As Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome thousands of pilgrims from around the world to perform Umrah, the Hajj and Umrah Ministry has outlined the various options available for Muslims to perform the pilgrimage.
The ministry lists options such as transit visas, family visit visas, individual visit visas and visas on arrival. Let’s see the options.
visa for visiting family
Pilgrims with family visit visas can perform Umrah, but must make an appointment through the Nusku platform. Applicant status is citizen/resident.
Pilgrims can apply through the Department of State’s Unified National Platform (https://visa.mofa.gov.sa).
Individual visit visa
Saudi citizens can use personal visit visas to invite friends to Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah.
One of the advantages of an individual visitor visa is that it is not a single or multiple entry visa. Pilgrims can perform Umrah rituals and visit the Prophet’s Mosque. You can also go on sightseeing trips to all regions and cities of Saudi Arabia. The Single Entry Visa is valid for 90 days and the length of stay is 90 days. A multiple-entry visa is valid for one year and the period of stay is 90 days.
How do I apply? Pilgrims can apply through the Department of State’s visa platform (https://visa.mofa.gov.sa).
Visa for transit visits
Pilgrims can use a transit visa if arriving by air. One of the advantages of a transit visa is that you can not only perform Umrah rituals, but also visit the Prophet’s Mosque. The visa is valid for 90 days and allows you to stay in the Kingdom for 4 days. Visas are free and are issued as soon as you purchase your ticket.
How to get Pilgrims can book air tickets and apply for visas through the electronic platforms of Saudia Airlines or Flynas. The visa will be issued after the air ticket is issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ unified national visa platform. The visa termination will be sent to the beneficiary’s email address.
visa on arrival
Citizens of the United Kingdom, European Union countries, the United States and Canada in North America, Australia and New Zealand in Oceania, and citizens of Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, Brunei, Malaysia and Kazakhstan can apply for a visa on arrival.
Visa requirements are as follows: Minimum Age for an Independent Umrah Performer She must be 18 years or older. Passports are valid for at least 6 months. Get UK approved health insurance. Visa fees apply.
