Umrah Entry for South Africa Citizens : How to Apply, Requirements, Eligibility & Fee in September 2024
Citizens of South Africa are required to obtain a entry to perform Umrah. A specific Umrah entry is mandatory for South African passport holders to undertake this significant pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Umrah is a vital spiritual journey for Muslims, and obtaining the correct entry is essential to ensure your pilgrimage proceeds smoothly. South African citizens need to provide necessary documents like a valid passport, recent photographs, and vaccination certificates when applying for the Umrah entry. The application process can be easily completed online through the visitssaudia website. Our team at visitssaudia offers full support throughout the process, handling all required documents and ensuring a seamless entry approval. We advise applying for your Umrah entry well in advance to avoid delays and guarantee a hassle-free pilgrimage.
Umrah visa Processing Steps
Umrah Entry Processing Steps
Applying for the Umrah entry can be very complex, but we are here to reduce that burden for you. This guide walks you through the entire application process — from application submission to approval. Tick all these boxes to get a hassle-free Umrah entry application.
Types Of Umrah Entry
Umrah offers a variety of entry types to accommodate different travel purposes. Here are the primary entry categories available for South Africa citizens:
Transit Entry
Pilgrims travelling through Saudi Arabia to other destinations can apply for a Transit Umrah Entry. This entry type allows for a short stay in the kingdom, during which pilgrims can perform Umrah rituals before continuing their journey.
Single Entry Entry
A Single Entry Umrah Entry grants permission for one pilgrimage journey to Mecca within a specified timeframe. This entry type is suitable for individuals planning a solitary Umrah pilgrimage without combining it with Hajj.
Multiple Entry Entry
Pilgrims opting for a Multiple Entry Umrah Entry have the flexibility to undertake Umrah multiple times within a designated period. This entry caters to individuals who anticipate making multiple Umrah trips or wish to combine Umrah visits with other travel plans.
Umrah Entry Hajj
The Umrah Entry with Hajj allows pilgrims to perform both Umrah and Hajj during the pilgrimage season. Pilgrims commence with the rituals of Umrah followed by the rituals of Hajj, fulfilling both sacred obligations in a single journey.
Family Entry
Tailored for individuals and families seeking to make Saudi arabia their home. Whether it's for employment, investment, or retirement, this entry offers a pathway to settling down in one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, with access to top-notch amenities and a vibrant expatriate community.
Group Entry
The Group Umrah Entry is designed for organised groups such as tour groups or religious organisations. It simplifies the entry application process and ensures coordinated travel arrangements for a large number of pilgrims travelling together.
VIP Entry
The VIP Umrah Entry offers premium services and amenities, including expedited entry processing, luxury accommodations, and personalised assistance throughout the pilgrimage journey. It caters to individuals seeking a heightened level of comfort and convenience during their sacred pilgrimage experience.
Umrah Entry Fees for South Africa Citizens in October 2025
Entry fees for South Africa citizens vary depending on the type and duration of the entry:
| Type of Visa | VISA FEE ($) | Express Delivery (99 $) | Insurance ($) | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply Now |
Umrah Entry Document Required in October 2025
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Passport: A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond your intended stay in Palestine.
Photo- Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specific requirements of the Palestine embassy or consulate.
Proof of Accommodation: Confirmation of hotel bookings or a letter of invitation if staying with friends or family.
Bank statements: Availability of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Palestine. This can include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or proof of employment.
Travel Itinerary: A copy of your travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation details.
Additional Documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need to provide additional documents such as a letter of invitation, business contacts, or proof of employment
Eligibility Criteria
Islam as the Religion: An Umrah entry will not be granted unless one is a practicing Muslim, who undertakes religious ramifications. Anyone unfamiliar with Islam and Muslim customs should learn about them before entering Saudi Arabia.- Valid Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months from the application date of the Umrah entry.
- Health and Fitness: Pilgrims must be in good health and physically fit for the pilgrimage. They must also meet specific health criteria set by Saudi Arabia, including necessary vaccinations.
- Financial Capability: You need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your Umrah expenses, including flights, accommodation, and other related costs.
- Umrah Booking Confirmation: When pilgrims consult their travel agencies, the agency arranges a confirmed booking, detailing travel plans and accommodation.
- Mahram Requirement (Female): Women under 45 are not allowed to travel alone and must have a male guardian (mahram) with them. Alternatively, a notarized letter of consent from the mahram is required.
Documents Required
South Africa citizens applying for a Umrah entry must prepare and submit the following documents, which may vary slightly depending on the specific entry type:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry application.
- Entry Application Form: A completed entry application form, accurately filled with all necessary details.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background, meeting specific size and format requirements.
- Proof of Identity: Valid identity proof such as a national ID card or driver’s license.
- Proof of Residence: Documents confirming residential address, like utility bills or rental agreements.
- Travel Itinerary: Confirmed travel details, including flight bookings, accommodation reservations, and local transportation arrangements.
- Letter of Consent (for female pilgrims): For female pilgrims traveling without a mahram, a notarized letter of consent from their mahram authorizing the travel is required.
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If a female pilgrim is traveling with a male relative who is not her husband, proof of relationship such as a marriage certificate is needed.
- Financial Documentation: Proof of sufficient funds to cover the pilgrimage expenses, such as recent bank statements or a sponsorship letter.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance that provides coverage in Saudi Arabia for the duration of the pilgrimage.
- Umrah/Hajj Package Booking Confirmation: Confirmation of booking with a licensed Umrah/Hajj travel agency, detailing the package purchased and services included.
- Additional Requirements: Depending on nationality and specific circumstances, additional documents may be needed. It is adentryble to check with the relevant consulate or embassy for precise requirements.
How To Apply
The process for applying for a Umrah entry for South Africa citizens can be completed online or through authorized entry centers. Here are the general steps:
- Select Entry Type: Determine the appropriate entry type based on the purpose and duration of the visit.
- Complete Online Application: Visit the official Umrah entry portal or the website of an authorized entry service to fill out the application form.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents as per the checklist and ensure they meet the specified criteria.
- Submit Application: Upload the completed application form and supporting documents online or submit them at an authorized entry application center in South Africa.
- Pay Entry Fee: Pay the non-refundable entry application fee using a credit/debit card or through bank transfer as specified by the service provider.
- Track Application: Use the application reference number to track the progress of the entry application online.
- Receive Entry: Upon approval, receive the e-entry via email, which can be printed and presented upon arrival in Umrah.
Hajj Entry Eligibility Required
- Islam is a religion : As with Umrah, the main eligibility criterion for a Hajj entry applicant is that the individual must be a practicing Muslim as Hajj is among the five pillars of Islam.
- Validity of Passport : In order for the applicant to get a Hajj entry, the passport should be valid for at least six months from the time of application.
- Health and Fitness : Pilgrims are undertaking the hard journey of Hajj and as such, should be in good physical health to undertake it. They may be required to produce a medical certificate of fitness to travel.
- Financial Capability : The applicants shall establish that they have sufficient financial resources to bear the expenses of Hajj, travel, and all other expenses.
- Hajj Booking Confirmation : The pilgrims should have a confirmed booking from an accredited Hajj travel agency, clearly showing the record of travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Mahram Requirement (Women) : As in Umrah, women below a certain age—usually below 45—need to travel accompanied by a mahram or submit a notarized letter of consent from the mahram.
Entry Fee
The entry fees differ according to the type of entry, and other factors that the consulate in South Africa may consider. No matter you are going to get a tourist, business, work, student, long-term, transit or any other entry type, all of them carry different prices for the service. Further, the necessary expenses which are charged along with the simple fees, may be known as the administrative or service fees. For the services which can be processed as quickly as possible, you should be ready for increased prices. For the most part, the fees for entry services would have to be obtained by contacting the Umrah Consulate in South Africa these fees vary from time to time and depending on the type of entry to be processed.
Things to know before visiting Umrah September 2024
- Umrah entrys for Saudi Arabia guarantee you entry into the Kingdom, covering the performance of Umrah and visiting friends and family.
- This entry does not avail you of the opportunity to perform your Hajj; for that, you will need a separate Hajj entry. With this entry, you will be permitted to carry the holy sand or water.
- The Saudi Arabian Umrah entry is valid for one year, with a stay of up to 90 days per visit.
- You can apply online for an Umrah entry with visitssaudia . We will take care of all the paperwork, which will include confirming that your application meets all the requirements set by the government.
- In your case, for this e-entry application, the validity of your passport should be at least six months from the date you will arrive in Saudi Arabia.
- Obtaining this entry requires a fee of US$150.
- You can verify if you are legally permitted to enter that land using our entry checker tool.
- Their children are also required to have a separate Umrah entry in order to enter Saudi Arabia.
- This type of entry is not required for transit through Saudi Arabia.
- Currently, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for this country. However, we recommend being in touch with current news about COVID-19 because changes in restrictions are always possible.
- visitssaudia is a reliable company accredited by the International Air Transport Association IATA.
What is an Umrah Entry?
An Umrah entry is a kind of travel document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when one goes on a pilgrimage to perform Umrah. Umrah generally refers to the holiest pilgrimage to the sacred Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims can make at any time during the year. The objective of this pilgrimage is for forgiveness from God. visitssaudia renders matchless and trouble-free services for the Umrah entry of all countries' pilgrims to perform this religious tour.
What is Umrah?
Every year, millions of Muslims make a journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the performance of Umrah, the great sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Kaaba. During the rituals that take place within Mecca, pilgrims perform an array of acts as a means of soul purification and seeking forgiveness from Allah. Unlike the Hajj, Umrah is a voluntary act that reflects deep love, devotion, and gratitude to Allah. It could be performed at any time of the year when Muslims get an opportunity to come closer to their religion and to get the blessings from Allah.
New Umrah Entry Rule Introduced in 2024
- In 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia introduced new regulations related to the Umrah entry. Among the new changes is increasing the validity period of the entry from a maximum of 30 days to a maximum of 90 days. The extended stay gives an allowance for more time to be given to pilgrims to perform Umrah.
- On top of that, the new rule effective in 2024 dictates that all holders of valid tourist entrys or Schengen entrys are permitted to perform Umrah without taking any Umrah entry. It will make the people traveling for leisure or business purposes extremely eased on this sacred pilgrimage.
- An Umrah entry has also opened the circle of nationalities wider in Saudi Arabia, with simpler access to Muslims from around the world. This is indicative of the nation's determination to receive an increased number of pilgrims each coming year. With these changes, Umrah in 2024 will be set for a more convenient and enriching spiritual journey for all Muslims of the world.
Apply Umrah Entry Online
keep these points before applying for Umrah Entry:
- Besides, all the other restrictions you have to be cautious not to carry weapons, guns, and metals with sharp edges.
- Fill out the online Umrah entry application form, which will be available through the Saudi online entry application. The estimated time required is 10-12 minutes for each candidate, given that the applicant has all the required data, as has been described below.
- Please follow our dedicated page to understand how to fill out the online entry form. You will still be asked for your passport details, uploading digital photos, and you will need to give your travel schedule, contact information, and the type of entry you require when you arrive.
- Pay and receive automatic confirmation of application receipt. This letter will serve as an acknowledgement to prove that you have submitted your application to us, and one of our immigration advisors based in London will review your application personally.
- A entry application shall be submitted to and scrutinized by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or MOFA for approval or disapproval. The entry medical travel insurance administered along with this and it will cover your journey while there.
- The online KSA entry, together with the medical insurance, will be sent to you via email. The applicant needs to print out a copy that he will carry while traveling to Saudi Arabia, Umrah, as this will be required during the check at the airport.
- In case you have a medical condition, you must carry with you a copy of your doctor's prescription before traveling. In case this serious medical condition is traced at the airport, you will be admitted in the hospital without any involvement of staffing department.
- The Saudi Arabian Government has extended the validity of Umrah entry from 1 month to 3 months.