How to Obtain Your Umrah Visa from Germany

Introduction

Embarking on the spiritual journey of Umrah is a cherished aspiration for Muslims worldwide. For residents of Germany, obtaining an Umrah visa is a crucial step towards fulfilling this sacred obligation.

Muslims believe that by completing Umrah or Hajj, they can seek forgiveness and purify themselves of sin. If the pilgrimage is completed sincerely and is accepted by Allah, they will attain spiritual renewal, reborn just like a child.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various options available for obtaining an Umrah visa from Germany, including the e-visa, visa on arrival, and transit/stopover visa. Additionally, we will address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide clarity and assistance throughout the visa application process.

Eligibility

As Saudi Arabia opens its gates further to the world, it has currently identified certain nationalities, residents, and visa holders who are eligible for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival.

Both German citizens and residents are among those eligible to apply for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival. With these visa options, visitors are permitted to do many things in Saudi Arabia, from taking part in tourism activities, attending business meetings or business conferences, visiting family and friends, to performing Umrah.

Let’s explore the different visa options available to German citizens and residents for them to perform Umrah.

Option 1: Saudi e-visa

The Saudi e-visa program, launched in September 2019, makes it easier for citizens from eligible countries such as the US to secure a Saudi e-visa or a Saudi visa on arrival. It allows foreign nationals entry into Saudi Arabia for various purposes such as tourism, business, and even Umrah.

Apart from eligible nationalities (including dual citizens from eligible countries), permanent residents in the US, EU, or the UK; holders of visit visas (Schengen, US, UK); and residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) are also eligible for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival.

How the Saudi e-visa works

Now that we know who is eligible for a Saudi e-visa, let’s understand how it works.

Under the new e-visa system, eligible travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia don’t need a visa sticker stamped on their passports. Instead, these are replaced by a printed e-visa featuring a QR code. This QR code will contain all the essential data and information about the passenger, effectively functioning as a digital visa. The e-visa can be accessed online and will be instantly delivered via email. Under an e-visa, you can typically stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days.

Application

To apply for a Saudi e-visa, visit KSA Visa–Saudi Arabia’s unified platform for visa applications–and select the e-visa of your choice, and fill out the online application form.

Provide your personal information and passport details. Next, upload a digital passport-size photo with a white background.

Based on your submitted application, the form will generate the corresponding visa validity: 365 days or 1 year for a multiple-entry visa and 90 days for a single-entry visa. Both single and multiple-entry visas are valid for a total of 90 days.

Visa fees

The visa application fee includes $80 for the visa fee (refundable), $10.50 for the visa digital service fee (non-refundable), $10.50 for the insurance digital service fee (non-refundable), and the insurance fees.
Note that the insurance fee will vary depending on your chosen medical insurance provider). You can pay via international debit or credit card.

Processing time

Now that you’ve completed your online visa application form, it’s time to wait. The processing time can take anywhere between 1 minute to 3 business days, so make sure you get an e-visa ahead of time. You’ll know if your visa has been approved once you receive an e-mail from KSA Visa.

Checking the application status

To check the status of your e-visa application, log in to your KSA Visa account and check out the “Order Tracking” tool at the top. Just enter your application or visa number and your passport number so the system can generate the status of your e-visa application.

Applying on behalf of children or a group

Once you have your own approved e-visa, you may start applying for a Saudi e-visa on behalf of your children. If you are their legal guardian, then you should apply for the children’s e-visa using your account. Simply tick the box “apply on behalf of someone else” and indicate your name as their guardian. Note that the child’s nationality must match that of the guardian and the guardian must have first secured his/her own tourist e-visa before he can apply for the child’s tourist e-visa.

If you are applying for a Saudi visa through the VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate, you may only apply on behalf of the children and not for the other adult travelers. They will need to apply on their own, submit their own documents, and have their photo taken, and fingerprints scanned.

Option 2: Visa on arrival

The next easy and convenient option that German citizens and residents are eligible for is the visa on arrival issued upon a foreign national’s entry into a country. Note that although it is a quick and easy way to get a Saudi visa, it might be more practical to apply for a Saudi e-visa ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Similar to the e-visa, those who hold eligible citizenship (including dual citizens); have active US, UK, or Schengen visit visas; are permanent residents of the US, UK, or the EU; as well as GCC nationals or residents can avail of a Saudi visa on arrival.

The Saudi visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from its issuance date. The multiple-entry visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. It allows the traveler to stay for a maximum of 90 days.

Option 3: Transit/Stopover Visa

There’s another way you can easily enter Saudi Arabia: the Saudi transit or stopover visa, which is open to all nationalities. It allows travelers to pass through Saudi land borders, airports, or ports. This is probably not the most ideal option for all, but it’s a good option if you are staying for less than four days in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers may opt to apply for a transit/stopover visa via Saudi Arabia’s Saudia or Flynas airlines by booking two flights with a suitable layover of between 12 to 96 hours. While the transit/stopover visa is free, it is still subject to administrative and medical insurance fees. Alternatively, travelers may apply for a standard transit/stopover visa via KSA Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

While we’ve covered the different Saudi visa options available to German citizens and residents to perform Umrah, there might still be some areas worth shedding more light on. The following are answers to some frequently asked questions about Umrah and Umrah visas.

Can I perform Umrah during Ramadan with an Umrah visa?

Yes, Umrah can be performed during Ramadan with a valid Umrah visa. However, the influx of pilgrims during Ramadan may affect the availability of accommodation and transportation.

Are there any restrictions on Umrah visa holders?

Umrah visa holders must abide by the rules and regulations set by the Saudi authorities. Violations may result in penalties or deportation.

Can you do Umrah in one day?

While it is technically possible to complete the rituals of Umrah within a single day, it is not the traditional or recommended way of performing Umrah. The customary practice involves spending a few days in the holy city of Mecca to perform Umrah with tranquility, devotion, and reflection.

However, circumstances may arise where individuals have limited time due to travel constraints or other commitments. In such cases, performing Umrah in one day is permissible.

It is advisable to allocate more time if possible to fully immerse oneself in the spiritual experience and take advantage of the blessings and opportunities for worship in the holy city of Mecca.

Can I perform Umrah alone?

Yes, it is entirely permissible to perform Umrah alone, without the need for a companion or group. Performing Umrah is an individual act of worship, and both men and women can undertake the pilgrimage independently.

What are the mandatory immunizations for Umrah pilgrims?

Umrah pilgrims must secure immunization for the following if they are traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah:

• COVID-19
• Neisseria meningitis
• Tetravalent meningitis (at least 10 days before visiting Hajj areas)
• Seasonal influenza (a dose of the Southern seasonal influenza vaccine)

What information is required for a pilgrim to register in Nusuk?

Provide the following information if you are registering on Nusuk:

• Passport number
• Visa number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Mobile number
• E-mail address

I can’t see my Umrah permit in the application after it was issued. What do I do?

If your permit doesn’t appear after issuance, just drag the screen down to refresh the page and it should be displayed.

Can I change my name on Nusuk?

Yes, you can change your name on Nusuk. You’ll need to delete your existing Nusuk account and register as a new user with the proper name. It should be updated instantly, otherwise, get in touch with the Enaya Center for Services for the Guests of God at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah by calling 92000281.

Conclusion

Every year, millions of Muslims embark on the sacred journey to Mecca to perform Umrah or Hajj. As Umrah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, physically and financially capable Muslims are expected to make the trip at least once in their lifetime.

Obtaining an Umrah visa from Germany is a straightforward process, with options including the e-visa, visa on arrival, and transit/stopover visa. By familiarizing yourself with the application procedures and requirements outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Both German citizens and residents are eligible for a Saudi e-visa on arrival, both of which are the simplest and easiest visas to obtain to perform Umrah. Alternatively, they may wish to apply for a Saudi transit/stopover visa if they are staying in Saudi Arabia for only four days.
For more information on how to obtain an Umrah visa from Germany, visit KSA Visa or the Nusuk Hajj platform.

Image by Lori Lo from Pixabay