Umrah E-Visa for Japan Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the dedicated Muslim community residing in the "Land of the Rising Sun," the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey of profound distance and devotion. Leaving the hyper-modern streets of Tokyo or the serene Zen gardens of Kyoto for the sacred desert of the Hejaz represents a transition from worldly discipline to spiritual surrender (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Japan 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 Japanese pilgrims can organize their journey with the precision, punctuality, and harmony they value.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Japanese passport holders—covering direct flights from Tokyo (NRT/HND), managing JPY finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Japanese 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 explore the futuristic city of NEOM or the heritage of AlUla without immediate religious rituals, you may want to review the Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Japan 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 Japan wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by the Japan Muslim Association.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for Japanese
Japanese pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with national holidays to maximize their leave.
Golden Week (Late April – May): This is the most popular travel window for Japanese citizens. Utilizing the consecutive national holidays allows for a stress-free 10-day pilgrimage. However, flights from Tokyo fill up very quickly, so booking months in advance is critical.
New Year (Shogatsu): Many families utilize the year-end holidays to start the new year in the Holy Cities. The weather in Makkah during January is pleasant (around 25°C), offering a comfortable climate compared to the cold Japanese winter.
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From the Rising Sun to the Sanctuary: Logistics from Tokyo
Connectivity between Japan and Saudi Arabia has improved significantly.
The Direct Route (Saudia): Saudia Airlines operates direct flights from both Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) to Jeddah. This is the most convenient option.
Crucial Ihram Note: Since this flight goes directly to Jeddah, you will cross the Miqat while in the air. You must be in Ihram and make your intention before boarding in Tokyo or carry it in your hand luggage to change on the plane before the pilot's announcement.
Transit Routes: Alternatives include Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur or Emirates via Dubai. These routes allow pilgrims to break up the long journey and change into Ihram at the transit point.
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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 Japan is small but highly organized, often centered around mosques in Tokyo (Yoyogi), Kobe, or Nagoya. The E-Visa system supports community travel 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.
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Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for Japan Citizens
For applicants applying from Japan, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD and settled in Japanese Yen (JPY) by your issuing bank.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. ¥27,000 – ¥29,000 JPY (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. ¥36,500 – ¥38,500 JPY (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 JPY 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 Japanese
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.
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Financial Logistics: Sadaqah & Zamzam
Banking: Your Japanese credit cards (JCB, Visa, Mastercard) work in Saudi Arabia. However, JCB acceptance can sometimes be limited compared to Visa/Mastercard.
Currency Advice: We recommend exchanging a small amount of USD or Yen for Saudi Riyals (SAR) at Jeddah airport for immediate cash needs (Sadaqah, taxis).
Zamzam Water: You are permitted to bring one 5-liter bottle back. Strict airline rules apply; ensure it is packed properly and declared. Note that liquids in carry-on are strictly prohibited on international flights departing KSA.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Japan Citizens
Below are the most common questions Japanese citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a visa if I have a Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Card) but not a passport?
This E-Visa is specifically for Japanese Citizens (passport holders). If you hold a Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Card) but a passport from another country (e.g., Indonesia, Pakistan), you may need to apply based on your passport's nationality.
Can Japanese women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Japanese 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 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.