Want to go to Saudi Arabia for Umrah but don’t know where to begin the visa process? Here’s a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about applying for an Umrah visa.
What is an Umrah visa?
An Umrah visa is an electronic visa provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to anyone who intends to do Umrah, according to the official website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah – haj.gov.sa. During their stay in Saudi Arabia, the visa holder is allowed to travel between Mecca, Medina, and any other city in the country.
How can one apply for an Umrah visa?
Anyone who desires to conduct Haj or Umrah must apply for a visa through a licensed tour operator, according to the UAE government’s official website, u.ae.
A visa will be applied for on your behalf by the Haj/Umrah travel operator. Visas are issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
Anybody who is a UAE resident and Muslim can apply for the visa.
The method has now altered, and obtaining an Umrah visa is now quite simple. Previously, you had to go to an application center, submit your passport, and wait five to seven days for the visa to be stamped on it. They have now switched to an e-visa system, which allows you to apply through an authorized travel agent, submit your documents, pay, and receive an e-visa. After that, you can purchase your tickets.
The system has now changed, making it much easier to obtain an Umrah visa… they have switched to an e-visa system, which allows you to apply through an authorized travel agent, submit your documents, pay, and receive an e-visa. After that, you can purchase your tickets.
How long is the visa valid for?
The visa is only valid for 30 days. This implies you can go to Saudi Arabia within 30 days of receiving your visa.
Umrah visas allow holders to stay in the country for 30 days, according to haj.gov.sa. It is not possible to extend the visa any further.
The length of stay can often be reduced, as applicants can opt for a six-day or ten-day package, depending on the tour operator’s offerings.
A similar condition for applying for Umrah visas is stated on the Saudi Ministry’s website, haj.gov.sa. Individuals who do not have a service package cannot apply for an Umrah Visa, according to the website.
Without a service package (housing/transportation), the external agent [travel agent] will not be able to obtain an Umrah Visa.
Can women travel without a male companion?
A woman can receive an Umrah visa if she is 45 years or older and traveling with a group of ladies, according to haj.gov.sa. “She must travel with a mahram if she is under 45 years old.” The local authorized agent must identify the women’s male relations, according to the website.
A mahram, according to Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Affairs Department, is a male with whom marriage is forbidden.
When is the Umrah visa issued?
Umrah visas are not issued on a year-round basis. According to haj.gov.sa, the Saudi government begins issuing Umrah visas on the 15th of Dhul Hijjah, and the deadline for submitting Umrah visa applications is the 15th of Shawwal of each Hijri year, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Documents required
Because the application procedure is now conducted entirely online, all documentation must be submitted electronically. You will need to submit the following papers to apply for an Umrah visa:
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your UAE visa
- A passport-sized photograph
COVID-19 requirements
While the Saudi government has removed the requirement for applying for permission to visit the big mosques in Mecca or Medina, you will still need to do a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test 48 hours before your trip.
You’ll also need to register as a vaccinated or non-vaccinated passenger on the Muqeem portal At arrival.muqeem.sa.
You will be asked to input your country of origin (UAE), nationality, and visa number during the registration process.
What is the cost of an Umrah visa?
According to tour providers in the UAE, the cost of an Umrah visa is presently between Dh1,400 and Dh1,800 per person.
This is just the visa fee for one person. The cost of a hotel stay and airline tickets for particular dates are included in the standard packages. We also tailor packages to meet the specific demands of our clients.
Group packages
People who want to go to Umrah frequently choose group packages because the overall cost can be significantly lower than individual packages.
Furthermore, depending on whether you arrive by land or by air, the number of days you can stay in Saudi Arabia varies.
The typical ‘By road’ package lasts 10 days, including travel time. By vehicle, it takes us about 14 to 15 hours to get to Saudi Arabia. It could take up to 18 hours if there is significant traffic at the border. So, you can spend four nights in Mecca, three nights in Medina, and two nights traveling. If you fly, you can buy a six-day package that includes three nights in Mecca and two nights in Medina.
What would be the total cost of the Umrah trip?
The overall cost will be determined by not just the length of your stay but also the hotel you choose.
The price is determined by the distance from the great mosques rather than the hotel’s star rating. The more expensive a hotel is, the closer it is to the mosque.