Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for Citizens of Egypt - Requirements and Application Process

Mecca is the destination for millions of Muslims every year. The city is considered the holiest city in Islam, and it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, receiving worldwide travelers on pilgrimage.

Outside of the Hajj season, Muslim Egypt citizens can go for an Umrah pilgrimage with a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa. The advantage of this visa is that you don’t need to visit a Saudi Arabia embassy: the entire process is online! Check the visa requirements for this electronic Umrah visa below.

What is Umrah and its significance in Islam?

Umrah is a special Islamic practice and holds immense importance for Muslims worldwide. Umrah, also known as the lesser pilgrimage, is a voluntary pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims can perform any time of the year.

Unlike the Hajj, which is mandatory for all non-disabled Muslims once in their lifetime, Umrah is not obligatory but highly recommended. It’s a spiritual journey that allows Muslims to purify their soul, seek forgiveness for their sins, and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

To receive all the pilgrims, the Saudi Arabia government has introduced measures to improve security and manage the crowds. To visit Saudi Arabia, pilgrims must now register on the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps to have the Umrah permit, for example.

Furthermore, Egyptian citizens need a valid passport and Saudi Visa to perform Umrah. Check more details about the visa application below.

The rituals involved in Umrah:

The rituals of Umrah consist of a series of actions that the pilgrims perform in a specific order. These rituals include:

• Ihram: This is a state of purity that a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah. The ritual cleansing ceremonies to achieve this state include wearing two white cloths wrapped around the body and over the shoulders.

• Tawaf: It is the circumambulation of the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. It symbolizes the unity of Muslims and their devotion to Allah.

• Sa'i: It runs between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. It commemorates the story of Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who ran between the hills in search of water for her son.

• Halq or Taqsir: It is the act of completing the pilgrimage. Shaving the head is called “Halq,” and trimming a minimum inch of the hair is called “Taqsir.”

Umrah Visa from Egypt

Egyptian citizens can use an electronic Umrah visa to enter Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage, as long as it is not during the yearly Hajj days.

Children must also apply for the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa to enjoy the pilgrimage with their parents.

Eligibility criteria for obtaining an Umrah visa

Unfortunately, Egyptian citizens cannot apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa or Umrah e-Visa with us. However, Saudi Arabia offers many separate Umrah visa options for Egyptians depending on which criteria they meet:

• If you are a GCC resident, you are eligible to apply for an Umrah visa online through the Saudi Arabian government or the Umrah Visa through the package option.

• Egyptians who are permanent US, UK, or EU residents or are US, UK, or Schengen visa holders are eligible for a visa on arrival or the visa through package option, which the Saudi Embassy issues.

• If you do not meet the above exceptions, you will only be eligible to apply for the Umrah visa through package option. This can be obtained by booking an Umrah package online through one of the approved service providers or visiting one of your local travel agencies approved to book Umrah packages.

If you are not a citizen of Egypt, you can check your eligibility for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa with our Visa Checker Tool.

Umrah Visa: How long is this visa valid?

This visa type is valid for two weeks. But, performing Umrah during Ramadan, you must leave by the last day of the holy month regardless of whether you have stayed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for two weeks.

Entering Saudi Arabia: What are the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa requirements?

Applicants will need the following requirements to apply for the Umrah visa:

• An Umrah visa application form.

• Recent passport photograph. Use the [iVisa passport photo service] if you need one easy and quick.

• Valid passport. It has to remain valid for at least six months (from when you submit your application). A scan showing passport details is required.

• Purchased non-refundable flight tickets.

• Evidence of a relationship between female pilgrims and their ‘mahram’ (partner/brother/father).

• Health insurance covering Covid-19 infections as well.

• Proof of meningitis vaccination at least ten days before traveling but not older than three years.

Purchasing an economy Umrah package, most of these items are usually included, such as the visa application, accommodation, transportation, and medical Insurance. So check them with your travel agency.

Smooth application process: Apply for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa online

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer the Umrah Visa for Egyptian citizens. We hope this visa will be available soon, so you can perform Umrah counting on the facility of our services.

Nevertheless, you can follow these simple steps to apply for the Umrah visa:

• Step 1: Find an approved travel agency in your home country. They will help you with the visa application and plan your trip. The agencies usually offer several Umrah package options at different price ranges.

• Step 2: Prepare all required documents for the application and submit them through your travel agency. They’ll proceed with the rest of the application.

• Step 3: Download two obligatory apps on your phone: the Tawakkalna app (which works only in Saudi Arabia and will contain all your vaccination records, which you need to display when you enter hotels, restaurants, and the masjids) and the Etmarna app (which allows you to get prayer permits and have them linked to your Tawakalna.)

Then wait for your Umrah visa and prepare for this fantastic journey!

What are the Umrah Visa fees and processing times?

Generally, the Saudi Arabia government takes five to ten days to process Umrah visas — depending on your country of residence.

Regarding the fees, the Umrah visa application costs between US$380 and US$490, according to the nationality. In addition, pilgrims must pay for the Umrah travel package, raising the overall cost to between US$1,500 and US$2,000.

Saudi Arabia Visa: Can I use a tourist visa for the Umrah pilgrimage?

The Umrah Visa is a specific visa to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Umrah journey. However, the Saudi Arabia government also accepts regular tourist visas for this travel.

Unfortunately, this travel document is also currently unavailable for Egyptian nationals, but we hope to offer it soon. Contact the nearest embassy for further information about visas for Egyptian traveling to Saudi Arabia.

For citizens of a country that does qualify for the tourist visa but living in Egypt, you can use the tourist visa to perform Umrah. To check your eligibility, use our visa checker tool.

This multiple-entry visa offers perks like longer stays compared to the Umrah-specific visa Egyptian nationals need to apply for. Best of all, you can apply through iVisa, making your life simpler and more manageable!

iVisa’s Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa application process

Umrah pilgrims who are eligible to apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa, let iVisa help you take the guesswork out of the visa application process with our easy visa application. It can be completed in minutes from your home or office with these three simple steps:

Step 1: Provide basic information about yourself in the application form and your trip and choose your preferred processing time.

Step 2: Check for all information, and pay for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa Fees using a credit or debit card. Step 3: Finally, add any required documents, if needed, and click ‘Submit.’

Then sit back as we process the application on your behalf. The approved visa confirmation will be emailed to you.

Your e-Visa for Saudi Arabia expires a year after the issue. Your maximum stay in Saudi Arabia is 90 days per trip.

Umrah travel tips

The Umrah pilgrimage is a remarkable experience for Muslims. To prepare for this trip, here are some valuable tips:

• Plan your Umrah trip in advance to ensure you get the best flights, accommodation, and transportation deals.

• Muslims can perform Umrah throughout the year, so it's best to avoid peak seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj period, as the crowds can be overwhelming. It's also important to check the weather forecast before you go, as temperatures can be extreme during certain times of the year.

• Reserve an appointment via the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps. This is now mandatory, according to the Saudi interior ministry.

• Apply for your Umrah visa in advance for better processing prices.

• Book your accommodation in advance. There are many hotels and apartments near the holy sites, so you can choose one that suits your budget and preferences. Also, try to book a hotel or apartment within walking distance of Haram.

• Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for your Umrah pilgrimage, as Saudi Arabia has a strict dress code. Men should wear ihram (two white sheets of cloth), and female pilgrims should wear modest clothing that covers their entire bodies.

Precautions and guidelines for safe and hassle-free Umrah pilgrimage

Have a hassle-free pilgrimage following these tips:

• Follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the Saudi Arabian government and local authorities to ensure your safety and well-being throughout your Umrah pilgrimage.

• Saudi Arabia is generally safe, but it's still essential to take precautions. Beware of your surroundings, avoid crowded areas, and keep your valuables safe. Pickpockets can occur, especially in and around Haram.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with you during your Umrah trip, and keep your passport, visa, and other essential documents in a secure and easily accessible location.

• Stay hydrated during your Umrah pilgrimage, especially if you're performing Umrah during the hot summer months.

• Carry necessary medications and first aid supplies with you during your Umrah pilgrimage, and seek medical attention immediately if you feel unwell or experience any health issues.

• Be patient and understanding while performing Umrah, especially during peak seasons, as the crowds can be overwhelming and the lines can be long.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service team, who are available 24/7 online, or email us at [email protected].

Have a special pilgrimage and safe travel!