Saudi Arabia has now allowed South Africans to apply for a Tourist Visa. It has been a long wait and it’s finally here. But should you actually apply for the tourist visa or go with the Umrah visa? In this article we will discuss 8 differences between the Tourist Visa and the Umrah Visa to help you make your decision.
Validity
The Tourist Visa is a multiple-entry visa and the maximum stay allowed is 90 days.
The Umrah visa is a single-entry visa with a maximum stay of also 90 days.
Insurance
With your tourist visa you are required to take out travel insurance as well. This insurance only covers emergency cases.
As an Umrah Visa holder your health treatment is covered by the Saudi Arabian government no matter if it is routine medical care or an emergency case.
Arrival into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tourist visa holders may enter Saudi Arabia at any time of the year.
Umrah Visas are controlled by the Saudi Arabian Embassy. They do not issue Umrah Visa’s during the Hajj season.
ZamZam Water
As a tourist visa holder you cannot take ZamZam water with you when leaving Saudi Arabia. (Based on feedback from recent travellers on a tourist visa, they were actually allowed to take ZamZam water home with them)
Umrah visa holders are allowed to take 1 ZamZam bottle each.
How to apply
Tourist visa applications can be done online.
Umrah Visa applications must be done through an accredited agent.
Cost of the Visa
Tourist visa application is currently SAR440.
The Umrah visa does not have an official fee and this would depend on the price an accredited agent will charge you.
Religion
Irrespective of your religion, anyone may apply for a tourist visa.
To apply for an Umrah Visa you have to be a muslim.
Nationality
Currently, citizens of 49 countries may apply for a Saudi Arabian Tourist Visa.
To apply for an Umrah Visa there is no restriction here and all nationalities from around the world may apply.
Above are 8 differences between the Tourist Visa and Umrah Visa. Now you might be wondering what do these visas have in common?
– With both visas you may perform Umrah.
– Hajj cannot be performed with any of the above visas.
– Both the Tourist and Umrah visa allow you to enter Saudi Arabia through any airport.
Additional Information
- Zam Zam is allowed on Tourist Visa, Umrah visas are R2800 base line price, and additional services get added on, so can go up to R3300
- Visa on arrival is 480SAR
- Umrah Visas are managed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. not Saudi Embassy.
UMRAH VISAS
- Includes accomodation insurance and the direct intervention and resolution for an aggrieved Mutamireen should they arrive and not have their allocated/booked accomodation provided for them.
- Access to free primary healthcare and priority care in case of an emergency at any government ministry of health clinic, hospital or facility.
- Yes, there is a slightly cheaper cost and benefit of multiple entry on a tourist visa, but the single entry Umrah visa provides security and peace of mind especially during peak travel times.
Disclaimer: The information in this article should be used for information purposes only. It is based on research by the Halaal Travels team as at 3 January 2024. Any of the above information may subsequently change. Please do your own research before you apply for either a Tourist Visa or an Umrah Visa.
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