Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa 2024: A Complete Guide for First-time Travelers
Planning to perform Umrah this year at Mecca? If yes, understand the Saudi Umrah visa requirements, opening, and application process for 2024 right here.
Umrah is a minor (not mandatory) pilgrimage for Muslims to receive the blessings of Allah Almighty. Since it is an optional pilgrimage, people who can financially afford it and wish to visit Medina and Mecca go on this journey to perform Umrah to fulfill their religious calling. For this, the first thing a pilgrim needs to obtain is a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa, a legal permit to enter, stay, and undertake this pilgrimage.
Umrah is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Muslims worldwide. On this spiritual voyage, Muslims perform a set of religious rituals. The best part of Umrah is that this spiritual pilgrimage can be performed at any time of the year, although many prefer going on this sacred voyage during the holy month of Ramadan.
And, if it is your first time embarking on this sacred journey, you need to have a clear idea of the specific regulations and requirements for the Saudi Arabia Umrah visa. In today’s blog, we are going to delve into all the visa requirements and how to obtain an online Umrah visa. Let’s get started.
Saudi Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Saudi Arabia for a period of time upto 30 days for travel or business purposes. International visitors must have a Saudi e-Visa to be able to visit Saudi Arabia . Foreign citizens can apply for an Saudi e-Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Saudi Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.
What Is a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa?
As mentioned, Muslims can perform this Islamic pilgrimage in Mecca at any time of the year. With a Saudi Umrah visa, pilgrims are allowed to undertake a series of these religious rituals in Mecca, while exploring the remarkably rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia in different cities, from Mecca to Jeddah to Medina, and even visiting family. However, you cannot perform Hajj by leveraging an Umrah visa. Saudi Arabia has a separate visa to undertake this religious event.
That's why the Government of Saudi Arabia has implemented advanced technology in the Saudi Umrah visa application process- Umrah online visa, to ensure convenience for travelers and pilgrims. Eligible citizens no longer have to visit the nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate to apply for this visa. Instead, you can use a Saudi tourist eVisa to enter Saudi Arabia to do Umrah. Saudi Arabia has allowed 49 countries to take advantage of this new opportunity to perform Umrah.
When is the Saudi Umrah Visa Opening in 2024?
Umrah is the second-largest gathering of Muslims in Mecca. That’s why an Umrah visa allows a two-week visa validity, so pilgrims can explore the city after performing this sacred event. However, although one can perform the Umrah pilgrimage at any time of the year, visitors who are Umrah visa holders cannot exceed the last day of Ramadan, regardless of whether they have completed their two-week stay or not. Before Ramadan finishes, you need to step out of Saudi Arabia. Staying for Eid-ul-Fitr is not allowed.
Every international pilgrim except for the citizens of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman must obtain a Saudi Umrah visa or a tourist visa online to undertake this religious event. On the other hand, UK, USA, and Schengen visa holders can also go on this spiritual voyage without applying for an Umrah visa separately.
Online Umrah Visa and Documentation Pilgrims Need to Know About
The first question most pilgrims ask is, “Do I Need a Visa to Undertake Umrah?” Well, you must apply for a Saudi Umrah visa for this mini-pilgrimage unless you belong to GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Nationals of these countries can use their identity cards to enter and perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
According to the latest news, the Umrah visa has an extended validity period now, from 30 days to 90 days, ensuring a convenient pilgrimage experience. With this visa, you can enter Saudi Arabia to undertake rituals related to Umrah, such as performing Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa hills), Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and visiting Kaaba.
Saudi Umrah Visa Requirements for Travelers
When traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah for the first time, you need to understand which documents to obtain for submission. For instance:
- A valid passport with six months validity from your date of arrival and two pages of official stamping from Saudi immigration officers
- A complete visa application form
- A recent passport-size photograph with a white background
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Evidence of hotel reservation
- Travel itinerary, etc.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa Online
Receiving an Umrah visa to Saudi Arabia is no more challenging, thanks to an online Umrah visa! It takes just 5 minutes to complete. You need to follow the steps mentioned below:
- Choose a visa agency and visit their portal to apply for an Umrah visa.
- Provide all your details, including general information, passport details, contact details, and other data.
- Gather all the required documents to submit, including a scanned copy of your passport, a photograph, a copy of your return ticket, a hotel reservation, etc.
- Complete the form and pay the visa fees using a valid credit or debit card. You will receive your Umrah visa via email within three to four business days.
Alternative for Saudi Umrah Visa
If you wish to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia while exploring the country's rich history and culture, there are other options to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage. For instance:
- Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa, allowing travel and Umrah-related rituals
- Personal Visit visa
- Family visit visa
- Umrah visa on arrival, allowing pilgrims to enter and stay here for 90 days
In Conclusion
At Online Saudi Visa, we assist travelers in filling out an online application form for a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa. From reviewing the application form for accuracy and grammar to document translation to obtaining travel authorization, we have got you all covered. Apply online today!
READ MORE:
Saudi Arabia's decision to introduce electronic visas for Umrah marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to streamline and enhance the pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide. Learn more at Saudi Electronic Visas for Umrah Pilgrims.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, US citizens, Australian citizens, French citizens, Spanish Citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our Saudi Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.
