Most people booking Umrah are confused about visas. Here's the plain-English version — so you know exactly which one fits your plan.
A visa-only option. BRN stands for Booking Reference Number — the record that ties your visa to a confirmed hotel and transport booking in Saudi Arabia. A "without BRN" visa is issued without that linked booking, which suits pilgrims arranging their own stay.
Here the visa is issued against a confirmed booking reference — your hotel and transport are registered with the visa. This is increasingly the standard route and tends to mean fewer surprises on arrival.
Your visa bundled with ground transport — airport pick-up, the Makkah–Madinah journey, and movement between hotels and the Haramain. Convenient if you'd rather not arrange vehicles yourself.
A longer-validity visa for those who want more flexibility in when they travel and how long they stay within the allowed period. We'll walk you through whether you qualify and what it allows.
Note: Saudi entry rules change from time to time. We always confirm the exact, current requirements for your travel window before you pay for anything.
The Saudi visa fee itself is fixed by the authorities, but the total depends on the visa type and whether you add transport or accommodation. We'll give you the exact current figure for your chosen option before you commit — never an estimate dressed up as a final price.
In normal conditions, an Umrah visa is usually issued within a few working days once your documents are complete. Processing can slow down in peak season, especially close to Ramadan, so we recommend starting early. We'll give you a realistic timeline for your travel period.
Validity depends on the visa type. A standard Umrah visa allows a defined stay, while a 90-day visa offers a longer window. The key is the permitted length of stay versus the validity period — we'll explain both clearly for your specific visa so there's no confusion at immigration.
An Umrah visa is for Umrah and ziyarat — not work or long-term residence. There can also be seasonal rules, for example around the Hajj period, when Umrah visas may be paused. We track these changes and will tell you upfront if anything affects your plans.
In general, current Umrah visas allow travel to major cities such as Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah for ziyarat and tourism within the allowed stay. Rules can change, so if you're planning to visit other cities, tell us and we'll confirm what your specific visa permits.
