Umrah E-Visa for France Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the largest Muslim community in Western Europe, the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey that bridges the bustling avenues of Paris and the historic ports of Marseille with the spiritual sanctuary of the Hejaz. Unlike a summer break on the French Riviera, the Umrah E-Visa for France citizens is a digital pathway designed strictly for worship (Ibadah). In 2026, the Kingdom has fully integrated this process with the Nusuk platform, ensuring that French pilgrims can organize their journey with the precision and ease they are accustomed to.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of French passport holders—covering direct flights from CDG, managing Euro finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for French Citizens
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia Umrah E-Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity Period: 1 Year from the date of issuance
Maximum Stay: 90 Days for each visit
Primary Platform: Nusuk App integration required for Holy Sites
Mahram Requirement: Not Required (Women can travel alone)
Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage included
At eviSAudi, we respect the sanctity of your journey. You can start your Saudi Arabia Umrah E-Visa application online, and we will handle the bureaucratic details while you focus on your Niyyah (Intention).
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Spiritual Purpose vs. Leisure Travel
Although the digital document is technically a "Visit Visa," applying with Umrah intent fundamentally changes your preparation checklist.
For Worship: The Umrah workflow prioritizes the Nusuk ecosystem. If your heart is set on Tawaf and praying in the Rawdah, you must follow the specific appointment protocols.
For Leisure: If your plan is strictly to attend events in Riyadh or explore the heritage of AlUla without immediate religious rituals, you may want to review the Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for France Citizens.
⚠️ Important Limitation: Not Valid for Hajj It is crucial to understand that this E-Visa is valid for Umrah rituals only. It cannot be used for the Hajj pilgrimage. During the sacred season of Dhul-Hijjah, this visa type is suspended. Residents of France wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official Hajj quotas.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for French Citizens
French pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with national school holidays (Vacances Scolaires).
Vacances de Noël (December – January): This is a peak season for French families. Escaping the grey winter of Paris for the mild 25°C weather of Makkah offers a perfect spiritual retreat.
Vacances de Pâques (Spring): The two-week spring break is also highly popular. However, flights from Paris (CDG) or Lyon (LYS) fill up quickly, so early booking is essential.
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The Pilgrim’s Route: Logistics from Paris (CDG) & The South
French pilgrims benefit from some of the best connectivity in Europe.
Direct Flights (Saudia/Air France): Saudia Airlines operates direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Jeddah. If you choose this route, you will cross the Miqat while in the air. You must be in the state of Ihram and make your intention before the plane reaches the Miqat zone (usually announced by the pilot). Many pilgrims put on Ihram at CDG airport.
Connecting Flights: Pilgrims traveling from Lyon, Marseille, or Nice often connect via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) or Tunis/Casablanca. In these cases, it is often more comfortable to change into Ihram at the transit airport.
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Digital Planning: The Nusuk Ecosystem
Your E-Visa grants entry to the Kingdom, but the Nusuk App facilitates your access to the sacred areas.
Rawdah Al Sharifah: To pray in the Rawdah (the green carpet area in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), a digital permit is mandatory. These slots are extremely limited. Once we issue your visa, you must download Nusuk immediately to book your slot.
Umrah Slot: You can also use the app to monitor crowd density in the Mataf to choose quieter times for your Tawaf.
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Traveling with Family & Community
The Muslim community in France is deeply community-oriented. The E-Visa system supports this by allowing for group applications, where you can process visas for the entire family in one session. Makkah is highly accessible; electric scooters are available at the Grand Mosque, and the Haramain High-Speed Train provides wheelchair-accessible transport between Makkah and Madinah, ensuring comfort for elderly parents.
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Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for France Citizens
For applicants applying from France, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD and settled in Euro (€) by your issuing bank.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. €170 – €185 (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. €230 – €250 (Base: $250 USD). Designed for urgent spiritual intentions or last-minute travel (12-24 hour turnaround).
All payments are processed securely. The final amount in Euro is determined by your bank’s daily exchange rate. For a full breakdown, visit our Visa Types and Prices page.
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Pilgrimage Application Steps for French Citizens
The process is designed to be efficient.
Intention & Details: Complete the secure online form. You can apply for your entire family group in one session.
Photo: Upload a clear, recent photo. For Muslim women: Photos with a Hijab are perfectly acceptable; the face must be visible from hairline to chin.
Digital Issuance: Once approved, we email the PDF visa directly to you. Please print multiple copies—one for your wallet and one for your hand luggage—to show at airline check-in counters in Paris or Lyon.
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Financial Logistics: Sadaqah & Zamzam
Banking: Your French bank cards (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale) work seamlessly internationally.
Cash Advice: We recommend exchanging a small amount of Euros for Saudi Riyals (SAR) at Jeddah airport for immediate cash needs (Sadaqah, taxis). The Euro is widely accepted.
Zamzam Water: You are permitted to bring one 5-liter bottle back. However, strict airline rules apply at CDG and Orly; ensure it is packed properly and declared if required by your airline.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for France Citizens
Below are the most common questions French citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a visa if I have a French Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour) but not a passport?
This E-Visa is specifically for French Citizens (passport holders). If you hold a French Residence Permit (Titre de Séjour) but a passport from another country, you may qualify for the special "Schengen Resident" visa category. Please check your eligibility carefully.
Can French women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. French women of any age can apply for an Umrah E-Visa and travel alone or in groups.
Is the Meningitis vaccine required?
Saudi health regulations strongly recommend the Meningococcal meningitis vaccine (ACWY) for all pilgrims. While you might not be asked to upload the certificate online, carrying the vaccination card (Carnet de vaccination) is highly advisable.
Can I track my visa status?
Yes. We understand the anticipation of a spiritual journey. You can check the progress of your application at any time on our Track Visa Status page.