How do Canadians apply for an Umrah visa?

Canadians apply for an Umrah visa through a Saudi Arabia-approved Umrah agency. NexSafar handles the full application process, submitting your passport, photos, and health certificates to the Saudi consulate on your behalf.

How long does an Umrah visa take to process?

Umrah visas typically take 3–7 business days to process for Canadians and Americans. NexSafar submits applications in advance to ensure your visa is ready well before departure.

How much does an Umrah visa cost from Canada or USA?

The Umrah visa fee varies by season and is set by Saudi authorities. For 2026, visa fees are approximately $70–120 USD per person. NexSafar includes the visa fee in all our Umrah and Hajj packages.

NEXSAFAR - Omra, Hajj & Séjours Éthiques

Saudi Arabia Pilgrimage Visas — Overview

To perform Umrah or Hajj in Saudi Arabia, all international pilgrims need a Saudi Arabia pilgrimage visa — a special visa category distinct from the tourist visa. This visa is issued exclusively through Saudi-certified travel agencies like NexSafar.

There are two types of pilgrimage visas:

Umrah Visa — for performing the minor pilgrimage (any time of year except Hajj days)
Hajj Visa — for performing the major pilgrimage during Dhul-Hijjah (allocated through national quotas)

✅ NexSafar Handles Your Visa

All NexSafar Umrah and Hajj packages include full visa processing service. Our team submits your application, tracks its status, and ensures your visa is ready before your departure date. You simply provide the required documents — we handle the rest.

Umrah Visa — How to Apply from Canada or USA

Step-by-Step Process

1

Book Your Package

Select your Umrah package with NexSafar. Visa processing begins immediately after booking confirmation.

2

Submit Documents

Provide your passport, photos, marriage certificate (if applicable), and vaccination proof.

3

Agency Submission

NexSafar submits your application to the Saudi consulate as a certified Umrah operator.

4

Visa Approval

Typically within 3–7 business days. Your visa is either e-visa (digital) or stamped in your passport.

5

Travel

Present your visa and travel documents at the airport. NexSafar provides a complete pre-departure checklist.

Required Documents

📋 All Pilgrims

✅ Valid passport (min. 6 months validity beyond travel dates)
✅ 2 recent passport photos (white background, 4×6 cm)
✅ Completed visa application form
✅ Proof of meningococcal meningitis vaccination (ACYW135)
✅ Proof of travel insurance (some agencies require)
✅ Confirmed flight tickets
✅ Hotel booking confirmation

👩 Women Under 45

✅ All documents above
✅ Mahram accompaniment (male guardian: husband, father, son, brother)
✅ Mahram's passport copy
✅ Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
✅ Mahram's written authorization (if not traveling together)

👩 Women 45 and Over

✅ All basic documents above
✅ Proof of age (date of birth on passport)
✅ Can travel in an organized group without Mahram
✅ Group leader letter from certified agency

⚠️ Important — 3 Umrahs Per Year Limit

Saudi Arabia limits international pilgrims to performing Umrah a maximum of 3 times per calendar year. This is tracked through your passport biometrics at Saudi border control. If you have previously performed Umrah in 2026, inform NexSafar when booking.

Umrah Visa vs. Hajj Visa — Key Differences

Feature	Umrah Visa	Hajj Visa
Timing	Year-round (except Hajj days)	Specific days of Dhul-Hijjah only
Quota	No fixed quota per country	National quota (limited spots)
Registration	Through agency	Through Nusuk platform + agency
Processing Time	3–7 business days	Several weeks
Cost (approx.)	$70–120 USD	Included in Hajj package
Valid For	30 days stay in Saudi Arabia	Hajj period only
Repeatable	Up to 3 times/year	Once fulfilled (next when quota allows)

Frequently Asked Questions — Visa

Can Canadians with non-Canadian passports (dual nationals) apply?

Yes. Canadians who hold dual nationality (e.g., Canadian + Pakistani, Canadian + Egyptian) can apply using either passport. We recommend using the passport that is most valid and most recently renewed. Inform our team of any dual nationality status.

Can I visit both Makkah and Medina on an Umrah visa?

Yes. The Umrah visa permits you to visit Makkah, Medina, and Jeddah. Non-Muslims are still prohibited from entering Makkah and Medina. The visa is valid for Saudi Arabia generally within the authorized travel dates.

What is the Saudi tourist e-Visa — is it different from the Umrah visa?

Yes. The Saudi tourist e-Visa allows general tourism but does NOT permit performing Umrah rites. To enter Masjid al-Haram for Umrah, you must hold a specific Umrah visa obtained through a certified agency like NexSafar. Attempting Umrah on a tourist visa can result in deportation.

How long is an Umrah visa valid?

The Umrah visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia, allowing you to perform Umrah and visit holy sites within that window. NexSafar designs itineraries of 7–21 days to maximize your spiritual experience within the visa validity.

Vaccinations Required for Umrah & Hajj Visa

Saudi Arabia requires all incoming Umrah and Hajj pilgrims to present proof of specific vaccinations:

✅ Meningococcal ACYW135 — mandatory for all pilgrims (under 5 years old or boosted within 3 years)
✅ COVID-19 vaccine — check current requirements at time of travel (requirements may change)
🔵 Influenza — strongly recommended, not currently mandatory
🔵 Polio — required if traveling from certain African/Asian countries

NexSafar provides a complete vaccination checklist and connects Canadian/American pilgrims with local travel health clinics that administer required vaccines.

📄 Umrah & Hajj Visa — Complete Guide