Saudi Arabia is often associated with pilgrimages to the Holy Land. However, the country has recently been developing its tourism sector. Besides religious observances, Saudi Arabia offers numerous tourist destinations worth visiting alongside your Umrah pilgrimage. These attractions can be accessed with a tourist or non-religious visit visa.
What is a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa?
A tourist or leisure visa is issued by the Saudi government to foreign nationals who wish to visit the country for leisure, business, or family visits. There are two types of leisure visas available: a 30-day single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa valid for one year from issuance, with a maximum stay of 90 days.
“I want to go to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and sightseeing. Do I need to apply for both an Umrah Visa and a Tourist Visa?”
Just like getting two for the price of one, you do not need two visas for tourism and pilgrimage journeys. Saudi Arabia has clarified that pilgrims intending to perform Umrah can use any type of visa. This rule has been in place for some time but resurfaced after Saudi Arabia posted about it on their X account on April 24th.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj emphasised that Umrah can be performed by holders of all types of visas, including personal, family, transit, work, and e-visas.
What’s the difference between a Tourism Visa from an Umrah visa?
According to the Indonesian Consul General in Jeddah, Yusron Ambary, the main difference between an Umrah visa and a tourist visa lies in the sponsorship. Tourist visas can be personal, not requiring a sponsor, while Umrah visas require sponsorship from a company appointed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj as the guarantor, or “muassasah.”
One of the most significant differences is the validity period. Umrah visas are valid for only 90 days, while tourist visas are valid for one year with multiple entries.
Ensure the validity of your visa, whether it’s an Umrah, tourist, or visit visa. Consult with a trusted visa consultant like Lets Move Indonesia to verify the legitimacy of your visa.
Hajj Season and its effect on Tourist Visa Applications for Umrah
Muslims planning to perform the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj must obtain a Hajj visa. This visa is only issued once a year during the period of Hajj season, which falls in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar known as Dhu al-Hijjah. To acquire a Hajj visa, a sponsor appointed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj is required. The visa is valid for 30 days and allows for multiple entries.
However, the rule allowing any type of visa for Umrah does not apply during the Hajj season. In the lead-up to Hajj, the use of visas for Umrah will be restricted. Therefore, the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs advises pilgrims intending to perform Umrah before Hajj to use an Umrah visa.
Umrah Experience with a Transit Visa
As reported by Kumparan, a Jakarta resident shared their experience performing an independent Umrah using a transit visa. In March 2024, Reza, an Indonesian citizen, travelled with six friends from various regions for 10 days.
“The flight route was Jakarta-Jeddah-Istanbul with Saudi Airlines. We performed Umrah during the transit on our way back,” Reza said.
On March 29th, Reza and their friends landed in Turkey, where they spent 4 days and 3 nights sightseeing. They then returned to Indonesia with a transit in Jeddah, spending 4 days there.
Reza mentioned that performing Umrah independently is much cheaper than through Umrah travel agencies. However, Reza emphasized the importance of ensuring the visa’s authenticity and meticulously planning the trip for a comfortable and smooth Umrah experience.
Want to Easily Manage Your Visa for Overseas Travel?
While the Saudi Arabia visa process may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance and support, you can easily obtain the necessary visa and embark on your Saudi Arabian adventure. That’s where Lets Move Indonesia’s Global Visa services come in.
At Lets Move Indonesia, we understand that navigating the complexities of visa applications can be stressful and time-consuming. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of visa services to help you obtain the right visa for your needs. Our team of experienced visa consultants will guide you through the entire process, from gathering the necessary documents to submitting your application and ensuring a smooth approval.
If you are ready to embark on tourism to Saudi Arabia, Lets Move Indonesia’s Global Visa services can help you make your dream a reality. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you with your Saudi Arabian visa application.
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