Before embarking on a spiritual journey to Makkah or Madinah, it's important to understand the types of visas issued by the government of Saudi Arabia. Currently, several visa types are available for entry, depending on your travel purpose.
So, what visa options are available? Find out below!
Umrah Visa
As the name suggests, the Umrah Visa is a specific visa issued by the Saudi Arabian government for pilgrims intending to perform Umrah in Makkah and Madinah. This visa is generally available year-round, except during certain periods leading up to and during the Hajj season, when the government focuses solely on organizing the pilgrimage.
To obtain an Umrah Visa, pilgrims must typically register through authorized travel agents officially recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Currently, the Umrah Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
During this period, pilgrims may perform Umrah and visit the holy cities under the applicable regulations.
Hajj Visa
The Hajj Visa is a special visa issued for Muslims intending to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah during the officially designated Hajj season. This visa can only be obtained through authorized Hajj travel agencies approved by the Saudi authorities and the pilgrim’s home country.
Hajj Visa applications cannot be submitted individually, as the quota is limited and regulated through official distribution systems in each country. The visa is typically valid only for the duration of the Hajj rituals, and holders are required to leave Saudi Arabia after the pilgrimage ends.
Hajj Visa holders are only allowed in designated regions such as Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. It’s important to note that during the Hajj season, using other types of visas (such as tourist or Umrah visas) for religious purposes is strictly prohibited.
Tourist Visa
The Saudi Tourist Visa is issued for non-religious visits, including tourism, cultural events, or attending public gatherings. However, in recent years, this visa has also been permitted for Umrah outside the Hajj season, as long as it’s not used for Hajj itself.
The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 1 year, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. This allows travelers to enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times within the visa period, provided each stay does not exceed the permitted duration.
This visa offers a flexible and quick option for Muslims who wish to perform Umrah independently without going through official group programs.
Transit Visa
The Saudi Transit Visa is intended for travelers who are passing through Saudi Arabia on their way to another country. This visa is typically issued to passengers of airlines like Saudia and Flynas, and is valid for up to 96 hours (4 days).
Interestingly, transit visa holders are allowed to leave the airport and even perform Umrah during their stopover, making it a unique opportunity for brief spiritual visits.
The visa application can be completed together with flight ticket purchases, and is generally free of charge. It's an ideal solution for those wishing to visit the Holy Land during layovers.
Ziyarah Visa (Personal Visit Visa)
The Ziyarah Visa, or Personal Visit Visa, allows travelers to visit family or friends who are Saudi citizens or legal residents. Unlike Hajj or Umrah visas that are strictly religious, this visa is more flexible.
Ziyarah Visa holders are allowed to perform Umrah, visit holy sites like Makkah and Madinah, and attend non-commercial events in Saudi Arabia.
The visa is generally valid for up to 90 days, depending on the specific authorization granted by Saudi immigration authorities.
Hajj Furoda Visa
The Hajj Furoda Visa is a non-quota visa issued directly by the Saudi government, bypassing the official Hajj quota system managed by Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. It is usually obtained through special invitations from the Saudi Royal Court and managed by private Hajj organizers (PIHKs) working with local partners in Saudi Arabia.
The main advantage is that pilgrims can go for Hajj immediately in the same year of registration, without waiting years in the official queue. However, this comes with a much higher cost, and all arrangements are fully handled by private organizers rather than the government.
Although legally recognized by Saudi Arabia, Hajj Furoda has drawn scrutiny due to cases of deportation or rejection, especially when visas are invalid or fail verification by Saudi immigration.
Moreover, because this visa is not issued through the national Hajj system, Furoda pilgrims do not receive official guidance or protection from the Indonesian government.
Anyone considering this path is strongly advised to exercise caution, verify the travel agent’s legitimacy, and fully understand the risks involved before committing.
Worry-Free Pilgrimage with Global Komunika’s Saudi eSIM
To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience during your pilgrimage, having a stable and hassle-free internet connection is essential. That’s where Global Komunika’s Saudi eSIM comes in as the ideal solution for pilgrims.
With easy activation and no need for a physical SIM card, this eSIM lets you connect to local networks as soon as you land in Saudi Arabia.
Why choose Global Komunika?
- eSIM convenience – No physical card needed, just scan a QR code and you're connected instantly.
- Flexible data plans – Various options to suit Umrah, Hajj, or personal travel durations.
- Easy installation – Set it up from home, and it activates automatically upon arrival.
- Trusted by thousands – Used by thousands of Indonesian pilgrims with positive reviews.
So what are you waiting for? Complete your pilgrimage preparations with Global Komunika’s Saudi eSIM today!
