Umrah E-Visa for South Korea Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the dedicated Muslim community residing in the "Land of the Morning Calm," the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey of profound spiritual awakening. Transitioning from the high-tech vibrancy of Seoul and the historic serenity of Gyeongju to the sacred desert of the Hejaz represents a shift from worldly discipline to eternal worship (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for South Korea 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 Korean pilgrims can organize their journey with the speed and efficiency they value.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of South Korean passport holders—covering direct flights from Incheon (ICN), managing Won (KRW) finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for South Korean 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 South Korea 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 South Korea wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) in Seoul.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for Koreans
Korean pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with major national holidays to maximize their time off.
Seollal (Lunar New Year): The long holiday in January/February is a prime time. Escaping the freezing Korean winter for the pleasant 25°C weather of Makkah offers a perfect spiritual retreat.
Chuseok (Harvest Festival): The autumn break (September/October) is another excellent window. The weather in Saudi Arabia begins to cool down, making the rituals of Tawaf and Sa'i comfortable.
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From Incheon to the Holy City: Logistics
South Korea enjoys excellent connectivity to the Kingdom via Incheon International Airport (ICN).
The Direct Route (Saudia): Saudia Airlines operates direct flights from Seoul (ICN) to Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh. This is the most convenient option.
Crucial Ihram Note: Since this flight goes directly to Jeddah, you will cross the Miqat while in the air. You must be in Ihram and make your intention before boarding at Incheon or change on the plane before the pilot's announcement.
Transit Routes: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), or Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) are popular alternatives offering premium service. For these routes, changing into Ihram at the transit airport is recommended.
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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
The Muslim community in Korea, centered around the Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon, is close-knit. The E-Visa system supports family travel 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 South Korea Citizens
For applicants applying from South Korea, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD and settled in South Korean Won (KRW) by your issuing bank.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. ₩250,000 – ₩270,000 (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. ₩340,000 – ₩365,000 (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 Won (KRW) 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 Koreans
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 Incheon.
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Financial Logistics: Won vs. USD
Currency Alert (Crucial): The South Korean Won (KRW) is not accepted for cash exchange in Saudi Arabia. Do not bring Won notes.
Banking: Your Korean bank cards (Shinhan, KB Kookmin, Woori, Hana) work internationally if they have the Visa/Mastercard logo. Tip: Ensure "Overseas Use" is blocked or unblocked according to your needs via your banking app.
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 South Korea Citizens
Below are the most common questions Korean citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a visa if I have a Korean Alien Registration Card (ARC) but not a passport?
This E-Visa is specifically for South Korean Citizens (holders of the green/blue passport). If you hold a Korean Alien Registration Card (ARC) but a passport from another country (e.g., Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Pakistan), you may need to apply based on your passport's nationality.
Can Korean women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Korean 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.