Umrah 2025: Complete Guide to Visas and Entry Regulations
Last Updated: January 2025
Based on the official directives of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah; prepared with the participation of verified travel experts and in accordance with current regulations to help pilgrims make informed decisions and avoid common visa mistakes.
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Is a special Umrah visa required in 2025?
For most countries — no. Pilgrims can perform Umrah using a tourist electronic visa (e-Visa), which offers greater flexibility and longer stay duration compared to the traditional Umrah visa.
- Allowed: Performing Umrah using a tourist visa outside the Hajj season.
- Special Umrah visa required: if your nationality
is not eligible
for the tourist e-Visa system.
Visa options for Umrah in 2025 — Overview
| Feature | Tourist e-Visa (Multiple Entry) | Tourist e-Visa (Single Entry) | Traditional Umrah Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 1 year | 90 days | 30–90 days (depends on the package) |
| Number of entries | Multiple | Single | Single |
| Allowed stay per visit | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Total stay limit | No more than 90 days within 1 year | No more than 90 days | No more than 90 days |
| Purpose | Tourism, Umrah, family visit | Same as multiple-entry | Umrah only |
| Application method | Online (self-application) | Online | Through an accredited agency |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate | Limited |
Approximate visa costs (vary by nationality)
Important: prices vary depending on nationality and country of application. Below are average estimates for 2025.
| Visa Type / Service | Approximate Cost (SAR) | Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa (Multiple Entry) | 450–650 | 120–175 |
| Tourist e-Visa (Single Entry) | 350–500 | 95–135 |
| Umrah Visa via Agency | 750–1200 | 200–320 |
| Biometrics & Processing | 35–50 | 9–13 |
Note: medical insurance is usually included in the cost of the tourist visa. The final price depends on nationality.
Which visa is right for you?
1) Multiple-entry Tourist e-Visa — the best option for most people
- Stay up to 90 days per visit, within one-year visa validity.
- Permits Umrah, tourism, and visiting family.
- Ideal for multiple short trips throughout the year.
2) Single-entry Tourist e-Visa
- Valid for one trip with a stay of up to 90 days.
- Recommended for first-time or short visits.
3) Traditional Umrah Visa
- Suitable for those not eligible for e-Visa.
- Issued through licensed agents or via the Nusuk platform.
- Often included in package tours.
Frequently Asked Questions (2025)
Can a woman perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. Women aged 18 and older are allowed to perform Umrah without a male guardian.
Are biometric data required?
Yes. For most nationalities, fingerprinting and facial scanning are mandatory before travel (e.g., at certified centers or at the departure airport; for some countries, digital submission is available).
Is vaccination required?
Yes. A certificate of vaccination against meningococcal infection ACWY is mandatory, administered at least 10 days before arrival.
- Verification practice: At the Saudi border, the certificate is not always requested, but airlines frequently check it at check-in. Without it, boarding may be denied.
- Safety: Vaccination is the best protection for your health and others in large crowds of pilgrims.
Can I perform Umrah multiple times during one trip?
Yes. Under the tourist visa, Umrah can be performed outside the Hajj season and repeated during the same stay.
Conclusion
If you are eligible for the e-Visa, then in 2025 the most flexible and economical option is the multiple-entry
tourist visa. It allows you to perform Umrah, visit Medina and other cities, and plan several short trips with a total annual stay limit of 90 days.
