For millions of Muslims worldwide, going on Hajj and Umrah can be a holy journey of faith. Every year, millions of pilgrims make their way to Saudi Arabia, where they are welcomed through a systematic visa system that allows for the easy entry and management of pilgrims for the holy rituals. If you are planning for your pilgrimage in 2025, it is beneficial to know about the Umrah and Hajj visa process, requirements, cost, and the documents required. This guide has everything you need to know about the Hajj and Umrah visa application process.
The Hajj and Umrah visa is an entry permit given by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to Muslim pilgrims for pilgrimage, which is performing Umrah (the smaller pilgrimage) or Hajj (the larger pilgrimage, which Muslims, who are able, should do at least once in their lifetime).
Umrah Visa: All visa-holders (tourist, work, family visit, transit, electronic visas, among others) are now eligible to perform Umrah under the updated rules.
Hajj Visa: This visa is issued during the Hajj season, although it is strictly regulated and very limited given the sheer number of pilgrims.
To apply for a Hajj visa, applicants must fulfil various eligibility and health requirements.
Basic Hajj visa eligibility criteria include:
Must be a practising Muslim.
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
A confirmed ticket for travel back to their home country.
Proof of vaccination (meningitis, seasonal flu, COVID-19 and others, if required).
Women travelling alone and under 45 years of age may be required to travel with groups approved by the government if travelling without a male guardian (Mahram).
Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah visa requirements are similar in scope, but a bit more lenient than the Hajj. In the average circumstance, applicants will require:
A passport (valid for a minimum of 6 months).
Recent passport photos.
Vaccine certificates.
Proof of hotel booking in Makkah or Madinah.
Confirmed itinerary.
However, under the new 2025 Saudi visa policy, Muslims holding any other valid Saudi visa, such as tourist, business, family visit, or transit visas, are now also allowed to perform Umrah without applying for a separate Umrah visa.
Discover the Top 10 tips for planning your first umrah to make your journey smooth, organized, and spiritually fulfilling.
The Hajj visa process goes through licensed Hajj travel agents approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Here's how it works:
Select a registered Hajj tour operator in your country.
Submit your Hajj visa requirements (passport, photos, vaccination documentation, etc).
The operator will complete your package (flights, accommodation, transportation).
Your application will be processed in Saudi Arabia's official system.
Once approved, you will get your Hajj Visa electronically.
Due to high demand, it is best to submit your application as early as possible.
There are many ways to apply for an Umrah visa, which is unlikely in the case of Hajj.
Apply through a licensed Umrah travel agent or the official Nusuk platform.
Prepare required documents:
Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
Recent passport-size photographs
Confirmed flight and hotel bookings
Submit your application and pay the necessary visa processing fees.
Once approved, receive your Umrah visa, typically valid for up to 90 days.
Note: Travelers with a valid tourist, business, or family visit visa can now perform Umrah without applying for a separate Umrah visa.
Gather the necessary documents for the Umrah visa (passport, photographs, proof of vaccination)
Purchase your Umrah package, or arrange your transport and accommodation.
Submit your application either through the internet or through an agent.
Get your visa (Saudi Arabia Umrah) electronically.
The following is a list of the main documents you will need:
Valid passport (minimum 6 months).
Passport-size photos.
Vaccination cards.
Flight confirmations and hotel confirmations.
Evidence of relation for women travelling with male guardians.
National ID (in some countries).
Performing Hajj and Umrah is a spiritual journey that requires guidance. This Hajj and Umrah step-by-step-guide helps ensure every ritual is done correctly and with peace of mind.
Typically, the Hajj visa cost 2025 is bundled inside your Hajj Travel Package, or travel plans by commercial operators. The Hajj visa can actually be free or be a very low cost. However, the package price can vary greatly depending on hotel/star level, number of days of stay, the event/package plan you select, etc. Your total costs overall will typically be packages starting from USD 5,000-10,000 for standard packages.
The Umrah visa cost in 2025 is relatively less. The visa in itself may be priced +/- USD 100-150, but total costs will vary significantly depending on flights, hotels, and transport costs. You can now apply for visas more rapidly and quickly, and at lower overall costs, with Saudi Arabia's new e-visa system.
Make your application as early as possible so there are no issues at the last minute.
Confirm the face value of your travel agent.
Be aware of current vaccinations.
Keep a digital copy of everything.
Read up-to-date information from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or other official sources.
Make your Hajj and Umrah journey unforgettable with Glory Travel and Tours. We offer carefully crafted packages and guidance to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Yes, a Hajj visa is only for the Hajj season, while an Umrah visa allows you to perform Umrah at other times of the year.
Saudi Arabia has announced that all valid visa holders, including tourist, business, and family visit visa holders, can now perform Umrah without applying for a separate Umrah visa.
You need a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of accommodation, and confirmed return tickets.
Usually, an Umrah visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
You cannot use the Umrah visa for work, study, or extended travel beyond its validity.
On average, budget travelers may need around $1,500-$2,500, depending on flights, hotels, and packages.
There is no fixed upper age limit, but children under 12 may have additional requirements.
Umrah is generally paused during the Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah).
A Saudi visa also allows you to perform Umrah, while an Umrah visa is strictly for pilgrimage, amd not for any other work.
Saudi Arabia now allows all valid visa holders, including tourist, business, and family visit visas, to perform Umrah without needing a separate Umrah visa.
Performing Hajj and Umrah is a spiritual journey, and the first step of performing Umrah and obtaining a Hajj visa is to understand the Umrah and Hajj visa process. Whether you are checking what documents are required for the Hajj visa, exploring how to apply for the Umrah visa, or budgeting for the Hajj visa cost 2025 and Umrah visa cost 2025, planning will help ensure a smoother and fulfilling pilgrimage.
With Saudi Arabia's continuous development of the visa process, there is better access for travellers and enhanced support for pilgrims than ever before, including the new Saudi Arabia Umrah visa e-portal. Start your preparations today, and may your journey be blessed.
Glory Travel and Tours offers unforgettable journeys with expertly crafted Hajj, Umrah, and leisure packages. Committed to excellence, we ensure comfort, convenience, and care every step of the way.
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