Umrah Visa from the UAE
What is an Umrah Visa?
The Umrah visa is a travel permission that allows the traveler to perform Umrah in the holy sites. It is a single-entry visa with a validity of 90 days, allowing a maximum stay of those 90 days.
Each year, 1.9 billion Muslims around the world prepare to go to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah, one of the holiest pilgrimages in Islam. Travelers journey to Mecca to perform rituals like Tawaf and Sa’i, reaffirming their faith and devotion to God. Pilgrims participating in Umrah are required to obtain a travel document, depending on their nationality, and residency status. They will either apply for an Umrah Visa, a Saudi eVisa, or a Saudi tourist visa.
Most travelers coming to Saudi Arabia for Umrah will obtain an Umrah Visa. In order to apply for this travel permit, applicants must be at least 18 years old and of the Muslim faith. Alternatively, pilgrims can obtain a Saudi eVisa which is available to many nationalities worldwide and can be obtained easily online. The third option is the Saudi tourist visa. This is available to all other nationalities and must be applied for through an authorized Saudi Arabia travel agent.
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) can travel to Saudi Arabia visa-free. Of course, that includes citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Residents of the UAE, however, do not have the same option and may be required to obtain an Umrah Visa, a Saudi eVisa, or a Saudi tourist visa for UAE residents depending on their situation.
As of 2022, some changes were made to the Umrah Visa for UAE residents. The visa duration was extended from 30 to 90 days, allowing for extended stays to complete the Umrah rituals. Furthermore, women aged 18 to 65 can now obtain an Umrah Visa to travel on their own.
Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa cannot be extended or renewed. If eligible pilgrims want to stay longer in Saudi Arabia, they can apply for an alternate type of visa or residency permit. Other types of visas, including the Saudi tourist, transit, and visa-on-arrival visas, may be used for Umrah.
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Umrah Visa Options for UAE Residents
Nearly all nationalities can apply for an Umrah Visa, including most residents of the UAE. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old and of the Muslim faith.
Depending on their nationality, UAE residents might also be eligible to apply for a Saudi electronic visa (Saudi eVisa). This is also known as the Saudi Tourist eVisa and allows holders to perform Umrah as well. The eVisa is available to citizens of 68 countries including:
Other types of Saudi visas also permit residents of the UAE to perform Umrah. This includes the Saudi tourist and transit visas.
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa vs. Umrah Visa: Key Differences
There are key differences between the Saudi Arabia eVisa and the Umrah Visa for UAE residents. For example, the Saudi eVisa is easier to apply for and obtain. The Saudi eVisa application can be completed entirely online in less than an hour. The Umrah visa requires applicants to apply through an authorized agency.
The Saudi eVisa for UAE residents also has more validity options. Applicants will either be issued a multiple-entry visa that is valid for one year and allows for stays of up to 90 days at a time, or a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, allowing for stays of up to 30 days. The Umrah Visa is only valid for 90 days.
In general, the Saudi eVisa is a better option for travelers who can obtain it. It’s more flexible and allows holders to engage in activities outside of Umrah. The Umrah visa has a more intensive application process and limits the holder’s movement more once they arrive to Saudi.
Of course, for those who are traveling specifically for Umrah and not tourism, the Umrah Visa is a perfectly fine option.
Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for UAE Residents
Residents of the UAE might be eligible for a Saudi eVisa to perform Umrah, depending on their nationality. However, a few nationalities, including Chad, Ethiopia, Iran, Libya, Palestine, and Syria are excluded from the list of eligible nationalities, even if they have UAE residency.
Holders of the Saudi eVisa are also permitted to engage in other activities including tourism and visiting family and friends. Tourism might include visiting some of the country’s world-famous historic sites and vibrant cities.
The electronic visa application is considered very quick and straightforward compared to other types of travel permits. It is a great option for UAE residents who want to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in Umrah.
Saudi eVisa Validity
The Saudi eVisa has two validity options to suit the needs of applicants. Travelers can choose between a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year that allows for stays of up to 90 days at a time, OR a single-entry visa that is valid for 90 days and allows for a 30-day stay. Pilgrims can choose the option that best suits their needs. The one-year visa is more flexible and allows them to leave and return as needed.
Required Documents for a Saudi eVisa Application
Applicants for the Saudi eVisa must submit some required documents during the application process. These documents include:
A valid passport
Applicants must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
A valid UAE residency permit
Applicants must have a valid UAE residency permit attached to their passport. It should be active and valid for the duration of the Saudi eVisa.
Personal photograph
Applicants should submit one recent photo in color. It should be taken against a white background and be 80% face. Applicants should remove their eyeglasses to avoid glare and any headwear unless it’s for religious reasons
A complete application
The online Saudi eVisa application form must be completed with the applicant’s biographic data and any other required personal information.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa
The application process for the eVisa can be completed online.
Here are the steps applicants can take to complete the application:
Fill out the visa application
Applicants should complete the visa application form with their biographic data including personal and contact details. This should be completed with the most accurate, up-to-date information.
Pay the visa fee
Applicants can pay the visa fee online using a valid form of payment. This must be done before the application is submitted. The Saudi multiple-entry visa fees for UAE residents are slightly higher than the single-entry visa fees.
Get your visa approved
Once the visa application is submitted, it will be processed by the Saudi Arabian immigration authorities. The processing times are very quick, usually taking just 24 hours. Once the eVisa is approved, holders will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in Umrah in accordance with the visa they are issued (either multiple-entry or single-entry).
Saudi eVisa Processing time
The typical processing time for the Saudi tourist eVisa for UAE residents is 24 to 72 hours. It’s considered one of the fastest processing times of any tourist visa.
Umrah Visa for UAE Residents
The Umrah visa for UAE residents is tailor-made for pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia to attend the Umrah rituals. Applicants must be at least 18 and of the Muslim faith. The Umrah visa is valid for 90 days. The validity period was previously only 30 days, but it was extended to offer pilgrims more time to complete the holy rituals. It is a single-entry visa that allows for up to a 90-day stay.
Umrah Visa Requirements
UAE residents applying for the Umrah Visa must submit some required documents in order for their application to be processed.
The following are required for all applicants for the Umrah Visa:
A complete application
The Umrah Visa application must be completed through a travel agent authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. Applicants must complete the biographic information and personal details thoroughly and ensure all information is up-to-date.
A valid passport
Applicants must have a valid passport from an eligible country. It should be valid for 6 months from the application submission date.
A personal photograph
Applicants must submit a recent color photograph. It should be taken against a white background. Applicants must remove their eyeglasses and any headwear unless it’s for religious reasons. The photograph should measure 2x2 inches and be 80% face.
A vaccination certificate
Applicants must submit a vaccine certification for Meningococcal Meningitis that is valid for 3 years. It should be issued less than 3 days and at least 10 days before entry into Saudi Arabia. Other vaccine certificates may be required depending on the applicant’s nationality, age, and medical history. These might include yellow fever and polio.
A valid ticket
Applicants must provide a valid ticket for a confirmed return or onward flight.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UAE
UAE residents who are not eligible to apply for the Saudi eVisa must submit their Umrah Visa application through a travel agent authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. The price of the visa will vary depending on the agent. They may provide different packages depending on the services they offer.
Saudi Umrah Visa applications cannot be completed at a Saudi embassy or consulate. They must be applied for through the appropriate travel agents.
Umrah Visa Processing Time and Fees
The Umrah Visa takes a bit longer than the Saudi eVisa. The processing time for the Saudi Umrah Visa is 5 to 10 working days.
Tips for Getting an Umrah Visa from the UAE
Applying for an Umrah Visa is fairly straightforward, and most of the work will be done by the authorized travel agent. However, it’s advised that applicants do their research before committing to an agent. There are lots of agencies to choose from, and it’s important to select one that will provide the best service. The Umrah visa price from the UAE will vary from one agency to another.
It is always a good idea to begin the application process in advance in case of unforeseen delays. If the application has any errors, the applicant will need to complete it again, which may take some time and interfere with travel plans.
The Umrah visa cannot be extended and travelers must be careful to depart before the visa expires. They should double-check the parameters of their visa to avoid any penalties for overstaying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I obtain an Umrah Visa from Dubai?
Can I apply for the Umrah Visa online?
What are the Saudi visa fees for UAE residents?
The fees for a Saudi visa will vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. A multiple-entry visa will typically cost more than a single-entry visa.