Umrah eVisa | Umrah Visa for UAE Residents

Planning to perform Umrah from Dubai is easier than ever, with Saudi Arabia offering digital visa and Umrah services for international pilgrims. However, the correct visa route depends on your passport nationality, UAE residency status and current Saudi entry rules.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss all the questions that may be in your mind about applying for the Umrah visa from Dubai and walk you through the step-by-step process to getting an Umrah visa for UAE residents, ensuring you plan your Umrah with all the information you need.

Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, undertaken by Muslims. Umrah is a spiritual opportunity to seek forgiveness, draw closer to Allah, and renew your faith.

An Umrah visa permits you to visit Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah only with a validity of 90 days.

When can you go to Umrah?

As a Muslim, you can go to Umrah any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Umrah can be performed at your convenience, making it a more flexible pilgrimage option. However, it’s essential to consider factors such as peak times, your schedule, personal readiness, and any travel restrictions or guidelines in Saudi Arabia.

What are the entry and exit points allowed for you with Umrah visa?

As a UAE resident, you can enter and exit Saudi Arabia through specified entry points designated for Umrah pilgrims. These entry points are typically located in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as major airports in Saudi Arabia.

Yes. UAE residents can make arrangements for Umrah from Dubai, but being a UAE resident does not automatically mean that every nationality qualifies for the same Saudi visa route.

UAE Citizens and GCC Citizens

UAE citizens do not need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. As citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, they can travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah without a visa. Just make sure you fulfill Umrah visa requirements for UAE residents to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah and register on the Nusuk app to schedule an appointment in advance.

UAE Expats

UAE expats need to obtain an Umrah visa to travel to Saudi Arabia for this pilgrimage. For UAE expats, the Umrah visa is separate from the Hajj visa and is typically easier to obtain with UAE residence.

It’s always a good idea to check with the experts for any updated requirements or regulations before planning your trip to Umrah as a UAE resident. Travnook consultants are experts in providing tourism services for your spiritual trip to Umrah, including visa assistance for UAE residents and customized Umrah programs to have a comfortable experience.

The options to apply Umrah Visa can depend on your passport nationality and the Saudi visa category available to you.

For example, citizens of countries on Saudi Arabia’s eligible eVisa list can apply online for a Saudi tourist eVisa, which permits Umrah but not Hajj. The official Saudi eVisa portal currently lists eligible nationalities and requires an eligible passport.

Another route is the Nusuk Umrah platform, which operates under the supervision of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The platform allows eligible international visitors to register, browse Umrah packages and access services through authorised providers.

To participate in the holy pilgrimage of Umrah in Saudi Arabia, you need first to obtain a visa before traveling to the country. Saudi Arabia makes the Umrah experience easier for travelers, by providing 3 options for getting an electronic visa which allows you to visit the country for Umrah.

1. Electronic Umrah Visa

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia has provided e-service for Umrah visas. Through the official website, you can request an Umrah visa and they will review the application.

2. Multiple-Entry E-Visa

Saudi Arabia facilitates the visa process for UAE residents. As the country grants easily a 1-year multiple-entry e-visa to most foreign nationalities with UAE residence. With your Saudi e-visa, you can have Umrah within 90 days per visit during this year and also participate in tourism-related activities. Check the official e-visa website to know what nationalities are eligible to get a Saudi e-visa.

3. Specific Types of Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

If you have a multiple-entry tourist visa for the UK, US, or Schengen area, you can obtain an immediate e-visa for Saudi Arabia, making it the best option for frequent Schengen travelers to perform Umrah through the easiest way.

If you don’t meet the criteria for an eVisa, you can apply for an Umrah visa directly through the Saudi embassy in the UAE or use Umrah application platforms like Nusuk.

To qualify for an Umrah visa as a UAE resident, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:

• You must be a resident of the UAE with a valid residency permit.
• Your passport should have a validity of at least six months.

1. Valid passport:

An original copy of a passport valid for at least six months must be provided.

2. Valid residence visa:

A valid UAE residence visa for at least three months must be provided.

3. Photos:

Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background, complying with passport photo specifications, must be provided.

There are several routes, depending on your eligibility:

1. Apply through the Nusuk Umrah Platform

The official Nusuk Umrah platform provides a digital route for international Umrah visitors. It is supervised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and connects visitors with authorised service providers.

The platform can provide packages covering services such as:

• Umrah visa
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Flights
• Catering
• Documentation and verification
• Other pilgrimage-related services

Nusuk states that its platform offers packages through Ministry-authorised service providers.

2. Use a Saudi Tourist eVisa, If Eligible

If your passport nationality is eligible for Saudi Arabia’s eVisa, you may be able to apply online rather than obtaining a separate traditional Umrah visa.

The official Saudi eVisa portal states that the tourist eVisa can be used for Umrah, excluding Hajj. It is currently described as a one-year, multiple-entry visa with stays of up to 90 days.

This can be a convenient option for eligible UAE residents travelling from Dubai.

3. Apply Through an Authorised Umrah Service Provider

Some travellers prefer using an authorised travel or Umrah service provider to arrange the visa, accommodation and transportation together.

If you choose this route, verify that the provider is authorised and understand exactly what is included in the package before making payment. Contact Travnook visa experts to help you with Umrah visa process in Dubai.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Start by determining which Saudi visa route is available for you.

Check:

• Your passport nationality
• Passport validity
• UAE residence status
• Intended travel dates

If your nationality appears on Saudi Arabia’s eligible eVisa list, check whether the tourist eVisa is suitable for your trip. The official eVisa terms confirm that the visa can be used for Umrah, excluding Hajj.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Application Route

Once you know your eligibility, decide whether to:

• Apply for an eligible Saudi eVisa
• Register on Nusuk Umrah
• Use an authorised service provider

For many travellers, Nusuk can be particularly useful because it brings visa and pilgrimage-related services together in one platform.

Step 3: Register on the Relevant Platform

If using Nusuk Umrah, you can create an account by entering your country of residence and nationality and providing your email address.

The platform explains that information is verified and that packages are made available according to the countries and regulations applicable to individual Umrah travellers.

For an eligible Saudi eVisa, applicants can create an account on the official Saudi eVisa portal and enter their passport and nationality information.

Step 4: Enter Your Details Carefully

Provide your personal and passport information exactly as it appears in your travel document.

Pay particular attention to:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport expiry date
• Contact details

The Saudi eVisa terms state that applicants must provide accurate information and that applications containing false or misleading information may be rejected.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the requested documents in the specified format.

Avoid using unclear scans or photographs. Your passport details should be clearly readable.

Step 6: Pay the Applicable Fees

The applicable visa or package fee will depend on your selected route and services.

For Saudi eVisa applications, the official portal displays the applicable fee during the application process, and the fee can change.

If you purchase an Umrah package, check whether the quoted price includes:

• Visa
• Hotel
• Transportation
• Flights
• Insurance
• Umrah-related services
• Additional service charges

Do not assume that a package price covers every travel expense.

Step 7: Wait for the Application to Be Processed

Once submitted, monitor your email and the relevant application account for updates.

If an eVisa is approved, the Saudi eVisa terms state that it is sent to the applicant by email.

Avoid booking non-refundable arrangements solely on the assumption that your visa will be approved.

Step 8: Download and Check Your Visa

After approval, carefully check the visa information.

Verify:

• Name
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Validity
• Number of entries
• Permitted stay

The Saudi eVisa terms also require travellers to enter Saudi Arabia using the same passport used for the application and recommend carrying a copy of the eVisa on first arrival.

Umrah visas are typically valid for a specific period, allowing you to perform the pilgrimage within that timeframe. The duration of the visa may vary depending on the policies of the Saudi authorities and the travel agency processing your visa. As per the 2024 latest updates according to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, this visa remains valid for three months (90 days) from the month of its issuance.

There is no single fixed price for every UAE resident because the total cost depends on the visa route and services selected.

Your overall Umrah expenses may include:

Expense	What It Covers
Visa fee	Saudi visa or applicable Umrah visa charges
Service fee	Processing or provider charges, where applicable
Flights	Dubai–Saudi Arabia return airfare
Accommodation	Hotels in Makkah and/or Madinah
Transportation	Airport transfers and intercity travel
Insurance	Applicable medical/travel coverage
Other services	Additional pilgrimage or travel arrangements

The official Saudi eVisa portal states that the eVisa fee is displayed during the application process and may be amended.

• Ensure all information provided in the application form is accurate and matches the details in your passport.
• Keep all required documents ready before submitting your application to expedite the process.
• Plan your travel well in advance, taking into account the processing time for the Umrah visa.
• Once you’ve obtained your Umrah visa, it’s time to make travel arrangements for your journey. Book your flights, accommodation, and transportation well in advance to ensure a seamless experience during your pilgrimage.
• Before traveling to Umrah, familiarize yourself with any health and safety guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities or your travel agency.
• Consult with the travel agency for any additional requirements or updates to the visa application process.

Suggested Read: Places to Celebrate Ramadan with Family in UAE

Getting the visa is only one part of preparing for Umrah.

Before leaving Dubai, make sure you have:

• A valid passport
• UAE residence documentation
• A copy of your Saudi visa
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Hotel confirmation
• Transportation arrangements
• Required insurance or health documentation
• Access to your relevant digital accounts and bookings
• Any required pilgrimage permits

Keep digital and physical copies of important travel documents.

If your visa was issued against a particular passport, travel with that same passport. The Saudi eVisa terms specifically require entry using the passport used in the application.

Do Not Overstay

Nusuk’s terms warn that overstaying an Umrah visa can result in serious penalties, including fines, imprisonment, deportation and possible restrictions on future entry.

Always check the expiry date and permitted stay on your visa.

An Umrah Visa Does Not Permit Employment

An Umrah visa is intended for pilgrimage purposes and does not authorise employment in Saudi Arabia. Nusuk’s terms explicitly prohibit working in Saudi Arabia while holding an Umrah visa.

Hajj Is Different From Umrah

An Umrah visa or Saudi tourist eVisa that permits Umrah should not be treated as a Hajj visa.

Hajj is subject to separate rules, permits, quotas and seasonal restrictions.

Check Seasonal Restrictions

Saudi Arabia can introduce special restrictions around the Hajj season, including restrictions affecting access to Makkah.

Therefore, if you are planning Umrah close to Hajj season, check the latest official announcements before booking flights or accommodation.

Before submitting your application, check:

• Your passport is valid for the required period.
• Your UAE residency is valid.
• Your nationality is eligible for your chosen visa route.
• Your personal details exactly match your passport.
• Your photograph and supporting documents meet the requirements.
• Your intended travel dates comply with current Umrah rules.
• You understand what your visa permits.
• Your accommodation and transportation arrangements are confirmed.
• You have checked the latest Hajj-season restrictions if travelling near the pilgrimage season.
• You have saved a digital and physical copy of your visa.

For UAE residents, applying for an Umrah visa from Dubai can be smooth when you choose the correct visa route and prepare your documents carefully.

Because Saudi visa and pilgrimage regulations can change, the safest approach is to verify the requirements for your specific nationality, UAE residency status and travel dates before applying.

Consult with Travnook, as we specialize in Umrah services in Dubai and can guide you on the best time to plan your pilgrimage to avoid crowds and assist you with the necessary arrangements. Contact us for expert visa and travel assistance with your holy trip to Umrah.

Q: How long does it take to process an Umrah visa?

A: You can expect the Umrah visa processed within five (5) business days. It is advised to apply ahead and start your visa process early in case of any unforeseen delays.

Q: Can I Apply Umrah Visa Online From UAE?

A: Yes, you can apply Umrah visa online from UAE through official websites and electronic services. But booking the regular Umrah visa through travel agencies like Travnook provides flexibility in several aspects such as ease of booking flights and hotels of your choice.

Q: What are the age restrictions for Umrah visas?

A: Umrah visas are generally issued to individuals of all ages. However, there may be specific requirements for minors traveling without their parents or guardians. It’s essential to check these requirements with the relevant authorities or your travel agency.

Q: Can I perform Umrah during the Hajj season with an Umrah visa?

A: Typically, Umrah visas are not valid during the Hajj season. If you plan to perform Umrah during this time, you may need to apply for a Hajj visa instead, which has different requirements and procedures.

Q: Can I extend my Umrah visa if I decide to stay longer in Saudi Arabia?

A: Umrah visas are typically issued for a specific duration and cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer in Saudi Arabia, you might need to apply for a separate visa or exit and re-enter the country with a different visa type.

Q: Can I apply for an Umrah visa if I have performed Umrah recently?

A: Saudi authorities often have restrictions on issuing multiple Umrah visas within a certain time frame. Make sure to check the latest regulations to ensure eligibility.

Q: Can I perform Umrah independently or do I need to join a group?

A: Both options are available. Some prefer to join organized group tours, while others choose to perform Umrah independently. However, regulations may differ for each option, so it’s essential to clarify before planning your trip.

Q: How much is the Umrah visa from UAE?

A: The cost depends on your hotel, airplane, and program preferences. Contact Travnook, to help you create an Umrah program with a suitable budget.