Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Requirements
Overview
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which can be performed at any time of the year. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. To enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, you must obtain a valid visa.
The Saudi Arabian government has introduced an electronic visa system (eVisa) for citizens of certain countries. This eVisa allows eligible travelers to apply online for their visas without having to go through a lengthy process at the embassy or consulate. You can apply for your eVisa on Saudi Arabia eVisa.
Requirements
To apply for an Umrah visa, you must meet certain requirements:
- You must be a Muslim.
- You must be over 18 years old.
- You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- You must have proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Saudi Arabia.
- You must have confirmed accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
- You must have a return ticket or onward ticket.
Note: You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your nationality and purpose of travel.
Application Process
The application process for an Umrah visa is relatively straightforward if you meet all the requirements mentioned above. The first step is to complete an online application form on the official website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email notification with instructions on how to proceed with your visa application.
Note: The processing time for an Umrah visa varies depending on your nationality and other factors.
Fees
The cost of an Umrah visa depends on several factors such as nationality, type of visa, duration of stay etc. Generally speaking, most countries pay around SAR 2000 (approx USD 530) for a single entry visa valid for 30 days.
Note: You may also need to pay additional fees such as service charges or processing fees depending on where you are applying from.