The Quota & the Green Zone
Why might an Umrah visa take longer, and how can it be issued the same day? A plain explanation of what changed and what it means for your request.
01 What is the quota system?
A quota system now applies to Umrah visas: each country has a set number of visas available to it, and Sudan has its own allotted share.
Regular requests are filed within this share and wait their turn. When the quota opens, visas are issued in order; when it is full, requests wait until it opens again.
What this means for you: On the regular route there is no fixed issue date and it may take longer than usual. Do not book flights or accommodation until the visa is actually issued.
02 What is the green zone?
Umrah company accounts are classified into zones, and green-zone accounts can enter visa requests outside the Sudan quota, so they do not wait in the quota queue.
That is what our “Urgent Umrah” is: we enter your request through a green-zone account, and the visa is issued directly the same day once the request and payment are complete.
03 The two routes compared
Regular Umrah
SAR 950 per pilgrim
- Filed within the Sudan quota
- Waits its turn; may take longer
- Suits you if you are not travelling soon
Urgent Umrah
SAR 1,200 per pilgrim
- Entered through a green-zone account
- Outside the Sudan quota; issued the same day
- Suits you if you are travelling soon
On both routes: the same Umrah visa, the same requirements and documents, sent to you on WhatsApp as soon as it is issued.
04 Questions
Is the urgent visa different from the regular one?
No. It is the same Umrah visa with the same requirements and documents (passport and guarantor). Only the way the application is entered differs, and so how fast it is issued.
How long does the regular route take?
There is no fixed date, because issuing depends on what opens in the Sudan quota. A request may be issued quickly or wait several days, depending on the queue and the quota available.
When is the urgent visa issued?
It is entered through a green-zone account outside the Sudan quota, so it is issued directly the same day once the request and payment are complete.
Should I book my flight before the visa is issued?
Not on the regular route. Book flights and accommodation once the visa is actually issued. If you travel soon, choose the urgent route.
How do I know my visa was issued?
We follow up your request and send you the visa on WhatsApp as soon as it is issued; you can also check its status on the visa-status page.
Ready to apply?
Pick the route that suits you on the first step of the application.