Saudi Umrah Visa for Thai citizens
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers Umrah Visa, a special travel authorization that allows Muslims to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, a voluntary pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah which can be performed at any time of the year (outside of the Hajj season).
Umrah is considered a Sunnah which can be performed multiple times. It involves a set of spiritual rituals and holds great spiritual reward performing it. It serves as a path for Muslims to cleanse their sins, seek inner peace and ask Allah for mercy and guidance.
It is different from Hajj, as Hajj is performed during specific dates of the Islamic calendar, and is mandatory for Muslims who are eligible.
Do Thai nationals need to apply for a visa to visit Saudi for Umrah?
Yes, Thai citizens wishing to perform Umrah need to apply for a visa, which allows them to visit Makkah and Madinah to undertake this holy pilgrimage. There are different options available to apply for a visa for Umrah, according to your need and convenience you can choose any one of the visas.
What are the Various Visa Options for Thai citizens to Apply for Umrah?
The Saudi government allows Thai nationals who are Muslims to apply for Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. To streamline the visa application process for Umrah, the Saudi government has introduced different ways which facilitate easier access for Thai nationals.
- Saudi Umrah Visa (via Nusuk platform or through authorized travel agent)
- Saudi Tourist eVisa (offers Tourism & to perform Umrah)
What is a Saudi Umrah Visa?
Muslims seeking to perform Umrah, a spiritual pilgrimage that is not mandatory but highly encouraged can apply for a special visa issued by Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides the Umrah visa, a travel authorization that permits Muslims to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for Umrah. Hajj is different as it has fixed dates, Umrah is not limited to specific dates, can be carried out at any time of the year, except the Hajj season.
Note: Umrah is not allowed to perform during the Hajj season, so make sure it does not coincide.
Key Details About Saudi Umrah Visa
Cannot be performed during Hajj
Whether you are applying for the dedicated Umrah Visa or the Saudi Tourist eVisa, you cannot use it during the Hajj period. You will have to visit before or after the Hajj, i.e. at least 15 days before and after the Hajj.
Does Not Allow Employment
Those holding Umrah visa cannot use it for work-related reasons, it is solely for seeking a spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah.
Departure Mandatory Before Deadline
Extending your stay beyond the Umrah visa validity is illegal, and violating the Umrah visa terms by overstaying, you risk facing heavy fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia.
Travel Limited to Mecca and Medina Under Umrah Visa
You must know that Umrah Visa allows entry only to holy cities.
Access Restricted to Muslims Only
Umrah is strictly for Muslims, only Muslims may enter Mecca and perform Umrah.
Download the Mandatory Apps for Umrah
Here is a list of the two important apps that you must download if you are here in Saudi Arabia to perform the holy pilgrimage, Umrah.
Tawakkalna: Mandatory for all pilgrims to keep a track of health status.
Nusuk or Eatmarna: Necessary to book prayer slots and visiting important religious landmarks.
What are essential Eligibility criteria for an Umrah Visa for Thai citizens?
Saudi Umrah visa for Thai citizens, so Thailand passport holders are eligible to apply for the Umrah visa, provided they must meet specific criteria before their application can be considered.
Criteria for Saudi Umrah Visa Approval
Religion: One of the main requirements is that the pilgrim must be Muslim, non-Muslims are strictly barred from entering the sacred cities..
Valid Thailand Passport: Must not expire within six months of the application date and should have blank pages for visa stamp.
Latest Passport-Photograph: Provide recent passport photo clicked on a white background.
Age-Related Conditions:
- Adults: No maximum age limit is set for adults, except that they are medically and physically fit for travel and should provide a health certificate for that.
- Minors (under 18): Children cannot travel alone, must be under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
Travel Conditions for Women Under 45:
- Women are not permitted to travel for Umrah alone, a Mahram (male guardian) is required to accompany female applicants on the Umrah pilgrimage. OR
- Women travelling in the absence of a Mahram, are only permitted to travel in groups, and a legally certified permission letter must be submitted by them.
Mandatory Vaccination Proof for Entry:
Travelers are required to show proof of vaccination for Meningitis (ACWY, which is mandatory), COVID-19, seasonal flu, and Polio or Yellow Fever (required only in specific travel cases).
Health Insurance Coverage:
- Emergency medical services
- Medical care provisions during the Umrah visit
- And other health benefits.
Travel Details and Booking:
It is necessary to present confirmed flight and hotel reservations. The flight tickets booked should be round-trip with no option for refunding or rescheduling it. Hotel bookings must be made only in Mecca and Madina, as Umrah Visa allows entry to these places only.
Criteria for Saudi Tourist eVisa (Offers Tourism + Umrah) Approval
For Saudi eVisa Thai citizens, applicants must ensure to fulfil the following criterias, or else your application might not be accepted.
Thai Nationality: In addition to traditional Umrah visas, Thai citizens may also apply for a Saudi eVisa, enabling them to explore the country and perform Umrah.
Reason for Your Trip:
- Visitors using a tourist eVisa may perform Umrah and explore Saudi Arabia; they are not valid for the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Tourist eVisa cannot be used during the official Hajj season to perform Umrah.
Valid Thailand Passport: Must not expire within six months of the application date and should have blank pages for visa stamp.
Vaccination Proof for Entry:
Travelers are required to show proof of vaccination for Meningitis (ACWY, which is mandatory), COVID-19, seasonal flu, and Polio or Yellow Fever (required only in specific travel cases).
Required Health Insurance Coverage Details: That takes care of medical, emergency evacuation etc.
Return Ticket: The flight tickets booked should be round-trip with no option for refunding or rescheduling it.
Accommodation: Confirmed booking of your stay in the country for the complete duration of your trip.
What are the Essential Documents for an Umrah Visa application?
Saudi Umrah visa for Thai citizens, in order to fill the Umrah visa application form you must have the mentioned documents.
Documents Required for a Saudi Umrah Visa:
Valid Thailand Passport: Must not expire within six months of the application date and should have blank pages for visa stamp.
Completed Umrah Visa Application Form: Submit the form through Nusuk platform (official Saudi website) or authorised Umrah Visa travel agent.
Latest Passport-Photograph: Provide recent passport photo clicked on a white background.
Confirmed Return Ticket: The flight tickets booked should be round-trip with no option for refunding or rescheduling it.
Accommodation Booking: Hotel bookings must be made only in Mecca and Madina, as Umrah Visa allows entry to these places only.
Required Vaccinations for Entry:
Travelers are required to show proof of vaccination for Meningitis (ACWY, which is mandatory), COVID-19, seasonal flu, and Polio or Yellow Fever (required only in specific travel cases).
Travel Insurance Coverage Details: That includes emergency medical services and Medical care provisions during the Umrah visit.
Conditions for Women Under 45:
- Women are not permitted to travel for Umrah alone, a Mahram (male guardian) is required to accompany female applicants on the Umrah pilgrimage. OR
- Women travelling in the absence of a Mahram, are only permitted to travel in groups, and a legally certified permission letter must be submitted by them.
Official Conversion Certificate Requirement: A certificate of conversion to Islam is necessary for converts, especially where the applicant's name or appearance does not clearly identify them as Muslim.
Documents Required for Saudi Tourist eVisa (offers both Tourism & Umrah):
Valid Thailand Passport: Must not expire within six months of the application date and should have blank pages for visa stamp.
Passport-Photo: Provide recent passport photo clicked on a white background.
Submit Saudi eVisa Application: Apply for Umrah through Saudi Tourist eVisa that includes both Tourism and Umrah.
eVisa Fee Payment: The fee varies and you will have to pay by using debit/ credit card.
Travel Health Insurance certificate: To be sure that in case of medical emergencies in Saudi you have the health insurance.
Show proof of vaccination: Meningitis (ACWY, which is mandatory), COVID-19, seasonal flu, and Polio or Yellow Fever (required only in specific travel cases).
What are the application steps Thai citizens should follow for an Umrah Visa?
Saudi Umrah Visa for Thai citizens, here is the list of the steps that you must follow according to the type of visa you have applied for.
Steps to Follow to Apply for Dedicated Umrah Visa
To apply for a dedicated Umrah visa you can either apply through the official online Saudi website known as Nusuk platform or otherwise via an authorised travel agent, whatever comforts you.
Step 1: Visit online the official Saudi website known as Nusuk platform, register and fill the application form. Otherwise, another option for an Umrah visa is to take help from an authorised travel agent.
Step 2: Furnish the requested documents like Thai passport, photo, mandatory Meningitis vaccination certificate, travel insurance, booked flights and hotel details in Makkah and Madinah, and certain additional documents for women travelers.
Step 3: Once done, submit the form, you will have to wait for some days for the processing of your visa.
Step 4: Before the provided estimated time duration, the applicants will receive their visa via mail.
How much time does it require to process the Umrah Visa via the Nusuk platform?
The standard processing time of the Umrah visa by Nusuk platform is around 5 business days, but some applicants might expect delays in case it is the peak season. It is suggested to apply in advance, as the processing time varies due to a number of factors like season, volume of applications, your nationality, and if any supporting documents needed.
Steps to Follow to Apply for Saudi Tourist eVisa (includes Tourism & Umrah):
Saudi eVisa for Thai citizens, this is the most convenient, and fastest option to get a visa which offers both Tourism and Umrah. The application is smooth and easy to apply, a complete online procedure from form submission to receiving it via mail.
Step 1: Go to the Saudi eVisa website and apply for the Saudi Tourist eVisa.
Step 2: When you land on the eVisa application form page, fill the form which consists of basic personal questions, your full name, passport number, mobile number, email address, travel details, etc.
Important info: With the Saudi Tourist eVisa if you have plans to perform Umrah, you have to know the basic criterias especially for women under 45 and above 45 and minors.
Step 3: The fees of the Saudi Tourist eVisa will vary depending on your nationality, duration and type of visa you have chosen.
Step 4: The processing time of the Saudi Tourist eVisa is 1-3 working days, within this time frame you will receive the visa by your email ID.
What is the Saudi Tourist eVisa Validity?
- If you have chosen Saudi Tourist eVisa with multiple entry, it is for Valid for One-year
- Each stay is allowed only for 90 days per visit
Now, you know the types of visas available to visit Saudi to perform Umrah. Whatever suits your requirements accordingly you can apply. If you want any help to apply for Saudi Tourist eVisa to perform Umrah, you can get in touch with us.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.