Umrah Visa Fees for Travelers to Saudi Arabia

Yearning to embark on an Umrah journey and experience the beauty of Saudi Arabia, but feeling a bit apprehensive about the potential costs of obtaining your Umrah visa? Allow us to guide you through the available options and the potential fees that come into play.

For those who are foreign nationals planning to visit Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Umrah, securing a visa is a necessary step. Various Umrah visa types cater to Muslims seeking to undertake this pilgrimage during their stay. However, your eligibility for each visa category hinges on your nationality. One of the convenient alternatives is the online tourist e-Visa, attainable through the streamlined application process provided online.

In this article, we aim to demystify the Saudi Arabia visa expenses. We'll delve into the nuances of Umrah Visa processing costs, considering how your choice of processing time can influence the total expenditure. Furthermore, we'll explore potential Umrah package expenditures, and shed light on any additional fees that align with the regulations stipulated by Saudi Arabia's Immigration Department.

Overview of Available Umrah Visa Options for Travel to Saudi Arabia

An Umrah visa stands as an official travel credential issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), granting you entry to partake in the Umrah pilgrimage. This sacred journey can be undertaken at any point throughout the year, offering you the chance to explore the holy cities of Jeddah, Makkah (Mecca), and Medina.

The government extends a variety of avenues for individuals to embark on their Umrah pilgrimage. In this discussion, we will delve into three distinct Umrah-specific visas as well as the Tourist eVisa. Before delving into the financial aspect, let's delve into the particulars of each visa, the application process, and the distinctions between Umrah-specific visas and tourist visas.

The Saudi Arabia Electronic Umrah Visa for Travelers

Commencing with the most apparent choice for obtaining an Umrah visa, the Electronic Umrah Visa was introduced in 2019 by the government to streamline the process for travellers visiting the Kingdom.

This system enables travellers from various countries to apply for an exclusive Umrah visa online. The specialised Umrah e-visas offer enhanced convenience by negating the need for extensive in-person screening at the embassies or consulates, or the need to queue at banks for visa fees payment.

With an Umrah eVisa, pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia and undertake the Umrah pilgrimage at their convenience throughout the year. The visa holds a validity of one year, granting multiple entries with a maximum stay of up to 90 days per entry.

Obtaining an Umrah Visa on Arrival in Saudi Arabia

An alternate option is the Umrah Visa on Arrival, obtainable at designated entry points in Saudi Arabia. Eligibility for this visa is contingent on meeting one of the following criteria:

Belonging to a country listed among the eligible nations.

Holding a valid USA, United Kingdom, or Schengen visa. The eligibility requirements for acquiring a visa through this criterion include:

• Validity Duration of Saudi Arabia Umrah Visas

• The visa is classified as tourist or business.

• Utilisation of the visa for entry at least once, accompanied by an entry stamp from the issuing country.

• Holders of permanent residency from the US, UK, or EU, provided the presence of the resident is confirmed. This includes immediate relatives of visa holders travelling with them.

An Umrah Visa on Arrival is a Multiple Entry visa with a one-year validity period upon issuance. This visa category permits stays of up to 90 days per entry.

• Umrah Visa through Package

Termed as a dedicated Umrah visa, this travel document, authorises entry solely for the purpose of performing the Umrah pilgrimage. This option renders the Umrah pilgrimage accessible to pilgrims around the world.

To acquire this Umrah visa, you must connect with an authorised travel agency in your home country. The chosen agency will manage the visa application on your behalf, contingent upon your selection of a travel package.

Typically, these agencies offer an array of package options at various price points, allowing you to choose the one that aligns with your preferences. These packages often encompass health insurance, visa fees, accommodation, and local travel expenses. (Flights to Saudi Arabia are generally not covered by the package).

The Umrah Visa through Package is typically a single-entry visa, valid for stays of up to two weeks, except in cases where Umrah is undertaken during the Ramadan period. In such instances, the visa validity might be extended until the end of the month.

• The Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa

The Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa, also referred to as the Saudi Arabia Electronic Visa, enables travellers to engage in tourism-related activities, attend events, visit family and friends, partake in leisure pursuits, and even perform Umrah (excluding Hajj) using this visa category.

Distinguishing the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa from the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa

The dedicated Umrah Visa provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comes with distinct advantages for Umrah pilgrims compared to those utilising a tourist eVisa. 

• One notable perk is that holders of the Umrah-specific visa are allowed to take ZamZam water out of the country, whereas this privilege is not extended to individuals on a tourist visa.

• Further disparities include the nature of these visas. The Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa permits multiple entries and is open to individuals of any religion. Conversely, the Umrah-specific visa is a single-entry authorization exclusively granted to Muslims with the sole intention of performing the Umrah pilgrimage.

• Additionally, the prerequisites for each visa type set by Saudi Authorities significantly differ. Travellers from forty-nine specified countries can utilise the tourist eVisa to journey to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of religious pilgrimage. In contrast, the separate Umrah Visa is available to individuals from all corners of the world.

It's worth noting that, at present, The online platform does not offer the Umrah-specific visa due to the stringent requirements associated with it. You can assess your eligibility for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa by using our Checker Tool.

Should you not meet the criteria for a Tourist Visa, you still have the option to apply for an Umrah e-Visa. In such a scenario, it's advisable to consult your local agent or engage with representatives specialising in Hajj and Umrah for comprehensive guidance on navigating the meticulous application procedure. Alternatively, you can reach out to the Saudi Ministry or the embassy to obtain further information.

Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Fees

The expenses associated with a Saudi Umrah visa are influenced by factors such as the visa category, your nationality, and your chosen processing timeframe. Here, we outline average price ranges and provide a baseline idea of potential costs, particularly for US citizens, which can assist in your travel planning endeavours.

Umrah e-Visa Fees

Among the more economical choices, the Umrah e-visa option involves a fee of approximately SAR, encompassing visa charges and insurance coverage. Translated to US dollars, this amounts to around $.

Umrah Visa on Arrival

For the visa-on-arrival service, the fee stands at SAR (equivalent to $). Payment for the "Visa on Arrival" is to be made in Saudi riyals, utilising an international credit or debit card along with MADA.

Umrah Visa through Package

In the year 2022, the Umrah visa application is accompanied by a cost ranging from $ to $, interlinked with the Umrah travel package that pilgrims need to acquire for securing this visa. Consequently, the overall expenditure generally falls between .

Cost of the Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa

When pursuing the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa through the online platform, the total expenses will be subject to alterations based on your nation of origin and the chosen processing speed. Currently, the online platform provides three processing alternatives for this visa type. For American citizens, the anticipated costs are as follows:

• Standard processing duration spanning 5 days comes.
• Opting for the Rush processing, which takes 3 days.
• The Super Rush processing, with a turnaround time of 24 hours.

These expenses encompass both online processing fee and the government application fee.

How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa With the online platform

For those eligible individuals seeking to obtain a tourist visa, the online platform simplifies the visa application procedure with its user-friendly eVisa application platform. This streamlined process can be completed within minutes, right from the comfort of your home or office, encompassing these three straightforward steps:

Step 1: Furnish Fundamental Information

Commence by filling out the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa application form, providing essential details about yourself and your upcoming trip. During this step, you will also be required to designate your preferred processing time.

Step 2: Verify and Pay

After completing the form, ensure that all the information entered is accurate. Following this, proceed to make the payment for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa Fees using a credit or debit card.

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

In the final step, if necessary, upload any requisite documents. Once completed, click 'Submit' to finalise your application.

Once your application is submitted, our team will take charge of processing it on your behalf. You can anticipate receiving the approved visa confirmation via email.

Document and Eligibility Requirements for Saudi Arabia's Tourist eVisa

Before initiating your eVisa application, ensure you gather the following documents:

• National ID Card or Birth Certificate: An official government document that validates your identity.

• Travel Authorization from Employer or School: A letter or statement from your host indicating the purpose of your stay.

• Applicant Photo: A recent colour passport photo is recommended. If needed, you can utilise our photo service to acquire new pictures conveniently from your home.

• Valid Passport Personal Details Scan: A scanned copy of your passport's bio page. It's crucial that your passport holds a minimum of six months' validity from the date you intend to enter Saudi Arabia.

• Proof of Accommodation: Documentation confirming your lodging arrangements during your stay in the country.

• Bank Statement: Proof of financial capability to cover your travel expenses.

• Vaccinations: If you hail from a nation with a high risk of yellow fever, you will need to provide a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to gain entry to Saudi Arabia.

• Onward Ticket: Evidence of possessing a departure ticket for leaving Saudi Arabia.

Customer Service Team

For any additional queries, our round-the-clock customer service team is at your service, ready to address your concerns.

FAQS

What determines the cost of a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa?

The cost of a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa is influenced by several factors, including the type of visa, your nationality, and the processing time you choose. Different visa options have varying fees, and these fees can differ for different nationalities. Additionally, expedited processing may incur higher charges.

How do the costs of the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa vary?

The costs of the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa can fluctuate based on your country of origin and the processing speed you select. The online platform offers three processing options:

- Standard processing (5 days)

-Rush processing (3 days)

- Super Rush processing (24 hours)

These costs include both the online processing fee and the government application fee.

Are there any specific requirements for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa application?

Yes, there are certain requirements for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa application. You'll need documents like your National ID Card or Birth Certificate for identity verification, a travel authorization from your employer or school, a recent applicant photo, a valid passport with at least six months of validity, proof of accommodation, a bank statement, vaccinations if applicable, and an onward ticket.

How can I learn more about the Saudi Arabia Umrah visa process?

For more comprehensive information about the Saudi Arabia Umrah visa process, including eligibility, application steps, and requirements, you can reach out to our 24/7 customer service team for assistance.