Umrah E-Visa for Latvia Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the Muslim community residing in the "Pearl of the Baltics," the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey of profound contrast—leaving the mist-covered spires of Riga for the sun-drenched sanctuary of the Hejaz. Traveling from the banks of the Daugava River to the sacred desert represents a transition from Northern tranquility to spiritual elevation (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Latvia 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 Latvian pilgrims can organize their journey with the efficiency and modern ease they expect.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Latvian passport holders—covering flights from Riga (RIX), managing Euro finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Latvian 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 Red Sea coast or the futuristic city of NEOM without immediate religious rituals, you may want to review the Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Latvia 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 Latvia wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by Baltic Islamic cultural centers.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for Latvians
Latvian pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with seasons that offer a break from the Nordic climate.
Winter Escape (November – March): Escaping the short days and freezing temperatures of the Latvian winter for the mild 25°C weather of Makkah is a popular choice. The cooler Saudi winter makes the physical rituals of Tawaf and Sa'i much more comfortable.
Spring Holidays: Many families utilize the spring break. However, flights from Riga via Istanbul fill up quickly during this period, so booking your visa and tickets early is essential.
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From the Daugava to the Desert: Logistics from Riga (RIX)
Latvian pilgrims benefit from Riga International Airport (RIX) being the largest aviation hub in the Baltics.
The Istanbul Route: The most reliable and frequent route is via Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines. It provides seamless connectivity to Jeddah and Madinah.
The airBaltic Connections: Many pilgrims use airBaltic to connect to major European hubs (like Frankfurt or Munich) or Dubai, transferring to Saudi-bound flights.
Ihram Strategy: Since there are no direct flights to Jeddah from Riga, you will likely cross the Miqat zone during your final flight leg. It is highly recommended to change into Ihram at your transit airport (e.g., Istanbul) to ensure you are ready before the pilot's announcement.
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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
The Muslim community in Latvia is small but close-knit. 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 Latvia Citizens
For applicants applying from Latvia, 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 Latvians
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 Riga.
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Financial Logistics: Sadaqah & Zamzam
Banking: Your Latvian bank cards (Swedbank, SEB, Citadele, Revolut) work internationally. Revolut is particularly popular among Latvian travelers for its good exchange rates in Saudi Arabia.
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 airBaltic or your specific airline regarding carriage rules, as budget fares often do not include checked specialty luggage.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Latvia Citizens
Below are the most common questions Latvian citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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I have a Latvian "Non-Citizen" Passport (Nepilsoņa pase). Can I apply?
No. The E-Visa system is strictly available for Latvian Citizens holding a standard Latvian (EU) passport. If you hold a Latvian "Non-Citizen" (Alien's) passport, you are not eligible for the E-Visa and must apply for a standard visa through the nearest Saudi Embassy.
Can Latvian women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Latvian 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 (Potēšanas pase) 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.