Umrah Visa from Australia
Table of contents
- Table of contents
- What is an Umrah Visa?
- Types of Visas for Umrah
- Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for Australian Citizens
- Umrah Visa for Australian Citizens
- Umrah Visa Eligibility Criteria
- Umrah Visa Requirements
- A valid passport
- Proof of residency (if applicable)
- Return ticket
- A complete application form
- A certificate from a mosque or Islamic center (if applicable)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Valid vaccination certificate
- How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from Australia
- Tips to Prevent Umrah Visa Rejection
- Umrah Visa Processing Time and Fees
- Umrah Visa for Residents of Australia
- Travel Tips for Umrah from Australia
- Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Australia
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is a special type of travel authorization issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Muslims wishing to perform the minor pilgrimage (Umrah) in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and is a shorter, less physically demanding ritual. The Umrah visa from Australia enables eligible Muslims to enter Saudi Arabia solely for the purpose of completing this sacred journey.
In recent years, the Saudi government has made changes to simplify the process, including allowing Umrah to be performed on a Saudi Tourist eVisa. However, a traditional Umrah visa still exists for pilgrims preferring to go through licensed travel agents.
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims around the world. For Australian Muslims, the opportunity to perform Umrah has become more accessible thanks to online application systems and improved visa processes. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining an Umrah visa from Australia, including eligibility, documents, fees, and travel tips.
Types of Visas for Umrah
Australian citizens now have multiple options when seeking a visa for Umrah from Australia.
Umrah Visa
This is a religious visa issued specifically for Umrah. It’s typically a single-entry visa, with a stay duration of up to 90 days. Australian Muslims must travel within a designated window and typically need to book through an authorized agent.
Saudi Tourist eVisa
Launched as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the tourist eVisa allows foreign nationals to enter for tourism, including performing Umrah (outside the Hajj season). This option is popular because of its ease of application and fast processing.
There are important differences between the two types of visas:
Purpose: Both allow Umrah, but only the Umrah visa is restricted to the pilgrimage.
Flexibility: The tourist eVisa allows multiple entries and can be used for sightseeing and other activities beyond Umrah.
Application: The Umrah visa typically requires booking through travel agents, while the eVisa is available online.
Between the two, the Saudi tourist eVisa is generally more convenient. It’s quicker to obtain, allows multiple entries, and doesn’t require coordination with a travel agency. However, it’s vital to ensure that the trip does not coincide with the Hajj period unless the pilgrim has a Hajj visa from Australia, as Umrah is not permitted during that time.
Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for Australian Citizens
The Saudi Tourist eVisa is a digital visa that allows Australian citizens to enter Saudi Arabia for various purposes, including tourism and religious activities such as Umrah.
It is available to most nationalities, including Australians, through a simple online application process. The eVisa is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and grants a stay of up to 90 days per visit.
Required Documents for a Saudi eVisa Application
The following are required for all Australian applicants applying for the Saudi tourist eVisa:
Valid passport
This document must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Recent passport-sized photo
It should be clear with a white background and meet the photo guidelines set out by the Saudi immigration authorities.
Travel itinerary
This must include flights and accommodation.
Credit/debit card
This will be used for the fee payment and should be valid while submitting the application.
Email address
This will be used for receiving the visa electronically.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa
- Fill out the visa application form
Go to the online form and complete it with all personal details, travel plans, and passport information.
- Upload the required documents
Upload a copy of the biographic page of a valid passport and your passport-sized photos.
- Pay the visa fee
Submit the application and pay the total fee of $199, which includes the government charges and professional service fees.
- Get your approved visa
Once approved (typically within 24-72 hours), the eVisa will be emailed to the email address provided. Pilgrims should print a copy and keep it with them during their travels.
Saudi eVisa Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for the Saudi eVisa is usually between 1-3 business days. It is usually processed quite quickly if everything is in order. Many are processed within a few hours.
The eVisa fee is $199. This includes all processing charges and our professional service fee. Our services are highly reliable and based on years of experience, and we handle the entire process from start to finish.
Saudi eVisa Extension
The Saudi eVisa is currently non-extendable. In order to stay longer, holders of an eVisa must exit and re-enter Saudi Arabia, provided their visa is still valid. If the one-year validity is not enough, you should apply for a different type of visa appropriate for your stay purpose.
Umrah Visa for Australian Citizens
The Umrah visa for Australian citizens is ideal for those who prefer traditional pilgrimage packages through licensed agents. It’s a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, allowing you to perform Umrah only. No tourism or business activities are allowed.
Umrah Visa Eligibility Criteria
All Australian pilgrims applying for an Umrah visa must meet the following criteria:
- Muslim faith: Only Muslims are eligible to apply.
- Travel via approved agents: Bookings should be made through licensed travel operators approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
- Health requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations are required.
- Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to travel to Saudi Arabia on their own. Any travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is over 18.
Umrah Visa Requirements
All applicants must submit the following required documents:
A valid passport
Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months past the date of entry into KSA.
Proof of residency (if applicable)
Applicants residing in another country other than Australia at the time of application must provide valid proof of residency, such as a residency permit or work visa.
Return ticket
Applicants should provide a round-trip ticket to and from Saudi Arabia that departs within 90 days after arriving in the Kingdom.
A complete application form
The application form must be completed with the applicant’s contact details and personal information.
A certificate from a mosque or Islamic center (if applicable)
This only applies to Australian Muslims who have non-Muslim names or have converted to Islam.
Recent passport-sized photographs
Applicants must provide two passport-sized photographs that clearly show the applicant's face. They should be on a white background and meet the other mandatory guidelines as specified by the Saudi immigration authorities.
Valid vaccination certificate
All travelers must be vaccinated against Meningococcal Meningitis, while a COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. The Meningitis vaccination certificate should be less than three (3) years old and issued at least 10 days before entering Saudi Arabia. Polio vaccination is required for those coming from or transiting through high-risk countries, with a dose taken 4 weeks to 12 months before entry.
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers from affected regions and must be taken at least 10 days before arrival; the certificate is valid for life.
Travelers should have their vaccination certificate with them when they enter the country.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from Australia
Australian Muslims going on Umrah can take the following steps to complete their application online:
- Choose a licensed Umrah operator
Applicants must select an approved travel agency that offers Umrah packages.
- Submit the required documents
Provide the necessary paperwork, including a valid passport and vaccination proof.
- Pay the package fees
The fees will vary by agency and services included.
- Wait for approval
Processing typically takes between 5-10 working days. Applicants should plan for this time accordingly.
- Receive your visa
The Saudi Umrah Visa from Australia will be delivered electronically through an email notification.
Tips to Prevent Umrah Visa Rejection
If you want to prevent your Umrah visa from getting rejected, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Applicants should avoid any last-minute applications and keep in mind that approvals can take up to 10 working days.
- Applicants should ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
- Tickets should only be booked through licensed agents.
- Vaccinations must be up-to-date and within the stipulated validity period.
Umrah Visa Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for an Umrah visa is typically between 5-10 working days.
The cost of an Umrah Visa from Australia will vary by travel agency, but it typically starts at AUD 150, depending on the hotel, transportation, and other services included in the package.
Umrah Visa for Residents of Australia
For residents who are not Australian citizens, visa eligibility depends on their country of citizenship. However, most residents can apply for an Umrah visa online from Australia through authorized travel agents.
Documentation: Residents applying for the Umrah visa must provide a valid passport, proof of Australian residency, and health certificates.
Travel Tips for Umrah from Australia
Traveling to Saudi Arabia from Australia requires planning and awareness of Saudi laws and customs. Here are a few practical tips:
- Arrival airports: Pilgrims will typically land in Jeddah or Madinah.
- Clothing: Pilgrims are expected to dress modestly and in accordance with local customs.
- Currency: The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). There are exchange offices at the airport and in major cities. Pilgrims can also use debit, credit cards, and Google and Apple Pay in many places.
- Communication: Pilgrims can use a Saudi SIM, eSIM, or a roaming plan.
- Respect local customs: Avoid public displays of affection and follow religious guidelines.
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Australia
For visa support or emergencies, please contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Australia. They can be contacted here:
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia - Canberra
Address: 38 Guilfoyle Street, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6282 1222
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.saudiembassy.org.au
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Saudi tourist eVisa is highly recommended for its convenience, flexibility, and online application process.
Yes, you can perform Umrah with a tourist eVisa, but not during Hajj season.
Yes. The KSA Umrah visa is available via licensed agencies, or you can perform Umrah with the Saudi eVisa.
Typically 90 days from the date of entry.
Yes, if they hold eligible passports and meet the visa requirements.
Yes, proof of Meningitis vaccination is mandatory, and Polio and Yellow Fever vaccinations are also required in the specific cases outlined above.
No. Umrah visas are non-extendable. You must leave Saudi Arabia before the visa expires.
You can apply for an Umrah visa through authorized travel agents. You can also perform Umrah by applying for a tourist eVisa online.
Use the online portal to submit your application and get comprehensive visa services.
It refers to any Saudi visa an Australian citizen may apply for, including tourist, Umrah, business, or Hajj visas.
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