Today 27th of September Saudi has opened their Saudi Tourist visa which is a total game-changer. A significant day for many Muslims and tourists around the world who wanted to visit Saudi Arabia.
This tourist visa has been long-awaited but finally, it is here and I am a proud holder on one of the first few tourists visas for Saudia.
I also have all the breakdown for you so keep reading.
Saudi Arabia announced a few years ago their Vision 2030 which basically means to expand its tourism sector to 30million by 2030 not only for Umrah but in general.
This, of course, meant opening Saudi Arabia to tourism and showing the beauty of the land. Which I have to say judging by their promo video is stunning!
For Muslims, this also means exploring a country that for so long we visited but not really explore as with the Umrah visa we could only go to Jeddah, Makkah and Medinah.
The official Saudi Tourism website is here
You can watch their promo video, check out places to visit, eat, explore and also a very handy FAQ!
I like the fact that they are modernising Saudi and with this, they are relaxing the dress code for tourists. Check out the post here.
Tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb told Reuters in an interview in the run-up to the official announcement that abayas will not be mandatory for women tourists but modest dress is, including at public beaches.
Now, I can finally take my mum and show her Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Tourist Visa – The Details
Over 49 countries can apply for a Tourist E-visa for Saudi Arabia.
The Tourist visa is valid for one year and you can spend up to 90 days. It is a Multi-entry visa which means you can go as many times as you want.
You can now issue your OWN Tourist visa for Saudi without the need for an agent!
This is a total game-changer and here is why:
- You can visit not only the three cities but also any city in Saudi
- You can issue it on your own via their site ( link below)
- You pay only £120
- You can do Umrah as well
- If you are a single woman you can go alone!
The most amazing and stunning change they did is that single women who before could not do Umrah on their own now can apply for a tourist visa and actually go! Check the site here on the FAQ.
The actual link for the E-visa: Click Here
You can perform Umrah on the tourist visa according to their FAQ and by the looks of it, you don’t need specific accommodation or transport. After all, you are a tourist and not specific Umrah
Visa for those not on the list
If your country is not on the list you can be able to get a visa from the Saudi consulate as you belong to visa from Category B. The process requires a few more steps and documents but it should be possible. Here is what you need:
- Minimum age of applicant is 18 years old
- Underage applicants require an individual above 18 years old to be the guardian
- When applying, passport validity must be for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia
- Refund in case of rejection is not possible, visa fees are non-refundable
- Overstay fees: SAR 100 for each day of overstay
- Religion of applicant is not relevant
- Sponsor is not required for the visa application
- Documents required include:
- Proof of accommodation
- Return ticket
- Proof of employment
- Bank statement
- Supporting information include:
- Identification
- Home address
- Travel itinerary
- Time taken to issue an e-Visa is 1-2 business days in most cases
- Visa pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.
How the Process works
In order to make sure the process works I actually issued my own visa!
Yep, without mahram without anything!
The process is pretty straight forward if your country is on the link you can issue the visa.
Step1: Personal Details
First, you need to register on the portal and confirm your phone and email.
Step2: Persona & Passport Details
Once logged on you can start your passport application.
Each step gives you 10 minutes to complete, which is more than enough.
You can do a group or an individual application. I did the individual as I wanted to see if as a woman I can issue it on my own.
You enter your details such as passport, address etc.
You will also need to provide where you will be staying. I think as with all visas you only provide your first hotel if you are planning to visit many cities.
Step 3: Medical insurance
This was an interesting process as I didn’t know if I had to book it myself. However, and congrats to them, they have integrated it. You just pay for the travel insurance.
Only thing I am not sure how it would work if you had to claim but it is great that they have it especially after my previous experience of a hospital abroad.
Step 4: Terms and Conditions
The terms are simple. Not to break the law, drugs and alcohol and others. If you are a genuine tourist you wouldn’t have an issue with compliance.
Step 5: Review Your Application
A simple review of your application. Before you proceed.
Step 6: Pay the fees
The total fees for the visa were 426SAR which is about £93.
Once you have completed the steps you will see that your application is under review and wait.
I was not sure how long I had to wait, however, it wasn’t long. Under the FAQ it says from 5minutes to 30minutes.
My Saudi Tourist Visa visa was issued less than 5 minutes later.
My Saudi Tourist Visa
I am extremely happy about the new tourist visa because it will make visiting Saudi and actually exploring the country so much easier.
Also, it is great they have allowed people to perform Umrah on the Tourist visa as well so then Muslims don’t have to hide they are doing it.
The process is easy and could be completed in less than 20 minutes.
Applying for minors brought up an interesting fact. I went to apply for my daughter and my husband, when applying for her it picked she is a minor and asked for her guardian. There is no version to have a mother as guardian so I guess this has not changed.
I am not sure if I were travelling to Saudi to visit friends or spend the weekend alone with my daughter if it would be possible. Here is the application part and how it looks. 
Umrah Visa VS Tourist Visa
One thing that is interesting I guess is the fact they changed the Umrah visa rules making it harder to go on a DIY Umrah. Yet they are making the tourist visa cheaper and easier to obtain and also you can go Umrah on it.
This is of course for the lucky countries that generally never had a problem getting an Umrah visa.
With this tourist visa now, however, there is no need to actually issue yourself an Umrah visa which is much more expensive.
The tourist visa costs £93 and the Umrah visa costs £230 and you need to book accommodation and transport, were with the tourist visa this is not required. You can book them independently.
I am not sure why they decided to do this, but looking at the countries there are very few actually Muslim countries who are there so they will still need Umrah visa to enter Saudi for Umrah.
FAQs
There are a lot of questions whether the Saudi tourist visa allows Umrah, even though the FAQ does. Here is the screenshot of the application where you mark it.
Now, I am not saying Saudi tomorrow can change their mind but for now, you can. The restriction is on the non-Muslims visiting Makkah and Medinah which is totally normal and understood.
Here is the FAQ on this from the website where it says non-Muslims are not allowed to visit. I guess the biggest draw for a Non Muslim to go is to visit Makkah. I hope they have restrictions on this as I definitely wouldn’t want tourists in the city.
With regards to how much you can spend in Saudi on the tourist visa, the below is mentioned under their FAQ:
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia as a tourist?
The tourist visa allows you to stay for up to 3 months per entry, spending no more than 180 days/year in Saudi Arabia. If you leave the country past your visa period, you shall pay a penalty of SAR 100 per day.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Do a DIY Umrah; (Do-It-Yourself) Umrah The Best Hotels to Book In Makkah for Your Next Umrah Here is the Best Hilton Hotel In Makkah For Umrah Umrah Visa Price for 2019-2020 and Current Rules How to use the Train from Makkah to Medinah DIY Umrah: How to Get from Jeddah to Makkah and Medinah for UmrahRead More
Ghias says
Thanks for all your help!
Me and my wife got our visa ALH but having issues getting visa for our two kids as the link doesn’t seem to work. I have raised a ticket. You have any ideas?
Muslim Travel Girl says
You will have to wait for the ticket reply.
Ayesha says
Can e visa get I edited? We applied for e visa but agent made a mistake in attaching pictures.. We were not able to travel as date was 7 october. Is it possible to correct an e visa. Plz ans soon.
Muslim Travel Girl says
Unfortunately, you cannot edit the visa, you will have to issue a new one from my understanding.
A Khan says
Salaam. My visa online for umrah got rejected. I have been before with no problems. No email was sent, but the status changed from processing to rejected.
I raised a ticket and they simply said I need to go to the consulate as the web team dont know why it got rejected.
Can anyone help please?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Unfortunately there is not much can be done unless you go to the consulate and try there. Or you can try and issue an Umrah visa.
Ghias Shafi says
Hi there- I logged on the apply for the tourist visa and they require photographs with dimensions 200 x200 etc and size 5 to 100 kb. How can I upload the passport photo’s? Would I need to attend a shop and tell them to give me a digital copy?
bw
Muslim Travel Girl says
you can just take a good photo on your phone and apply, this is what i did with all ours.
Syed Muzaffar Ahmed says
Assalamualaikum Sister.
Thanks so much for your noble effort.
It seems that there is a maximum cap on the numbers (15 max?) for the ‘Last Name or Family Name’ field. The system is not allowing me to type my daughter’s name completely and the last letter of her name keeps dropping off.
IS there any contact/email where I can discuss this issue?
Thanks
Muslim Travel Girl says
they have a support system so you can raise a ticket
Samreen says
Aoa sister,
What about visa on arrival for British passport holders. Though it state on their website but they dont mention the cost. Have u any idea! Is e visa cheaper or on arrival.
JazakAllah
Muslim Travel Girl says
would assume it is the same price!
Nasir says
Salam to all, today I applied for a visit visa the application was simple and easy to fill Left blank the question about your middle name or father name , and after exactly 9 minutes later I received the confirmation that We are glad to inform you that your application has been approved, so I must thank the sister who runs the website and all of you to make it easy for us by sharing information I am very happy if any one has any problem in filling the application please reply although the application is very easy and simple
Kind regards
Saqib Raza says
Reposting the question in case you missed the earlier one. What times of the year will one be able to perform umrah using the evisa, or can one simply enter Makkah at any time. Specifically, what times post Ramadhan and prior to(/during) Hajj will be able to visit for umrah. I’d really appreciate if you are able to clarify.
Muslim Travel Girl says
all year apart fro, Hajj
Asad says
Salaam Alaikum,
So the evisa is for 49 countries only, but for the less cool countries, such as India, how to we go about getting a tourist visa ? Consulate isn’t that helpful in LA.
Any suggestion or help ?
Muslim Travel Girl says
sadly the embassy is the only option or Umrah visa
Sayaka Jahan says
salam,
I cant seem to work out how to make a group booking (there is 5 of us),
Please can you give me some guidance?
Muslim Travel Girl says
click on group and add them
Afj says
I booked my umrah package in August to travel in october- not realising that the rules would change before i travelled. i paid 970£ pp for 11 nights, flights, hotels, visa, transportation.
after the new laws came out they asked me for a further 130pp because of new visa fee and paying pp per night in mecca and Madina (£6-7), do you know anything about this new cost?
I’m not sure if this was a way of the umrah agent taking advantage or if this is the real situation. I am still awaiting my umrah visa but feel a bit silly after this tourist visa has been implemented. Khair.
Muslim Travel Girl says
they said they will start charging tourist charge so yes.
adilah says
You have said £120 and have also said £93 for the tourist visa, Have I misread it?
jzk
Muslim Travel Girl says
420 SAR is the price
Hassan says
Hi MTG awesome blog btw
I can’t log in activation code won’t send it timed our while I was trying to upload pic site is a nightmare. I tried for hours trying to log in. Even tried with another email just won’t send activation link how on earth are you meant to apply? Has anyone else experienced this meltdown… they really need to spend a bit more money for this substandard system.
Muslim Travel Girl says
sorry i haven’t, send them a ticket?
Adam says
Salaam sister. Looks like meningitis vaccine is not a requirement any more if going for Umrah on the new tourist visa?
JazakAllah kharian for the informative post!
Muslim Travel Girl says
it might not, but i won’t risk it personally.
Abdullah says
Asa Sister, jzk for the article, very informative and helpful.
Please can you confirm that when you applied online:
1) which options did you select for your purpose of visit? Tourism, relatives and family, umrah?
There is an option to select one option or multiples
2) did you have to upload your hotel booking or just provide the information of the hotel you were planning to stay at?
Appreciate your help with the questions
جزاك الله خيرا
MA says
Salam,
JZK for the detail info. I have a question on the name that appear on eVisa. While filing the application, I provided my father’s name so when eVisa was issued it has the name in below format:
Since passport has only first and last name, will it be a problem at port of entry or with airline? Is it considered as name mismatch? Please let me know how to rectify this if you know as FAQ says that once visa is issued, it can’t be modified. Thanks in advance.
MA says
I think format is omitted in my post, trying again
myfirstname fathername mylastname
Muslim Travel Girl says
I have a fathers name on my passport. I put it in. Not sure about yours but if your first and last match as in your passport and everything else then should be ok. You can also email them.
MA says
Father’s name is not listed on US passport. I have sent an email but no response yet. Is there any link to online chat as indicated on their website? I tried but I couldn’t find online chat link anywhere in their website. Thanks.
Muslim Travel Girl says
there is no chat, you dont need the fathers name is not in passport
AHMED says
Salaam sister mabrook to everyone very good news indeed and thanks for the details you mentioned in your article just one question I am planning to go for umrah in Ramadan inshallah can I apply for the tourist visa now and keep it or you think it’s too early yet just because I was wondering they might change the rules later on.
Jazakallah
Muslim Travel Girl says
It’s up to you.
Gulzar says
Salam,
we are a family of 6 to go umrah and may also go other places in Saudi.
Do i book for the visa individually or group-which ask for a group name which I dont have.
What the best way to to this individually or group ?
Muslim Travel Girl says
you can book individuals or create a group- i just added the surname the group is just for the payment to go in one lump sum.
Rather not say says
Okay, forgive me but I asking for someone.
She wants to use the e-visa for Umrah, she wants to travel alone. Is this okay?
Also, she wants to do Umrah and also do all the things that are usually associated with Hajj. She knows that usually one can only do Hajj during a few days in August, but apparently the Qu’ran does not state this…before this goes into a debate on if she is correct or not and the meaning of Hajj. Can it technically be done, to travel as a solo female with Umrah as the purpose of the e-visa and do all necessary things usually associated with Hajj?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Can she go alone, yes! Can she do the rest… ask a sheikh
Abdul Aziz says
Thanks for your support, your website was key to apply for our tourist visa for family of 4. Alhamdulillah received our visa after couple of hours of application last night, really very excited as we always heard you go when you are called to visit House of Allah,
Muslim Travel Girl says
alhumdulillah please my family in your duas
Nasser says
Salaam, thank you for posting. You say here that Canadian residents are eligible, but in their website it does not mention Canada on the eligible country list. Could you please clarify.
Thank you again,
May Allah reward you for your efforts 🙂
Muslim Travel Girl says
please look closer it’s there
Siad Ugradar says
Sallams,
Thank you for a very informative article, I just have one question do you have to take the health insurance or can you have your own?
Muslim Travel Girl says
it is in the post, please read it. they provide it
Aziz says
Salaams, would like to clarify if I can travel with family from uk with tourist visa for umrah during december holidays.
I have booked a diy package with flights and hotels from different providers.
I just dont want to have the trouble upon arrival to explain why I have tourist visa if intention is for umrah.
Please could you confirm that this is fine. Jzk
Muslim Travel Girl says
I cannot confirm other than what i mentioned above and what their site states
Nasir says
Can anyone advise if you can travel by Land Border on an Evisa….I’m a UK national and resident of UAE so will I be able to drive my own car on an Tourist Evisa?
Muslim Travel Girl says
not sure, better to email and ask
AWAIS SALAHUDDIN says
It’s great for Cat A passport holders like me in the UK but not so much for Cat B passport holders like my wife, who is a pakistani passport holder.
I am told i need to vist the Saudi Consulate/Embassy in London. Their website still needs updating with the new tourist visa information. I will need to call them to gather the information I need to find what I need to do. As, I have not booked flights or Accomodation yet due to this quandry.
Another question is..do you still need to book accomodation via their pre approved list mentoned on the other blog post or can you use booking/hotels.com?
Muslim Travel Girl says
no i think you can book any now. the requirements are above but good to re confirm
Reem says
hello did you get any information on your wife’s visa status?
Zaheer Ahmad says
Dear Awais,
Have you got any update from the Saudi Embassy in London? I have a similar situation. I called the Saudi Consulate in Frankfurt and they told me its not possible to get a tourist visa for Pakistani nationals. When I called the Saudi Embassy in Berlin, they told me it is possible and I should apply via VFS Tasheel.
Adil says
I can not find anywhere is FAQ that says you can perform Umrah with this tourist visa, I can see that you have put a screen print but that was few days ago. Have they removed that from FAQ now? It would be really helpful if you can put the hyperlink to where it says you are allowed to umrah with this visa.
Muslim Travel Girl says
The FAQ is above. the link again
Rosemary Ally says
I am on the site and for the life of me I can’t see where visit saudi/visainformation etc is. I can get to the link with the faq but I should be able to get it by just going to visitsaudi.com. Would you be able to walk me thru…I’m sorry I know your are extremely busy.
Muslim Travel Girl says
I hope you found it
Nurul Ain says
Hi. When you apply for your husband & daughter did you choose individual or group? We are family of 4 from Malaysia planning to do umrah DIY on november do you think it is better to apply individual or group?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Book as a group it is pretty easy, and it is the same process it just lets you add more people.
Mohammad says
You have to apply as individuals. NOT group. Here is what I received earlier today. Group option is for payment only. See below.
”
Sep 29, 14:07 +03″
Hello Dear,
Thank you for contacting us,
About your inquiry, each family member must submit his/her own application, kids under the age of 18, they will need a guardian to apply for the visa from immediate family member then you can apply for them. When you fill out the forms to them from the “date of birth” selection it will ask you to enter the guardian visa number and then you will can complete the application.
About a group option it is to facilitate the payment process for families or groups. “
Muslim Travel Girl says
each application is separate but they do have a group option which i used to apply for husband and daughter.
Tanweer Khan says
Salaam
Did you have any difficulty in uploading a photo? i have a 15.9kb JPG file photo that is 200 x 200 ratio, but wont upload
Also its very annoying selecting my Birthday on the calendar, have to go back many many years to find it, would be easier to just input a date
Muslim Travel Girl says
I had no issue with all 3 photos i did
Abdul Aziz says
if you double click on month it changes to months and years
Fariha Miah says
To select a past year birthday, you just click on the year and press the left arrow. That switch allow you to switch between years and decades if i can recall correctly.
Nay says
Salaam.
thanks for the informative article and hard work.
want to book umrah for december from the UK.
it does concern me that saudi could change their mind, surely the tourist visa is dated so you can travel within a certain timeframe and as per the terms and conditions the visa you’ve paid for it is valid for umrah?
so there is a level of risk with purchasing a tourist visa for umrah?
Muslim Travel Girl says
There is always a risk but i think this time is minimal as it is international and for all countries so not so muslim centred
Kam says
Is it easy to obtain visa for family with little kids
Muslim Travel Girl says
Yes it took me 5minutes my daughter is an infant no issue
Salina says
Salaam, Do you think a tourist will be allowed to perform HAJJ?
Also where is the online chat facility anyone help plz
Muslim Travel Girl says
NO! it says it on top
EM says
Assalamualaikum, once visa is issued do we need to travel within 30 days?
Muslim Travel Girl says
no
Sk says
Salaam
Regarding adding mum as a guardian,
I believe it is possible as I processed a group visa and my wife and was listed as the option to select as an guardian for my daughter.
If the Saudis keep this tourist visa then it certainly is a game changer as you can go to any city any time within the period so multiple stays through your the year in Madina it Mecca without issue. Also this visa allows you to hire cars so another brilliant news!
Muslim Travel Girl says
Does it allow car hire? Not sure I want to do that but i didn’t find info on it. Good to know re-daughter and mother.
Shaazia says
Hi
Are you definite about that. This is very important for me to know as I’m a single mum and I have 2 daughters 12 and 15. Do you think this will be an issue for me.
Thanks in advance.
Yasmin Ahmed says
Hi we are family of 4 travelling from uk already booked flights and hotels for Umrah purpose vaccination are done so can I now just apply for the tourist visa and that should be okay or do I have to still book through agent and pay extra cost ?
Muslim Travel Girl says
you can book your tourist visa should be ok.
Um Aboodi says
Another question…
The period of stay is 90 days. Does that mean you can spend a total of 90 days throughout the one year the visa is valid for? Or does it mean that each time you go there within a year, you can stay for a maximum of 90 days?
Muslim Travel Girl says
1 year multiple each stay less than 90 days. I think max up to 180 stayed in the Kingdom.
Muslim Travel Girl says
on diff occasions obviously
Um Aboodi says
Thank you for the clarification.
Adnan says
I think your understanding is incorrect. The 90 day limit is for cumulative stay, over the course of your 1 year visa validity.
Muslim Travel Girl says
ok, read the FAQ
Ibrahim says
Asalamualkum thank you for this great article I try to register on the vistsaudi website but I have not received a email verification ( I even checked the spam folder) is there a way of contacting them ?
Muslim Travel Girl says
There was a contact us and report problem.
Ahmed says
Seems Umrah is not allowed with Tourist Visa.
KhaleejTimes:
Visas will be available online for about $80 (Dh294; SR300), with no restrictions for unaccompanied women as in the past. Access to the Muslim holy cities of Makkah and Madinah is restricted.
Muslim Travel Girl says
Please read the full article the restriction is for the non muslims
Qamar Ahmed says
For those people still not convinced that Umrah is allowed on this visa please see link below for the terms and conditions
https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Home/TermsConditions’
Clause 8.7 states
8.7 An eVisa is granted solely for tourist purposes or for the purpose of performing a umrah and it is not considered a visa for work. If you are granted an eVisa, you must not take up paid employment during your visit to KSA.
I am sure the agents will not be too happy about the DIY Umrah visa and may spread a lot of misinformation.
I applied for visas for our Umrah trip Insha Allah planned for December and got visas within 5 minutes. (4 adults and 2 children).
Yasmin Ahmed says
I really don’t think that they are going to allow entry into Makkah or medina on tourist visa only if these people to be clear in there policy’s that’s Saudis for you
Muslim Travel Girl says
according to them and their site and application, we are! Not sure what you mean. They might change their opinion in 5 days but for now we can.
Mohamed hussain says
You are amazing travel girl. Quick q can I upload a selfie photo on phone or I have to upload a picture? I’m gonna book diy tonight from London and NO agents this is awesome . Thanks and may Allah bless you.
Muslim Travel Girl says
yes but make sure it is good quality
Khalil says
Thank you for this. Does this mean that we are able to do umra when usually we were restricted such as immediately after Ramadan and hajj?
Muslim Travel Girl says
I am was thinking the same, however I don’t know
Mohammad says
Only restriction going towards Makkah is during Haj dates (shouln’t be any problems going before the official dates haj permits begin). Once Haj is done ( I think its the 10/11 Dilhaj ) no one seemed to stop us at the entry check-points.
Muslim Travel Girl says
this will be good, i then it will be busy as well.
E says
Yes! With the new tourist visa you can enter Saudi Arabia for 90 days during any peroid of time. This may change so please keep up to date.
Saqib Raza says
What are the exact hajj dates for 2020 and in general when umrah will not be allowed?
Mohammad Afzal says
Asalamu Alikum,
Thank you so much for sharing this information sister. May Allah SWT reward you abundantly.
Do you know if the 90 days of stay is across the whole year, or is that a maximum of 90 days per visit?
JazakAllah Khair
Muslim Travel Girl says
i read it per visit, and i think somewhere said max 180 in TOTAL but not in one stay.
LS says
How about entering via a different port of entry as the one stated on your Visa.
E.g. A British citizen living in Qatar obtains a tourist Visa and then travels to Saudi from Qatar via Oman
Muslim Travel Girl says
fine, i did this 2 years ago no issue.
LS says
Thanks for your information. If a visa is issued, will there be any requirements to have vaccinations or injections done? As far as I understand as long as you have a visa and ticket – you’re good to go?
Muslim Travel Girl says
i would do the vaccines for health safety
SNA says
Assalamualaikum sister.
Thank you for sharing this.
I have a question.
If I’m going to perform the Umrah on end Nov, so by using this new evisa system, now I can start applying the evisa?
Because before this we have to apply 30days before perform the Umrah.
Muslim Travel Girl says
yes
Um Aboodi says
Assalaamu alaikum,
Jazaakillaahu khairan. A very informative and helpful article, especially as you actually went through the steps yourself. I have a question if you know the answer: do you have to depart from your country of citizenship? If you want to fly directly from another country that you happen to be staying in, I wonder if you can go directly from there.
Muslim Travel Girl says
his was never a problem with the umrah visa so i see no issue with the tourist visa. I have done this on Umrah visa.
Um Aboodi says
Great to know….thanks again!
Ameera says
Salam,
I was just wondering where it says that the tourist visa can be used for Umrah? Would that mean non muslims can now enter Makkah and Madinah? It seems a little contradictory that they would make Umrah visa more complicated and expensive and at the same time allow people to go on Umrah via the cheaper and easier to obtain tourist visa.
Muslim Travel Girl says
I am sure they will get checkpoints of sort. I hope so! Well this is Saudi, the list doesnt have many Muslim countries so they still need Umrah visa and by making these restrictions they make sure those go with agent. Not sure why but i think it is a population issue.
Ameera says
I couldn’t find anything on the official website that says Umrah can be performed on the new tourist visa though.
Muslim Travel Girl says
it is on the FAQ, i added a photo
Ameera says
By the way, I just went through the FAQ section and realized that the countries not listed for e-visa can still apply for the 90 day tourist visa through the consulate and it would also let them perform Umrah. Looks like they do not need to go through agents either any more – although they would need hotel reservation and return ticket. This would be cheaper than applying for the Umrah visa!
“Tourists from eligible countries can apply for a tourism visa online through our fast and easy-to-use e-visa portal ahead of their trip, or upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through visa kiosks at immigration.
Tourists from other countries should apply for a consulate visa through Saudi embassies and consulates.”
Muslim Travel Girl says
Yes, this is an option but you also need employment letters etc. I will add it to the list though not sure which countries are in category B
Ameera says
Also, would that mean vaccinations etc are not necessary for Umrah? So many questions!
Muslim Travel Girl says
i would do the vaccines!
Bushra says
Asalam Alaykum, First of all, thanks for sharing your experience with new visa system. However, I do not understand why it is harder to do DIY Umrah with tourist visa? Is it because you have to book your hotel during application or what else? Please clarify.
Muslim Travel Girl says
Sorry i edited it. you can do Umrah on tourist visa easier.
Fatima says
Jazakillah khair elena, thank you for posting this
Asif says
Please can you help as have booked flights and hotels all from different providers for umrah at xmas time.
Question is if I went for the tourist visa to perform umrah only, would this be acceptable and not have any problems upon arrival. Reason for tourist visa is it saves half the cost of visa, would this be correct. Jzk
Muslim Travel Girl says
Please read the article, it says you can according to the official Saudi site
Adel says
Salam
So if we book a tourist visa we can book our own hotels seperately for umrah rite?
Muslim Travel Girl says
yes
Abdul Aziz says
Thanks for sharing this sister, It will be great to know if those who are intended to go for Umrah only can now apply as tourist. I have my flight and accommodation all booked but as i have booked my accommodation in Mekkah and Medina which clearly suggest my intention i don’t know if they are any chance of rejection. What Agents are now think as they are asking nearly £250
Muslim Travel Girl says
Yes, please read above the article.