What is the Saudi Umrah Visa for citizens of Germany?
Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, undertaken by Muslims as a spiritual journey at any time of the year. Differing from that of Hajj, which is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation. Earning the name “lesser pilgrimage, Umrah is a recommended but non-compulsory act of devotion.
Key Aspects of Umrah
Not Obligatory: In contrast to Hajj, which is a religious duty, must be performed at least once by those who are able. Umrah is a non-compulsory yet commendable pilgrimage, it is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, holds great virtue and is strongly advised for Muslims to perform.
Can Be Performed Anytime: Umrah is a voluntary but greatly emphasized practice in Islam, and can be undertaken at any time of the year, outside of the Hajj season (which takes place on the specific dates of 8th–13th of Dhul Hijjah, according to the Islamic lunar calendar).
Does a German passport holder need a visa for Saudi Umrah?
Yes, German citizens need to have a Umrah visa before they have any plans to visit Saudi to perform Umrah in Mecca. As a German passport holder, you are eligible to apply for two types of visa for Umrah.
You can either apply for the convenient Saudi Tourist eVisa (for tourism and to perform Umrah) or Saudi Umrah Visa, booked through platforms like Nusuk (official Saudi portal) or with the help of a licensed travel agent.
What is the Saudi Umrah visa?
The Saudi Umrah visa is a special type of travel permit issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allowing Muslim pilgrims to perform Umrah in the holy city of Mecca. The purpose of this visa is to grant entry for Umrah only, permitting you to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Key Features of the Umrah Visa
Purpose: Spiritual journey to Mecca (to perform Umrah only, not allowed for Hajj)
Eligibility: Allowed to Muslim pilgrims only
Validity: Offers a validity of 90 days
Duration of Stay: Typically 15 days stay period
Entry Type: Only single entry allowed in Umrah Visa.
Travel Period: Apply for Umrah Visa at any time of the year and any time of the year except during Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah)
What are the different Umrah Visas that German citizens can apply?
Saudi Umrah Visa
- Can be booked through the official Nusuk platform or help of licensed travel agent
- Valid only for Umrah, not tourism or any other activities
Saudi Tourist Visa (e-Visa)
- Nationals of many countries (like Germany) can apply online
- Valid for both Umrah and tourism
Mandatory Digital Registration Requirements
Make sure that before arriving Saudi Arabia you have downloaded the following mobile applications and have registered:
- Tawakkalna: To keep a track of health status and vaccination records.
- Download and register on Nusuk (formerly Eatmarna): This lets you obtain permits (booking your Umrah slots) for performing Umrah rituals and visiting the Prophet's Mosque.
What are the eligibility criterions and documents needed for a Saudi Umrah Visa?
To apply for the Saudi Umrah Visa the German citizens must make sure that he meets the following mentioned specific eligibility criteria and provide certain required documents. These eligibility criteria and requirements are mandatory so that the pilgrim is prepared, medically safe, and entering for legitimate religious purposes.
Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Umrah Visa
Muslim Faith:
- Only those pilgrims can apply who are of Muslim faith.
- The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are off-limits to non-Muslims, only German passport holders who are Muslims will be permitted to enter due to religious restrictions.
Minimum Age:
- Only those who are typically 18 years and above can apply individually.
- Under 18 years are minors, and they are allowed to travel only when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Valid Passport:
- As a German citizen, you must have a Germany passport with a validity for at least 6 months beyond the intended travel date.
Documents Required for Saudi Umrah Visa
Here is a list of the documents that you must possess in order to apply for the Umrah Visa, otherwise applications might not be accepted.
Passport: Germany passport with more than 6+ months validity from the date of application for Umrah Visa.
Photograph: Colored passport-size photo with a white background, recently clicked
Visa Application Form: Usually provided by the Umrah travel agent or Nusuk (official Saudi portal).
Accommodation Proof: Allowed to enter only two cities i.e. Mecca and Medina, so hotel bookings in these two cities.
Confirmed Travel Itinerary: Round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit (non-refundable tickets).
Mandatory Vaccination Certificates: Meningitis (mandatory), COVID-19 (depend on the latest regulations), Seasonal flu, and Yellow Fever vaccinations.
Health Insurance: Mandatory health insurance for medical emergencies, it should cover the full stay in Saudi Arabia.
Proof that you are a Muslim
- As non-Muslims are not allowed for Umrah, pilgrims applying may be required to give proof that he is a Muslim, when the applicant's name is somewhat different.
- If you have recently converted to Islam, a certificate from a mosque or Islamic center confirming their Muslim status.
What is the Umrah Visa Application Process for German Citizens?
The German passport holders can apply for the Saudi Umrah Visa using anyone of the application process mentioned below:
Option 1: Saudi Tourist eVisa for Umrah (Both Tourism + Umrah)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit our Saudi eVisa Portal site
- Choose the application button and fill the form.
- Complete entering your personal, passport, and travel information.
- Select the purpose of your travel, Tourism/Umrah.
Upload Required Documents
- Valid Germany passport
- Passport photo (white background)
- Proof of health insurance
- Mandatory Vaccination Certificates, etc
Pay Visa Fee
- Make the Payment via credit/debit card, fees varies
Receive eVisa by Email
- Processing usually takes 24-72 hours (1-3 working days)
- While traveling carry a Printout of the eVisa
Option 2: Saudi Umrah Visa (for performing Umrah)
You can book online by using the official Nusuk platform.If you go through a licensed travel agent, you will be able to book a guided Umrah package (flights + hotel + transport).
Step-by-Step Process:
- Fill the Umrah Visa Application form by Nusuk platform or through a licensed travel agent
- Submit required necessary documents
- Valid Germany passport
- Hotel bookings only in Mecca and Medina
- Passport photo (white background)
- Proof of health insurance
- Return non-refundable flight ticket
- Mandatory Vaccination Certificates, etc
Receive eVisa by Email
- Processing time: 5-7 working days
- Receive Visa by email
Quick Summary: Which Visa Should You Choose?
Saudi Tourist eVisa
Best for you if you: Want to perform Umrah and Tourism (you will be able to visit different places), need flexibility, and prefer a simple, convenient, fast and smooth online process.
Saudi Umrah Visa
Best for you if you: Want to travel to perform Umrah only and not for other purposes and are going with a group. With Umrah Visa you are only allowed to visit Mecca and Medina.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.