Saudi Umrah E-Visa for Costa Rica Citizens (2026): Eligibility, Requirements & Online Application

This guide is specifically prepared for Costa Rican passport holders and reflects the latest Umrah visa eligibility framework applied by Saudi authorities.

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Last updated: February 2026 – Eligibility rules aligned with Ministry of Hajj regulations.

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Saudi Umrah E-Visa for Costa Rica Citizens – Quick Overview: Excellent news for the "Tico" Muslim community! Citizens of Costa Rica are eligible for the Saudi Umrah E-Visa in 2026 if they hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, or if they are residents of a GCC country. This digital process allows you to skip the traditional "Kafeel" (Sponsor) requirement. This guide explains how to apply for a Saudi Umrah visa for Costa Rican passport holders, focusing strictly on the spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah.

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For Costa Rican nationals, the yearning to visit the Holy Cities is the ultimate dream. Whether you are departing from San José (Juan Santamaría), Heredia, or Limón, the desire to stand before the Kaaba is paramount.

Previously, obtaining a visa often required dealing with distant embassies (often in Peru or USA). Now, for those meeting the Group B criteria, the online Umrah visa for Costa Ricans grants instant digital authorization. This guide outlines how pilgrims (Mu'tamir) can secure their entry without a middleman.

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Can Costa Rica Citizens Apply for Saudi Umrah Visa Online?

Yes, but eligibility is strict. Costa Rica is listed in "Group B" (Conditional Eligibility). Therefore, you qualify for the Instant Umrah E-Visa ONLY IF you meet one of the following specific conditions:

1. The "Western Shield" Rule (Primary Route)

This is the most common route for Ticos, as holding a US Visa is very common.

• Valid Visa: You must hold a valid Business or Tourist visa from the USA (Visa Americana), United Kingdom, or Schengen Area.

• Crucial Note: While Costa Ricans can enter Europe without a visa for tourism, visa-free entry does NOT qualify you for the Saudi E-Visa. You must hold a physical visa sticker (e.g., US B1/B2) in your passport.

• The "Usage" Rule: The visa must have been used at least once (stamped) to enter the issuing country.

  • Example: If you have a US B1/B2 visa used for a trip to Miami or Orlando, you are eligible.

2. GCC Residents (Expat Route)

For Costa Rican expatriates living in the Gulf. If you hold a valid residency (Iqama) with a "Professional" job title from:

• UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or Oman

  You are eligible to apply online.

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Saudi Umrah Visa Requirements for Costa Rica (Group B Rules)

To obtain a Saudi Umrah visa without agent involvement, specific documents must be prepared digitally.

Minimum Requirements Summary:

To avoid rejection, ensure you have the following ready before applying:

• Valid Costa Rican Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date. (Cédula is not accepted).

• Proof of Eligibility: Clear scan of your Used Western Visa (e.g., US Visa) or GCC ID.

• Photo: White background passport-style photo (digital).

• Travel Insurance: Mandatory coverage for emergency health issues during pilgrimage is included. Read more in our Saudi Medical Insurance Guide.

• Payment Method: International Credit/Debit Card.

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Is Saudi Umrah E-Visa Different from Tourist Visa for Costa Ricans?

Yes. While both allow entry, the Umrah E-Visa is spiritually focused.

Why choose E-Visa? It gives you the freedom to plan your own pilgrimage. You can book your own hotels near the Haram and arrange your own transport.

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Do Costa Rican Passport Holders Need a Sponsor (Kafeel)?

No. One of the biggest advantages of the online Umrah visa for Costa Rica (Group B) is that you do not need a local sponsor or a Letter of Invitation (LOI). Your valid Western visa or GCC residency acts as the "trust signal" for the Saudi authorities.

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Traveling from San José (SJO) to the Holy Land

For Costa Rican citizens, connectivity to Saudi Arabia is excellent via Spain or the USA.

• Via Madrid (MAD):

  • Iberia operates direct flights from Juan Santamaría (SJO) to Madrid. From Spain, Saudia Airlines operates direct flights to Jeddah (JED). This is a favorite route due to language comfort in transit.

• Via Miami (MIA) or Houston (IAH):

  • Since most eligible applicants hold a US Visa, connecting via American Airlines or United to the US, and then flying Saudia or Qatar Airways is a very efficient option.

• Ihram Logistics (Miqat):

  • If you are flying via Madrid or the US, remember to enter the state of Ihram while on the plane (before crossing the Miqat), usually announced by the pilot about an hour before landing in Jeddah.

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Saudi Umrah Visa Fees & Service Scope

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide is aligned with official regulations issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Our team specifically handles the data entry accuracy for Central American passports.

Standard Processing Package

Our fee includes the government levy, insurance, and professional verification:

Processing Time:

For pilgrims asking about the processing speed, most eligible applications are approved within 24 to 48 hours.

Need it faster? If your flight is soon or you are at the airport, use our Urgent Express Visa service for priority handling.

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How to Apply for Saudi Umrah E-Visa (Step-by-Step)

For Costa Rican applicants, accuracy is key to avoiding rejection.

1. Form Submission: Fill out the secure form.

2. Upload Proof: Provide your Costa Rica Passport and the qualifying Western Visa/GCC ID.

3. Payment: Use an International Credit/Debit Card.

   • Tip: Costa Rican Colón (CRC) cards from BAC Credomatic, Banco Nacional (BN), or Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) work well. Ensure your card is authorized for international (USD) purchases. See our Payment Guidelines.

4. Issuance: Once approved, the "Electronic Waiver" is sent as a PDF to your email. Print this and keep it with your passport.

You can monitor every step of your application via our Track Visa Status tool.

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Religious Rites: The Nusuk App

While the E-Visa gets you into Saudi Arabia, the Nusuk App organizes your spiritual activities.

• Rawdah Booking: To pray in the Noble Rawdah (Riyad ul-Jannah) in Madinah, you must book a time slot via the Nusuk App.

• Umrah Slot: While not always strictly checked at the Mataf, it is recommended to book your Umrah slot on the app as well.

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FAQ: Saudi Umrah Visa for Costa Rica Citizens

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Do I need to visit a Saudi Embassy?

No. Costa Ricans typically fall under the jurisdiction of the Saudi mission in Peru or Washington DC. However, if you apply for the Group B E-Visa (using your US/Western visa), the process is fully online and you do not need to travel for consular services.

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Is Yellow Fever vaccination required?

Costa Rica is generally safe, but if you transit through high-risk countries in South America (like Colombia or parts of Brazil) or Africa, a certificate may be requested. Direct transit via Madrid or USA usually does not require it.

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Do Costa Rican women need a Mahram?

No. Under current regulations (2026), women over the age of 18 can perform Umrah and travel on an E-Visa without a male guardian (Mahram).

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What if my US visa is in an old expired passport?

That is acceptable. You must travel with both your current valid Costa Rican passport AND the old passport containing the valid/used US visa.

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Visa eligibility is based on nationality and your specific visa status. Always ensure your documents match MOFA records before travel.

This page provides administrative guidance based on publicly available Saudi MOFA regulations and does not constitute religious advice.