When you get Umrah packages Chicago, Umrah visas are usually included in these packages. A valid Umrah visa is necessary for every individual pilgrim to enter KSA. Otherwise, you might face inconveniences entering Saudi Arabia upon your arrival.
Here’s what you need to know about the different types of Umrah visas and the documentation required for them.
Types of Umrah Visas
There are currently two different types of Umrah visas available for pilgrims.
1. Umrah visa
The Umrah visa is specific to Umrah rituals only. In other words, a pilgrim getting an Umrah visa can only travel between Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah on this visa type.
In addition, it’s validity is only 90 days from the date of issuance, while the validity of a stay upon arrival is only two weeks. Umrah visas are included in Umrah Packages from USA as well as in Halal holidays with tourist visas. Once you arrive in the KSA, you must offer the holy rituals of Umrah within a maximum time frame of fourteen days and depart from the Kingdom on the 15th day of your arrival.
2. Umrah permit on work, tourist and family visa
If you are already travelling to Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa, work visa or family visa, you can perform Umrah rituals on it as well. The need for a separate Umrah visa for the pilgrimage no longer exists. As per the new rules of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has now allowed all Muslim travelers to KSA to offer the holy rituals of Umrah during their visit.
You just need to obtain your Umrah permit through the ‘Nusuk App’ (available for download on iOS and Android) and then proceed with the holy rituals along with managing your logistical aspects.
The plus point of a Umrah permit over a Umrah visa is that it permits you better mobility; you can travel to any destination in Saudi Arabia and also perform the holy rituals. On the other hand, the Umrah visa restricts your movement within the boundaries of Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah.
Requirements
Regardless of the type of Umrah visa you are getting, the requirements remain almost the same, which include a valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your return date), a confirmed travel itinerary, proof of pre booked hotel accommodation and return airline tickets (non-refundable), a vaccination certificate(s), a bank statement (if necessary) and passport-sized photographs.
Note that if you are applying for a specific ‘Umrah Visa’, you will need the channel of a certified Umrah travel agency for it. This is because the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah does not entertain individual Umrah visa requests made by pilgrims. However, Umrah permits for tourist, work or family visas are available through e-services and visa-on-arrival facilities as well.
Umrah visas do not usually have a fee associated with them but your travel agency may charge you some amount for Umrah visa USA processing and service fees. On the other hand, the rest of the Umrah travel visas have a specific visa fee that is subjective to the type of visa obtained, i.e., family, visit or visa.
E-visa services and visa on arrival facilities for Muslim travelers for Umrah rituals are only available for residents of specific countries. So, for the latest updates and eligibility criteria, you must visit the official sources, i.e., the website of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or a reliable and certified Umrah travel agency.
Tips for getting Umrah visas that pilgrims need to know
1. Apply early
The earlier you apply for an Umrah visa, the better your chances are of getting a timely delivery and avoiding any sort of travel delay. When you intend to offer Umrah rituals, you must apply for an Umrah visa as soon as you can to have flexibility of time while travelling.
2. Gather information
You must gather all of the necessary information regarding the different types of Umrah visas available and the documents required for each one of them. Also, know their limitations, validity, fee and any specific information necessary to avoid any inconvenience later.
3. Compare and then buy
Always compare the Umrah travel quotes from different travel agencies and then buy one to make an informed purchase decision. Therefore, it helps you save money and time.
That’s how pilgrims can efficiently get their Umrah visas with complete documentation.
