Applying For Umrah: Visa Process For Bahrain Residents

The Umrah is a non-compulsory holy pilgrimage for Muslims, located in Saudi Arabia. To enter the country, you must have a visa, unless you are a citizen of Kuwait, Oman, or Bahrain. If you are a Bahraini citizen, you can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, if you are a resident of Bahrain, you will need to obtain a visa unless you hold a Saudi passport. To apply for an Umrah visa, you can either approach the Saudi Arabian embassy in Manama, apply online, or use the services of an authorized agency.

Check if you need a visa

As a citizen of Bahrain, you do not need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Bahraini citizens can enter Saudi Arabia and remain in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you are a resident of Bahrain, you will need to obtain a visa unless you hold a Saudi passport.

If you are a foreign national residing in Bahrain and hold a passport from one of the eligible countries, you can apply for the e-visa online. The e-visa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows you to enter Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days each time. To apply for the e-visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entering Saudi Arabia or that meets the rules of reciprocity.
• Submit one recent colour passport photograph against a white background, measuring 2x2 inches, with a natural facial expression and no eyeglasses or headwear (except for religious reasons).
• Fill out an online Saudi e-Visa application form, providing passport data and other personal information.

It is important to note that visa applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply without a parent or legal guardian.

If you are planning to perform Umrah, it is important to check the specific requirements for the Umrah visa, as there may be additional steps and documents needed, such as proof of vaccination and confirmed travel plans.

Find an approved travel agent

To apply for an Umrah visa from Bahrain, you must find an approved travel agent in your country. This is a crucial step, as Umrah-specific Saudi visas cannot be applied for in person at Saudi embassies or missions abroad and must be obtained through these authorised sources.

The travel agent will handle your application and journey to the Umrah pilgrimage. They will typically offer several packages at different price ranges, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. It is important to note that most agencies will require you to purchase non-refundable flight tickets as part of the process.

When selecting a travel agent, it is essential to choose one that is authorised by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This ensures that they are approved to handle your application. You can find a list of approved agents on the ministry's website or through other official sources. It is recommended to verify the agent's credentials before proceeding with your application.

Once you have chosen an approved travel agent, they will guide you through the specific requirements and procedures for your Umrah visa application. They will also provide you with the necessary forms and assist you in gathering the required documentation. It is important to follow their instructions carefully to ensure a smooth application process.

In addition to using a travel agent, you may also need to register on certain mandatory mobile applications, such as the Tawakkalna and Etmarna apps, which are required for all visitors entering the country. These apps will contain important information and records, such as your vaccination status, which may be needed to access certain places during your stay in Saudi Arabia.

Prepare your documents

To apply for an Umrah visa from Bahrain, you must be a foreign national residing in Bahrain and hold a passport from one of the eligible countries. If you are a Bahraini citizen, you do not need to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia. However, for religious purposes such as Umrah, you will need to obtain a visa.

Umrah Visa Application Form:

Fill out the Umrah visa application form accurately and completely. You can usually find this form on the website of an approved travel agency or the official online portal.

Passport and Passport Photograph:

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of application submission or from the date of entering Saudi Arabia. Along with your passport, you will need to submit a recent passport-size colour photograph. The photograph should have a white background, include your full face without glasses, and may require natural facial expressions.

Health and Vaccination Certificates:

Provide a vaccination certificate for Meningococcal Meningitis, issued at least ten days before travelling to Saudi Arabia and valid for at least three years. Depending on your nationality, age, and health condition, you may also need to provide proof of other vaccinations, such as yellow fever, polio, and influenza. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, additional vaccination certificates may be required.

Proof of Relationship (for Women and Children):

Women and children should be accompanied by their husband, father, or male guardian (Mahram) when travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. A marriage or birth certificate is required as proof of this relationship. Women and children must travel on the same flights as their male guardian.

No-Objection Letter (for Women Travelling in a Group):

According to the new Saudi Umrah rules, women aged 18 to 65 can perform Umrah without a male guardian if they are part of a group and have permission from their Mahram in the form of a no-objection letter.

Confirmed Return/Onward Airline Ticket:

Provide a confirmed return or onward airline ticket. Some sources specify that the ticket should be non-refundable, and departure from Saudi Arabia should occur within two weeks of the date of entry.

Proof of Muslim Faith (for Applicants with Non-Muslim Names):

If your name does not indicate that you are a Muslim, you will need to provide proof of your Muslim faith. This proof can come from local masjids or Islamic organisations.

Health Insurance:

You will need to provide proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 infections and other medical issues that may arise during your stay in Saudi Arabia.

Please note that the requirements may change, so it is always a good idea to check with an authorised Umrah visa agent or the official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Register on the Umrah apps

Once you have entered Saudi Arabia, you will need to download two obligatory apps on your phone: Tawakkalna and Etmarna.

The Tawakkalna app is mandatory and will only work in Saudi Arabia. It will contain all your vaccination records, which you will need to display when entering hotels, restaurants, and masjids.

With the Etmarna app, you can get prayer permits and link them to your Tawakkalna app.

Another app you can use is Nusuk, an official Saudi integrated digital platform released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. To apply for a Umrah permit, pilgrims can use this app.

The Hajj and Umrah app is another mobile application that can be used as a guide. It includes a comprehensive step-by-step guide to performing Hajj and Umrah, as well as necessary videos, checklists, prayer timings, places of interest, currency converters, and more.

Submit your application

To submit your application for an Umrah visa from Bahrain, you will need to gather the necessary documents, which include:

• A completed Umrah visa application form.
• One recent passport-size colour photograph with a white background.
• A valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining from the date of application submission.
• A vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis, issued at least 10 days before and less than three years from the entry into Saudi Arabia, valid for at least three years.
• Proof of relationship (for women and children), such as a marriage or birth certificate.
• A confirmed return/onward airline ticket.
• Health insurance covering COVID-19 infections.

Once you have prepared these documents, you can submit your application through one of the following options:

• Contact an approved travel agency in Bahrain to prepare your application and manage your journey for the Umrah pilgrimage. They will typically offer different packages at varying price ranges.
• Apply directly through the Saudi Arabian embassy in Manama.
• Apply online through the official website.
• Utilise the services of an authorised agency.

If you are a citizen of Bahrain, you are not required to obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah. However, if you are a foreign national residing in Bahrain, you will need to apply for an e-visa online if you hold a passport from one of the eligible countries.

Frequently asked questions