Can the Saudi e-Visa be used for Umrah? A complete guide for pilgrims 2025–2026

Do you need a Saudi visa for Umrah? Yes, a permit is mandatory for the Umrah pilgrimage, but travelers can now use more than just the traditional Umrah visa. In October 2025, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced a significant change in policy to make it easier for Muslims worldwide to perform Umrah while residing in Saudi Arabia on different types of visas.

Read this article for comprehensive information on the Saudi Umrah visa latest news, including the required documents, application process, and tips for submitting the correct photo.

Table of contents

• Saudi Arabia’s new policy: Umrah for all visa holders
• Requirements and conditions for performing Umrah on an e-visa
• Saudi Arabia e-visa eligibility
• How to apply for a Saudi visa online: step-by-step guide
• Instructions for performing Umrah with a Saudi e-visa
• Documents required for the Saudi Arabia e-visa application
• Documents required for applying for the Umrah permit through the Nusuk App
• Do you need to submit a photo for a Saudi e-visa application?
• Saudi Arabia e-visa and Nusuk platform photo requirements
• Get your Saudi visa photo online!
• Saudi Visa Photo App
• Saudi visa fees and validity
• FAQ

Saudi Arabia’s new policy: Umrah for all visa holders

Has the issuance of Umrah visas stopped in Saudi Arabia? No, visas remain active. Moreover, the Kingdom has expanded access to Umrah, making it easier for Muslims worldwide to perform the pilgrimage. Under the new policy unveiled in October 2025, Saudi Arabia now allows Muslims with any valid entry document to engage in pilgrimage. This Saudi Umrah visa update indicates that pilgrims no longer need a specific Umrah entry permit. Instead, they can use visas such as tourist, family visit, personal, business, work, or transit visas to fulfill their pilgrimage. This step aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to broaden access to religious tourism and enhance convenience for millions of Muslims globally.

If you’re wondering whether an Umrah permit is still required, anyone with a valid Saudi entry document can now undertake the pilgrimage without obtaining a separate one. However, they must still obtain an electronic permit through the Nusuk app before entering the Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia with an Umrah visa? The Umrah visa permits direct travel to Mecca and Medina for pilgrimage but is not for general tourism or extended stays in Saudi Arabia. Typically valid for 90 days, it must be used within its designated period. Since mid-2025, Saudi Arabia has been promoting the use of the tourist e-visa for Umrah, offering longer validity and more travel flexibility.

Saudi visa vs Umrah visa: what's the difference? The Umrah visa is intended for Muslims performing the Umrah pilgrimage. It's usually a single-entry visa, valid for 30 to 90 days, and must be obtained via authorized agencies or the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. In contrast, the Saudi tourist visa is more versatile, allowing for tourism, leisure, business, and Umrah (except during Hajj). This is typically a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to a year, and can be easily applied for online by eligible nationalities.

Requirements and conditions for performing Umrah on an e-visa

If you plan to perform Umrah with a Saudi e-visa, take note of the following essential rules and requirements:

• The Umrah e-visa falls under the category of the Saudi tourist e-visa, which remains valid for a year from its issuance. It allows for multiple entries into Saudi Arabia, with a total stay not exceeding 90 days during its entire validity. It is important to note that pilgrims holding a Saudi visit visa can perform Umrah, but not Hajj, which requires a different visa type.
• Since June 2025, it has become mandatory for all individuals planning to perform Umrah to secure their accommodations using the official Nusuk platform before beginning the visa application process. Additionally, travelers must also book their airport transfers and local transportation between Mecca and Medina via this platform as a prerequisite for visa approval.
• Women over the age of 18 are now allowed to perform Umrah on their own using an e-visa without needing a mahram. Female travelers travelling alone must hold a passport with at least six months’ validity and present evidence of return flights, valid vaccination records (such as for meningococcal disease), and active travel insurance coverage.
• Applicants for the e-visa must pay the necessary fees online during the application process. The e-visa also provides health insurance for the duration of the visit. However, it cannot be extended: after its validity or the permitted stay period, pilgrims must depart Saudi Arabia and apply for a new visa to return. Furthermore, performing Umrah during the Hajj season with an Umrah e-visa is not allowed.

Saudi Arabia e-visa eligibility

In 2025, Saudi Arabia's e-visa will be available mainly for tourists, Umrah pilgrims (outside the Hajj season), and certain residents or transit travelers. To qualify:

• You must be a citizen of one of the 68 countries listed on Saudi Arabia’s e-visa website or possess a valid Schengen, US, or UK visit visa.
• Residents of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries with valid residency permits, which should have at least three months remaining, are also eligible to apply.
• Applicants need to be at least 18 years old.
• Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia and must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

How to apply for a Saudi visa online: step-by-step guide

Here is how to get a visa for Saudi Arabia for Umrah online:

1. Access the official Saudi e-visa portal and fill out the application form.
2. Upload a passport-sized photo and scans of the necessary documents.
3. Provide accommodation details.
4. Pay the visa fee online using a debit or credit card.
5. The e-visa will be sent to your provided email address. Processing usually takes 1-2 days for e-Visas, while other visa types may take several weeks.

Instructions for performing Umrah with a Saudi e-visa

Here are the steps for performing Umrah with a Saudi e-visa:

1. After receiving your Saudi visa for Umrah via email, print a copy or save a digital version on a mobile device for presentation upon arrival.
2. Register your Umrah journey and obtain any necessary permits using the Nusuk digital platform, which manages pilgrimage slots and services for visa holders.
3. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, carry your passport with the e-visa and proof of accommodation. Comply with health, safety, and pilgrimage regulations set by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
4. Perform the traditional Umrah rituals.
5. Ensure you leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires or as required, especially if conducting Umrah during Ramadan, to adhere to travel regulations.

Documents required for the Saudi Arabia e-visa application

To apply for a Saudi Arabia e-visa, you'll need the following essential documents:

• A clear digital scan of your passport's biodata page, ensuring the passport is valid for at least six months. Note that refugee travel documents or ID cards are not accepted.
• A recent passport-style photo that meets Saudi specifications.
• Proof of planned accommodation or hotel reservation, which is mandatory for those performing Umrah.
• Details of your travel itinerary, including confirmed flights or travel plans that indicate your arrival and departure dates.
• For Umrah, registration and booking via the Nusuk platform are required to secure the necessary pilgrimage permits.
• A completed online visa application form with accurate personal details and travel information.
• A payment method, such as a valid credit or debit card, is required to pay the visa fee and the required health insurance coverage online.

Depending on the applicant or visa type, the following additional documents may be needed:

• Vaccination certificates for meningitis, with further recommendations for flu and COVID-19 vaccines based on health policies and the traveler’s nationality.
• Proof of family relationships or sponsorship letters for certain traditional visas (generally not needed for e-visas).
• Though travel companion rules for women and minors are less strict, minors under 18 must travel with a guardian.

Documents required for applying for the Umrah permit through the Nusuk App

When applying for an Umrah permit through the Nusuk App, you will need:

• Confirmed accommodation booking for your entire stay in Saudi Arabia. This reservation must be made through licensed hotels listed on the Nusuk Masar platform or with approved providers.
• Pre-arranged transportation bookings covering trips between airports, Mecca, Medina, and local travel. Confirm these transport arrangements through Nusuk-approved services before applying for the permit.
• A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with a digital copy of the biodata page submitted during the application.
• Personal and biometric information linked with Saudi platforms like Absher and Tawakkalna, which integrate vaccine records and entry permits to facilitate processing.
• Evidence of mandatory vaccinations, particularly the meningococcal ACYW-135 vaccine (valid for three years, to be taken at least 10 days before arrival). Polio and yellow fever vaccines are required if traveling from affected areas.
• A digital photo that complies with Saudi passport and visa photo standards.

Do you need to submit a photo for a Saudi e-visa application?

Yes, you are required to submit an image of yourself when applying for a Saudi e-visa. It is submitted electronically during the e-visa application process. It should be similar to a passport picture but optimized for digital use.

Saudi Arabia e-visa and Nusuk platform photo requirements

When applying for a Saudi Umrah visa via the Nusuk platform, you need to ensure your photo meets specific guidelines:

• For e-visa applications, a digital photo of 200 x 200 pixels is required, with the file size between 5 KB and 100 KB.
• The background must be plain white, free of any shadows, patterns, or objects.
• Your face should fill 70% to 80% of the photo, showing the entire face from chin to top of head and from ear to ear, with the head centered and facing directly forward.
• You should have a neutral expression with open eyes and a closed mouth – no smiling or frowning.
• The photo needs to be sharp, clear, well-lit, and free of red-eye, glare, or reflections. Borders are not allowed.
• Headgear is acceptable only for religious purposes, but the face must remain entirely visible.
• The photo should be taken within the past six months and accurately represent your current appearance.

Here is an example photo:

Get your Saudi visa photo online!

Avoid complications and make sure your photo meets all requirements by using Visafoto.com, a professional photo editing service with a high approval rate of 99.7%. Since 2013, Visafoto has specialized in providing passport, visa, driver’s license, and other ID photos internationally.

Take your photo in good natural light with a smartphone or digital camera and upload it to Visafoto.com. The service will adjust the background, enhance the resolution, perform color corrections, and resize the photo according to standards.

Here is an example of the photo you can upload:

You'll receive a digital version perfect for online submissions, as well as a format ready for printing. If you’re dissatisfied with the result, a free replacement will be provided. In the unlikely event that the photo is rejected by authorities, a full refund is offered.

Saudi Visa Photo App

If you prefer using your phone, consider the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly tool is designed to make creating ID, passport, and visa photos straightforward using your smartphone. It works on both iPhone and Android devices.

Simply upload your photo to the 7ID App, select your country and document type. The app automatically adjusts your photo to fit the official Saudi visa specifications, taking care of size, format, and background color, while ensuring your face and eye line are perfectly centered. You’ll receive a digital file and a print template compatible with standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

If you have any questions, our technical support team is available around the clock to assist you.

Saudi visa fees and validity

The cost of a Saudi Arabia visa can vary based on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. Typically, a standard tourist e-visa costs around SAR 300 (about USD 80–90). This fee includes compulsory health insurance coverage, and the e-visa is valid for one year from the date of issue. It permits multiple entries, with the total stay not exceeding 90 days. For those performing Umrah during Ramadan, it is important to note that pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia before Ramadan ends, irrespective of their visa's remaining duration.

For business and work visas, the fees range from approximately USD 100 to USD 800, depending on the visa category and the applicant's nationality. Processing times vary, with tourist e-visas generally taking about 2 days, while other visa types might require several weeks. Expedited processing services are available for an additional charge.

Existing visa holders (tourist, visit, work, or transit) performing Umrah pay no extra Umrah permit costs, only booking requirements via Nusuk.

FAQ

Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist e-visa?

Yes, in 2025, you can perform Umrah using a Saudi tourist e-visa. The e-visa policy now permits tourists to perform Umrah without needing a separate Umrah visa. However, you must arrange your accommodation and transport through the official Nusuk platform and acquire the necessary Umrah permits digitally.

Do I still need an Umrah permit if I already hold a tourist visa?

Yes, even with a tourist visa, obtaining an Umrah permit through the Nusuk platform is required to perform Umrah. This digital permit ensures that your accommodations and transport are verified, and your pilgrimage is properly registered with Saudi authorities for crowd and health management.

Can women perform Umrah alone on an e-visa?

According to the Saudi new rules for Umrah visa, women aged 18 and above are now permitted to visit the Kingdom independently, without the need for a male guardian (mahram). Nevertheless, certain religious journeys, including Hajj, continue to impose particular conditions for female participants.

Can non-Muslims enter Makkah or Madinah with an e-visa?

No, non-Muslims cannot enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah with any Saudi visa, including an e-visa. These areas are reserved exclusively for Muslims, and this restriction is strictly upheld by Saudi law and Islamic tradition. Violating this rule could result in penalties.

Can I perform both Umrah and regular tourism on the same trip?

Yes, you can combine your Umrah pilgrimage with tourist activities on a single trip using a tourist e-visa, as long as you adhere to the booking and permit requirements through the Nusuk platform.

Do I need to book my Umrah package through a travel agent?

You don't have to use a traditional travel agent, but you must book your accommodation and transportation via the official Nusuk Masar platform before applying for your Umrah permit. This criterion is crucial for visa approval, ensuring the safety of pilgrims and enhancing service quality through verified bookings.

Last updated: 2025-10-24