The Umrah visa for South Africans is a special type of visa issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that allows South African Muslims to enter the country specifically to perform Umrah. Umrah is a minor pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina that can be undertaken any time of the year, unlike the Hajj pilgrimage with a specific annual timeframe.
South Africans who want to perform Umrah must apply for an Umrah visa through an embassy or consulate. The Umrah visa is valid for 30 days, but the actual stay in Saudi Arabia cannot exceed 15 days. The Umrah visa fee is 300 Saudi riyals (approx. $80), plus an additional 100 riyals (approx. $27) for repeat visitors.
In addition to the Umrah visa, South Africans can also obtain a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, which is more convenient and faster. It allows travelers to enter Saudi Arabia for a variety of tourism-related activities, including the Umrah (Performing the Umrah pilgrimage, a religious pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina that Muslims can undertake at any time of the year.).1
If you are seeking a streamlined process to obtain a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, Visas for Future is an ideal option. Our platform is user-friendly, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transaction. Opting for Visas for Future guarantees a convenient and efficient visa processing experience. For every visa sold, we plant a tree, and you’ll receive a certificate under your name. Click the button below to start your application process.
What We’re Offering
South Africans are eligible for a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa. Our eVisa processing service will give you your Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa and mandatory health insurance in your mailbox within three (3) days. We offer a 90-day duration, multiple entry Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa.
- 90 days duration.2
- Multiple entries.3
- The $214.82 fee includes the government fee and the mandatory health insurance.
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Umrah visa Requirements and Documents needed for South Africans
The following documents are required to apply for an Umrah visa:
- A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity and at least two blank pages.
- Two passport-sized photographs with a white background.
- A completed Umrah visa application form.
- A certificate of vaccination against meningitis.
- A confirmed return air ticket.
- Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah visa application for South Africans
Follow our step-by-step guide to the application process for the Umrah visa.
- Check if you are Eligible.
- Choose Your Application Method: You have two primary options to apply for an Umrah visa:
- Through an approved agency.
- Through government online application.
- Fill out the application form with accurate details, including personal information, passport details, travel dates, and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia.
- Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready.
- Review all your information and documents, and then submit your application.
Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa for Umrah
If you plan a religious trip to Saudi Arabia, you should know that it is possible to perform Umrah while holding a Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa. This option is particularly advantageous for travelers who intend to visit the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina. So, if you have already obtained a Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa, you can also use it for Umrah purposes. It’s worth noting that this option can save you time and money and make your travel experience more convenient.
The cost of the eVisa is $214.82, which includes the government fee and mandatory health insurance.
- Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa:
- Valid for one year from the issue date.
- The total duration of your stay in the country cannot exceed 180 days during this period.
Saudi Arabia eVisa Application
To apply for Saudi Arabia Evisa, follow these simple steps:
- Visit Website: Go to the Visas for Future website and select “Get Saudi Arabia eVisa Now.”
- Provide Personal Information: Input your complete personal details, including full name, date of birth, contact number, and email address.
- Payment: Opt for your preferred payment method (credit or debit card) to securely process the $214.82 fee, covering government charges and mandatory health insurance.
- Complete Intake Form: Respond to the intake form questions, ensuring accuracy and detail, particularly regarding travel plans and accommodation preferences.
- Upload Documents: Submit mandatory documents, such as a scanned copy of your passport and visa (if applicable).4
- A passport with at least 6-month validity.
- Passport-size photo.
- Details of accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
- Flight itinerary.
- Health Insurance (to be purchased while ordering the eVisa).
- Financial proof.
- Review and Submit: Before finalizing your application, carefully review your personal information, intake form responses, and uploaded documents. Once satisfied, click “Submit” to complete the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Umrah visa on arrival?
Unfortunately, South Africans cannot obtain an Umrah visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. All nationalities, including South Africans, require a pre-arranged visa to perform Umrah. They cannot acquire one upon arrival at the airport.
Which months is Umrah closed in 2025?
Contrary to popular belief, Umrah is not closed in specific months during 2025. Umrah can be performed anytime, while Hajj has particular dates and restrictions. Authorities may limit the number of pilgrims during high-demand periods such as Ramadan and Dhu al-Hijjah, making it harder to obtain permits and accommodations.
How many times can I do Umrah in one trip?
There is no limit on the number of Umrahs you can perform in one trip to Saudi Arabia. You can perform Umrah multiple times as long as you have a valid Umrah visa and comply with the regulations set by the Saudi authorities.
Which month is less crowded for Umrah?
September to November: After the peak season of Ramadan and Dhu al-Hijjah, crowds usually decrease significantly during these months. The weather is pleasant, moderate temperatures, and accommodation prices are often lower.
January and February: These months, after the winter holidays and before school breaks, offer reduced crowds, cooler weather, and a serene atmosphere.
May and June: Although approaching the month of Ramadan, these months can be less crowded compared to the peak season. The weather starts to warm up, but it’s not unbearably hot yet.
Do South Africans need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, South Africans need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia. They can now apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa online through Visas for Future, allowing them to visit the country for tourism purposes, including attending concerts, festivals, conferences, and other organized events and visiting relatives living in Saudi Arabia. Sightseeing, engaging in recreational activities, and Umrah, performing the Umrah pilgrimage, a religious pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina that Muslims can undertake anytime.
- Saudi eVisa | The Official website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2023). Visa.visitsaudi.com; Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia . https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ [↩]
- Saudi eVisa | The Official website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2023). Visa.visitsaudi.com; Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia. Retrieved February 3, 2024<https://visa.visitsaudi.com/> [↩]
- Saudi eVisa | The Official website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2023). Visa.visitsaudi.com; Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia. Retrieved February 3, 2024, <https://visa.visitsaudi.com/> [↩]
- Tourist Visa | The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (2023). Www.saudiembassy.net. https://www.saudiembassy.net/tourist-visa [↩]
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Written by
Wences Orcales 
Wences has been working home-based for 7 years in the Visa industry. As a content writer in Visas for Future, she makes sure the information she provides is useful for her readers. Once a quarter she does visa fulfillment for Turkey and India visas. She makes sure that clients are satisfied with their orders through customer service. She loves learning new things and hates procrastination.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Orcales, Wences. "Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for South Africans 2025." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/saudi-arabia-umrah-visa-south-africa/. Accessed on 2 September 2023.
Chicago Style
Orcales, Wences. "Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for South Africans 2025." Visas For Future. September 2, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/saudi-arabia-umrah-visa-south-africa/.