Umrah E-Visa for Ireland Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the growing Muslim community residing in the "Emerald Isle," the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey of vivid contrast—leaving the lush, rain-swept landscapes of Ireland for the golden, spiritual warmth of the Hejaz. Traveling from Dublin or Cork to the sacred desert represents a profound transition from worldly tranquility to eternal worship (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Ireland 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 Irish pilgrims can organize their journey with the ease and friendliness they are known for.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Irish passport holders—covering transit flights from Dublin (DUB), managing Euro finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Irish 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 Ireland 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 Ireland wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI).
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for the Irish
Irish pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with school holidays to escape the wet Irish winter.
Mid-Term Breaks (February/October): These school holidays are popular windows for families. Escaping the grey skies of Dublin for the sunny, mild 25°C weather of Makkah provides a spiritual and physical recharge.
Easter Holidays: Many families utilize the extended spring break. However, flights from Dublin via Istanbul or Dubai fill up quickly, so early booking is essential.
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From the Emerald Isle to the Sacred Sands: Logistics
Since there are no direct flights to Saudi Arabia from Ireland, pilgrims must plan their transit carefully from Dublin Airport (DUB).
The Istanbul Route: A very popular route is via Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines. It offers excellent connections and generous baggage allowances.
The Gulf Route: Flights via Dubai (Emirates), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), or Doha (Qatar Airways) are also common, offering high comfort.
Ihram Strategy: Since you will be changing planes, do not wear Ihram from Dublin. Plan to shower and change into Ihram at your final transit airport (e.g., Istanbul or Dubai) 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 & Community
The Muslim community in Ireland is tight-knit and community-focused. 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 Ireland Citizens
For applicants applying from Ireland, 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 Irish 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 in Dublin.
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Financial Logistics: Sadaqah & Zamzam
Banking: Your Irish bank cards (AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB) work internationally. Pro Tip: Many Irish travelers use Revolut or Wise; these cards are widely accepted in Saudi Arabia and often offer better exchange rates.
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.
Zamzam Water: You are permitted to bring one 5-liter bottle back. Check with your airline regarding specific carriage rules for the return flight to Dublin.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Ireland Citizens
Below are the most common questions Irish citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a visa if I have an Irish Residence Permit (IRP/GNIB) but not a passport?
This E-Visa is specifically for Irish Citizens (passport holders). If you hold an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) but a passport from another country (e.g., Pakistan, Nigeria), you may need to apply based on your passport's nationality or check if you qualify for the "UK/Schengen/US Visa" exemption category.
Can Irish women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Irish 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.