents needed, but the process was much simpler than we thought, and we were able to focus on our pilgrimage!" — Aliya, 42, Kuala Lumpur

Although iVisa does not offer Umrah visas, many Malaysian travelers have successfully used the Saudi tourist visa we offer to perform their Umrah.

Ready to apply?

Whether you need help with the tourist visa or have questions about traveling to Saudi Arabia, our customer service team is here to help. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.