Umrah Visa Fees from UAE: Latest Costs and Requirements

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Are you planning to perform Umrah from the UAE but unsure about the visa fees and requirements? Understanding the latest Umrah visa costs, application process, and travel guidelines is essential for a smooth pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia offers different types of Umrah visas, including single-entry, multiple-entry, and express visas, each with varying costs and validity periods.

UAE residents, except GCC nationals, must apply for an Umrah visa through an authorized travel agency or the official Nusuk platform. Additional costs such as medical insurance, flight tickets, and accommodation should also be considered.

This guide provides up-to-date information on Umrah visa fees, requirements, validity, and travel guidelines, ensuring that UAE residents can plan their pilgrimage hassle-free. Read on to learn everything you need to know before applying for an Umrah visa from the UAE.

What Is an Umrah Visa?

An Umrah visa is a travel permit issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that allows Muslims to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike Hajj. It is specifically for religious purposes and does not permit work or extended stays in Saudi Arabia.

Who Needs an Umrah Visa?

UAE Residents: All expatriates living in the UAE, except GCC nationals, require an Umrah visa to enter Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage.
UAE Citizens: Emirati passport holders can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa, as per GCC regulations.
Tourist Visa Holders in UAE: Tourists in the UAE are not eligible to apply for an Umrah visa.

An Umrah visa is separate from a Hajj visa, which is required for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Understanding the eligibility criteria helps UAE residents plan their Umrah journey efficiently.

How Much Does an Umrah Visa Cost from the UAE?

The cost of an Umrah visa from the UAE varies depending on the type of visa, processing fees, and additional services. The Saudi authorities have introduced different pricing structures for single-entry and multiple-entry Umrah visas, along with mandatory charges such as medical insurance.

Breakdown of Umrah Visa Fees (2025)

Type of Visa	Cost (Approx.)	Validity	Additional Notes
Single-Entry Umrah Visa	AED 300 – 500	30 days	Cannot be extended
Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa	AED 700 – 1,500	90 days	Allows multiple visits within validity
Express Umrah Visa	AED 1,500 – 2,500	30 – 90 days	Faster processing time
Mandatory Medical Insurance	AED 100 – 200	As per visa duration	Required for all applicants

Additional Costs to Consider:

Service Fees: Travel agencies charge processing fees, which vary by provider.
Flight & Accommodation: Costs depend on the season and travel plans.
Transport in Saudi Arabia: Internal travel to Makkah and Madinah is an extra expense.

The Umrah visa fee structure may change based on seasonal demand and Saudi government policies, so applicants should always check for the latest updates before applying.

What Are the Requirements for an Umrah Visa from the UAE?

To apply for an Umrah visa from the UAE, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and submit the necessary documents. The requirements vary based on nationality and residency status.

Required Documents:

Requirement	Details
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least six months from the application date.
UAE Residence Visa	Mandatory for expatriates; should be valid for at least three months.
Recent Passport-Sized Photos	White background, as per Saudi visa guidelines.
Confirmed Flight Tickets	Round-trip tickets showing entry and exit dates.
Hotel Booking in Saudi Arabia	Proof of accommodation in Makkah or Madinah.
Vaccination Certificate	COVID-19 and meningitis vaccination proof (if required).
Medical Insurance	Covers healthcare in Saudi Arabia during the stay.

Applicants must apply through an authorized Umrah travel agency or online via the Nusuk platform. Missing documents can result in visa rejection, so ensuring compliance is crucial before applying.

How to Apply for an Umrah Visa in the UAE?

Applying for an Umrah visa in the UAE can be done through an approved travel agency or online platforms. The process includes document submission, visa approval, and travel arrangements.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Choose a Licensed Umrah Travel Agent: The Saudi government authorizes specific agencies to process Umrah visas.
Prepare Required Documents: Ensure all necessary documents, including a valid passport and UAE residence visa, are ready.
Submit the Application: Apply via the travel agency or the official Nusuk platform.
Pay Visa & Service Fees: The visa cost varies depending on the type (single-entry, multiple-entry, or express).
Receive Visa Approval: Processing usually takes 3 to 7 days.
Book Flights & Accommodation: Confirm hotel bookings and transport within Saudi Arabia.
Travel to Saudi Arabia: Ensure all documents, including vaccination proof, are carried for smooth entry.

Applicants must apply at least two weeks before travel to avoid last-minute delays. Online applications are generally faster and more convenient.

Can You Get an Express or E-Visa for Umrah?

Saudi Arabia offers an Express Umrah Visa and an E-Visa for faster processing. These are ideal for urgent travel or those looking for a hassle-free online application process.

Comparison: Express vs. E-Visa:

Type	Processing Time	Validity	Key Features
Express Umrah Visa	24 – 48 hours	30 – 90 days	Higher cost, quicker approval
E-Visa for Umrah	3 – 5 days	30 – 90 days	Online application available

How to Apply for an E-Visa?

Visit the Nusuk portal or Saudi eVisa platform.
Submit documents and pay the visa fee online.
Receive the digital visa via email and print a copy before traveling.

The E-Visa is available for select nationalities, while UAE residents may need to apply via agencies. Always check the latest updates before planning travel.

What Are the Validity and Duration of an Umrah Visa?

The validity and duration of an Umrah visa depend on the type of visa issued. Understanding these details helps UAE residents plan their journey accordingly.

Validity and Stay Duration;

Type of Visa	Validity	Maximum Stay
Single-Entry Umrah Visa	30 days from issue date	30 days
Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa	1 year from issue date	90 days per visit
Express Umrah Visa	30 – 90 days	As per visa type

Key Rules to Follow:

No Extensions: The Umrah visa cannot be extended beyond its validity period.
Strict Exit Policy: Pilgrims must leave before the visa expires to avoid penalties.
Travel Restrictions: The visa allows travel only to Makkah, Madinah, and designated cities.

To avoid fines or legal issues, travelers must adhere to the visa duration and plan their return journey accordingly.

What Are the Travel Guidelines for UAE Residents Visiting Saudi Arabia for Umrah?

UAE residents traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah must follow specific travel guidelines to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.

1. Flights & Transport

Direct flights are available from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Jeddah and Madinah.
Pilgrims can take a bus or taxi from Jeddah to Makkah (approx. 1.5 hours).
High-speed train services are available between Makkah and Madinah.

2. Accommodation Rules

Hotels near Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi fill up quickly during peak seasons.
It is recommended to book accommodation in advance through approved Umrah agents.

3. Essential Travel Tips

Keep copies of your visa and passport for identification purposes.
Follow Saudi dress code and cultural norms.
Check local COVID-19 and vaccination requirements before departure.

Proper planning ensures a hassle-free journey, allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual experience.

Are There Any Restrictions or New Updates on Umrah Visas?

Saudi Arabia periodically updates its Umrah visa policies to improve the pilgrimage process and regulate entry. UAE residents must stay informed about the latest changes.

What Are the Recent Umrah Visa Updates 2025?

Update	Details
Multiple Umrah Trips	Pilgrims can now perform Umrah multiple times per year.
E-Visa Expansion	More nationalities are eligible for the online Umrah E-Visa.
No Age Restrictions	All age groups, including children, can now apply for an Umrah visa.
Mandatory Insurance	Health insurance is required for all Umrah visa applicants.

What Are the Seasonal and Travel Restrictions?

Visa issuance may be restricted during Hajj season.
Overstaying an Umrah visa can lead to heavy fines and bans.
Some visa types do not permit travel outside Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

Checking for official updates before applying ensures compliance with the latest regulations.

How to Book an Affordable Umrah Package from the UAE?

Booking an Umrah package through a licensed travel agency simplifies the visa process and helps reduce costs.

What’s Included in an Umrah Package?

Service	Details
Visa Processing	Handled by authorized agencies
Flights	Round-trip tickets from UAE to Saudi Arabia
Accommodation	Hotels near Masjid al-Haram & Masjid an-Nabawi
Transport	Airport transfers and travel between cities
Guided Tours	Optional Ziyarat tours to religious sites

Tips for Finding Affordable Packages:

Compare different travel agencies to get the best deals.
Book early to secure lower flight and hotel prices.
Travel during off-peak seasons to avoid high costs.
Consider group packages for discounted rates.

A well-planned Umrah package ensures a stress-free pilgrimage experience, allowing travelers to focus on their religious journey.

What Are the Differences Between an Umrah Visa and a Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabia?

Many UAE residents wonder whether they can perform Umrah on a tourist visa instead of an Umrah-specific visa. Saudi Arabia allows certain nationalities to enter on a tourist visa, but there are key differences.

Comparison of Umrah Visa vs. Tourist Visa:

Feature	Umrah Visa	Tourist Visa
Purpose	Religious pilgrimage only	Tourism and Umrah
Who Can Apply?	All Muslims	Select nationalities only
Application Process	Travel agencies or Nusuk platform	Saudi eVisa portal
Validity	30 – 90 days	1 year (90-day stay per visit)
Entry Restrictions	Only Makkah, Madinah & Jeddah	All cities in Saudi Arabia

Key Takeaways:

Tourist visa holders can perform Umrah, but restrictions apply to nationalities eligible for Saudi eVisas.
The Umrah visa is mandatory for those who do not qualify for a tourist visa.
The tourist visa allows more flexibility, including visiting other cities in Saudi Arabia.

Choosing the right visa depends on the traveler’s nationality, purpose, and flexibility needs.

What Are the Best Times to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UAE?

Timing plays a crucial role in securing an Umrah visa at the best rates and avoiding peak-season crowds. Understanding the best time to apply helps UAE residents plan a smooth pilgrimage.

Ideal Periods for Umrah Travel:

Season	Best Time to Apply	Advantages
Off-Peak Season	Muharram – Rajab (July – February)	Lower visa fees, fewer crowds
Peak Season	Sha’ban – Ramadan (March – June)	High demand, expensive packages
Post-Hajj Season	After Dhul-Hijjah (August – September)	Better availability, moderate costs

Key Considerations:

Ramadan Umrah visas are in high demand, so early application (3 months in advance) is recommended.
Flights and accommodation costs increase during holiday periods in the UAE.
Applying outside peak seasons ensures quicker visa processing and easier hotel bookings.

Proper planning helps pilgrims avoid unexpected delays and high travel expenses.

Conclusion

Applying for an Umrah visa from the UAE requires careful planning and awareness of the latest visa costs, eligibility criteria, and travel guidelines.

With options like single-entry, multiple-entry, and express visas, UAE residents can choose a visa type that suits their needs. Booking flights and accommodation in advance ensures a smooth and cost-effective journey.

It is crucial to apply through authorized travel agencies or the Nusuk platform, meet all document requirements, and follow Saudi Arabia’s entry regulations. Avoiding overstays and complying with visa rules will help prevent any penalties.

By staying informed about visa updates, seasonal restrictions, and affordable Umrah packages, UAE residents can have a stress-free and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. Always check the latest regulations before booking your Umrah trip.