Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Guide for 2024

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world come to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and Umrah. To make it easier for more Umrah pilgrims to come and visit the Holy Mosques, the Pilgrim Experience Program has made things more digital and accessible, including the Umrah visa application.

From this article, you will learn all about the Umrah visa 2024 — the new rules, the documents required, how to obtain it, and how to get a compliant Umrah visa photo.

Table of contents

Umrah Visa: New Rules for 2024

An Umrah visa allows Muslims to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage, which is a Muslim religious event that can be performed at any time of the year.

Recently, Saudi Arabia announced that people with permanent residency in countries such as the European Union, the UK, and the US no longer need an Umrah visa to perform the pilgrimage. The idea behind this is to make the process of performing Umrah more convenient, improve the services provided to pilgrims, and enhance the overall experience. This is part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan for the year 2030.

If you're eligible, you can now plan your pilgrimage using the Nusuk app from the official Nusuk platform, which is mandatory for pilgrims. You will even be able to go straight to your Umrah pilgrimage as soon as you arrive. Also, you can now go on a pilgrimage with just a transit visa if you're flying on Saudi Arabia's main airline.

In addition, Saudi Arabia now offers Umrah visa upon arrival for pilgrims from more countries. The list has grown to include the UK, USA, several European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Brunei, and China. These visas are good for 90 days and can be picked up whether you're arriving by plane, boat, or car.

But remember, if you want to perform the Hajj, the great annual Muslim pilgrimage, you will need a different visa than the Umrah visa.

Umrah Visa VS E-visa to Saudi Arabia

The Umrah Visa and Tourist E-Visa for Saudi Arabia have differences in their purposes, eligibility, and requirements for application. While the tourist e-visa, is available to citizens of 49 countries and allows holders freedom to explore the entire country, the Umrah visa does not limit applicants by nationality, but restricts travel to Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina and is available only to Muslims.

Can You Apply for Umrah Visa Online?

You can apply for your Umrah visa online through the official Nusuk platform. This e-service allows travelers from anywhere to plan their visit, obtain an e-visa, and book hotels and flights all in one place.

Umrah Visa Application Process

Umrah visa how to apply? To get your Umrah visa, you can contact a travel agency that offers special Umrah packages. To obtain an Umrah visa without agent you can apply directly to the embassy or, if you are eligible, apply for a Saudi e-visa, which is a popular choice for many Muslims planning to perform Umrah because it's quick and easy.

Follow these steps if you're applying through a travel agency:

  1. Choose a travel agency that is approved to process Umrah visa applications. These agencies work with the Saudi government to obtain visas.
  2. Gather your documents (see list below), including a completed Umrah Visa Application Form.
  3. Submit your form and all required documents to an approved travel agent or through online platforms for processing.

Please remember that once you're in Saudi Arabia, you'll need to download two important apps to your smartphone:

Getting your Umrah visa usually takes between 24 hours and 3 business days, depending on where you're applying from. Once you have your visa, you're ready to go to Saudi Arabia.

Can I obtain an Umrah visa without package? These days, you can apply for an Umrah visa online through an e-visa service in some countries, bypassing travel agencies. Still, you'll need to buy an Umrah package because the visa is only for the pilgrimage. This way, your stay and activities will be within the established rules.

If you're not using a package, another option is to apply for a tourist visa. This allows you to visit Saudi Arabia, but, keep in mind, that this visa has different rules than an Umrah visa.

Documents Required for Umrah Visa Application

Here are the documents you need to apply for an Umrah visa according to the Umrah visa requirements:

Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements

When applying for a Saudi visa, including an Umrah visa, you need to make sure your photo meets certain rules. Here's what you need:

Here is an example:

Saudi Arabia e-visa photo

Get an Umrah Visa Photo Online

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Example of a Saudi Arabia e-visa photo

Take a Saudi Visa Photo With Phone

7ID: Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Maker
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7ID: Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Example

One more convenient way to get your visa photo is to download the 7ID app, supported by Visafoto.com, on your iPhone or Android. It's perfect for any visa application, whether you need a digital photo or a printed one.

Simply upload your photo, select the document type and country, and let 7ID do the work. The app will automatically resize, center your face, and change the background color to meet the photo criteria.

You can print your photos on standard paper sizes like 10×15 cm, A4, A5, and B5, making it easy to print at home or anywhere else.

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With 7ID, getting the right Saudi Arabia and Umrah visa photo is easy, ensuring you meet all requirements without stress.

Umrah Visa Fees

While the Umrah visa doesn't cost anything, travel agencies may charge their Umrah visa fee for visa processing and other services related to Umrah, which can bring the total Umrah visa rate to around $100 to $400.

If you're looking for a Saudi e-visa that includes Umrah, here's what it might cost:

Umrah Visa Duration

What is Umrah visa validity after stamping? The one-year Umrah visa allows multiple entries with an Umrah visa duration of up to 90 days per visit to Saudi Arabia.

However, if you're visiting during Ramadan, you must leave by the end of the holy month, no matter how long you stay.

Please, note that an Umrah visa during Hajj is not available — this visa is specifically valid throughout the year except for Hajj season, as pilgrims are not eligible to perform Umrah during the Hajj season.

What is Umrah visa exit date? The holder of the Umrah visa should leave the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before the 29th of Dhul-Qi'dah 1445, which corresponds to the 6th of June 2024.

Can Umrah Visa be Extended?

You cannot extend an Umrah visa beyond its original period. Once you have your Umrah visa, the dates are set in stone. You must complete your pilgrimage within the timeframe of the visa. This is now 90 days, which is enough time to complete all the Umrah rituals. It's important to leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires to avoid fines or being banned from future visits.

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