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Understanding Your Visa Options
Planning your Umrah begins with making sure you have the correct travel authorisation. For South African passport holders, Saudi Arabia currently offers several routes for travelling to the Kingdom for Umrah, subject to eligibility and the regulations applicable at the time of travel.
One of the most convenient options is the Saudi Tourist eVisa, which permits eligible South African travellers to perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season. A dedicated Umrah visa is also available through the official Saudi visa system.
Visa regulations can change, particularly around the Hajj season. Pilgrims should therefore confirm the latest requirements before making travel arrangements.
Important
A tourist visa or Umrah visa does not authorise you to perform Hajj.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has explicitly stated that the Hajj visa is the only visa that permits a person to perform Hajj. Travelling to Saudi Arabia on another type of visa does not give a person permission to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
Saudi Tourist eVisa
South Africa is currently included on Saudi Arabia’s list of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for the electronic tourist visa.
The tourist eVisa can be used for tourism, family and relatives visits, events and Umrah, excluding Hajj.
How long is the Tourist eVisa valid?
The standard Saudi tourist eVisa is:
- Valid for 1 year from the date of issue
- Multiple entry
- Allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days
- Cannot be extended
- Can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season
The exact conditions attached to an issued visa should always be checked, as the individual visa document takes precedence.
How long must my passport be valid?
Your South African passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia when applying for the tourist eVisa.
We recommend checking your passport well in advance of your intended departure date.
Umrah Visa
South African pilgrims may also apply for a dedicated Umrah visa through the official Saudi visa system.
The Saudi government’s current Umrah visa service allows applicants outside the Kingdom to submit their information and supporting documentation electronically. The process includes providing passport, travel and accommodation information, arranging the required medical insurance, paying the applicable fees and tracking the application online. Once approved, the Umrah visa is issued electronically.
The current Saudi government visa platform indicates:
Single-Entry Umrah Visa
- Validity: 90 days
- Stay: Up to 90 days
Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa
- Validity: 1 year
- Stay: Up to 90 days
These conditions are subject to the applicable Saudi regulations at the time of application.
Tourist Visa vs Umrah Visa
| Tourist eVisa | Umrah Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Available to South Africans | Yes | Yes |
| Umrah permitted | Yes, outside Hajj | Yes |
| Hajj permitted | No | No |
| Standard validity | 1 year | 90 days single-entry / 1 year multiple-entry |
| Entries | Multiple | Depends on visa issued |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Application | Online | Official Saudi visa system / approved channels |