Requirements for Saudi eVisa for Umrah Pilgrims
International travelers who wish to perform Umrah can now easily make their wishes come true. Saudi Arabia introduced an electronic visa in 2019. Since then, it has become very convenient for tourists and pilgrims from eligible countries to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Your application for an Umrah e-Visa and Hajj visa will be made easier with the help of this article.
Saudi Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Saudi Arabia 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 a Saudi e-Visa Application in minutes. The Saudi Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.
Understanding Umrah and Hajj Pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a high spiritual significance, especially because of the holy cities of Mecca & Medina. Millions of pilgrimages travel each year to visit these sacred cities and perform Umrah.
Umrah
Umrah is known as the ‘lesser pilgrimage’ and can be performed at any time of the year. This involves some rituals like circling the Kaaba (the holiest shrine in Islam), wearing Ihram (a white garment), performing Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa & Marwa), and trimming the hair. The Umrah pilgrimage is extremely spiritually significant, allowing Muslims to ask mercy, express gratitude, and improve their bond with Allah.
Hajj
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Also, performing Hajj is compulsory for Muslims if they are physically and financially fit. This usually takes place from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. The last month of the Islam calendar. The Hajj recalls Prophet Muhammad, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and their family's sufferings. It includes rites such as wearing the Ihram, standing on the plains of Arafat, spending the night in Muzdalifah, stoning the pillars representing Satan, performing the Tawaf of the Kaaba, and culminates in an animal sacrifice.
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The Hajj visa and the Umrah visa are two distinct forms of Saudi Arabian visas that are offered for religious travel, in addition to the new electronic visa for visitors. Yet to make the Umrah pilgrimage easier, the new tourist eVisa can also be employed. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa.
Applying for Saudi Umrah e-Visa
The introduction of the Saudi e-Visa simplified the whole visa application process. Travelers from eligible countries can apply for a Saudi e-Visa.
Please note that travelers from ineligible countries can apply for a regular or traditional Saudi visa.
Saudi e-Visa has 1-year validity. During this validity period, pilgrims can enter multiple times and stay continuously for 90 days.
Hajj Pilgrimage Visa
Just like an Umrah e-Visa, Hajj pilgrims also need a special Hajj visa. It has its own application procedures. Since this is not an electronic visa, applicants should visit consulates to apply for a Hajj visa.
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Unless you are a national of one of the four nations (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, or the UAE) free from visa requirements, you must show your passport to enter Saudi Arabia. You must first register for the eVisa online for your passport to be approved. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements.
Essential Requirements to apply for both Umrah & Hajj visas
- Only Muslim pilgrims can apply for a Saudi Umrah e-Visa & Hajj Visa.
- A Meningitis Vaccination Record - Issued at least 10 days before the trip to Saudi Arabia and not more than three years beforehand
- If the visitor has converted to Islam but does not have a Muslim name, a document from a mosque or Islamic organization confirming their Muslim status is necessary.
- Women and children must be accompanied by their husbands, fathers, or other male relatives (Mahram).
- A birth certificate of the kid that lists both parents' names or a marriage certificate for a woman is needed.
- To enter and exit Saudi Arabia, the Mahram must board the same airplane as his wife and kids.
- If a woman over 45 gets an official document from her Mahram approving her to travel for Hajj with the specified group, she may do so without a Mahram.
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With the advent of the online Saudi Arabia visa, travel to Saudi Arabia is set to become significantly simpler. Before visiting Saudi Arabia, tourists are urged to familiarize themselves with the local way of life and learn about any potential gaffes that might land them in hot water. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Laws for Tourists.
Entry Requirements for Umrah Pilgrims
- A passport that is valid for more than six months
- Your most recent passport-style photo
- A working email address. Your approved e-Visa will be sent to this address.
- Your Residence address
- Your purpose of visit to Saudi Arabia
- Financial Evidence (pay paychecks, bank statements, etc.)
- Return Ticket
- A legal credit or debit card (for the last payments)
- Additional travel documents: (tickets for flights, hotel reservations, etc.)
Security Policy for Umrah Pilgrims
To ensure the health & safety of all the pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia introduced a health insurance policy. This mandatory health insurance is obtained along with the e-Visa.
Let’s get deep into it.
- Validity - You can use it until your e-Visa expires.
- Coverage - Coverage includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, and other services.
- Providers - KSA-approved insurance companies.
- How to claim? - Instructions will be included in the insurance document.
- Exclusions - They are also specified in the document. Pre-existing conditions, non-emergency situations, problems induced by overdoing something, etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Saudi E-Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Saudi Arabia. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions for Saudi E-Visa.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 3 days in advance of your flight. United States citizens, Canadian citizens, Swiss citizens, Russian citizens and Cypriot citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.