Planning Umrah from the UAE and not sure how the visa works?
Umrah is no regular trip; it’s the ultimate spiritual journey ever. Yet, technicalities might hold a lot of us back.
We get it. It feels confusing to start from scratch. But you’re in the right place to start planning your trip, with all the details you need to get an Umrah visa (for UAE residents).
If you’ve no idea where to start, just bear with us.
Umrah Visa for UAE Residents: Who Can Apply?
Generally speaking, a Saudi visa for UAE residents is available through an online eVisa, as long as the UAE residence visa is valid for at least 3 months. The following are the eligibility requirements and process for the main Umrah Visas.
Umrah Visa for UAE Resident Online
You can apply for an Umrah visa online from UAE. It allows for both tourism and family visits. You get a multiple-entry, 90-day stay per visit for a one-year validity.
- Eligibility: UAE residents are eligible for the Umrah e-visas.
- Requirements: You need a valid passport, UAE residency, a photo, and medical insurance.
- Process: Apply online via the official Saudi eVisa portal.
Traditional Umrah Visa
Like any traditional visa, Umrah visas demand flight tickets and accommodation.
- Requirements: They’re basically the same; a valid passport, UAE residency visa or ID, photos, in addition to a return ticket and hotel booking.
- Process: For the perfectly planned Umrah, you can book a package with Trip.com and enjoy peace of mind.
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UAE Citizens vs Expat Residents
In fact, the process slightly differs between UAE citizens and expatriate residents. It is mainly subject to the passport you hold and your residency status in the UAE.
- UAE Citizens: The visa-acquiring process is much simpler. You only need your UAE passport.
- Expat Residents: you’ll have to make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, as well as your Emirates ID. Also, the UAE residence visa shouldn’t be too new or about to expire in order to avoid application delays.
Eligible Nationalities Living in the UAE
Most UAE residents don’t face any problems as long as their passport is valid.
Common eligible nationalities living in the UAE include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Philippines
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Most European countries
- GCC countries
What actually affects approval:
- Passport nationality
- Passport validity
- Valid UAE residence visa
What does not affect approval:
- Job title
- Salary level
- Employer
Families and Children and Guidelines
- Children can travel with parents
- Each child needs a passport and visa
- Infants need valid vaccination records
- Passports must be valid
- Names must match across all documents
Umrah Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
You’ll need a few documents ready before you apply. We see most delays happen when one item is missing or expired. If everything is valid and clear, the process moves smoothly with no back-and-forth.
Required Documents Checklist
- Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
- UAE residence visa
Your residence visa must be valid. However, we recommend having 3-6 months left.
- Emirates ID
You need a valid Emirates ID, as expired IDs may delay applications.
- Photo requirements
A recent passport-size photo with a white background.
- Vaccination proof
A valid meningitis vaccination certificate is required.
Health and Vaccination Rules
Vaccines protect you and other pilgrims during Umrah. Since thousands of people gather in a small area, Saudi authorities take health checks seriously. If your vaccination record isn’t valid, your application can be delayed or rejected.
- The meningitis (ACWY): Mandatory and must be taken at least 10 days before travel, and is usually valid for 3 years.
- COVID-19: Requirements change, so check the latest rules as recently as possible.
Types of Umrah Visas Available from the UAE
The following are the 2 main options, and choosing the right one can save you time and hassle. Both allow performing Umrah, but differ in validity, entry flexibility, and who they’re best for.
Tourist Visa for Umrah
- Validity: 90 days.
- Entry Flexibility: Allows multiple entries.
- Best for: Travelers who want to visit other parts of Saudi Arabia or have a tourist visa and want to include Umrah.
Dedicated Umrah Visa
- Shorter Validity: Typically 30 days, strictly for Umrah.
- Purpose: Specifically tied to performing Umrah.
- Limited Stay: You must complete your visit within the visa period.
- Best for: Pilgrims focused solely on completing Umrah quickly and efficiently.
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How to Apply Step by Step from the UAE
Umrah Visa for UAE Residents PriceVisa fees vary depending on the type of visa as follows:
Fee Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
Tourist Visa for Umrah | AED 300–400 | Flexible entry, multiple cities possible |
Dedicated Umrah | AED 250–350 | Short-term, Umrah-only purpose |
Extra Costs You Should Budget For
- Insurance: Usually AED 50–100 per trip
- Transport: Airport transfers, taxis, or buses
- Accommodation: Costs vary by city, season, and hotel type
Saudi Arabia 5G eSIM
- CoverageSaudi Arabia
- DataDaily/Total Data Package
- Validity1 to 30 Days
- PriceFrom AED 1.72
Saudi Arabia 5G eSIM
- CoverageSaudi Arabia
- DataDay Pass/Data Packages
- Validity1 to 30 Days
- PriceFrom AED 5.67
Saudi Arabia | 5G/4G eSIM
- CoverageSaudi Arabia
- DataDay Pass/Total Package
- Validity1 to 30 Days
- PriceFrom AED 1.77
Processing Time and Best Time to Apply
Planning ahead reduces stress and last-minute problems. Nevertheless, the timeline depends on visa type and method of application.
Average Processing Time
- Standard: 5–10 business days
- Fast-track: 2–3 days if all documents are correct
Best Time of Year to Apply
- Peak seasons: Ramadan and school holidays are categorized by higher demand
- Quiet months: Off-peak periods offer smoother processing
Based on our experience, we suggest applying 3-4 weeks prior to your travel dates. So, you have enough time for visa approval and better accommodation, and flight options.
Now, you know everything about Umrah visa for UAE residents!
For flights, hotels, and complete Umrah packages, you can find everything you need on Trip.com. Compare prices and book your flights to Saudi Arabia or hotels in Makkah and Madinah directly. You’ll also find guides and tips to make your pilgrimage easier and more comfortable.
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FAQs About Umrah Visa for UAE Residents
Is the Saudi visa open for UAE residents?
Yes! GCC residents can apply for a Saudi eVisa. This includes residents of the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.Can you travel to Umrah with an Emirates ID?
For UAE residents, you can use your Emirates ID along with your passport to apply for a Saudi Umrah visa.Can you apply for a Saudi Umrah visa online?
Yes, pilgrims can now apply online for Umrah visa, while tourists can use the Saudi tourist eVisa, which also allows Umrah (but not Hajj).
*This content is written by the Trip.com team. We have 15 years of experience in travel. All information comes from real traveler stories and real data. We are experts in helping you find the best hotels.