5 Key Differences Between the Saudi eVisa for Umrah and a Regular Saudi Visit Visa
An Umrah eVisa and a regular Saudi visit visa differ significantly in terms of purpose, validity, eligibility, and application process. While every general visitor can apply for a standard Saudi visit visa online, Umrah visas can only be obtained by Muslims who are eligible to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. In this blog, we are going to explore the key differences between the Saudi eVisa and the Umrah visa.
Thanks to the welcoming eVisa programs, Saudi Arabia has become more accessible to people who love to travel around the world. However, it is important to know the differences among the eVisas because not all eVisas are the same. When it comes to religious travel to Saudi Arabia, like an Umrah Pilgrimage, getting a Saudi visit visa online is not enough. Choosing the wrong eVisa can result in entry denial and legal complications. Hence, it is important to know the difference between the different eVisas provided by Saudi Arabia’s immigration department.
Here are the key differences between a general visit visa and a dedicated Umrah visa.
Difference #1: Purpose of Travel
To obtain certain eVisas, you have to state the purpose of your travel in the visa applications. While obtaining an Umrah eVisa has a specific religious purpose, travelers can use a visit visa for multiple reasons.
Umrah eVisa
The purpose of traveling with an Umrah eVisa is to make the spiritual pilgrimage of Umrah to the holy city of Mecca. An Umrah visa acts like a religious permit that cannot be used for work or other tourism purposes. A Saudi evisa for Umrah helps travelers to get confirmation in accommodations and assists them in developing an organized travel plan.
Applicants should be aware that a Hajj visa has different requirements and a travel purpose from a Saudi eVisa for Umrah.
Visit eVisa
Conversely, a tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia is for tourist visits, family visits, and attending cultural events in Saudi Arabia. Instead of using a traditional paper visa, the visit eVisa helps travelers travel across Saudi Arabia. Visit eVisa can also be used for business and business-related activities.
Difference #2: Validity and Duration of Stay
It is essential to consider a visa’s validity and duration of stay, as misinterpretation or violation of these terms can result in legal and financial issues, including deportation and a ban on traveling to the country in the future. Here are the differences between validity and duration of stay among these two eVisa types.
Umrah eVisa
Umrah eVisa is available in two different types. A single-entry Umrah has a validity of 90 days, while a multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for a year. In both cases, the stay duration for the Umrah visas is 90 days, meaning that you can stay in Saudi Arabia for Umrah up to 90 days, regardless of using a single-entry or multiple-entry Umrah eVisa. However, the Umrah visa is generally approved as a single-entry visa.
Regular Visit Visa
On the other hand, a regular Saudi visit visa or the multiple-entry tourist eVisa is generally valid for one year from the date of issuance. Single-entry visit eVisas are valid for a shorter period of 90 days. In both cases, the stay duration is 90 days. Visit eVisas are generally approved as multiple-entry visas.
Difference #3: Entry Restrictions and Who Can Apply
Tourists can apply for both Umrah eVisa and Saudi eVisa online, through dedicated platforms or application portals. However, there are certain criteria for tourists to get approval for these eVisas.
Umrah eVisa
An Umrah eVisa is approved for only Muslim applicants. No non-muslims can apply for this type of visa. Online Saudi eVisa for Umrah can be applied for by Muslims of more than 66 countries. However, Umrah is typically restricted during the Hajj season. This is the temporary suspension of this operation to ensure smooth Hajj activities.
Each Umrah eVisa applicant needs to have their own passport of their respective countries. The passport should be valid for six months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia. Now the Saudi Arabian government approves women aged above 18 to perform Umrah without a male companion (Mahram).
With a Saudi eVisa for Umrah, visitors are only allowed from selected airports like Jeddah, Medina, Yanbu, and Taif. Visitors are also allowed to land in Riyadh or Dammam if the flight is on a national carrier. However, they will have to take the flight to Jeddah or Medina to enter Saudi Arabia by passing immigration.
Saudi Visit Visa
Both Muslims and non-Muslims can apply for a Saudi Visit Visa online. The application process of this eVisa is more lenient. Visitors are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia from any designated airport while having a Saudi tourist eVisa.
Difference #4: Activities Allowed
There are differences in permitted activities with these two types of visas.
Umrah eVisa
Using an Umrah eVisa for Saudi Arabia, visitors are only supposed to perform Umrah. They can also visit the holy sites like Mecca, Medinah, and Jeddah. But beyond that, no activities are allowed using this visa. An Umrah visa is not valid for general tourism, business meetings, or any other recreational activities.
Visit Visa
However, with a visit visa, tourists can enjoy full tourism access. They can travel to top tourist spots in Saudi Arabia like Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and NEOM without any hassle.
Other recreational activities are also allowed by allowing this eVisa. Visitors can attend concerts, events, and visit shopping malls. They are also allowed to visit the attractive tourist locations
Difference #5: Documentation and Application Process
The documentation and application process of these two eVisas are different. Both of the eVisas are available through an online application.
Umrah eVisa
For the Umrah eVisa, proof of religion is required to be shown at immigration because the Umrah is only performed by Muslim pilgrims. Many visitors have a specific travel package, which helps travelers travel smoothly. Umrah eVisa can only be applied for through an Umrah agent or the official Nusuk Umrah portal.
Visit Visa
In case of getting a Saudi visit visa online, visitors do not have to show any religious proof. However, showing valid identity proof is required.
Both of the eVisa applications require:
- Valid passport, valid for six months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Travel insurance is often included in the visa fees.
- Proof of accommodation
- Round-trip flight ticket for return.
Bonus Tip: Don’t confuse Umrah eVisa with Hajj Visa
Do not confuse Umrah eVisa with Hajj visa because to perform Hajj, you need to have a totally different visa, only through an approved agency. Umrah can be performed individually, but Hajj can not be performed solo. Hajj visas are separately approved by the Saudi Arabian embassy.
Wrapping Up
The visitors need to select the correct eVisa to ensure a smoother and stress-free experience while traveling to Saudi Arabia. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you need to prepare your documentation to enter the country. So, whether you’re traveling for spiritual reasons or tourism, getting the eVisa approved by the authority is very easy.
Visit Saudi Arabia for Traveling or Pilgrimage!
Want to visit Saudi Arabia for traveling or the Umrah Pilgrimage? Apply for different eVisas depending on your travel objective.
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