Saudi Visa Types Explained: Umrah, Tourist and Visit Visas Compared
If you’re planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, the first decision is which visa to apply for. For many readers the real question is simpler: can I do Umrah on the visa I’m getting? Official pages now answer that more clearly than they used to.
This guide compares the main visa routes using only what official Saudi sources state. If you’ve already chosen the tourist eVisa, our Saudi tourist eVisa guide walks through applying step by step.
Quick answer
Short answer: Saudi Arabia has a dedicated Umrah visa, a tourist eVisa, and other visas such as visit and work visas. Nusuk says holders of “a visit, tourism or work visa can perform Umrah”, and Visit Saudi adds that the tourist visa can’t be used for Umrah during the Hajj season. Every Umrah also needs a Nusuk permit, which the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah site lists as free. No official page we checked states visa fees.
The main visa types at a glance
| Visa | Main purpose | Umrah allowed? | Validity (official) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umrah visa | Umrah | Yes | Not stated on Nusuk |
| Tourist eVisa | Tourism | Yes, except Hajj season | One year, multiple entry, 90-day stay |
| Visit visa | Visiting | Yes (Nusuk) | Depends on the visa |
| Work visa | Employment | Yes (Nusuk) | Depends on the visa |
| Transit visa | Stopover | Not covered here | 96 hours on arrival |
The tourist eVisa
Visit Saudi’s visa page describes the tourist visa as a “multiple entry visa which is valid for one year, and permits 90 days period of stay.” On cost, it says only that “the tourist visa cost varies.”
It also states: “You can use the tourist visa to perform Umrah but not during the Hajj season.” Permits for Umrah or Ziyarah are applied for through Nusuk.
Key takeaways
- Tourist eVisa: one year, multiple entry, 90-day stay (Visit Saudi).
- Umrah on a tourist visa: yes, except in the Hajj season.
- Umrah permit: required for every visa route, listed as free on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah site.
- Fees: not stated on Visit Saudi, Nusuk or the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah site.
The Umrah visa
The Nusuk Umrah page (in Arabic) confirms that Umrah has its own visa. It does not state a fee or validity period for it. For a step-by-step look at Umrah visa validity, season dates and how to check your visa, see our sister site’s Umrah visa guide on madinamakkah.com.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah does publish season dates. For the 1447 season, haj.gov.sa listed Umrah visas issued from 10 June 2025, a last issue date of 20 March 2026 and a final entry deadline of 3 April 2026.
Note
Those 1447 dates have now passed. Check the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah site for the next season’s calendar before booking.
Visit, work and transit visas
Nusuk states that “holders of a visit, tourism or work visa can perform Umrah.” So if you’re already in the Kingdom on a work visa, or visiting family, you don’t need a separate Umrah visa. You do still need a permit.
Nusuk also mentions a transit visa. It is “valid for 96 hours upon arrival” and free, “but subject to administrative and medical insurance fees.”
Visa vs permit: two different things
This is the point people miss most often. A visa lets you enter Saudi Arabia. An Umrah permit, booked on Nusuk, gives you a time slot for Umrah. The permit application page lists its cost as free.
Choosing your route
1
Decide your main purpose: Umrah only, tourism plus Umrah, or visiting family.
2
Check the season: a tourist visa can’t be used for Umrah in the Hajj season.
3
Apply on the official platform: the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah site links to the MOFA visa platform; tourist eVisa details are in our eVisa guide.
4
Check the price at checkout: fees and insurance are shown when you apply.
5
Book your Umrah permit on Nusuk.
Why we don’t list visa fees
Visit Saudi says the tourist visa cost varies, and neither Nusuk nor the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah site prints an Umrah visa fee. Any figure you see elsewhere may be out of date or include agent charges.
Warning
Apply only through official platforms or licensed providers. Be cautious of websites quoting fixed visa “prices” with no official source.
Before you apply
- Passport with enough validity left
- Travel dates checked against the Hajj season
- Accommodation details ready
- Nusuk account for your Umrah permit
- Copies of your visa and permit saved offline
FAQ
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, according to Visit Saudi, but not during the Hajj season. You also need a Nusuk permit.
Do work visa holders need an Umrah visa?
No. Nusuk says visit, tourism and work visa holders can perform Umrah. A permit is still required.
How much does a Saudi visa cost?
No official page we checked states a fixed fee. Visit Saudi says the tourist visa cost varies.
Last checked 24 October 2026 (Asia/Riyadh) against Visit Saudi, Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah site. Visa rules change; confirm on the official platforms before you travel.
