Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for citizens of Indonesia: Requirements and process

We're thrilled to announce that we can now assist you in securing your Umrah Visa, making your spiritual odyssey to Saudi Arabia seamless and hassle-free. Our cutting-edge platform and mobile app are designed for devout travelers to secure their visas effortlessly.

Please note—We don't currently offer Saudi Arabia Visas for Indonesian citizens, but keep reading to discover the steps for obtaining your Umrah Visa from Indonesia in general.

Saudi Arabia Umrah visa for Indonesian citizens

Citizens of Indonesia planning to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah are required to obtain an Umrah visa. The process for obtaining an Umrah visa from Indonesia varies depending on the criteria of the Saudi government that you can meet.

Eligibility criteria for obtaining an Umrah visa

iVisa now empowers you to secure your Tourist and Umrah Visas easily. While electronic visas are off the table, your eligibility for other visa options has never been more streamlined.

• Tourist Visa with iVisa: Unlock the wonders of Saudi Arabia beyond the sacred walls by applying for your Saudi Tourist Visa with the Saudi Embassy.

• Umrah Visa with iVisa: Elevate your spiritual journey with our direct assistance in acquiring your Umrah Visa.

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

• Indonesian nationals who are permanent US, UK, or EU residents or hold US, UK, or Schengen visas are eligible for a visa on arrival, or the Umrah visa through the 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 the package option. This can be obtained by booking an Umrah package through one of the approved service providers or visiting one of your local travel agencies approved to book Umrah packages. Your visa will then be processed and issued through the nearest Saudi Arabia Embassy or consulate.

Can Indonesians perform Umrah with a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa?

Yes, you can perform Umrah with a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa.

Why should you apply? The Tourist e-visa offers several advantages compared to an Umrah visa. For example, you can stay longer, and it is a multiple-entry visa, meaning you could visit the Kingdom to perform Umrah more than once.

However, tourist visas are more difficult to obtain, and you have a higher chance of getting a pilgrimage visa when you apply with a licensed travel agency. You can only perform Umrah with a tourist visa and not Hajj.

Umrah Visa: What is it, and why do you need it?

The Umrah visa is a travel document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), allowing you to enter Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.

Please note: This visa cannot be used to perform Hajj. A separate Hajj Visa is required during this period. The visa also does not allow activities like studying.

Anyone planning to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Umrah must have a valid Umrah visa.

Umrah Visa requirements

Indonesian Umrah pilgrims will need the following documents to apply for their Umrah visa through us:

• Complete the Umrah visa application form.

• One recent passport photograph.

• Valid passport with a six-month validity period (from when you submit your application). You’ll also need a scan showing passport details.

• Travel itinerary: Details of your flights and accommodation.

• Health insurance, covering Covid-19 infections as well.

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

• Additional forms: Depending on your individual circumstances, some special religious or identity forms may be required.

Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa from Indonesia application process

Follow these effortless steps to bring you one step closer to your dream of tracing the footsteps of the Prophet (PBUH):

• Step 1: Fill in your details: Kickstart the process by completing our streamlined online application form. Fill in your personal details and double-check them for accuracy—this is the cornerstone of your pilgrimage.

• Step 2: Finalize your application and pay the Umrah Visa fees. You can conveniently pay using your credit/debit card or opt for PayPal to ensure a secure transaction.

• Step 3: Gather your required documents and upload them through our user-friendly interface. Hit that "Submit" button and consider your Umrah ambitions almost fulfilled. We'll take it from here and reach out only if we need additional details.

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

Umrah Visa validity

Understanding your visa validity is crucial for a worry-free pilgrimage. Here are the key points you should keep in mind:

Validity duration: The Umrah Visa is valid for 90 days after issued.

Single Entry: This visa grants you a one-time entry into Saudi Arabia.

Make sure to plan your sacred journey within these guidelines.

Introduction of new Umrah Visa rule in 2024

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has made significant updates to the Umrah Visa rules. Umrah Visas now remain valid for 90 days from the issue date. Previously, the validity of the visa began once you arrived in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, Umrah Visas for pilgrims coming from outside the country will now expire on 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah, which corresponds to May 23, 2024, for the current season. The previous expiry date was 29 Dhu al-Qa’dah. This change allows Saudi authorities more time to prepare for the Hajj season, aiming to improve the experience for both Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

All international pilgrims must leave the country by the new expiry date. There are penalties for overstaying an Umrah Visa, which will be levied on both the pilgrims and the companies that arranged their visas.

Religious rituals and practices

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that Muslims can undertake at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. Umrah is a sacred Muslim journey involving several religious rituals and practices. The following are some significant rituals and practices Muslims perform during Umrah.

• Ihram: Ihram is a state of purity and devotion that Muslims must enter before starting Umrah. It involves wearing specific garments for men (two white, unstitched sheets) and specific modest clothing for women. Entering into the state of Ihram also involves performing a ritual bath (Ghusl) and reciting a particular intention (Niyyah).

• Tawaf: Tawaf is a ritual of circling the Kaaba, the holiest site for Muslims, seven times in an anticlockwise direction. It symbolizes the unity of Muslims and their devotion to Allah. Muslims also recite specific supplications and prayers while performing Tawaf.

• Sa'i: Sa'i is another significant ritual that involves walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. It commemorates the story of Hagar, the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who searched for water for her son Ishmael in the barren land of Mecca. This ritual is a reminder of the power of prayer and the mercy of Allah.

• Shaving or cutting hair: After completing Tawaf and Sa'i, Muslims must shave their heads or cut a small portion of their hair. It is a symbol of humility and submission to Allah.

The importance of Ihram in Umrah cannot be overstated. Ihram is a state of mind that requires Muslims to leave behind their worldly desires and distractions and focus solely on their relationship with Allah.

Cultural tips and recommendations

Those entering Saudi Arabia should keep in mind that the Kingdom is a culturally rich and diverse country, and it's essential for travelers to respect local customs and traditions during their visit. Here are some cultural tips and recommendations for visa holders entering Saudi Arabia:

• Dress Code: Saudi Arabia has a conservative dress code, and visitors should dress modestly in public places. Women should cover their heads and wear loose-fitting, full-length clothes that cover their arms and legs. Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. Avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing.

• Food: Saudi Arabian cuisine is rich in spices and flavors, and visitors should try local delicacies such as shawarma, kabsa, and falafel. However, be aware that pork and alcohol are strictly prohibited in the country.

• Etiquette: Saudi Arabian culture strongly emphasizes hospitality and respect. Visitors should greet locals with "Assalamu alaikum" (peace be upon you) and respond with "Wa alaikum assalam" (and upon you be peace). It's also important to remove shoes before entering a mosque or someone's home and to avoid showing the soles of your feet.

• Gender segregation: In Saudi Arabia, there is strict gender segregation in public places. Men and women are usually separated in public transport, restaurants, and other public spaces.

Need more information

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service team, who are available via chat or WhatsApp.

We hope you have a great time in Saudi Arabia!