Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Umrah Visa Guide for First-Time Pilgrims


Mon 11 Mar 2024 | 03:09 PM
H-Tayea

Umrah visa is a visa issued to pilgrims who wish to perform Al-Omera in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Life is considered a pillar of Islam, and religious travel is important for Muslims. Here is an article explaining some information about the age visa:

Umrah visa is a permit issued by the Saudi Consulate to people who wish to perform Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Procedures and requirements for obtaining an Umrah visa vary from one country to another and usually include applying, scheduling interviews, and submitting necessary documents such as a passport and personal photos.

Several conditions must be met to obtain an Umrah visa, including that the applicant must have a passport valid for no less than six months, not have performed Umrah during the current year, and provide a certificate of vaccination against infectious diseases.

In addition, there are financial fees charged when applying for an Umrah visa, and applicants must pay these fees before the visa is issued. Pilgrims must also ensure that they obtain an Umrah visa from an authorized travel agent to ensure their safety and the smoothness of their journey.

In short, the Umrah visa is an essential step for pilgrims who wish to visit the Holy House of God in Mecca. Pilgrims must follow all procedures and conditions required to obtain a visa and ensure that it is valid for the date of their intended destination.

The Umrah visa is a special type of visa issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Muslims worldwide, allowing them to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. In this article, we will explore the latest updates and requirements for obtaining an Umrah visa in 2024, based on recent information from various sources.

Umrah Visa Requirements and Application Process

As of 2023, the application process for an Umrah visa involves several steps and requirements. Applicants must fill in their itinerary on the official booking platforms, such as Tasheer, specifying details like destination, arrival date, duration in Makkah, and the number of people traveling.

The requirements typically include having a passport valid for at least six months, proof of vaccination against certain diseases, and confirmation of hotel bookings and flight reservations within Saudi Arabia.

Visa Fees and Costs

The cost of an Umrah visa application has seen changes in recent years. As of 2022, the application fees ranged between $380 to $490, but these fees can vary from one country to another.

For instance, service fees from the UK were around £89 ($120), while fees from the US ranged from $173 to $220 It's important to note that these costs are subject to change and may have been updated for the 2023 Umrah season.

Visa Validity and Stay Duration

The validity of an Umrah visa is typically one month, with the length of stay in the Kingdom depending on the duration of the Umrah program chosen by the applicant. This flexibility allows pilgrims to plan their spiritual journey according to their personal schedules and preferences.

Recent Updates and Regulations

In response to evolving circumstances and to facilitate the pilgrimage for Muslims around the world, Saudi authorities have introduced several updates and regulations for Umrah pilgrims. For example, in January 2023, the Saudi Authorities launched a FREE 96-hour transit stopover visa for anyone flying with Saudi Airlines, which can be beneficial for pilgrims planning their journey to perform Umrah.

Additionally, all new tourism visas now include insurance coverage, providing added security and peace of mind for travellers during their pilgrimage.

Conclusion

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to make efforts to streamline the visa process and enhance the experience for pilgrims. With the latest updates in regulations and visa application processes, it's essential for potential pilgrims to stay informed about the requirements and plan their pilgrimage accordingly. As always, it's recommended to check with official sources or authorized travel agencies for the most current information and guidance on planning an Umrah pilgrimage in 2024.