Yes, an Umrah visa is required to perform the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The visa is issued by the Saudi Arabian government either directly or through a licensed travel agency. The application process may vary depending on your country of residence and nationality.

If you are applying for a Saudi Arabia visa, you need to have the basic requirements:

• Passport: You should have a valid passport when leaving or entering Saudi Arabia. It should be valid for six months from the date of arrival.

• Photographs:  Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the visa photo requirements. 

• Valid visas: If you have a valid UK/US/Schengen visa and have travelled with it, you can apply for an e-visa; otherwise, you must get a normal visa.

Or 

• GCC residency: If you are a GCC resident (the GCC is a regional union comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), you can opt for an e-visa.

The Saudi Arabia Umrah visa is a PDF document that you receive via email. It contains details like name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, visa type, validity dates, duration of stay, visa number, and a barcode or QR code for verification. Here is the sample for your reference.

The Saudi Umrah visa is a single-entry visa valid for 90 days and allows for a stay of up to 14 days.

You must contact an authorised platform like Atlys for an Umrah visa application. Atlys is officially approved to handle Umrah visa applications and possesses the necessary expertise to guide you.

To undertake the Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage, you must have pre-booked accommodation, flights, an inter-travel itinerary, etc. Proof of these must be presented upon arrival at the airport. Failure to provide evidence may result in significant financial penalties. So, you are advised to apply for an Umrah visa separately through authorised channels like Atlys.

While Al Madinah is open to all tourists, access to Makkah is restricted to Muslim visitors. Tourists with valid visas can explore Al Madinah and its surroundings, but visiting Makkah is prohibited for non-muslims.

If you are entering Saudi Arabia for the first time using a Schengen, UK, or US visa or residency permit, please ensure the following:

• Your Schengen, UK, or US visa or permit is currently valid, and you must have travelled once with the visa.

• Your visa is categorised as a business or tourist visa.

• Your visa or permit has a physical entry stamp from the issuing country (digital stamps are not accepted).

Yes. You can perform Umrah with any other visa, such as a Saudi visa for tourism, a visit visa or a work visa. 

There is no limit to the number of times you can perform Umrah in your lifetime. However, for each visit, you must obtain a valid Umrah visa.

No. It is important to adhere to the time mentioned on the permit. Otherwise, you can apply again after the expiration date.

Yes, you can perform Umrah with a transit/stopover Saudi visa, provided the visa allows entry into Saudi Arabia for religious purposes. Saudi Arabia offers transit visas for travellers passing through the country, and depending on the specific visa conditions, these visas may allow you to perform Umrah.

Please note that Hajj travel is not allowed with transit visas.

Yes, you must print out your e-visa before travelling to Saudi Arabia, as you must have a physical copy when you land at the airport.

Atlys guarantees the timely delivery of visas as promised. Additional benefits of choosing Atlys as your visa partner include:

• Streamlined visa application: Atlys simplifies the visa application process, saving you time and effort.

• User-friendly platform: The platform is designed for ease of use, making the application process straightforward and hassle-free.

• Secure handling: Your personal information is handled with the utmost security and confidentiality.

The application process will vary depending on your nationality and residency. You can apply for an Umrah visa through several methods, including the e-visa, a visa through a travel package, authorised visa agencies like Atlys, or via the embassy or consulate. If you're eligible to apply online, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Visit: Go to the Saudi Arabia-authorised Umrah e-visa channel.

2. Register your email ID: Register for an account on the e-visa website.

3. Application form: Complete the online e-visa application form with accurate details and upload the required documents as specified.

4. Apply: Submit your completed application form, select the insurance provider, and await confirmation.

5. Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa application fee online using the available payment methods.

6. Receive confirmation: You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application. This email may contain further instructions or requests for additional documents.

7. Wait for processing: Processing times can vary. Monitor your email for updates on the status of your application.

8. Receive your e-visa: Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive an email notification. Download the e-visa document, print a hard copy, and keep a digital copy to present upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

You will get your approved Saudi Arabia Umrah visa at your registered email address.

• Email: Once your e-visa application is processed and approved, the Saudi Arabia e-visa authorities will notify you.

• Download: The email will contain a link or instructions for downloading your e-visa, which will be in PDF format.

• Print and carry: Download and print a hard copy of the e-visa. It is also advisable to keep a digital copy on your electronic devices. When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you must present this e-visa and your passport.

There could be several reasons for rejecting your Saudi Arabia visa application, and You should know and avoid them. Some of the common reasons are: 

• Incomplete documentation: Ensure all required documents are submitted accurately.

• Invalid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

• Previous immigration violations: Address any past immigration issues transparently.

• Incomplete application: Fill out the visa application form completely and correctly.

Yes, with an Umrah visa, you are generally allowed to travel between cities within Saudi Arabia. However, the primary purpose of the visa is to perform Umrah in Mecca. While you can visit other cities such as Makkah al-Mukarramah, Medina, etc, it's important to note that your travel must align with the terms and conditions of the Umrah visa. 

No. Umrah visa holders can enter and leave from any international or regional airport.