Umrah eVisa vs Umrah Visa: Which Should You Get?

Pakistani pilgrims now have two visa options for performing Umrah: the traditional Umrah visa and the newer Saudi tourist eVisa. Each has its advantages and limitations. This guide compares both so you can choose the right one for your trip.

Option 1: Traditional Umrah Visa

The Umrah visa is issued specifically for performing Umrah. It is arranged through approved travel agents (like HTG Travels) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

• Validity: 30-90 days from issue (varies by season)
• Stay: Up to 30 days per visit
• Entries: Single entry only
• Cost: Approximately SAR 200-300 (PKR 15,000-22,000) + agent fees
• Processing: 1-3 days through an approved agent
• Includes: Mandatory medical insurance
• Restrictions: Cannot perform Hajj on this visa, cannot be used for tourism
• Season: Available year-round except during Hajj season

Option 2: Saudi Tourist eVisa

The Saudi tourist eVisa is a general tourist visa that also allows you to perform Umrah. It is applied for online through the official Saudi eVisa portal.

• Validity: 1 year from issue date
• Stay: Up to 90 days per visit
• Entries: Multiple entry (can come and go multiple times in a year)
• Cost: SAR 480 (PKR 36,000-38,000) including insurance
• Processing: 24-48 hours (instant if you have a US/UK/Schengen visa)
• Includes: Travel medical insurance
• Advantages: Can also use for tourism, multiple entries, longer validity
• Restrictions: Cannot be used during Hajj season for Umrah

Key Differences Comparison

• Cost: Umrah visa is cheaper (PKR 15-22K vs PKR 36-38K)
• Validity: eVisa wins (1 year vs 30-90 days)
• Entries: eVisa allows multiple entries (Umrah visa = single only)
• Processing: Both are fast (1-3 days)
• Flexibility: eVisa allows tourism + Umrah; Umrah visa = Umrah only
• Stay duration: eVisa allows 90 days vs Umrah visa 30 days
• Insurance: Both include mandatory medical insurance

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Umrah Visa If:

• You are performing Umrah only (no tourism)
• You want the cheapest option
• You are traveling once and do not plan to return within a year
• You do not have a US/UK/Schengen visa (eVisa may take longer)

Choose Saudi eVisa If:

• You want to visit Saudi Arabia for both tourism and Umrah
• You plan to perform Umrah multiple times within a year
• You want flexibility to enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times
• You hold a valid US/UK/Schengen visa (instant eVisa approval)
• You want a longer stay (up to 90 days per visit)

Get Help Choosing with HTG Travels

HTG Travels can process both Umrah visas and Saudi tourist eVisas. Tell us your travel plans on WhatsApp and we will recommend the best option for your situation. We handle the entire application — you just send your documents.

Not sure which visa to get? Message HTG Travels on WhatsApp for a free consultation.

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