I. Introduction
Are you planning to perform Umrah and looking for a smooth visa application process? This comprehensive guide is likely to help you out in this regard. It explores the list of required documents, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step process for online Umrah visa application. It also highlights the Dos and Don’ts for the visa application. Before diving deep into the online visa process, let’s learn about Umrah first.
II. What is Umrah: meaning and significance
Umrah is a holy journey to sacred places (Makkah and Medina). Performing Umrah is considered a holy act in Islam. It has great significance in Islam as it teaches a lesson of equality, unity, tolerance, brotherhood, and humanity.
III. Umrah Visa: Eligibility criteria
1. What is an Umrah visa?
An Umrah visa is a legal travel document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA) to Umrah travelers, allowing them to enter the KSA and perform Umrah. It is granted after the fulfillment of other essential requirements, including a valid Passport. An Umrah visa is granted according to the eligibility criteria.
2. Who can apply for an eVisa?
You can apply for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa if:
- You are not a citizen of a member of GCC countries, as members are exempted from it.
- You belong to one of the 50 countries that are eligible for an eVisa or visa-on-arrival facility. You can check it through Visa Checker Tool
- Your aim of travelling is to perform Umrah.
- You intend to stay for up to 90 days for the pilgrimage.
- Parents or legal guardians are applying for children under 18 years old.
Note: Carry a certificate or legal document acknowledging your identity in case you have a non-traditional Muslim name.
2.1 Can minors apply for an Umrah Visa?
Yes, minors can also apply for an eVisa if they wish to go on pilgrimage. However, there are some conditions regarding legal requirements.
3. Visa exemption for some countries
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries are exempted from acquiring a visa for entry into Saudi Arabia.
4. New Umrah Visa rule in 2024
- Umrah Visas now remain valid for 90 days from the issue date.
- All international pilgrims must leave the country by the new expiry date.
- Penalties can be imposed on those overstaying an Umrah Visa. It will be levied on both the pilgrims and the companies that arranged their visas.
III. Required Documents for Online Umrah Visa Application
For an online visa application, you are required to have the following documents:
- Valid passport: It must be valid for at least six months from the starting date of your Umrah journey.
- A Copy of Passport
- Passport-Sized Photos: A recent color photograph against a white/blue background.
- Flight Itinerary (Return flight ticket) Travel itinerary: A round-trip flight ticket or evidence of your travel plans.
- Proof of accommodation (Hotel booking or other arrangements)
- Vaccination Certificate (Mention specific vaccines required like COVID-19, Meningitis)
- Relationship Proof (For women under 45 traveling with Mahram)
Note: Always carry multiple copies of these documents digitally and physically to ensure smooth entry into the country.
IV. Process to Apply for Umrah Visa Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
You can apply for an Umrah visa online through the following steps:
Step 1: Visit the Nusuk
You are required to Visit the website: https://www.nusuk.sa/
- Click on the “Saudi eVisa” button located at the left side and the top right of the page.
- Select “nationality” and see eligibility options for you
- According to your nationality, you will get to know whether you can avail yourself of “eVisa” or not.
- If you are eligible for an online visa, you will be shown a pop-up about Information (e Visa Price, Application Fee, Medical Insurance Fee, Entry Validity) and Requirements (Age and Valid Passport)
- Click on the “Apply Online” button. It will redirect you to a new page where you can create your eVisa account.
Step 2: Create an E-Visa account
After clicking “Apply online,” you will be directed to a new web page. If you are a new user, create an E-Visa account by inserting personal details, including name, email, password, etc. Before creating an eVisa account, you are required to do the following things:
- Choose your Passport type (Regular in your case)
- Select nationality
- Type a given code
After fulfilling those requirements, you will be directed to the next page where you will provide your personal data to create an account.
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form
- Select Umrah as the purpose of travel.
- Provide all necessary personal details:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport).
- Nationality.
- Passport number.
- Date of birth and gender.
- Enter your travel dates (arrival and departure dates).
- Select the city of arrival (e.g., Jeddah or Madinah).
Step 4: Upload Documents
As a part of the application process, you are required to upload the required documents. It may include the following steps:
- Upload a clear digital copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Attach a recent passport-sized photograph (as per the required dimensions).
- If required, upload a vaccination certificate (Meningitis, COVID-19, etc.).
- Provide proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and flight itinerary (round-trip)
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
- Mention online payment methods (credit/debit cards).
- You will need to pay a government fee that costs X US dollars to get this Visa.
The Service fee may vary from person to person. It depends on how quickly you need the documents processed. We offer three options:
- Standard processing which takes 5 days and costs USD $X
- Rush processing which takes 3 days and costs USD $ X
- Super Rush processing which takes 2 days and costs USD $X
You can use an exchange rate calculator to work out how much this costs in your local currency.
Step 5: Submit the Application
After reviewing all necessary details, submit your application.
Step 6: Print Your Umrah Visa
Once your application is submitted, get the printed copy of your application and save it in your drive. This printed copy of the Umrah Visa can be furnished as proof.
Following these steps, you can send your application to the embassy, which will then process your visa.
V. Dos and Don’ts for Umrah Visa Applicants
1. Dos:
- Ensure that your passport is valid
- Make sure that your personal data match your passport
- Book accommodation and transportation in advance.
- Ensure you have copies of your application, visa, and travel documents.
- You can bring holy sand or water with this visa.
2. Don’ts:
- Don’t be late in applying for a visa. Spare enough time for processing.
- Don’t stay beyond the limit. Make sure that your return is within the allotted time.
- Don’t tamper with your personal data while applying. It may lead to visa rejection
- Don’t perform Hajj with the Umrah Visa. You need a Hajj visa to do that.
- Don’t upload blurred, unclear documents.
- Don’t forget to inoculate mandatory vaccinations.
VI. Umrah visa validity
The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa has a validity period of one year and a permitted stay of a maximum of 90 days per entry.
- You can’t perform Hajj with the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa. You need a Hajj visa to do that.
- The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is usually issued between 1 and 5 days after application submission. However, it can sometimes take longer, especially if you try to apply yourself. We recommend applying at least two weeks before departure to avoid any delays.
1. Can you extend my Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa?
The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is typically non-extendable, meaning you must leave the country by the date specified on your visa. The visa is usually valid for up to 90 days, allowing ample time to complete your Umrah pilgrimage.
VII. How to check Visa Status: Track Visa application
You can check the status of your visa application through the website.
- Visit https://ksavisa.sa/
- Click “Track Application”.
- Enter the “Application number” and “ID number.”
VIII. Conclusion
In summary, this guide gives you a comprehensive overview of the process for online Umrah visa application. Follow the step-by-step guidelines to make this process smooth. From creating an account to submitting an application, the process is quite simple. You can get this done in a short period. Avail yourself of this opportunity as soon as possible.
