Travel from Riyadh to Makkah:

Can I  arrive  in  Riyadh with an Ummrah Visa and travel to Makkah by bus?

Yes, absolutely, you can arrive in Riyadh with an Umrah visa and then perform your Umrah. Recently, the Saudi government has allowed entry at airports in other cities besides Jeddah and Medina for the purpose of performing Umrah.

After arriving in Riyadh, you have various options for traveling, such as:

Traveling by Bus:

There are various transportation options available from Riyadh to Makkah, including buses, which provide a comfortable journey. This trip takes about 8 to 10 hours.

Train or Domestic Flights:

You can also travel to Makkah from Riyadh via train or domestic flights. Saudi Arabia has a high-speed train service and domestic flights that offer convenient facilities.

Can Umrah visa holder arrive in Riyadh?

In the past, Saudi Arabia had a law for Umrah visa holders stating that they could only enter the country through Jeddah or Madinah airports, and from there proceed to Makkah to perform Umrah. However, recently the Saudi government has made some changes and relaxed the regulations for tourists, allowing Umrah visa holders to arrive at Riyadh and other international airports. This change benefits both the Saudi government and the visitors, as it has made the process much more convenient for pilgrims.

Can we visit any city in Saudi Arabia on Umrah visa?

The Umrah visa is restricted to Madinah and Jeddah because the purpose of this visa is to perform Umrah and visit the holy sites there. Under this visa, traveling to cities like Riyadh and Dammam is prohibited. However, in the past, the Saudi government has allowed pilgrims to visit other cities under this visa, but a special request must be submitted, and there may be some restrictions imposed.

Is the Saudi Umrah visa multiple entry?

Primarily, the Umrah visa is a single-entry visa, meaning you can enter Saudi Arabia once, perform Umrah, and then return to your home country. A multiple-entry visa is usually available under special tourist or business visas. In 2023, the Saudi government allowed multiple-entry visas, particularly for those holding tourist visas. If you want such a visa, you should apply for a tourist visa, which will allow you to perform Umrah and visit other cities as well.

Can I go for Umrah from Riyadh?

If you are already in Saudi Arabia, for example, if you hold a work visa or a tourist visa, you can go for Umrah. The Saudi government permits this, provided that you have the intention to perform Umrah and possess the necessary documents. By following the local laws and guidelines, you can travel to perform Umrah from any city.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on Umrah visa?

The duration of the Umrah visa is usually 15 to 30 days, but it can sometimes be shorter or longer. During this period, you are free to visit the beautiful and sacred sites and perform Umrah. However, if you attempt to stay longer than the visa allows, there are serious consequences, such as fines. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the visa duration.