Yes, travellers are allowed to perform Umrah on a tourist visa from the United States. When performing Umrah on a tourist visa, you must obtain an eVisa, valid for 365 days. It provides you with multiple entries and a longer stay in KSA than a traditional visa. You can obtain it online and use it for tourism and performing Umrah as well.
- Is Umrah Allowed on a Saudi Tourist Visa for UK Residents?
- Saudi Government’s Policy on Performing Umrah with a Tourist Visa
- Who Can Use a Tourist Visa for Umrah from the UK?
- Key Differences Between Tourist Visa and Umrah Visa
- Entry Requirements and Restrictions
- Duration of Stay and Validity
- Religious vs. General Travel Purposes
- When Should You Choose a Tourist Visa for Umrah?
- Requirements for Performing Umrah on a Tourist Visa
Is Umrah Allowed on a Saudi Tourist Visa for UK Residents?
Yes, pilgrims are allowed to perform Umrah on a tourist visa. After the change in Saudi policies, the authorities of Hajj and Umrah allowed Muslims to perform Umrah on a tourist visa. Travellers from the UK can also seek guidance from the most trusted travel agency in UK when planning their journey. It means, travellers no longer need to obtain a traditional Umrah visa if they already have a valid tourist visa.
Saudi Government’s Policy on Performing Umrah with a Tourist Visa
The new policies of Saudi Arabia have allowed pilgrims to perform Umrah on a tourist visa. Pilgrims having a valid and authentic tourist visa can embark on Umrah pilgrimage along with exploring the historical sites in KSA. Visitors can perform Umrah rituals on tourist visa but they are not allowed to perform Hajj on it.
Who Can Use a Tourist Visa for Umrah from the UK?
Citizens of the United Kingdom, regardless of their religion, can apply for a tourist visa and use it to perform Umrah. But they will not be accommodated with the same benefits as a traditional visa. A tourist visa offers multiple entries to KSA for tourism and religious purposes as well.
Key Differences Between Tourist Visa and Umrah Visa
An Umrah visa is specifically designed for performing Umrah and a tourist visa provides an opportunity to perform Umrah along with historical exploration. Travellers who plan Umrah in Ramadan can also consider the visa option that best suits their travel plans. An Umrah visa has a shorter stay and tourist visa is valid for longer stays.
Entry Requirements and Restrictions
Entry requirements vary depending on the country/nationality, and require proof of expenses, accommodations, and travel plans when booking, and a traditional Umrah visa requires a valid passport, sponsorship, and proof of confirmed flight and accommodations.
Duration of Stay and Validity
A traditional Umrah visa offers a shorter stay, generally for 30 days, and is used for single entry to complete the Umrah and visit the sacred sites in Mecca and Madinah, whereas a tourist visa comes with a longer stay of one year with multiple entries, each valid for 90 days.
Religious vs. General Travel Purposes
A tourist visa is generally for tourism, business, and overall travel and can be used to perform Umrah rituals but not get access to many religious sites. Travellers who prefer additional support may consider Umrah packages with tour guide services. An Umrah visa is mainly designed to perform Umrah and serves only for religious purposes.
When Should You Choose a Tourist Visa for Umrah?
Tourist visas are generally used for tourism but travellers can consider them to perform Umrah to enjoy the flexibility of travel and spend more time in KSA, beyond performing Umrah rituals. A tourist visa offers flexibility, extended stay, multiple entries, and freedom to explore the ancient history of Kingdom.
Performing Umrah without a Group Package
Travellers prefer a tourist visa to perform Umrah to visit KSA without a travel agency or Umrah group. Visitors choose it when they want to combine Umrah with tourism or are frequent visitors.
Independent Travel Option for Frequent Travelers
A tourist visa is a perfect choice if you are looking for independent travel. It provides you with the flexibility to plan and book your travel dates and duration, book hotels and flights directly, and explore the legacy of ancient Saudi Arabia at your own pace.
Requirements for Performing Umrah on a Tourist Visa
A tourist visa provides the opportunity to perform Umrah as well. Pilgrims need to have a valid passport, valid mailing address and payment method to acquire it. They can obtain it online, completing all the requirements.
Valid UK Passport and eVisa Approval
Travellers must have a valid passport, at least 6 months beyond the travel date. To travel on a tourist visa, you need to obtain an eVisa. Fill out the application and submit the required documents accurately.
Booking Umrah Permit via the Nusuk App
Pilgrims can book their eVisa via the Nusuk app. Search for the permit option in the app and apply for a permit, select travel dates and duration, and confirm booking.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Visitors are required to get vaccinated against specified (COVID-19, Meningitis) and seasonal (yellow fever, influenza, hepatitis A and B) diseases at least 10 days before entering the Kingdom.
