What is Saudi Umrah Visa for Spanish citizens?
The Saudi Umrah Visa is an entry permit granted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, enabling Muslim travelers to perform Umrah, a voluntary pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina that can be undertaken any time throughout the year, not like that of Hajj, which takes place only during specific dates in the Islamic calendar.
Key Features of the Saudi Umrah Visa
Purpose: Allows pilgrims to perform Umrah in Mecca and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
Eligibility: Granted solely to Muslim; in certain instances, verification of religious affiliation may be necessary.
Validity: Usually valid for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days, subject to the visa category
Single or Multiple Entry: Typically issued for single entry, except for certain eVisas like the tourist eVisa which allow multiple entries.
Issuance Method: Issued primarily for single entry; however, certain eVisas, like the tourist eVisa offer multiple-entry access.
Do Spanish citizens need a Saudi Umrah Visa?
Yes, Spanish citizens wishing to perform Umrah will need a Saudi Umrah visa through Nusuk platform or travel agent. However, as citizens from Spain are eligible to apply for Saudi tourist eVisa, it simplifies the application process for them.
So, Spanish passport holders who are Muslims can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which grants entry for tourism as well Umrah (not allowed during Hajj period). Spain as one of the Saudi tourist eVisa eligible countries can easily apply to perform Umrah.
What are the Types of Visas for Umrah?
Spanish citizens who have plans to perform Umrah, there are two types of visas they can apply for according to their convenience.
Saudi Tourist eVisa (Tourism + Those who want to perform Umrah)
Best option for Spanish passport holders who are eligible for Saudi Arabia's eVisa program, this eVisa allows entry for tourism and Umrah (outside the Hajj season).
Key Features:
- Multiple-entry granted (offering 1 year validity)
- Stay limited to 90 days per visit
- Online application via this website
- Health insurance mandatory to be included
- Permitted to perform Umrah at any time outside the Hajj season
Requirements:
- Valid Spanish passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-style colored photo, recently clicked with white background
- Credit/debit card for making the payment
- Working Email address to receive the eVisa
- Vaccination certificate (COVID-19, meningitis, and seasonal flu, if required)
Benefits:
- Spanish passport holders can apply through this website, you simply need to complete the online process, from form submission to receiving the eVisa by mail.
- Muslim travelers who have Spanish passports are flexible to travel for tourism + Umrah
- Simple, easy, convenient and fast process (takes around 1 to 3 days)
Saudi Umrah Visa (via Online Nusuk Platform or Licensed Travel Agents)
For Spanish passport holders a tourist e-Visa is sufficient, but there is also a designated visa called Umrah Visa. This traditional visa application is generally arranged through an authorised travel agent offering Umrah and can also be applied online through the official Saudi website, Nusuk platform.
Key Features:
- Single-entry visa only to perform Umrah
- Validity offered is 30 days
- Should have bookings of flights and hotels
- Only to be applied to perform Umrah, cannot be used for tourism
Requirements:
- Valid Spanish passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-style colored photo, recently clicked with white background
- Credit/debit card for making the payment
- Proof that you are a Muslim
- Should have bookings of flights and hotels
- Vaccination certificate (COVID-19, meningitis, and seasonal flu, if required)
Best for:
- This is usually beneficial for people who want to travel for in large groups
- Pilgrims who want to travel only to perform Umrah.
What are the documents Spain citizens require for a Saudi Umrah visa?
The documents required for Saudi Tourist eVisa and Saudi Umrah visa are mentioned below. So before applying for anyone of the visas you need to have:
Documents required for Saudi Tourist eVisa (having plans to perform Umrah)
Valid Spain Passport: It should be 6+ months valid, and empty pages for getting the visa stamp.
Completed Saudi Tourist eVisa Application Form: An accurately filled form with details like your name, passport number, etc should be submitted.
Passport-Size Photos: It should be colored with a clean white background
Health Certificate: Proof that you are in good and not carrying any contagious diseases
Proof of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia: Confirmed accommodation details that you have booked hotel for your entire stay.
Confirmed Round-Trip Airline Ticket: With no provisions for refund or modification, as it is mandatory to leave within that period.
Travel Insurance Cover: It is necessary to have a valid travel insurance policy
Vaccination Certificates: Meningococcal meningitis, COVID-19, etc vaccination in line with Saudi health regulations.
Email Address: Your working email address is required to receive the eVisa.
Documents required for Dedicated Saudi Umrah Visa
Valid Spain Passport: It should be 6+ months valid, and empty pages for getting the visa stamp.
Completed Saudi Umrah Visa Application Form: An accurately filled form with details like your name, passport number, etc should be submitted.
Passport-Size Photos: It should be colored with a clean white background
Proof of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia: Confirmed accommodation details that you have booked hotel for your stay in Medina and Mecca only.
Confirmed Round-Trip Airline Ticket: With no provisions for refund or modification, as it is mandatory to leave within that period.
Travel Insurance Cover: It is necessary to have a valid travel insurance policy
Vaccination Certificates: Meningococcal meningitis, COVID-19, seasonal influenza, etc vaccination in line with Saudi health regulations.
Proof of Relationship for Female Pilgrims:
- Women who are under 45 years, a male guardian (mahram) must accompany them, which is mandatory as they are not allowed to travel alone.
- Provide proof of your relationship with the male guardian. If married, you need to provide a marriage certificate and if traveling with your father or brother, a birth certificate is required.
- Those women who are more than 45 years of age are granted permission to undertake the journey, if they are traveling in a group (only women travelers) and also have to present a certificate issued by the Mahram that he does not have any issue.
Other Additional Documents (which are required to furnish)
Applicants whose name seems like non-Muslim
A certified document issued by an Islamic organization or mosque attesting to your Muslim faith, in case through your name it is difficult to verify your faith.
Minors who are Under 18 years
If a minor who is under 18 years is traveling with only one of the parents they need to provide a notarized letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, that he is allowed to travel.
Rules for female pilgrims above 45 traveling without a male guardian
Female pilgrims who are above 45 years of age are permitted to travel alone, only if they follow certain rules. They must provide a notarized no objection certificate issued by their male guardian or Mahram, and they can embark on their Umrah pilgrimage only in an authorized organized group, comprising only women.
How can Spain citizens apply for a Saudi Umrah visa?
Spain passport holders can choose to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah by choosing any one of the options to apply for a visa.
Option 1: Apply for Saudi Umrah Visa (via Online Nusuk Platform or Licensed Travel Agents)
Those Spanish passport holders who are wishing to visit Saudi for Umrah, they can apply via online Nusuk platform or approved travel agents who are authorized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. All the steps related to the Umrah Visa application are mentioned below which you should follow.
Step 1 Visit the official Saudi website known as Nusuk platform or visit an approved Travel Agency authorised by Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Apply for Umrah Visa only for pilgrimage purpose and cannot be used for tourism.
Step 2 Submit the Essential Application Documents: To put your application for the Umrah pilgrimage, you need to furnish the following crucial documents which includes:
- Valid Spain Passport
- Completed Saudi Umrah Visa Application Form
- Passport-Size Photos
- Proof of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia
- Confirmed Round-Trip Airline Ticket
- Travel Insurance Cover
- Vaccination Certificates like Meningococcal meningitis, COVID-19, seasonal influenza, etc vaccination in line with Saudi health regulations.
- Proof of Relationship for Female Pilgrims
- Pilgrims whose name is difficult to verify your faith.
- Minors who are Under 18 years, provide a notarized letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians
- Female pilgrims above 45 traveling without a male guardian needs to travel in group
Step 3 Visa Processing: The processing time varies, so it is better to apply in advance.
Step 4 Receive Visa: Approved Umrah Visa will be mailed to you via your provided email ID.
Option 2: Apply for a Saudi Tourist e-Visa for Umrah (for Spain citizens)
As Spain is in the list of Saudi e-Visa eligible countries, so instead of applying for the Umrah Visa they can apply for Saudi tourist e-Visa which allows them to use it for tourism and to perform Umrah (outside the Hajj season)
Step 1 Click the Official Application button of Saudi e-Visa: Since citizens of Spain are in the list of Saudi eVisa eligible countries, click on the button provided in our Saudi e-Visa website to apply for the Tourist electronic visa online.
Step 2 Complete the Application form: When you land on the application form page, you will see that you will only need to fill basic details. Fill in the form and upload the requested documents.
Step 3 Upload Required Documents: The required documents which you need to fill for the tourist eVisa are Valid Australian passport, Recent passport-sized photograph, Obligatory vaccination certificates, stay, return tickets, and working email address, and additional documents required for Tourist eVisa for Umrah, it is compulsory to provide:
- Travel Insurance Cover
- Vaccination Certificates like Meningococcal meningitis, COVID-19, seasonal influenza, etc vaccination in line with Saudi health regulations.
- Proof of Relationship for Female Pilgrims
- Pilgrims whose name is difficult to verify your faith.
- Minors who are Under 18 years, provide a notarized letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians
- Female pilgrims above 45 traveling without a male guardian needs to travel in group
Step 4 Pay Visa Fee accordingly: Pay Saudi Tourist e-Visa processing fees, which depends on your nationality and the type of e-Visa you have opted for.
Step 5 Receive the Saudi Tourist e-Visa: Applicants whose applications are accepted, they will receive the Saudi e-Visa for tourism and for performing Umrah via email.
How long is the waiting period to receive the Saudi Umrah Visa?
Applicants whose applications are accepted, will receive the Saudi Umrah visa within 5 working days or depending on the agency and its processing speed.
In order to prevent last-minute problems or delays it is suggested to apply on-time. Also, make sure it is not applied during the Hajj season, as Umrah during this period is not allowed.
How long is the waiting period to receive the Saudi eVisa?
Saudi tourist e-Visa typically takes about 24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 business days) for the application to be processed. You can apply one week in advance to avoid any delays for your application to be processed.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.