New Saudi Tourist Visa Allows Females to Perform Umrah without ‘Mehrem’

Saudi Arabia has been shocking the world with their lenience on rules and laws over the past couple of years. But the one we’re happiest about the most is that it is now possible for anyone with the below criteria to obtain a regular tourist visa and perform Umra. While this might seem like great news for Muslims all over the world, for females especially, it is delightful news as the need for a ‘mehrem‘ or male guardian is no longer necessary. Yes, you heard that right, you can now travel to Saudi Arabia and perform Umra on your own, even if you’re a female.

Here are the procedure and criteria necessary for getting visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for Egyptians:

Photo credit: Twitter

Must have a valid, stamped UK, US or Schengen business or tourist visa

In order to be allowed entry into the kingdom your passport must contain the following:

• A Valid UK, US or EU Schengen visa
• A stamp from the country where the visa was issued, indicating that it was used at least once

Please note that so far, the conditions do not apply to Egyptian passport holders with work permits or residencies, but only for business or tourist visa holders.

Must fly on one of Saudi National Air Carriers

Before you’re granted a visa, they check the boarding pass, so be sure to arrive on one of these airlines.

Photo credit: Hajj and Umrah Planner

Head to the Visa on Arrival booth once you land in any of the Saudi Arabian cities

Heading to Jeddah Airport usually makes the most sense. However, it is still possible to get a visa from any other city. If you’re arriving in Jeddah, you’ll find the Visa on Arrival counter, right in front of the passport control booths or ask for the Visa on Arrival office if you can’t find it.

Must pay visa fees by debit/credit card

The fees for a Saudi Arabian visa on arrival cost 440 SR and grant you a one-year multiple-entry tourist visa with a maximum stay of 90 days. However, it is not possible to pay by cash and only debit or credit cards are accepted.

No ‘mehrem’ required for women

Unlike the previous rule, the ban for women to enter Saudi Arabia on their own without a male guardian has been lifted, allowing them to travel to the Kingdom and perform Umra without a ‘mehrem’.