Saudi Arabia’s new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa has expanded the options available to pilgrims, but travel agents say the introduction of a fourth visa category has left some UAE residents unsure about which permit best suits their plans.
Travellers can now perform Umrah using a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, a one-year multiple-entry tourist visa, a single-entry tourist visa or a single-entry Umrah visa. Although all four options allow eligible travellers to undertake the pilgrimage, the conditions and intended uses differ.
“The best visa depends on how often someone plans to travel to Saudi Arabia and whether they intend to visit only for Umrah or combine it with tourism,” said Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tours and Travels.
The newly introduced multiple-entry Umrah visa is aimed at people planning to perform the pilgrimage several times during the year. It remains valid for 12 months, allows multiple entries and permits a total stay of up to 90 days during its validity. The permitted days can be divided between several visits.
Travel agents said the visa generally costs between Dh600 and Dh650, depending on the agency, and can usually be processed within two working days. Unlike a tourist visa, it is intended specifically for Umrah and cannot be used for general tourism.
The existing one-year multiple-entry tourist visa remains a popular choice among UAE residents. It costs about Dh425 and allows multiple visits to Saudi Arabia during the year. Processing times can range from one week to one month.
“The tourist visa is suitable for people who want to perform Umrah while also visiting other cities or spending time in the Kingdom for tourism,” said Jaseem from Al Shammar Hajj and Umrah Service.
Travellers planning a single trip can also apply for a single-entry tourist visa, which generally costs Dh300 to Dh350 and takes two to five working days to process. The permit can be used for Umrah as part of a wider visit to Saudi Arabia.
The single-entry Umrah visa is designed for pilgrims making one visit specifically for the pilgrimage. Travel agents said it typically costs between Dh350 and Dh450 and takes two to three working days to process.
Regardless of the visa selected, pilgrims must complete the required procedures through the Nusuk platform before performing Umrah.
“Whether someone has an Umrah visa or a tourist visa, the required procedures on Nusuk must still be completed before performing Umrah,” said Abdullah from Bin Karam Hajj and Umrah Services.
Pilgrims wishing to visit Rawdah at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah must also register through Nusuk, as appointments are allocated through the platform.
Travel agents said applicants can arrange their own flights and hotels, but accommodation, return travel and transport details must be submitted during the application process. Holders of the new multiple-entry Umrah visa must provide updated travel details for each visit.
