Saudi Arabia is remarkably known for being home to two holy cities, Mecca and Madina. Millions of tourists arrive every year to set on the holy journey, Umrah and Hajj. KSA has improved and eased the visa process by bringing in the online visa. Also, with the new Umrah visa rule 2022, the validity of an Umrah visa is extended from 30 days to 90 days. Want to know more? Here is a complete guide to Umrah Visa online.
A. What is Umrah?
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage that can be taken at any time of the year. While not obligatory like the Hajj, it is significant as a spiritual journey of renewal and seeking forgiveness. It is an awakening journey to surrender your sins and connect with God. In this beautiful transformative experience, Muslims undergo rituals and processes that help to cleanse the soul and pray to Allah. The important sets of practice in Umrah are wearing the right clothes and having the right intent (Ihram), circling around the holy Kaaba seven times (Tawaf), and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa (Sa’i). It all ends with men getting their hair cut or shaving it completely while women tag all their hair in a single lock. This signals purity, similar to rebirth, as you leave behind otherworldly concerns.
When to Perform Umrah?
Although Umrah is a year-round pilgrimage, there is a rush during Ramadan and the Islamic months of Shawwal and Dhul-Hijjah. To visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
Is it tough to perform Umrah?
It is easier to perform Umrah than Hajj due to flexible timing and simpler rituals. Also, the process to get a Saudi Umrah visa is hassle-free and straightforward. The Saudi government has brought convenient modes of performing Umrah, one of which includes the newly introduced Saudi eVisa.
Is Hajj and Umrah different?
While Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage, Hajj is a mandatory observance for Muslims.
B. Do I need a visa to perform Umrah?
A person typically needs a visa to perform Umrah unless he belongs to GCC or holds a specific diplomatic passport. There are two main types of visas for Umrah in Saudi Arabia: Umrah Visa and Tourist Visa.
An Umrah visa is the official document that allows Muslims to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah. It is valid for 30 days and allows you to enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times.
Purpose:
- It is solely for performing the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca
- It cannot be used for other purposes like sightseeing, business, or work
The Saudi tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that allows citizens of eligible countries to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. Besides that, the visa holder can also perform Umrah. It is a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing you to stay in the country for up to 90 days per visit.
What is the difference between Saudi eVisa and Umrah Visa?
Umrah visa focuses solely on religious pilgrimage, while a tourist visa allows broader activities within the country.
- Umrah visa validity is typically shorter than a tourist visa.
- The application process might differ slightly, with additional documents specific to the pilgrimage required for the Umrah visa.
- You must remember that you cannot perform Hajj with these visas.
C. Eligibility to Get Umrah Visa
Only nationality is not sufficient to determine whether you will get an Umrah visa. Here are some other important factors for eligibility for a Saudi Umrah visa:
- Applicant must be 18 years old
- He/ she must belong to a Muslim community.
- Women traveling in a group must have the permission of their guardians.
- Children under 18 years of age must apply for an Umrah visa with a parent or legal guardian.
D. How do you apply for a Saudi Umrah Visa?
Here is the good news — gone are the days of lengthy and multiple embassy visits to get a Saudi visa. Earlier, to apply for an Umrah visa or Hajj visa, people had to submit umpteen documents and still faced disappointments in the form of rejections and delays.
1. Contact a reliable visa agency: One of the best ways to get a visa for Umrah is to find an authorized visa consultant. They have in-depth knowledge of the complex visa application process, including requirements and documentation. They can guide you through the process and ensure your application is 100% correct.
2. Reach the nearest Embassy: If you want to fill out the form by yourself, you can reach the embassies, who offer thorough guidance on the visa process. You can directly submit the visa documents.
3. Submit an online application: For a more convenient option, you can fill out the online application form through an official website. Recheck the details submitted along with the documents attached. Pay the required fees and wait for the approval.
E. Documents Required for Umrah visa
The following are the common requirements to perform Umrah in KSA.
1. Saudi Umrah Visa
- A duly filled Umrah visa application form with appropriate details.
- A good-condition passport with six months validity from the date of departure with two blank pages.
- Recent passport-sized photographs meet specific format requirements.
- Confirmation of your booked hotel reservations in Saudi Arabia.
- Flight tickets or bookings specifying your travel arrangements.
- Proof of travel insurance covering medical expenses and COVID-19-related issues.
- A NOC for women traveling without a male guardian but in a group. Otherwise, they should be accompanied by a male guardian.
2. Saudi eVisa
For Saudi eVisa, you require a passport, photographs, and an application.
F. How can I get an Umrah visa from Dubai?
To get an Umrah visa for UAE residents depends on their nationality. If you are an Indian living in the UAE, you will have to follow a step-by-step process. Also, there are a lot of requests for a Saudi visa for Pakistani nationals.
What is the processing time to get an Umrah visa for Saudi?
The processing time for the Saudi tourist visa is one day. It is the fastest visa processing you’ll ever receive. The processing time to get an Umrah visa is usually 3-7 business days. However, it is possible that your application could take longer, so it is best to apply well before your travel dates.
Who doesn’t need an Umrah visa for Saudi?
1. Citizens of GCC:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates.
2. Holders of diplomatic and official passports:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Djibouti
- France
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Kosovo
- Laos
- Malta
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Singapore
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- Vietnam
3. You may not require an Umrah Visa if you have a Schengen, US, or UK visa.
What is the Umrah visa price?
The Umrah cost from Dubai is typically above AED 600. But depending on your nationality, it can range between AED 600-1600. Also, the cost of travel insurance can affect the price. If you choose the Umrah package, then it includes the cost of an Umrah visa, accommodation, and travel, offering you a more affordable tour of Saudi Arabia.
Are there any special requirements for Women and Minors in Umrah?
For Women:
- Women under the age of 45 must be accompanied by a guardian (their father, husband, son, brother, grandfather, or paternal uncle) during the entire Umrah journey.
- They must cover their entire body (except their face) in loose-fitting, non-revealing clothes.
For Minors:
- Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
- It’s important to ensure that minor children understand the significance of Umrah and willingly participate in the rituals.
Can the Umrah visa be extended?
Umrah visas cannot be extended, and travelers should leave before the visa expires.
Conclusion
Getting an Umrah visa from Dubai or your hometown is now simpler than ever. Follow these steps and go on the most pious pilgrimage of your life.
A travel influencer, adventurer and blogger on a mision to dicover the hidden gems of this beautiful planet. For me traveling isn’t a hobby, but a way of living.
