Umrah E-Visa for Seychelles Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the vibrant Muslim community residing in the granite islands of the Indian Ocean, the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey that transcends the natural beauty of home. Leaving the pristine beaches of Mahé and Praslin—often called "Paradise on Earth"—for the spiritual sanctuary of the Hejaz represents a profound transition from worldly tranquility to eternal worship (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Seychelles 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 Seychellois pilgrims can organize their journey with the ease and peace of mind that defines island life.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Seychellois passport holders—covering flights via Dubai/Doha from Mahé (SEZ), managing Rupee (SCR) vs. USD finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Seychellois 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 Seychelles 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 Seychelles wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by the local Islamic organizations.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for Seychellois
Pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with school holidays to travel with extended family.
School Holidays (Dec/Jan & Aug): These periods are popular for families. While December offers mild weather in Saudi Arabia (25°C), be aware that August is extremely hot (45°C+), offering a sharp contrast to the tropical breeze of the Seychelles.
Ramadan: Performing Umrah during Ramadan is deeply cherished, but flights from Mahé (SEZ) fill up quickly due to high demand.
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From the Granite Islands to the Desert: Logistics
Logistics from Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) are seamless thanks to major Gulf carriers.
The Emirates Connection: Emirates flies frequently from Mahé to Dubai (DXB). This is the most popular route due to the short flight time to the hub and seamless connection to Jeddah.
The Qatar Airways Option: Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH) is another premium option, often offering competitive fares and excellent service for pilgrims.
Ihram Strategy: Do not wear Ihram from Seychelles. Enjoy the flight to the Gulf hub. Plan to shower and change into Ihram at the Dubai or Doha airport lounges before the final short flight to Jeddah/Madinah.
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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
Seychellois culture values close family ties. 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.
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Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for Seychelles Citizens
For applicants applying from Seychelles, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD. While we list estimates in SCR below, please note your bank may apply international transaction fees.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. 2,600 SCR – 2,800 SCR (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. 3,500 SCR – 3,750 SCR (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 Rupees (SCR) 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 Seychellois
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 SEZ.
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Financial Logistics: SCR vs. USD
Currency Alert (Crucial): The Seychellois Rupee (SCR) is not accepted for exchange in Saudi Arabia. You must bring foreign currency.
Banking: Your cards from MCB Seychelles, Absa, or Nouvobanq (Visa/Mastercard) work internationally. Important: Call your bank to unlock international usage before you fly to avoid your card being blocked in Saudi Arabia.
Cash Advice: Bring USD (United States Dollars) or Euros. These are the best currencies to exchange for Saudi Riyals (SAR) at Jeddah airport.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Seychelles Citizens
Below are the most common questions Seychellois citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a transit visa for Dubai or Doha?
Seychellois citizens are generally granted visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival in the UAE (Dubai) and Qatar (Doha). However, if you are just transiting (staying in the airport) for a few hours, no visa is needed at all.
Can Seychellois women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Seychellois 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 ("Yellow 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.