People, get your prayer mats ready because Saudi Arabia has formally changed the way that Umrah is performed worldwide in 2025. In a divine modernisation twist, the Kingdom now makes it simple to book your spiritual tour by just clicking “add to cart”. There is a visa with your name on it, regardless of whether you are travelling on a layover, meeting up with family in Riyadh, or just wanting to rejuvenate yourself in Mecca. Indeed, some fortunate tourists can gain entrance to Umrah simply by showing up!
This is the glow-up pilgrimage season you didn’t know you needed, with travellers from over 60 nations obtaining their Umrah visas online while still in their pyjamas and GCC neighbours waltzing across the border without a visa. 2025 is bringing digital convenience to spiritual devotion, so there won’t be any more perplexing embassy appointments or 3 a.m. travel agent calls.
Are you prepared to learn how to obtain your Umrah visa more quickly than you can say “Zamzam water”? Let’s get started with this (blissfully funny) guide that explains each form of visa so you can say “Bismillah” and plan your trip to Mecca without any hassle or agents.
List of KSA Visa Types That Allow You to Perform Umrah in 2025
Besides the basic Umrah visa, many more visa categories allow Muslims to conduct Umrah legally:
Electronic Tourist Visa (eVisa)
- Purpose: Tourism + Umrah (excluding Hajj)
- Validity: 1 year (multiple entry), 90-day stays
- Eligible for: 68 countries (US, UK, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, etc.)
Umrah allowed
Hajj not allowed.
KSA Visa on Arrival
- accessible at Saudi airports for visitors with valid US, UK, or Schengen visas or those of 68 other nationalities.
- Up to 90-day stays.
Umrah allowed
Hajj not allowed.
Transit Visa (Stopover Visa)
- For passengers transiting through Saudi Arabia.
- Up to 96-hour stay
- Apply while booking tickets via Saudia or Flynas.
Umrah allowed.
Family Visit Visa
- Issued to visit family in Saudi Arabia.
- Can be converted into an Umrah visit.
Umrah allowed.
Personal Visit Visa
- issued at the request of any Saudi national, not always a family member.
- Umrah is now allowed during visits.
Umrah allowed.
Business Visa / Commercial Visa
- For conferences, meetings, etc.
- Allows Umrah as an optional activity.
Umrah allowed.
Advertisement
GCC Residents Visa
- given to foreigners residing in GCC nations.
- must be a resident and work in an eligible profession.
Umrah allowed.
Electronic Umrah Visa is Super Easy to Obtain in 2025!
A short-term visa issued by Saudi Arabia exclusively for Muslims planning to perform Umrah, the Electronic Umrah Visa (e-Umrah Visa) was created to streamline the application process and is typically acquired through accredited platforms or authorised Umrah tour operators. It is distinct from the Hajj visa.
Who is Eligible to Apply for an Electronic Umrah Visa?
The following requirements must be fulfilled by applicants in order to be eligible for the 2025 Electronic Umrah Visa:
- Must be a Muslim (only Muslims are allowed to perform Umrah).
- To apply on your own, you must be at least 18 years old. Parents or guardians may apply on behalf of minors.
- Women (18–65 years old) who join an approved group and provide a notarised No Objection Certificate can apply without a mahram.
- Validity of Passport: Must remain valid for a minimum of six months after admission.
- Medical Fitness: Proof of vaccination, especially against meningitis, is necessary.
Documents Required for Umrah Visa 2025
When applying for the Umrah visa, candidates will need:
- A passport that is currently valid (at least six months)
- A colour passport photo with a white background
- Evidence of association (for women and children using Mahram for travel)
- Verified ticket for the return flight
- Certificate of vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis
- filled-out visa application
- reservations for hotels or evidence of lodging (for certain visa categories).
How to Apply for the Umrah Visa in 2025?
Option 1: Through Authorized Umrah Agents
- Visit a Licensed Umrah Tour Operator: Find an authorized tour operator that offers Umrah packages.
- Send in Documents: Please send in your passport, a current photo, and any other necessary paperwork.
- Pay the Fees: Complete the required payment for the package and visa for Umrah.
- Processing Time: It usually takes five working days to process the visa.
Option 2: Online via Saudi Government Platforms (for eVisa-Eligible Countries)
- Visit the Official Saudi Visa Website: Go to https://visa.visitsaudi.com/.
- Complete the eVisa application: Fill out the application and attach the necessary files.
- Payment: Use a legitimate credit card to make the online Visa fee payment.
- Get your eVisa: In most cases, the eVisa is processed and emailed to you in less than a day.
List of Countries That Are Visa-Exempt for Umrah in 2025
The following GCC nationals are able to enter Saudi Arabia without a visa and undertake Umrah without restriction:
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
- Kuwait.
List of Countries Eligible for Umrah Visa on Arrival (or eVisa) in 2025
These nations allow pilgrims to do Umrah without a conventional visa by applying for an eVisa or obtaining a visa upon arrival:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- Japan
- South Korea
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- China
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Kazakhstan
- Brazil
- All EU/Schengen Area countries
Umrah Visa Validity (Min-Max) in 2025
- The normal Umrah visa is good for 90 days after it is issued. Stay for a maximum of ninety days.
- Tourist eVisa: multiple entrance for one year, with a maximum stay of ninety days.
- Stopover Visa: 96-hour validity period.
More Info
- https://www.saudiembassy.net/hajj-and-umrah-visa
- https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/pakistan/EN/karachi/AboutDiplomaticMission/Pages/electronicumrahvisa.aspx.
