Citizens from 12 countries are eligible for Umrah visa-on-arrival as Saudi Arabia streamlines processing
ALBAWABA – Umrah visa-on-arrival is now available for citizens from 12 countries, Saudi Arabia announced last week, along with other visa facilities made more accessible.
The visa process has been streamlined, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program Dr. Tawfig al-Rabiah announced on Friday.
During an official visit to Pakistan and Bangladesh over the weekend, the minister announced that Umrah visas will now be issued within 24 hours.
Umrah visa-on-arrival is now available for people from different countries around the world - Shutterstock
Moreover, e-visa services are now available to individuals holding valid visas for the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US) and Schengen. As well as to individuals holding residencies in the US, UK, EU and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Under the new visa program, visitors are also permitted to freely perform Umrah and explore the country’s diverse cultural heritage and natural wonders.
Additionally, the duration of Umrah visas has been extended to 90 days.
Of course, according to the Visit Saudi website, Umrah visas do include pilgrimage during the Hajj season.
General eligibility criteria for Umrah visa-on-arrival and e-visas
Tourists from 49 countries can apply for a tourist visa online through the quick and easy-to-use e-Visa platform before traveling, or upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through the visa offices of the Immigration Department.
A man waves the Saudi Arabian flag with the landscape if the city in the distance - Shutterstock
Tourists from other countries must apply for a consulate visa at the Kingdom's representations abroad. US, UK and Schengen business or tourist visa holders can apply for a visa-on-arrival.
Terms and requirements of Umrah visa-on-arrival and e-visas – Group (A)
Minimum age of applicants is 18 years old.
Underaged applicants require an individual above 18 years old to act as their guardian.
When applying, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia. Citizens of the US exempt from this requirement. They can apply for the e-Visa regardless of the validity of the passport, provided it is still valid.
Refund in case of rejection is not possible. Visa fees are non-refundable.
Overstay fees: SAR 100 per day of overstay when the visa expires without leaving Saudi Arabia.
Religion of applicant is not relevant.
Countries with bilateral agreements can apply for the visit visa through e-Visa or visa-on-arrival, or through the consulate visa (USA, UK, South Korea and Japan).
Documents not required to obtain a visa:
- Return ticket;
- Booking accommodation (only address is required);
- A hard copy of the visa, although a soft copy is advised.
Time taken to issue an e-Visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases.
Visa eligibility pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.
Muslims from a pilgrimage group (Malaysia) at Immigration Department of Saudi Arabia in Madinah, Saudi Arabia on 30 November 2016 – Shutterstock
Consulate Visa - (Group B)
Minimum age of applicants is 18 years old.
Under-aged applicants require an individual above 18 years old to be the guardian.
When applying, the passport validity must suffice for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia.
Refund in case of rejection is not possible, visa fees are non-refundable.
Overstay fees: SAR 100 per day of overstay.
Religion of the applicant is not relevant.
Sponsor is not required for the visa application.
Documents required include:
- Proof of accommodation;
- Return ticket;
- Proof of employment;
- Financial solvency/Bank statement;
- Flight itinerary;
- Complete personal information; home address.
Time taken to issue a Visa is 1-2 business days in most cases.
Visa pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.
Fees and validity of Umrah visa-on-arrival and e-visas
The cost for the tourist e-Visa is SAR 535. The visa cost includes a fee for full health insurance during your stay in the Kingdom.
The cost for the tourist visa on arrival is SAR 480.
The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay is 90 days.
The single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay is 30 days.
For e-Visa and visa-on-arrival, payment must be made in Saudi Riyals using an international credit or debit card.
