Saudi Umrah Visa for Australian Citizens
Saudi Arabia, recognized as the origin of Islam and the guardian of its holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia welcomes millions of Muslims every year to undertake Umrah in its revered cities, Mecca and Medina.
Unlike Hajj, which has fixed dates in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed by Muslims at any time of the year (but not allowed during the Hajj season) and holds deep religious significance, highly encouraged in Islam.
Do Australian citizens need a Saudi Umrah Visa?
Australian citizens who are muslims need the Saudi Umrah Visa to undertake the holy pilgrimage. Otherwise opt for the most convenient option, by applying for Saudi Tourist eVisa which allows for both tourism and Umrah.
The Umrah pilgrimage is open year-round, pilgrims are free to perform Umrah at any point in the year, except when Hajj is taking place.
With the Umrah visa, Australian Muslim citizens can perform their Umrah rituals in Mecca (Makkah), the holiest city in Islam, the focal point to start the rituals. Then they can head to Medina (Madinah), the second holiest city, where Prophet Muhammad is buried to offer their prayers.
What is the Saudi Umrah Visa?
Anyone, regardless of nationality, performing Umrah in Mecca requires pilgrims from every country to obtain an Umrah visa before traveling to Mecca to undertake the Umrah.
Holders of this visa are allowed a single entry and stay for no longer than 14 days during its 90-day validity. Pilgrims can obtain an Umrah visa using multiple channels like online platforms such as Nusuk (Saudi official site), licensed travel agencies, and approved visa service providers.
Key aspects of the Umrah visa
Validity: Once issued, Umrah visa allows pilgrims to stay for a maximum of 14 days, provided it’s within the 90-day validity window.
Application: Umrah Visa Applications can be made through various channels, including online platforms, licensed travel agencies, and approved visa service providers.
Documents: A valid Australia passport (with at least six months validity), a recent passport-size photo with white background, accommodation booking details, travel itinerary (to and return flight), vaccination certificates (meningococcal meningitis, seasonal influenza) and other supporting documents might be needed.
Cost: There are no Umrah visa fees, but you will have to pay the service fees to the Umrah Visa licensed travel agency.
Eligibility: Eligibility for the Umrah visa for Australian pilgrims depends on having a valid passport, an up-to-date photo, and other required documents to apply for an Umrah visa.
Hajj and Umrah: Pilgrims are free to perform Umrah anytime throughout the year, as long as it’s not during the Hajj season. Hajj pilgrimage is performed during a specific period of the Islamic calendar (the 10th of Dhul Hijjah) and you will have to require a special visa for that.
Documents required for Saudi Umrah Visa for Australian Citizens
Pilgrims who wish to perform Umrah will need to apply for a Saudi Umrah visa from Australia as mentioned, and for that you need to gather certain documents which are listed below.
Valid Australian Passport
- At the time of entry into Saudi Arabia, you need a passport that remains valid for six months or more
- Two empty pages in the passport are necessary for affixing the visa.
Completed Umrah Visa Application Form
- The information should be entered accurately, free from any errors or modifications.
- Ensure that the full name you entered on the application form matches your passport exactly, with no differences, no variation or spelling errors.
Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
- You must include two colored passport-sized photos with a clean white background
- Women must not wear a hijab in the photograph.
Proof of Relationship for Female Pilgrims
- A male guardian (mahram) is required to accompany any woman under the age of 45, they cannot travel alone.
- Provide a certified document, such as a birth or marriage certificate, to confirm the relationship, a crucial proof.
- If over the age of 45, women are permitted to undertake the journey independently without a mahram if traveling with an authorized group and present a notarized No Objection Certificate issued by their mahram.
Vaccination Certificates:
- Immunization against meningococcal meningitis is required, and the documented proof of vaccination must be included.
- In line with Saudi health regulations, travelers may also need to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
Medical Certificate:
- A medical certificate from a doctor showing that the pilgrim is in good condition, not carrying any contagious diseases, and capable of undertaking the journey.
Proof of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia
- A hotel reservation confirmation for both Makkah and Madinah for the full length of your visit must be provided.
Confirmed Round-Trip Airline Ticket
- The booking should be locked in, with no provisions for refund or modification.
- The departure dates must align with those provided on your application form, as you must leave the country on time.
Travel Insurance Cover
- The Saudi government has made it mandatory to have a valid travel insurance policy as part of the Umrah visa application process.
Other Additional Documents (If Applicable)
For Applicants with Non-Muslim Names
- Proof of Muslim identity must be provided through a document issued by an Islamic organization or mosque attesting to your Muslim faith.
Minors who are Under 18 years
- When accompanied by one parent, minors under 18 years must have a notarized consent letter from both parents or legal guardians, that they have no objection to let him travel with them.
Rules of female pilgrims over 45 traveling without a Mahram
- Female pilgrims over the age of 45 can travel unaccompanied without a Mahram, i.e. the journey can be taken independently without a mahram if traveling with an authorized group and present a notarized No Objection Certificate issued by their mahram.
What is the Saudi Tourist eVisa for Australian passport holders?
Saudi Tourist e-Visa is an online visa which allows eligible countries to apply for the visa, this tourist eVisa permits both tourism and Umrah visits as long as they are not during the Hajj season. Pilgrims with Australian passport holders may use the Saudi tourist e-Visa to perform Umrah.
Documents required for the Saudi Tourist eVisa for Australian passport holders
Travelers who wish to apply for Saudi Tourist eVisa for tourism and to perform Umrah will need to gather certain documents which are listed below.
- Valid Australian passport
- You must include two colored passport-sized photos with a clean white background
- Working Email Address
- Mobile Number
- For female pilgrims, proof of relationship with Mahram is mandatory
- Vaccination certificates (Immunization against meningococcal meningitis and influenza is required)
- Medical certificate stating fitness to travel, not carrying any contagious diseases, and capable of undertaking the journey.
- Confirmed round-trip airline ticket, with no provisions for refund or modification
- Hotel accommodation bookings
How can Australian pilgrims apply for a Saudi Umrah visa?
There are two main ways for Australian passport holders to apply for a Saudi Umrah visa, through a licensed travel agency or via the Saudi e-Visa platform (subject to eligibility), here’s a breakdown of both processes:
Option 1: Apply for a Saudi Tourist e-Visa (as Australian passport holders are eligible)
Eligible Australian travelers can obtain a Saudi tourist e-Visa, which permits Umrah visits as long as they are not during the Hajj season. Pilgrims with Australian passport holders may use the Saudi tourist e-Visa to perform Umrah.
Step 1 Access the Official e-Visa Portal: Eligible travelers visit the Saudi e-Visa website to apply for the Tourist electronic visa online.
Step 2 Complete the Application: Fill the online application form accurately, entering your personal and other basic details.
Step 3 Upload Required Documents: Prepare in advance to upload the necessary documents which are listed below.
- Valid Australian passport
- For female pilgrims, proof of relationship with Mahram is mandatory
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Obligatory vaccination certificates
Step 4 Pay Visa Fee: The standard fee for the Saudi e-Visa varies depending on your nationality and other factors.
Step 5 Receive the Saudi e-Visa: On approval, get your Saudi e-Visa for tourism or performing Umrah, the visa will be sent to your email. Print a copy of the eVisa so that it is convenient to present upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Option 2: Apply for Umrah Visa via Online/ Authorized Travel Agencies
The Saudi Umrah visa process can be applied online or must be handled by accredited travel agents with official ties to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, as only approved travel agencies are permitted to process. All components of the visa process, including preparing documents, issuing the visa, and coordinating travel plans; these agencies handle the full scope of the Umrah application.
Step 1 Apply for Umrah Visa: You can apply online for Umrah Visa (though Nusuk platform) or use a licensed agency approved by Saudi Authorities: Ensure a smooth journey, select an authorized travel agency for a hassle-free Umrah Visa
Step 2 Submit Required Documents: To put your application for the Umrah pilgrimage, you need to furnish the following crucial documents which includes:
- Valid Australian passport ( remains valid for six months or more)
- Accurately filled Umrah Visa application form
- Two colored passport-sized photos with a clean white background
- Female pilgrims traveling with a Mahram need to provide genuine evidence, for example a certified copy of a marriage or birth certificate should be submitted.
- Vaccination certificates (Immunization against meningococcal meningitis and influenza is required)
- Medical certificate stating fitness to travel, not carrying any contagious diseases, and capable of undertaking the journey.
- Confirmed round-trip airline ticket, with no provisions for refund or modification
- Hotel accommodation bookings in Makkah and Madinah, dates must align exactly with those provided on your application form.
Step 3 Visa Processing: Once your application is submitted, your application will be revised, so the processing times may vary, so it is suggested to apply in advance.
Step 4 Receive Visa: Upon successful processing, receive the Umrah visa by mail or the travel agent will hand it to you.
After applying, how long is the wait for a Saudi Umrah Visa to be issued?
Applicants can expect their Saudi Umrah visa submitted via a travel agency to be typically processed within 5 business days. If you are eligible to apply online for a Saudi tourist e-Visa, you can do so, as it typically takes about 24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 business days).
Pilgrims are recommended to start their Saudi Umrah visa application process early to prevent last-minute problems or delays. To ensure a smooth process, giving yourself a week’s buffer helps protect against any unanticipated setbacks or delays
For how long is a Saudi Umrah Visa issued?
The revised Umrah visa policy grants pilgrims a longer stay; they have increased the visa validity from 30 days to 90 days.
The increase in visa duration offers pilgrims the Umrah rituals at a peaceful and manageable pace. Saudi authorities aim to provide pilgrims with ample time for fulfilling the holy rites of Umrah, without being rushed.
Is it necessary to use a travel agent when applying for a Saudi Umrah Visa?
The only way to apply for an Umrah-specific visa is through official Saudi sites such as Nusuk platform or a licensed travel agent; the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requires all Umrah visa applications to be applied through licensed travel agents, as it is not accepted via Saudi embassies or diplomatic missions.
During the non-Hajj period, if you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply for your Saudi tourist e-Visa online via this website.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.