Difference Between Umrah Visa and Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a significant destination for travel and pilgrimage, particularly for Muslims performing the religious rites of Hajj and Umrah. The country is teeming with magnificent natural landscapes, historical sites, cultural experiences, and gastronomic adventures. It is also ranked among the safest travel destinations worldwide, with practical security considerations in place throughout its regions.

When it comes to visas for Indian nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia, it is important to consider the nature of your trip. Saudi Arabia offers a broad range of different visas, including tourist visa, Hajj Visa, Umrah visa, business visa, family visa, and more. It also offers special visas for government employees and diplomatic missions.

The following is a quick guide that seeks to clarify the key differences particularly between two main types of visas to Saudi Arabia - Umrah visa and tourist visa. Learn the details of each and determine which best suits your needs for your travel to Saudi Arabia.

What Is an Umrah Visa?

• Definition and Purpose

A Saudi Arabia Umrah visa is a special permit granted by the Saudi authorities to Muslims who wish to perform the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah in the Haram at Makkah (Mecca). It is a religious visa, designed specifically for the purpose of performing Umrah, making the journey especially simpler for those embarking on their very first pilgrimage.

• Who Can Apply

Any and all Muslims in India aged 18 and above are eligible to apply for an Umrah visa. Women aged 18 to 65 can apply without a Mahram, provided they have written permission to do so from their Mahram and travel in a recognized group. Children below 18 years of age cannot apply for the visa by themselves, and must be accompanied on the trip by a parent or legal guardian.

• Validity Period

The current validity period for an Umrah visa from India is 90 days from the date of issuance, which is a welcome extension from the previously existing 30-day validity. Depending on the specific type (single entry or multiple entry), these visas allow for stays of up to 15 to 30 days.

• Issuance through Licensed Agents

For Indian citizens, an Umrah visa is typically issued through authorized Umrah travel agencies licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and accredited by the Embassy. The Saudi Embassy may handle a few applications independently, but it is highly recommended to contract an agency for Umrah visa, as the process is quicker and much smoother.

• Travel Restrictions

Not just in India, but an Umrah visa issued in any country cannot be used for tourism, business, and other reasons, since it is meant solely for the holy Islamic pilgrimage. Also, while you can visit holy sites in Makkah and Madinah (Medina) as part of your Ziyarat during Umrah, there will be restrictions on this visa for travel to other parts of Saudi Arabia, particularly for tourism purposes.

What Is a Saudi Tourist Visa?

• Definition and Purpose

A Saudi Arabia tourist visa for Indians allows Indian nationals to visit the country primarily for tourism, besides other purposes like visiting family or friends, leisure, attending events, and for recreation. Multiple-entry visas have a one-year validity, allowing for a maximum stay of up to 90 days per visit. Single-entry visas are valid for 90 days with a 30-day stay limit per visit.

• Who Can Apply

All Indian citizens of legal age who wish to visit Saudi Arabia can apply for a tourist visa, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria, including holding an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended travel date. While non-Muslims can also apply for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia, there may be some restrictions, such as prohibition of entry into the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

• eVisa and Visa-On-Arrival Availability

Indians are eligible to apply for eVisa to Saudi Arabia only if they hold a valid GCC Residence Visa or a valid UK, Schengen, and US visa and have traveled with it. The aforementioned criteria is also applicable for Indians seeking a visa-on-arrival option, besides the requirement that they must be traveling with a Saudi national airline.

• It Can Be Used to Perform Umrah

The Saudi tourist visa you obtain from India can be used for performing Umrah during your stay in the country. However, it does not authorize you to perform the hallowed Hajj pilgrimage, which requires a separate and specific Hajj visa issued by the authorities only during the Hajj season each year.

Key Differences at a Glance

 

	Umrah Visa	Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Purpose	For religious Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah	For recreational travel and tourism throughout the country; also permits Umrah
Eligibility	Only Muslims can apply	Open to everyone, including non-Muslims
Application Process	Licensed Umrah travel agents must apply for Umrah visa on behalf of pilgrims	Can be applied online through the official Saudi e-Visa portal, subject to criteria
Duration and Validity	90 Days from issuance	Varying validity, depending on entry type
Entry Type	Typically single entry	Single or multiple entry
Travel Flexibility	Can travel within Saudi Arabia for religious purposes (Ziyarat)	Can travel within Saudi Arabia for tourism and recreation
Restrictions	Does not permit Hajj, work, general tourism, long-term residency, and driving	Does not permit Hajj, work, and study
Cost	Generally less expensive (approx. ₹8,000 to ₹15,000)	May be costlier, depending on entry type (approx. ₹8,000 to ₹20,000)

 

Can You Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa?

This is among the commonest queries most Indian Muslims have when planning their Umrah journey. Thankfully, the answer is yes, you can certainly perform Umrah on a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia. Ensuing is a quick overview of other critical information pertaining to Umrah visa and travel, offering clarity in the following key areas.

• Recent Updates from Saudi Authorities

The authorities in Saudi have currently suspended issuing Umrah, business, and family visas for a few countries, including India. The suspension is in place from mid-April to mid-June 2025, and is primarily for crowd control due to the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. The visas will be issued again shortly, once the Hajj period is complete. Note that the suspension does not affect residency permits and diplomatic visas.

• Limitations during Hajj Period

If you book an Umrah visa from India during the Hajj pilgrimage period, you cannot use the visa for any other purpose except for Umrah. You cannot use this visa for Hajj rituals and you cannot overstay the specified validity period. Violations of these rules may lead to major fines, deportation, detention, and a possible ban on all future entries.

• Solo Travel and Family Visits

Male Umrah pilgrims who meet the eligibility criteria can travel solo for their pilgrimage. Meanwhile, female Muslims aged 18 to 65 can now perform Umrah without a Mahram, but with some caveats in place. This entails them traveling in a recognized group and carrying a no-objection certificate from their Mahram to perform the pilgrimage. Families can travel to Saudi together for Umrah, and they can also stay with friends or relatives in the country during their visit.

Application Process Comparison

Umrah Visa

• Agent Involvement: You must contract a licensed agency to apply for an Umrah visa online, as the Saudi authorities do not allow direct applications from Indian nationals.

• Documents Needed: The application for Umrah visa must be accompanied with round-trip flight details, vaccination certificates, a passport with 6-month validity, bank statements, and so forth. It may also require specific documents as asked for by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, such as proof of Islamic faith from those with non-Muslim names.

• Group Travel Packages: Umrah visas can be processed for group travel by authorized agencies with relevant experience in doing so. Besides families, this can be beneficial for solo pilgrims who wish to join a group for their travel to Makkah.

Tourist Visa

• Online Self-Application: You can apply for a Saudi tourist visa online directly through the official Saudi e-Visa portal, provided you meet all listed eligibility criteria.

• Documents and Fees: You will need to submit relevant documents like a valid passport with 6 months' validity, proof of travel arrangements, financial statements, travel insurance proof, and so on. The visa fees will depend on whether it is single entry or double entry and other applicable factors.

• Visa Approval Timeline: The approval for a tourist visa generally takes around 3 to 10 business days. The processing time may be affected by verification checks, Embassy workload, application accuracy, and season demand (high during peak season).

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Scenario-Based Choice

Those traveling to Makkah only for Umrah can choose the Umrah visa, allowing them to travel for the sole purpose of pilgrimage. An eVisa is best if you wish to perform Umrah and also enjoy certain tourist activities, including recreation and family visits. For a low-budget travel experience, you can check the latest Umrah visa vs tourist visa price and choose likewise.

Ideal Choices for Different Travelers

Umrah visa offers a more streamlined process for solo pilgrims, ensuring everything is perfectly organized for their trip. It offers similar advantages for group travel to Makkah for Umrah, with added perks like guided Ziyarat tours in both holy cities. In contrast, a tourist visa can be more practical for family trips, as it allows space for sightseeing, kids' activities, and exploring other recreational undertakings.

FAQs

• Can non-Muslims apply for an Umrah visa?

No, they cannot. Umrah is the lesser or minor Islamic pilgrimage made to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, which only Muslims can perform. Additionally, entry into Makkah is also restricted, permitting only Muslims. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy city of Makkah and sacred sites in Madinah.

• Is a tourist visa valid for Hajj?

No, a tourist visa to Saudi is not valid to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The Saudi authorities will issue a specifically separate Hajj visa at the time of the pilgrimage each year.

• Can I switch from a tourist visa to Umrah visa later?

No, it is not possible to switch from a tourist visa to Umrah visa at any given time of the trip. You will need to exit the country and reapply for an Umrah visa if you want one. However, note that you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa as well.

Trusted Sources & References

You can get more details on Umrah, Hajj, and tourist visas, and other general travel information and updates at the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Conclusion

While you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa, an Umrah visa may offer a more streamlined experience. The validity and entry type for each varies, as do the restrictions, travel flexibility, and cost. Additionally, the process for each may take a long time or be done quickly, depending on factors like application accuracy, travel season, verification checks, and Embassy workload, so it's best to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.

 

Whether you're going by the latest Umrah visa price or travel convenience that combines pilgrimage with tourism experiences, it is crucial to select the right visa type tailored precisely to your needs. Making the correct choice can impact your overall voyage to Makkah city.

 

Contact a travel specialist today to book your Umrah visa or a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia. You can plan a trip around your budget by making inquiries and taking their guidance to find the best option for your journey to the Holy Land.