Umrah E-Visa for Greece Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the Muslim community residing in Greece, particularly in Athens and the historic region of Western Thrace, the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey that bridges the ancient heritage of the Aegean with the spiritual sanctuary of the Hejaz. Traveling from the olive groves of the Mediterranean to the sacred desert represents a profound transition from worldly history to eternal worship (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Greece citizens is a digital authorization specifically designed to facilitate this sacred duty. In 2026, the Kingdom has fully integrated this process with the Nusuk platform, ensuring that Greek pilgrims can organize their journey with ease and modern efficiency.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Greek passport holders—covering flights from Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG), managing Euro finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Greek 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. Historical Tourism
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 explore the Nabataean history of AlUla (which shares historical ties with antiquity) or the Red Sea coast, you may want to review the Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Greece 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 Greece wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by Islamic committees in Western Thrace and Athens.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for Greeks
Greek pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with cooler months to match the Mediterranean comfort they are used to.
Winter (November – March): While Greece experiences mild but wet winters, Makkah offers perfect temperatures (around 25°C). This is the ideal window to perform the physically demanding rituals of Tawaf and Sa'i without the exhaustion of the extreme desert summer heat.
Spring Holidays: Many families utilize the spring break. However, flights from Athens via Istanbul or Cairo fill up quickly, so early booking is essential.
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From the Aegean to the Hejaz: Logistics from Athens & Thessaloniki
Greek pilgrims benefit from excellent proximity to the Middle East, offering multiple short-haul routes.
The Istanbul Connection: For pilgrims from Thessaloniki (SKG) and Athens (ATH), the most popular route is via Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines or Aegean Airlines connecting to Middle Eastern carriers.
The Cairo/Amman Route: Flights via Cairo (EgyptAir) or Amman (Royal Jordanian) are also very efficient due to the short flight time from Greece.
Ihram Strategy: Due to the short flight duration from these transit hubs to Jeddah, you must be vigilant. It is highly recommended to change into Ihram at your transit airport (e.g., Istanbul or Cairo) to ensure you are ready before the pilot announces the Miqat crossing.
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Digital Access to Sanctuaries: 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 Greece, especially in Thrace, maintains strong family bonds. 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 family members.
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Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for Greece Citizens
For applicants applying from Greece, 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 Greeks
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 Athens or Thessaloniki.
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Financial Logistics: Sadaqah & Zamzam
Banking: Your Greek bank cards (Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, NBG) 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). Euros are widely accepted for exchange in the Kingdom.
Zamzam Water: You are permitted to bring one 5-liter bottle back. Check with your airline (especially Aegean or Turkish Airlines) regarding specific carriage rules for the return flight to Greece.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Greece Citizens
Below are the most common questions Greek citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a transit visa for Turkey or Egypt?
Greek citizens generally do not need a transit visa for Turkey or Egypt if they remain in the international transit area. However, always check the latest regulations if you have a long layover and plan to exit the airport.
Can Greek women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Greek 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 (Bibliario Ygeias/Vaccination Book) 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.