Umrah Visa and Tourist eVisa, what’s the difference?

Saudi Tourist eVisa vs Umrah eVisa

The Saudi Tourist Visa and Umrah eVisa are both used for visiting Saudi Arabia, but they have key differences in purpose, eligibility, and restrictions:

The Tourist eVisa: 

is available to citizens of the EU, UK, North America, and several other countries. Saudi Arabia continues to add more eligible countries to the list. For more detailed information about the eVisa from Saudi Arabia, you can check out this link find it here Saudi eVisa. I focus mainly on the tourist visa option, as our readers predominantly come from Western countries or places where the tourist visa is accessible.

The eVisa introduced by Saudi Arabia in 2019, aims to attract more visitors to the country. Applying for a tourist visa is a swift online process, usually providing results within less than an hour. The best part is that you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa without the need for agents or Umrah packages. it is perfect for Do It Yourself Umrah planners. During the eVisa application process on the official website, you will need to indicate the purpose of your trip, which is Umrah.

The tourist eVisa is available to all EU UK and North American citizens,  several other countries are been added. You can find here more info about the eVisa from Saudi

Umrah Visa:

are specifically issued to countries where individuals cannot apply for tourist visas directly. To obtain an Umrah visa, one typically needs to go through an authorised agent in their respective country. For example, citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, India would follow this process.

Umrah visas are issued to those countries that cannot apply for tourist visas. They also require Umrah packages through an agent, and the Umrah visa is applied through agents in their respective countries. For example, Pakistan or Bangladesh. 

 

 

Purpose

• Tourist eVisa: For general tourism, leisure, visiting family/friends, and non-religious travel. It also allows Umrah but excludes Hajj.
• Umrah Visa: Specifically for performing Umrah only (not during Hajj season). It does not allow general tourism and eligible for countries where they cant apply for the Tourist eVisa, such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,

Eligibility

• Tourist eVisa: Available to citizens of many countries, usually with a multiple-entry option valid for one year.
• Umrah Visa: Available only for Muslims from eligible countries, typically for single entry.

Validity & Duration

• Tourist eVisa: Usually multiple entry, valid for up to 1 year, with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• Umrah Visa: Usually single-entry, valid for a short period, with a stay of up to 90 days.

Restrictions

• Tourist eVisa: Allows travel across Saudi Arabia, including visiting Makkah and Madinah for Umrah. Cannot be used for Hajj.
• Umrah Visa: Only for Umrah. May not allow unrestricted travel outside of Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

Application Process

• Tourist eVisa: Can be applied for online or on arrival (for eligible nationalities).
• Umrah Visa: Usually processed through an approved Umrah agency or online via the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Cost

• Tourist eVisa: Around $120 USD, €105 EUR, (including insurance).
• Umrah Visa: Costs vary but are generally lower than a tourist visa.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you want to perform Umrah and explore Saudi Arabia, the Tourist Visa is a better option.
• If you are only going for Umrah, the Umrah eVisa is more direct but may have restrictions It does not allow general tourism and eligible for countries where they cant apply for the Tourist eVisa, such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,

Would you like help with visa application steps? Please let us know and we will be more than happy to support and guide you.