When planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, it's important to understand whether you need an Umrah Visa or a Tourist Visa. While both of these visas allow you to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, they serve different purposes and come with distinct rules. Below is a detailed comparison:
Differences between Umrah visa and tourist visa
Feature
Umrah Visa
Tourist Visa
Purpose
Specifically for performing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah and Medina.
For general tourism, sightseeing, leisure activities, and also allows Umrah.
Eligibility
Only available to Muslims.
Open to people
Yes, you can travel to Saudi Arabia with a valid visa stamped on your old passport, but you must also carry your new passport. And specific conditions must be met to avoid issues at immigration.
Using Old Visa with New Passport to Enter Saudi Arabia - Key Points to Consider
Carry Both Passports
- Old Passport: Containing the unexpired Saudi visa.
- New Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
You must bring both your new passport and the old passport that contains the valid Saudi e-Visa or visa sticker. The immigration authorities will verify the visa details in the old passport along with your identity in the new one.
Same Personal Details
The vis
A successful Saudi e-Visa application requires submission at least 7-14 days (1-2 weeks) before your departure to guarantee a trouble-free travel experience. While processing times are generally sufficient, delays may occur during peak travel seasons such as Hajj or Umrah, especially for nationalities subject to stricter screening.
Can I apply for a Saudi e-Visa Last Minute?
While you can apply closer to your departure date, last-minute applications are risky. Delays may occur, and you cannot enter Saudi Arabia without an approved e-Visa. If time is of the essence, the e-Visa method is efficient; nonetheless, last-minute applications (1-3 days before flight) are dangerous. Processing t
If your Saudi e-Visa is delayed, it could be due to a variety of factors, such as high application volume, insufficient paperwork, or technological issues. In this case, follow the steps below to resolve the issue efficiently.
What to Do If Your Saudi e-Visa Is Delayed?
Check Visa Status
To track the status of your Saudi e-Visa application, use your reference number and passport details to access the portal or platform.
Contact Support
Contact support by providing your application number to the e-Visa portal’s help desk or a third-party agency.
Embassy Help
If unresolved, contact the nearest Saudi embassy with your application details for assistance.
Plan for contin
Current rules allow travelers who got their visas through the e-visa system for tourists to complete their Umrah religious journey within Saudi Arabia. There are particular limitations along with conditions that require visitor attention.
Performing Umrah with a Tourist E-Visa
Yes. The Saudi tourist e-visa allows you to perform Umrah, yet you need to read and follow the prescribed conditions through official permit apps. There are particular limitations along with conditions that require visitor attention.
Eligibility
Saudi tourist e-visa holders can perform Umrah by fulfilling the guidelines set by the Saudi government.
A valid e-visa permits travelers to perform Umrah while
Tourists in Saudi Arabia must understand the proper emergency numbers because they guarantee safety and provide quick assistance. This document provides a list of Saudi emergency numbers specific to visitors, accompanied by crucial advice for those staying in Saudi Arabia.
List of Emergency Numbers for Tourists in Saudi Arabia
Main Emergency Numbers
911 or 999 serves as the primary number for obtaining essential police, medical, and fire department services.
Specific Emergency Services
Non-urgent police matters, as well as crime reporting, can be handled by dialing 999.
Residents requiring ambulance assistance should dial 997, while medical emergencies need the same
Saudi Arabia Immigration Services offers a "Check Status" feature to help you easily track the progress of your Saudi Arabia eVisa.
This service is only for applicants who submitted their Saudi eVisa through our website. If you applied through a different platform or the official government portal, you can not check your status here.
The following are step-by-step instructions on how to check your Saudi visa status:
Steps to Check Saudi Visa Status Online
Step 1: Log In or Create an Account: Log in using your credentials if you already have an account.
Step 2: Access the Visa Status Check button. Just fill in your details as requested in the form below.
Application Ref
Yes. Most Saudi visas require medical tests, especially those related to employment, residency, and long-term stay. However, a medical exam is not required for a Saudi tourist visa. Certain health tests are part of the Saudi visa medical exam to ensure that the applicant does not have any serious or infectious diseases that could pose a risk to public health. Blood tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, chest X-rays for tuberculosis (TB), and other general health exams are often included in the Saudi visa medical exam list. Depending on occupation or medical history, some applicants may need to undergo additional tests.
Applicants must ensure that they are healthy, have all the
Yes, children need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Parents or legal guardians can complete the application process for children under 18 years of age on their behalf. If you are traveling with children, it is recommended to add them while completing your application so that it can be submitted without any problems.
Eligible travelers can apply for a Saudi visa online to visit this nation for tourist activities. This multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 1 year from the issued date, allowing its holders to stay in Saudi for 90 days each stay. Saudi Immigration Services has made it easier and quicker for travelers to obtain a Saudi visa through an online platform.
The application process
Suppose you apply for a Saudi visa through Saudi Arabia Immigration Services. In that case, you can request a cancellation of your application within 04 hours from the date and time of the successful order placement. Once the Saudi Arabia Immigration Services receives confirmation of the application ID from the Saudi Government regarding your order, refund requests will not be processed. The visa fee cannot be reimbursed if an approval letter has already been dispatched to your email address.
The refund amount will be calculated based on our cancellation and refund policy, and the funds will be returned to the individual who made the initial payment to us. Due to banking procedures, plea