Umrah E-Visa for Switzerland Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the diverse and disciplined Muslim community residing in the Alpine Confederation—from the banks of Lake Geneva to the bustling streets of Zurich—the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey of profound contrast. Leaving the pristine order, snowy peaks, and serenity of Switzerland for the spiritual vibrancy of the Hejaz represents a transition from worldly precision to eternal submission (Ibadah). The Umrah E-Visa for Switzerland 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 Swiss pilgrims can organize their journey with the efficiency and punctuality they value.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Swiss passport holders—covering flights from Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA), managing Swiss Franc (CHF) finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Swiss 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 Switzerland 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 Switzerland wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by Swiss umbrella organizations like FIDS (Föderation Islamischer Dachorganisationen in der Schweiz).
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for the Swiss
Swiss pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with school holidays ("Schulferien") to travel with family.
Sportferien (February): This is the most popular window. While the rest of Switzerland heads to the ski slopes, many Muslim families escape the fog (Nebel) and cold for the mild 25°C weather of Makkah.
Frühlingsferien (Spring Break): The spring holidays offer another excellent opportunity with comfortable temperatures before the intense Saudi summer begins.
Summer Warning: Unless necessary, avoid July and August. The shift from the cool Swiss summer to the 45°C+ heat of the desert can be physically challenging.
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From the Alps to the Desert: Logistics
Switzerland offers premium connectivity to the Kingdom from its two main hubs.
From Zurich (ZRH): Saudia Airlines operates direct flights to Riyadh and Jeddah. This is the most convenient option. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) connects via partners or you can fly Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.
From Geneva (GVA): Saudia operates direct flights (often seasonal or business-focused) to Jeddah. Emirates and Qatar Airways are also top choices for the French-speaking community.
Ihram Strategy:
Direct Flights: If flying direct to Jeddah from ZRH or GVA, you cross the Miqat in the air. You must be in Ihram before boarding or change on the plane well before landing.
Transit: If connecting via Istanbul or Dubai, change into Ihram at the transit airport lounge.
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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 Switzerland is well-organized and family-oriented. 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 Switzerland Citizens
For applicants applying from Switzerland, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD and settled in Swiss Francs (CHF) by your issuing bank.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. 160 CHF – 175 CHF (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. 215 CHF – 235 CHF (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 CHF 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 the Swiss
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 "Geo-blocking" Warning
Card Alert (PostFinance/Maestro): Many Swiss debit cards (especially PostFinance or older Maestro cards) have "Geo-blocking" enabled by default to prevent fraud. This means they will NOT work in Saudi Arabia unless you unlock them.
Action: Log in to your e-banking app or call your bank to authorize "Worldwide" usage before you travel.
Currency Advice: While the Swiss Franc (CHF) is a strong currency, it is less commonly traded in small shops in Saudi Arabia than USD or Euro.
Tip: Bring USD for cash exchange. Use your Swiss Credit Cards (UBS, CS, Raiffeisen) for hotel and mall payments.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Switzerland Citizens
Below are the most common questions Swiss citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a visa if I have a Swiss Residence Permit (B or C Permit) but not a passport?
This E-Visa is specifically for Swiss Citizens (holders of the red passport). If you hold a Swiss Residence Permit (Ausländerausweis B/C) but a passport from another country (e.g., Turkey, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia), you may need to apply based on your passport's nationality or check if you qualify for the "Schengen Resident" exemption category.
Can Swiss women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Swiss 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 (Impfausweis) 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.