Umrah E-Visa for Sweden Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
✧
For the diverse Muslim community residing in the "Land of the Midnight Sun"—from the bustling suburbs of Rinkeby and Rosengård to the quiet calm of Norrland—the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey of stark contrasts. Leaving the snowy serenity and vintermörker (winter darkness) of Sweden for the radiant spiritual light of the Hejaz represents a profound transition from worldly endurance to eternal worship (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Sweden 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 Swedish pilgrims can organize their journey with the efficiency and calm (Lugn) they are accustomed to.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Swedish passport holders—covering flights from Stockholm (ARN) and Gothenburg (GOT), managing Krona (SEK) vs. Swish limitations, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
✧
Umrah Visa Conditions for Swedish 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).
✧
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 Sweden 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 Sweden wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by organizations like Islamiska Förbundet.
✧
Best Time to Perform Umrah for Swedes
Swedish pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with school holidays ("Lov") to travel with family.
Sportlov (February Break): This is the undisputed peak season. While the rest of Sweden goes skiing, many Muslim families choose to escape the freezing cold for the mild 25°C weather of Makkah. It is physically and spiritually revitalizing.
Påsklov (Easter Break): The spring break is another excellent window offering comfortable temperatures before the Saudi summer heat sets in.
Summer Warning: Avoid July and August unless necessary. The contrast between a mild Swedish summer (20°C) and the Saudi desert (45°C+) can be physically overwhelming.
✧
From the Nordics to the Desert: Logistics
Since there are no direct flights to Saudi Arabia from Sweden, pilgrims must plan their transit carefully from Arlanda (ARN) or Landvetter (GOT).
The Istanbul Route: The most popular route is via Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus. It offers excellent connections from both Stockholm and Gothenburg.
The Premium Route: Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Emirates (via Dubai) offer premium comfort, which is often preferred when traveling with elderly parents.
Ihram Strategy:
Cold Warning: Do not wear Ihram cloths from Sweden in winter. The temperatures are freezing, and the journey is long.
The Fix: Plan to shower and change into Ihram at your transit airport (Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai) before the final flight to Jeddah. This ensures you cross the Miqat in Ihram without risking your health.
✧
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.
✧
Traveling with Family
The Muslim community in Sweden is family-centric. 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.
✧
Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for Sweden Citizens
For applicants applying from Sweden, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD and settled in Swedish Krona (SEK) by your issuing bank.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. 1,900 SEK – 2,100 SEK (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. 2,600 SEK – 2,800 SEK (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 SEK is determined by your bank’s daily exchange rate. For a full breakdown, visit our Visa Types and Prices page.
✧
Pilgrimage Application Steps for Swedes
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.
✧
Financial Logistics: The "Swish" & Cash Warning
Swish Alert (Crucial): Sweden is a cashless society, and everyone relies on Swish. However, Swish does NOT work in Saudi Arabia. You cannot transfer money or pay merchants with it.
Banking: Your Swedish bank cards (Swedbank, SEB, Nordea, Handelsbanken) work internationally. Important: Check your internet bank settings to ensure "Regionspärr" (Region Block) is turned off for the Middle East/Asia.
Currency Advice: The Swedish Krona (SEK) is a "soft currency" and is difficult to exchange in Saudi Arabia. Do not bring SEK cash. Instead, bring USD or Euros to exchange for Saudi Riyals (SAR), or simply rely on ATM withdrawals.
✧
FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Sweden Citizens
Below are the most common questions Swedish citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
✧
Do I need a visa if I have a Swedish Residence Permit (Uppehållstillstånd) but not a passport?
This E-Visa is specifically for Swedish Citizens (holders of the red passport). If you hold a Swedish Residence Permit (Uppehållstillstånd) but a passport from another country (e.g., Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Eritrea), you may need to apply based on your passport's nationality or check if you qualify for the "Schengen Resident" exemption category.
Can Swedish women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Swedish 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 VaccinDirekt or Vårdcentral) 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.