Are you planning to go on your first Umrah trip and need information about visa processing? Even if you have been on Umrah before, the visa requirements by the Saudi government change over time making it important to keep up with the latest information. In this article, we share with you everything you need to know about a Saudi Umrah visa and its application process.
How to Apply for a Saudi Umrah Visa?
In the yesteryears, people intending to perform Umrah had to obtain an Umrah visa from the Saudi Arabia Consulate. Thanks to advancements in technology, the Hajj and Umrah authorities have simplified the process for the pilgrims. Now there is no need to stand in queue for long to obtain a visa. Here are some ways a US citizen can obtain a Saudi Umrah visa.
● E-Visa
With the e-visa facility, now obtaining an Umrah visa is very easy. Log onto the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website and apply for the Umrah visa online. The Nusuk app is a dedicated platform to apply for an e-visa and get all the information regarding Umrah. Within half an hour you can submit your application. The authorities have transferred benefits to pilgrims in the form of reduced insurance fees, shortened visa processing, and extended visa length. Now pilgrims can make multiple entries in one year upon their Umrah visa. They can stay for 90 days on this visa.
● On-Arrival Visa
US citizens also enjoy an on-arrival visa facility. If you have a valid US passport you can get your visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Make sure you have booked your accommodation and flight to avoid any unforeseen problems.
● Umrah Tour Agency
The best and recommended way to obtain an Umrah visa is to book the services of a reputed Umrah operating agency. Opt for an authorized agent in the USA to do all the processing for you. They will guide you better about the whole process and the documents required. This saves you from the hassle of arranging documents and lets you concentrate better on your worship. The tour operator also applies for a visa on behalf of the customer through the Nusuk app. You will get access to Riaz-ul-Jannah by booking a slot through this app.
Requirements to Obtain a Saudi Umrah Visa
The Saudi government provides eligibility criteria for the applicants. If applying alone, the applicant must be an adult Muslim, aged at least 18 years. Aged below 18 years, the applicant must apply along with parents or guardians. Here are the requirements for a successful Umrah visa.
A Valid Passport
The applicants must hold a valid passport that has an expiry of at least six months post the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. However, the US passport holders enjoy the exemption. They can enter Saudi Arabia with a valid passport irrespective of the expiration date.
Evidence of Payment (applicable for E-Visa)
The applicants for e-Visa must show proof of payment. This can be in the form of a debit or credit card.
Airline Ticket
The applicants must show a return ticket within 90 days of entering Saudi Arabia.
Completed Umrah Application Form
The applicant must accurately fill out and submit the visa application form. This entails recent contact and personal details.
Certificate from a Mosque or an Islamic Center
This condition applies to converted Muslims. They must submit a certificate obtained from a mosque or a religious center authenticating their conversion to Islam.
Photographs
Submit two recent passport-sized photographs. The photos must be on a white background with a front pose.
Valid Vaccination Certificate
The Saudi authorities require a meningitis vaccination certificate. Sometimes they also require a COVID or flu vaccination certificate, depending on the time of travel.
Accommodation Details
Attach the details of your stay such as the hotel’s name and length of stay.
Saudi Umrah Visa Price
There are different prices for different categories of an Umrah visa from the USA.
E-Visa: E-visa costs $199 for US citizens.
Single Entry Visa: This visa is valid for 90 days. It costs between $100 and $200.
Multiple-Entry Visa: This visa is valid for 1 year. It costs between $300 and $500.
