Umrah E-Visa for Russia Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the vast and diverse Muslim community of the Russian Federation—spanning from the historic mosques of Kazan and the mountains of the North Caucasus to the bustling capital of Moscow—the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey of immense spiritual magnitude. Traveling from the snow-covered plains of Eurasia to the sacred desert of the Hejaz represents a profound transition from worldly endurance to eternal worship (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Russia 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 Russian pilgrims can organize their journey with dignity and ease.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Russian passport holders—covering flights from Moscow and Regional Hubs (Kazan, Grozny, Makhachkala), navigating financial sanctions (Card vs. Cash), and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Russian 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 Russia 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 Russia wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by the Hajj Mission of Russia.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for Russians
Russian pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with national holidays to maximize their time off.
May Holidays (May 1-10): The long public holidays in May are a prime time for Umrah. The weather in Saudi Arabia is hot but bearable, and it allows for a 10-day pilgrimage without taking extra leave.
New Year Holidays (Jan 1-10): Escaping the bitter Russian winter (-20°C) for the pleasant warmth of Makkah (25°C) is physically and spiritually revitalizing.
Ramadan: Flights from Muslim-majority regions (Dagestan, Chechnya, Tatarstan) fill up months in advance for Ramadan.
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From the Volga to the Red Sea: Logistics
Russia's vast geography offers multiple gateways to the Holy Land.
From Moscow (SVO/DME): Aeroflot and Saudia often operate direct flights or connections via major hubs. Alternatively, Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Emirates/Flydubai (via Dubai) are the most popular transit routes.
From Regional Hubs (Kazan, Grozny, Makhachkala): Pilgrims from these regions often benefit from direct charter flights or short connections via Istanbul or Sharjah (Air Arabia). These routes are often more convenient than traveling via Moscow.
Ihram Strategy:
Direct Flights: If flying direct to Jeddah (e.g., from Grozny or Moscow), you must be in Ihram before boarding.
Winter Warning: Given the freezing temperatures in Russia, wearing Ihram sheets at the airport can be challenging. If transiting through Istanbul or Dubai, it is much safer and more comfortable to change into Ihram at the transit airport.
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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 & Elders
Russian Muslim families maintain deep respect for elders (Babushkas/Dedushkas). The E-Visa system supports family travel by allowing for group applications. 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 Russia Citizens
For applicants applying from Russia, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD. While we list estimates in RUB below, please note that international payment restrictions apply (see Financial Logistics below).
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. 17,500 ₽ – 19,000 ₽ (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. 23,500 ₽ – 25,500 ₽ (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 Rubles is determined by the daily exchange rate. For a full breakdown, visit our Visa Types and Prices page.
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Pilgrimage Application Steps for Russians
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: The "Sanctions" Reality
Card Warning (CRITICAL): Russian-issued Visa and Mastercard cards do NOT work in Saudi Arabia. You cannot use them for ATMs or payments.
UnionPay: Some Russian UnionPay cards work, but acceptance is not 100% guaranteed. Do not rely on it as your only source of funds.
Cash is King: You must bring cash. The best currency to bring is USD (United States Dollars).
Tip: Bring "fresh" USD notes (new design, no markings, crisp condition). Old or damaged bills may be refused by exchange offices in Jeddah or Makkah.
Rubles: Do not bring Russian Rubles (RUB); they are generally not accepted for exchange in Saudi Arabia.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Russia Citizens
Below are the most common questions Russian citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Which passport should I use?
You must use your International Passport (Zagranpasport). The internal Russian Passport (Vnutrenniy Pasport) is valid only within Russia and cannot be used for international travel or visa applications.
Do I need a transit visa for Istanbul or Dubai?
Russian citizens generally do not need a visa for short tourist visits to Turkey or the UAE (check latest duration rules). You can transit smoothly.
Can Russian women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Russian 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 (Certificate of Vaccination) 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.