Umrah E-Visa for Maldives Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the entirely Muslim population of the "Sunny Side of Life," the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is the ultimate aspiration, weaving the spiritual fabric of island life. Traveling from the turquoise atolls of Dhivehi Raajje to the sacred golden sands of the Hejaz represents a profound transition from an earthly paradise to the ultimate spiritual sanctuary. The Umrah E-Visa for Maldives 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 Maldivian pilgrims can organize their journey with the ease and serenity that defines their culture.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Maldivian passport holders—covering transit flights from Velana (MLE), managing Rufiyaa (MVR) vs. USD finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Maldivian 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 heritage sites of AlUla without immediate religious rituals, you may want to review the Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Maldives 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 Maldives wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by the Maldives Hajj Corporation.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for Maldivians
Maldivian pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with school holidays ("Bodu Chuttee") to perform Umrah with their families.
School Holidays (December/January): The long school break is the peak season for Maldivian families. While Maldivians are accustomed to heat, the pleasant winter weather of Makkah (25°C) offers a welcome break from the equatorial humidity.
Ramadan: Performing Umrah during Ramadan is deeply cherished in Maldivian culture, but flights from Malé (MLE) fill up months in advance.
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From the Atolls to the Desert: Logistics
Since direct flights are seasonal or limited, most pilgrims travel via regional hubs from Velana International Airport (MLE).
The Colombo Route: A very common route is via Colombo (CMB) with SriLankan Airlines. It is short and efficient.
The Gulf Route: Flights via Doha (Qatar Airways) or Dubai (Emirates) offer high comfort and frequent connections.
Ihram Strategy: Since you will be changing planes, do not wear Ihram from Malé if you have a long layover. Plan to shower and change into Ihram at your final transit airport (e.g., Colombo, Dubai, or Doha) before the last flight to Jeddah, which crosses the Miqat.
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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
Maldivians maintain strong family bonds and often travel in large groups. 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 Maldives Citizens
For applicants applying from the Maldives, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD. While we list estimates in MVR below, please note your bank may apply international transaction fees.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. MVR 2,850 – MVR 3,000 (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. MVR 3,850 – MVR 4,000 (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 Rufiyaa (MVR) 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 Maldivians
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 (Burqa) are standard; 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 at Velana International.
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Financial Logistics: BML & Currency Warning
Currency Alert (Crucial): The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is a non-convertible currency. You cannot exchange MVR for Saudi Riyals in Saudi Arabia. You must bring USD.
Banking: Your Bank of Maldives (BML) Visa/Mastercard (Debit or Credit) works internationally. Ensure you have enabled your USD allowance or have a USD account linked to your card for smooth transactions in the Kingdom.
Cash Advice: Bring USD (United States Dollars). It is the best currency to exchange for Saudi Riyals (SAR) at Jeddah airport.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Maldives Citizens
Below are the most common questions Maldivian citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a transit visa for Sri Lanka or India?
If you are transiting through Colombo (CMB) or an Indian airport and staying in the transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you have a long layover and plan to exit the airport, check the specific visa requirements for Sri Lanka or India for Maldivian citizens.
Can Maldivian women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Maldivian 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.