Umrah E-Visa for Netherlands Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the vibrant Muslim community residing in the "Low Countries," the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey that elevates the soul. Leaving the flat polders, iconic windmills, and bustling canals of the Randstad for the sacred mountains and deserts of the Hejaz represents a profound transition from worldly life to eternal worship (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Netherlands 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 Dutch pilgrims can organize their journey with the efficiency and pragmatism they are known for.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Dutch passport holders—covering flights from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), managing Euro finances (and the Maestro card issue), and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Dutch 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 Netherlands 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 the Netherlands wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by umbrella organizations like the CMO (Contactorgaan Moslims en Overheid).
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for the Dutch
Dutch pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with school holidays (Schoolvakanties) to travel as a family.
Kerstvakantie (Winter Break): Late December is a peak season. Escaping the grey, rainy Dutch winter for the mild 25°C weather of Makkah offers a perfect spiritual retreat.
Meivakantie (May Holiday): This 1-2 week break in Spring is extremely popular. The weather in Saudi Arabia is warmer but still manageable before the peak summer heat.
Avoid Peak Summer: Unless you are accustomed to extreme heat, avoid July and August, when temperatures in Makkah can exceed 45°C.
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From Schiphol to the Sanctuary: Logistics
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) offers some of the best connectivity in Europe for pilgrims.
Direct Flights (Saudia/KLM): Saudia Airlines operates direct flights from Amsterdam to Jeddah and Riyadh. This is the fastest option.
Ihram Strategy: On direct flights to Jeddah, you cross the Miqat in the air. You must wear your Ihram cloths before boarding at Schiphol or change on the plane well before landing.
The Istanbul Connection: Given the large Turkish-Dutch community, flying Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST) is a top choice. It allows for a stopover and comfortable Ihram change at Istanbul airport.
Other Options: Pegasus Airlines (via Sabiha Gökçen) or Royal Jordanian (via Amman) are also popular for budget-conscious travelers.
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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 the Netherlands is highly organized. 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 (Ouders/Grootouders).
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Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for Netherlands Citizens
For applicants applying from the Netherlands, 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 Dutch 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 at Schiphol.
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Financial Logistics: The "Maestro" Warning
Banking Alert (Crucial): Historically, many Dutch bank cards (ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO) were Maestro (Pinpas) only. While the Netherlands is switching to Debit Mastercard/Visa, many older Maestro cards do not work at payment terminals in Saudi Arabia.
Solution: Ensure you bring a Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) or a new Debit Mastercard/Visa Debit. Do not rely solely on an old Maestro card.
Cash Advice: We recommend exchanging a small amount of Euros 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. Check with Saudia or Turkish Airlines regarding carriage rules.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Netherlands Citizens
Below are the most common questions Dutch citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a visa if I have a Dutch Residence Permit (Verblijfsvergunning) but not a passport?
This E-Visa is specifically for Netherlands Citizens (holders of the Dutch passport). If you hold a Dutch Residence Permit (Verblijfsvergunning) but a passport from another country (e.g., Morocco, Turkey, Suriname), you may need to apply based on your passport's nationality or check if you qualify for the "Schengen Resident" exemption category.
Can Dutch women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Dutch 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 (often from the GGD) 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.