Saudi Tourist eVisa vs Umrah Visa: Which One Do You Need?
Saudi Arabia now offers two different visa types for Pakistani visitors — the Umrah Visa (for pilgrimage) and the Tourist eVisa (for general tourism). Each has different rules, costs, and restrictions. Choosing the wrong one can ruin your trip. This guide compares both visas side by side so you can pick the right one for your journey.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Purpose: Umrah Visa = pilgrimage only. eVisa = tourism + business + Umrah (outside Hajj season).
- Validity: Umrah Visa = 30 days from issue, 15-day stay. eVisa = 1 year, 90-day stay per entry.
- Entry type: Umrah Visa = single entry. eVisa = multiple entry.
- Cost: Umrah Visa = best available rates (through operator). eVisa = live rates .
- Processing: Umrah Visa = 5-7 days. eVisa = 24-72 hours.
- Geographic restriction: Umrah Visa = Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah only. eVisa = all of Saudi Arabia.
- Hajj: Umrah Visa = no Hajj. eVisa = no Hajj (need dedicated Hajj visa).
- Can you do Umrah? Umrah Visa = yes. eVisa = yes (outside Hajj season).
Choose Umrah Visa If:
- Your only purpose is Umrah
- You only need to visit Makkah and Madinah
- You want the cheapest option
- You're travelling for less than 15 days
- You're booking through a package (Kimi Travels)
Choose Tourist eVisa If:
- You want to explore Saudi beyond the holy cities
- You want multiple entries over a year
- You want to combine Umrah with tourism
- You want to visit Riyadh, AlUla, or Abha
- You need a longer stay (up to 90 days)
Additional Tips
Travel plan karte waqt kuch aur baatein yaad rakhein. Hamesha 8-12 hafte pehle book karein sab se sasta rate ke liye. Tuesday aur Wednesday ko udne se 25-35% sasta milta hai. Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha, aur Christmas/New Year pe fares 50-80% zyada hoti hain — in dates se 2-3 din pehle ya baad mein travel karein. Group booking (4+ log) se 15-25% discount mil jata hai.
Travel insurance lazmi karwayein — Kimi Travels se embassy-compliant policies available hain. Bank card ka international usage enable karein. USD cash mein backup rakhein. Google Maps offline download karein. Kimi Travels ka WhatsApp number saved rakhein — 24/7 support available hai kisi bhi emergency mein. Apna passport, visa, aur return ticket hamesha printed copy mein rakhein — digital copies airport par accept nahi hoti.
Standing with Palestine
At Kimi Travels, we stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. We pray for the day when Masjid Al-Aqsa is freely accessible to all pilgrims. Justice anywhere is justice everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do Umrah on a tourist eVisa?
A: Yes — Umrah is permitted on the eVisa outside Hajj season.
Q: Which visa is cheaper?
A: Umrah visa is cheaper than eVisa .
Q: Can I visit Riyadh on an Umrah visa?
A: No — Umrah visa restricts you to Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Use eVisa for Riyadh.
Not sure which Saudi visa you need? Kimi Travels advises on both. Contact us.
"The right visa is the first step of a good journey."
— Kimi Travels Desk