Similar to other foreign travel trips, umrah visas are necessarily required for your all inclusive Cheap umrah packages. As a matter of fact, it’s a prerequisite. Though the kingdom has now permitted Umrah to travel on tourist, work and family visas to the kingdom; an Umrah permit is still required for Muslims intending for pilgrimage rituals during the journey.

Whether you are travelling for the holy rituals on an Umrah visa or an Umrah permit on other visa types; the basic requirements are the same. So, here’s what the pilgrims need to know about Umrah visas and documentation.

Types of Umrah visas:

Previously only the pilgrims arriving with an Umrah visa were allowed to offer the holy rituals in the city of Makkah. However, in late 2019 Saudia Arabia introduced its Saudi Vision 2030 plan. As a result, Hajj and Umrah travel policies were also revised and Muslims were permitted to offer Umrah rituals on their other visa types as well. Such as work, visit or family visa.

Umrah Visa Requirements:

Obtaining an Umrah visa or an Umrah permit on your work, tourist or family visa is the first step towards your pilgrimage travel. For this, pilgrims need to meet specific eligibility criteria and qualify for a visa. It prominently includes;

·         At least 18 years of age of the pilgrim travelling alone. Those under 18 years old are required to travel with a guardian.

·         A 6-month valid passport (beyond your scheduled return date from Umrah).

·         Physical and financial capability for the pilgrimage.

Application Process:

To initiate the application process, pilgrims applying for an Umrah visa need to hire the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s certified Umrah travel agent in their locality. This is because only a travel agency can apply for an Umrah visa on a pilgrim's behalf as the kingdom does not facilitate individual Umrah visa applications submitted.

On the other hand, if you intend for Umrah rituals on any other visa type, you can apply for it yourself and obtain a visa through both the e-visa services as well as the visa-on-arrival facility.

No matter the type of application form you are getting for your Umrah visa, make sure that you complete the application accurately with valid information.

Documentation Checklist:

The documents you need to submit along with your complete visa application form include;

·         A valid passport.

·         Passport-sized photographs.

·         Proof of confirmed travel itinerary i.e. return airline tickets (non-refundable).

·         Certificate of necessary vaccinations required (as per your region of travel).

·         Copy of pre-booked accommodation in the kingdom for your entire stay period (in Makkah as well as Madinah).

·         Any other document required (specific to your region).

Vaccination Requirements:

Keeping in view the health and safety of all the pilgrims arriving in the region, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made necessary vaccinations a prerequisite of Umrah travel. All the pilgrims must administer the essential vaccinations specified for their region of travel and arrive in the kingdom with valid proof of it.

The essential vaccinations include;

·         Polio.

·         Yellow fever.

·         Seasonal influenza.

·         Meningitis, etc.

Umrah Package Confirmation:

Pilgrims travelling with Umrah visas must also confirm their Umrah package hired from the travel agency. It must demonstrate their;

·         Booked accommodations.

·         Transportation.

·         Other essential services.

·         Flight arrangements, etc.

Travel Insurance:

While not a mandatory requirement, having travel insurance is a plus point not only for your pilgrimage but also for visa issuance. Therefore, highly recommended for Umrah pilgrims as it streamlines the visa process.

Travel insurance offers coverage for;

1.      Unexpected events.

2.      Medical emergencies.

3.      Trip cancellations and/or delays.

4.      Lost baggage.

Validity and Stay Duration:

Umrah visa has a validity of two weeks only. Though the validity of your issued visa is 30 days, the extra 15 days’ time is given to compensate for any flight and travel delays. Therefore, once you arrive in the kingdom, you have to perform all of the Umrah rituals within two weeks and depart on the 15th day of your arrival date.

On the other hand, if you are getting an umrah permit on your other visa types, the validity and stay duration are as per your visa specifics.

Overstaying your visa can result in penalties, as well as legal prosecutions. So be mindful of your Umrah visa validity and stay duration.

So, these are the necessary things to know about Umrah visa documentation and other requirements for your December Umrah Packages.