Umrah Visa from Australia
What is an Umrah Visa?
Muslims around the world can visit Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah with the Umrah Visa. The Umrah Visa gives travelers permission to enter the country to perform the pilgrimage outside of the Hajj season. The Saudi Umrah Visa is valid for up to 90 days and can often be issued within 3 business days. In this guide, we will go over visa options for Australian citizens, specific details about the Umrah Visa, and how to apply for the Umrah Visa from Australia.
Traveling to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes is incredibly meaningful for Muslims, and the recent improvements in the eVisa system have made the process of coming and perform Umrah quicker and more convenient. Obtaining a KSA Umrah Visa is a smooth process, allowing travelers to be able to focus on their journey.
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Umrah Visa Options for Australian Citizens
There are multiple visa options available for Australian Muslims coming to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. The most popular and convenient option is the Saudi Tourist eVisa. This visa allows travelers to perform Umrah, as long as it is outside of the Hajj season. This is a multiple-entry visa allowing for a total stay of up to 90 days. The process can be done entirely online and is typically processed within a couple of days. Many Australian travelers choose this option because it is flexible, quick, and straightforward.
There is also a dedicated Umrah Visa for Australian citizens. This type of visa for Umrah from Australia is usually arranged through licensed Umrah travel agencies and will typically have a 90-day validity period, allowing a single entry. Both the tourist eVisa and the Umrah-specific visa can be used to perform Umrah at any time of year except during the designated Hajj period.
There are other visas that can be obtained by Australian citizens. Travelers visiting the Kingdom on any type of visa can go to Makkah to perform Umrah after making a reservation through the Nusuk app. But if you are mainly wishing to perform Umrah, it is strongly advised to obtain a valid KSA Umrah Visa or a tourist eVisa.
By understanding the distinctions between visa types and ensuring you are applying for the correct visa to be able to perform Umrah, you can confidently travel to Saudi Arabia and focus on your Umrah journey.
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa vs. Umrah Visa: Key Differences
When planning to perform Umrah, Australian citizens have two main visa options: the Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa and the Umrah visa. Both permit entry into Saudi Arabia and allow access to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Between the two, there are some notable differences.
The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa is a multiple-entry electronic visa that allows for both tourism and performing Umrah and other purposes. It is valid for one year and permits a total stay of up to 90 days. For Australians, this is currently the most recommended and accessible option. The entire process can be completed online in just a few steps, with very little documentation required. You’ll typically only need a valid Australian passport that remains valid for 6 months beyond the entry date, a digital photo, payment of the visa fee, and a valid email address. This streamlined process makes it the most user-friendly way to obtain a Saudi Umrah visa from Australia.
The traditional Umrah Visa is a single-entry visa and is more limited than the tourist eVisa. It is arranged only through approved Umrah agents and often requires in-person appointments to apply. It may also require you to travel within specific timeframes and through group packages, which makes it less flexible. The process of applying for the traditional Umrah Visa will also involve more steps, such as working with an agency and submitting extra documentation.
The Tourist eVisa stands out as the better option. It offers more flexibility and faster processing. It is the ideal option for Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia from Australia to perform Umrah.
Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for Australian Citizens
The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is one of the most convenient options for Australian citizens looking to perform Umrah. This electronic visa allows entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for tourism, visiting family and friends, and performing Umrah (outside the Hajj season). It is a fast and flexible option for Australians.
The multiple-entry eVisa is valid for 1 year, with stays allowed of up to 90 days of total stay. This means Australian travelers can visit Saudi Arabia more than once within a year, making it a practical option for people planning to return to the country. The eVisa also includes mandatory health insurance, included in the visa fee, adding an extra layer of security for international visitors.
Required Documents for a Saudi eVisa Application
To successfully apply for an Umrah Visa online from Australia, Australian citizens must prepare and submit the following documents.
Valid Australian Passport
A passport with at least 6 months' validity from when you plan on entering Saudi Arabia. Your passport must have at least 1 blank page available.
Digital Passport-Style Photo
You must have a recently taken passport-style photo. It must meet the standard visa photo requirements.
Completed Online Application Form
Make sure you fill out the eVisa Application Form completely and accurately.
Payment for Visa Fee
You will need a valid debit or credit card to pay the visa fee online.
Valid Email Address
You will receive confirmation, updates, and your eVisa via email.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa
Australian citizens can complete the entire Saudi Arabia eVisa application process online in just a few easy steps.
Fill out the Visa Application Form
Begin by completing the online application form. You’ll need to enter personal information, passport details, and travel plans. Make sure to upload a recently taken passport-style photo. It is essential to make sure you fill this out completely and accurately. Incomplete or inaccurate application forms can lead to a delay or denial.
Pay the Visa Fee
After submitting your details, proceed to the secure payment section. The visa fee includes both the processing charge and mandatory health insurance coverage required for entry into Saudi Arabia and our professional service fees. You can pay using a valid debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Get Your Approved Visa and Travel to Saudi Arabia
You can expect your application to be processed within 3 business days. Once your eVisa has been approved, you are able to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi eVisa Processing Time and Fees
The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is one of the most efficient options for Australians visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism or to perform Umrah. The typical processing time for the Saudi Umrah Visa from Australia via the Tourist eVisa route is 3 business days. Many people have found that they even get the approval within 24 hours. Even though you typically will have a quick processing time, you should still apply in advance in case there are any unforeseen circumstances delaying the process.
The total visa fee for the Saudi Arabia visa for Australian citizens is $259 USD. This includes the eVisa processing charge as well as the mandatory health insurance. You will pay this fee during the online application process.
Can Australians Extend Their Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 90 consecutive days, you need to leave the country and reapply, or you can apply for a suitable long-term visa. If you wish to stay longer to work, study, or stay with family members, you should consider applying for a different visa that better suits your purpose in Saudi Arabia.
Can Australians Extend Their Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 90 consecutive days, you need to leave the country and reapply, or you can apply for a suitable long-term visa. If you wish to stay longer to work, study, or stay with family members, you should consider applying for a different visa that better suits your purpose in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah Visa for Australian Citizens
The traditional Umrah Visa for Australian citizens is a short-term visa specifically issued for performing Umrah. It is typically arranged through approved travel agents and is more limiting compared to the eVisa. The traditional Umrah Visa is a single-entry visa allowing Australians to enter Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days to perform Umrah. It is important to note that this visa is not available during the Hajj season. For Australians, the Tourist eVisa is a much more efficient and more popular option for performing Umrah due to its flexibility.
Umrah Visa Requirements
There are a few specific documents that are required for Australian citizens who wish to obtain an Umrah Visa. You will be required to have these documents and to apply through an authorized Umrah travel agent.
Valid Australian Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia and have at least 1 blank page available.
Recent Passport-Size Photo
You will need a passport-style photo with a white background. It should have been taken recently.
Completed Umrah Visa Application Form
The form should be provided by the Umrah Visa travel agency. Make sure to fill it out completely and accurately.
Visa Fee
You will be required to pay the visa fee. This will include both the cost of the Umrah Visa package and the payment to the visa facilitator.
Travel Details
You will be required to provide your flight details (including a return ticket) and confirmed accommodation details.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from Australia
In order to apply for a traditional Umrah Visa from Australia, you will need to go through an authorized Umrah travel agent. You can use the Nusuk platform and application to get more information on how to navigate your Umrah and obtain permits.
Below are the steps involved in this process.
Choose a Licensed Umrah Travel Agent
Ensure that you select a Saudi Arabia-approved travel agent authorized to process KSA Umrah Visas.
Submit Required Documents
Your travel agent will assist you with the necessary documents and paperwork. Provide the required documentation and ensure everything is filled out completely and accurately.
Pay the Package fee
You will need to pay the package cost to your travel agent.
Wait for Processing
Once your visa has been approved, you will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah. Make sure to follow all guidelines within your visa.
Umrah Visa Processing Time and Fees
When applying through your licensed travel agent, the processing time for the traditional Umrah Visa is typically 5 business days. This may differ based on circumstances, such as high demand or if there are issues during the processing of your application, such as missing or incorrect information. It is recommended to apply in advance in case of any unforeseen circumstances. The cost of an Umrah Visa from Australia depends on the travel agency through which you complete the process. You can choose different packages that include flights, accommodation, transportation, and visa services. These prices will be set by your specific visa agency.
Renewal of Umrah Visa
The Umrah Visa is not renewable. It is a single-entry visa valid for 90 days for the purpose of performing Umrah only. If you wish to stay in Saudi Arabia longer or participate in other activities, you will be required to exit the country and reapply for a different visa. Overstaying this visa will result in serious consequences, such as fines, deportation, or even being banned from reentering Saudi Arabia for a period of time.
Tips for Getting an Umrah Visa from Australia
Applying for the Umrah Visa should be a relatively simple process with the help of your licensed travel agency. It is advised to do some research on a number of agencies to ensure you are choosing a reputable company. Make sure to have your documents prepared and ready to start the visa application process. It is advised to apply well in advance of your travel date to make sure there are no unforeseen circumstances that delay your trip.
Umrah Visa for Residents of Australia
The visa application process for Saudi Arabia depends on the applicant’s nationality. While being a resident of Australia gives the applicant access to Australian travel agents and the flexibility of applying from Australia, it does not affect your eligibility to enter Saudi Arabia. Australian residents wishing to perform Umrah must apply for a visa based on their nationality.
If you are a permanent resident of Australia but a national of a country that is not eligible for the Saudi eVisa, you must apply for a traditional Umrah Visa through an approved travel agent. If your passport is eligible for the eVisa, you may apply for it online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I perform Umrah with a Hajj Visa from Australia?
No, the only thing you are permitted to do with the Hajj Visa is perform Hajj.
Can I travel to other parts of Saudi Arabia with an Umrah Visa?
Yes, the Umrah visa allows pilgrims to travel between Makkah and Medina and all other cities within Saudi Arabia during the allowed period of stay.
Can I apply for a visa to perform Umrah from Australia online, or do I need to visit a consulate or embassy?
If you are applying for the Saudi eVisa, the process can be completed entirely online. However, applying for the Umrah visa can only be done through authorized agents who will guide you through the application process.