Umrah Visa

Your Umrah travel agent will obtain an Umrah Visa for you which is valid for 90 days from issuance and you can stay a maximum of 90 days on single visit only.
In most circumstances, the Umrah Visa is issued as part of a package which may include flights, accommodation, transportation, ziyarah tour etc.

On 3rd December 2022, the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah announced the need for biometrics prior to their arrival into Saudi Arabia for citizens from 5 countries in order to issue an Umrah Visa. The beneficiaries of this service include pilgrims from the United Kingdom, Tunisia, Malaysia, Kuwait and Bangladesh.

Saudi Visa Bio App is available for self enrollment via the App Store (iOS) and Play Store (Android)

Download the Nusuk App and book your Umrah slot (this app can also be used to book prayers at Riadhul Jannah in Madinah).

NOTE: You will need a valid Visa to register on the App – see below.

Link to Download Nusuk App: Google Play   App Store

Read more at: https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/627653/SAUDI-ARABIA/Hajj-Ministry-Smartphone-biometrics-for-issuing-Umrah-visa-from-5-countries

e-Visa (Tourist Visa)

We recommend having a valid tourism visa obtained before arrival to Saudi Arabia and select “With Umrah” option.  However, if you would prefer, visa on arrival has reopened as of 25 March 2022 for passport holders from the US, UK and Schengen area.

e-Visa is valid for 1 year from date of issue, and you can stay for up to 90 days with multiple entry.
It has emergency medical and COVID 19 insurance. This insurance is included in all new tourism visa issues.

On 20th January 2023, the Saudi Authorities launched a FREE 96 hr transit stopover visa for anyone flying with the national air carriers Saudia (Saudi Airlines) and Flynas – Check with the airlines for more details.

Information

• eVisa Price: SAR 535 (about USD $142.45 GBP £110-£130
• Application Fee: Included in eVisa price
• Medical Insurance Fee: Included in eVisa price
• Entry: Multiple Entry
• Validity: The multiple entry visa is valid for a year from its issue date and allows for stays of up to 90 days

Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old to enter alone. Travelers under the age of 18 may enter only if accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or adult sibling (over 18 years old).

• Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of return.

Apply for the eVisa here

For more info visit: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en

Visa on Arrival

Once you arrive at your destination’s airport or entry point in Saudi Arabia, use the self-service devices (KIOSK) or go directly to the passport control office to apply for your visa on arrival.

Information

• Visa on Arrival Price: SAR 300 (about USD 80)

• Medical Insurance Fees: SAR 180 (about USD 48.03)

• Entry: Multiple Entry or single entry depending on Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Validity: The multiple entry visa is valid for a year from its issue date and allows for stays of up to 90 days

Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old to enter alone. Travelers under the age of 18 may enter only if accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or adult sibling (over 18 years old).

• Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of return.

For more info visit: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en or https://www.nusuk.sa/

Transit or Stopover Visa

A transit/stopover visa allows people passing through Saudi Arabia to enter the country for a variety of reasons, including to perform Umrah, visit the Prophet’s Mosque, and attend tourism events.

Saudi Airlines – Book Now

Receive a free transit/stopover visa and complimentary one-night hotel stay when you book with Saudia Airlines. Your visa will be created automatically and emailed to you upon booking and approval.

• Transit/Stopover Visa Price: Free

• Accommodation: One complimentary night in a hotel

• Application Fee: None

• Medical Insurance Fees: Covered

• Entry: Single entry

• Validity: Three months for a stay of up to 96 hours

Flynas – Book Now

Receive a free transit/stopover visa when you book with Flynas.

• Transit/Stopover Visa Price: Free

• Application Fee: Roughly SAR 39.50 (about USD 10.50)

• Medical Insurance Fees: Depends on the country of origin

• Entry: Single entry

• Validity: Valid for three months for a stay of up to 96 hours

Read more at: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/saudi-stopover

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)

On 2nd August 2023, Saudi Arabia introduced the e-visa waivers (electronic visa waiver) for citizens of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.   
CBHUK has sought clarity on the permissibility of performing Umrah under the “Tourism” category of this new Visa option, just as it is permissible to perform Umrah under an eVisa (Tourist Visa).   Only use this option if you are certain you will get a Umrah booking.  If you have performed Umrah using this visa please do let us know so we can update our advisory for others to benefit.

Update: 27/11/23 Users have reported that Umrah is currently possible under the EVW.  Although nothing official has been published in relation the performing Umrah on the EVW, using this option is entirely at your own discretion. 

Electronic Visa Waiver

You can now get an electronic visa waiver (EVW) if you are a British National.

An EVW lets you visit Saudi Arabia for up to 6 months for:

• Tourism
• Business
• Study
• Medical treatment

The EVW is for a single entry, so you will need a new one every time you visit KSA. 

An EVW cannot be used for:

• Work and Hajj

You have to make a separate online EVW application for each person travelling, including children.

How to get an EVW

Obtaining an EVW is different to getting a regular KSA visa. You need to complete the online form and will not need to visit a visa application centre.

How to apply

1. Visit https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index2?service_type=1
2. Create account
3. Verify/activate account via your email
4. Log in
5. Fill in application form

Requirements

• Passport size photo with white background
• Copy of Passport (Scanned image recommended)

EVW cannot be used for Work and hajj.

For more information visit:  https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index2?service_type=1

Read More: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/SmartForm/ElectronicVisaWaiverAgreement

Costs approx $41

Press Coverage:

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/634676

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2348731/saudi-arabia