With the recent announcement by Saudi Arabia regarding the commencement of the Umrah season on July 11, you might be curious about the specific visa required to undertake this spiritual journey.
As per the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia, individuals who are citizens or residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now conveniently apply for an Umrah permit through the user-friendly ‘Nusuk’ or ‘Tawakkalna’ applications.
For those outside the GCC area, the Umrah permits will start being issued from the start of the new Islamic year.
The Nusuk platform and its accompanying mobile application offer a seamless and efficient solution for obtaining the indispensable permits to embark on the sacred journey of Umrah and explore the revered Al Rawda Al Sharifa in the Prophets Mosque, nestled in the heart of Madinah. Furthermore, the Tawakkalna app acts as a reliable guardian, ensuring that all applicants meet the necessary health requirements, thereby ensuring a safe and secure experience for all.
What is the Nusuk platform?
The “Nusuk” app, available for both Apple and Android devices, serves as the official guide to Mecca and Medina. This comprehensive application offers invaluable information to pilgrims, covering essential topics such as immigration requirements, Umrah group packages, and the necessary rituals to be observed during Umrah. Moreover, it provides detailed insights into the numerous sacred sites within Mecca and Medina that visitors can explore.
Booking the Umrah permit on the Nusuk app
Once your eVisa or Umrah visa has been issued, it is mandatory for you to secure an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app, selecting from the available dates. Similarly, when you find yourself in Medina, at the revered Prophet’s [PBUH] mosque, you will require a permit to offer prayers in the Al Rawda Al Sharifa, the sacred area within the mosque that houses the tomb of Prophet Mohammed [PBUH].
To initiate the process, you must first register as an international visitor on the app and provide your visa number. Following this, you will proceed to book your desired date and time for Umrah. Once this step is completed, you will receive a Quick Response (QR) code containing your permit, reservation number, and designated time slot.
Five Saudi visas that allow you to perform Umrah
1. Transit Visa
Have you booked a ticket with one of the Saudi Arabian airlines, such as Saudia or flynas? If so, you’re in luck! By doing so, you are eligible for a complimentary transit visa, granting you the opportunity to stay in the country for up to four days and even perform Umrah.
This transit visa remains valid for three months, allowing you to apply for it up to 90 days prior to your travel date. It’s a convenient option that offers flexibility and ease for your journey.
Saudia, in particular, goes the extra mile by providing a free night’s accommodation alongside your ticket. As part of this offer, you will be asked to provide details regarding your desired stopover location. With six international airports in Saudi Arabia, you will be presented with various options based on your itinerary. Additionally, you can specify the number of days you wish to stay, with a maximum limit of four days.
This fantastic opportunity not only enhances your travel experience but also allows you to explore the wonders of Saudi Arabia during your transit. So, take advantage of this generous offer and make the most of your journey with Saudia or flynas.
2. eVisa for expatriates in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
If you are an expatriate residing in the UAE or any of the GCC countries, you have the opportunity to apply for a Saudi eVisa, regardless of your profession. This visa allows you to apply for either a multiple or single-entry visa.
With this visa, you can perform Umrah at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season.
Moreover, the eVisa is also available for all first-degree relatives of GCC residents and domestic workers who visit Saudi Arabia with their sponsors. However, it is important to note that the expat’s dependents must possess a valid residency visa from a GCC country, as stated on the website of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
To be eligible for the visa, your residency document must be valid for a minimum of three months, and your passport should have a validity of at least six months.
To apply for the visa, you can conveniently visit the MOFA’s online visa platform at visa.mofa.gov.sa.
The cost of the e-visa for GCC residents is SR300 (Dh293.25), in addition to the health insurance fee. Therefore, the total cost will vary depending on the health insurance coverage you choose.
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3. ‘Instant eVisa’ for UK, US, or Schengen visa holders
If you possess a tourist visa from the UK, US, or Schengen area, or if you are a permanent resident in a European Union (EU) country, you are eligible to obtain an instant eVisa for Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, individuals holding valid tourism or business visas from the UK, US, or Schengen area have been granted an exception, as long as the visa has been utilized at least once to enter the issuing country.
Additionally, when you visit Saudi Arabia on this visa, you have the opportunity to perform Umrah throughout the year, with the exception of the Hajj season.
4. Visa on Arrival in Saudi Arabia
According to the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia, individuals holding visas from the US, UK, and Schengen countries, as well as their immediate family members, are eligible for a visa on arrival.
If you do not possess a visit visa or residency permit from the European Union, Schengen area, US, or UK, there are more than 40 countries that qualify for a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Upon arrival at your designated airport or entry point in Saudi Arabia, Visit Saudi advises utilizing the self-service kiosk or proceeding directly to the passport control office to apply for your visa on arrival.
Obtaining a visa on arrival grants you the opportunity to partake in Umrah throughout the year, with the exception of the Hajj season.
5. Saudi Investor eVisa
Foreign investors visiting Saudi Arabia can now apply for a ‘visiting investor’ eVisa, granting them the opportunity to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days without the need for a sponsor. To obtain this investor eVisa, interested individuals can conveniently apply through the official visa platform provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) at visa.mofa.gov.sa.
Eligible foreign investors have the option to apply for either a single or multiple-entry eVisa, and are also permitted to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage.
It is important to note that the initial phase of the ‘visiting investor’ eVisa is currently available only to investors from specific countries, as determined by Saudi Arabia’s MOFA. To determine your eligibility for this sponsor-free business visa, simply select your nationality when completing the online application form.
The cost of the eVisa varies depending on the duration and validity of the visa, as well as the type of medical insurance coverage required.
Not eligible for any of these? Here are your three options
If you are unable to apply for any of these visas or if you are not flying through a Saudi-based airline, the Nusuk platform offers alternative options for you:
1. Visa through Umrah package providers
To obtain an Umrah visa, you have two options: booking a package online through an approved service provider by Nusuk or visiting a local travel agency registered to book Umrah packages.
To explore a list of all the approved Umrah package providers, simply visit this website: https://www.nusuk.sa/partners. Once you click on any of the packages, you will discover comprehensive details along with the contact information of the respective company or agency.
2. Authorised visa offices – ‘Tasheer’
If your nationality is not eligible for an eVisa or visa-on-arrival, and you wish to extend your stay in Saudi Arabia beyond four days, there is a solution available. You can apply for a visa through the official Tasheer Umrah Platform – umrah.tasheer.com.
The Tasheer Umrah Platform is an electronic portal that is connected to the Saudi central reservation engine, which is owned by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This platform allows individual Umrah pilgrims who are outside of Saudi Arabia to review and select their accommodation, transportation, insurance, and other necessary services.
To book an Umrah package through Tasheer, follow these simple steps:
- Begin by filling in your itinerary on the homepage of the website. This includes providing details such as your destination, arrival date, duration of stay in Makkah, the number of guests traveling with you, and selecting your country of residence or nationality.
- Once you have entered all the required information, click the ‘Search’ button.
- Based on the information you have provided, the platform will recommend Umrah package providers that suit your needs.
- After selecting your desired package, proceed to make the payment online.
- Following the payment, you will be directed to fill out the visa form. Once completed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will issue your visa.
By following these steps, you can easily book an Umrah package through the Tasheer Umrah Platform and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
3. Applying through a Saudi Embassy or Consulate
You also have the opportunity to apply for an Umrah visa by visiting a Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
As per Nusuk, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will determine whether you receive a multiple or single-entry visa. The multiple-entry visa remains valid for a year from the date of issue and allows for stays of up to 90 days.
The cost of obtaining a visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate is SR300 (Dh293), which includes an application fee of SR34 (Dh33) and a medical insurance fee. However, the insurance provider determines the price and is not included in the mentioned fees.