When you hire Umrah packages Chicago, Umrah visas are usually an inclusion of these packages. A valid Umrah visa is necessary for every individual pilgrim to enter KSA. Otherwise, you might face inconveniences entering Saudia Arabia upon your arrival.
Here’s what you need to know about the different types of Umrah visas and documentation required for it.
Types of Umrah visas.
There are currently two different types of Umrah visas available for the pilgrims.
1. Umrah visa.
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 stay upon arrival is only two weeks. Umrah VISA is included in the Umrah Packages from USA as well as in the Halal Holidays with tourist VISA. 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 Saudia Arabia on a tourist visa, work visa or family visa; you can perform Umrah rituals on it as well. The need for getting a separate Umrah visa for the pilgrimage no longer exists. As per the new rules of Saudi Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has now allowed all Muslims travellers to KSA to offer 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 Umrah visa is that it permits you better mobility; you can travel to any destination in Saudia Arabia and also perform the holy rituals. On the other hand, Umrah visa restricts your movement within 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), confirm travel itinerary; proof of prebooked hotel accommodation and return airline tickets (non-refundable); vaccination certificate(s); 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 the pilgrims. However, Umrah permit on tourist, work or family visa is available through e-services and visa on arrival facility as well.
Umrah visa does not usually have a fee associated with them but your travel agency may charge some amount from you for Umrah visa USA processing and service fee. On the other hand, 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 facility for the Muslims travellers 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. website of Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or a reliable and certified Umrah travel agency.
Tips for getting Umrah visas that pilgrims need to know.
Apply early.
The earlier you apply for an Umrah visa, better will be your chances of getting a timely delivery and avoid any sort of travel delays. When you have intended to offer Umrah rituals you must apply for an Umrah visa as soon as you can to have flexibility of time while travelling.
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 of their limitations, validity, fee and any specific information necessary to avoid any inconvenience later.
Compare and then buy.
Always compare the Umrah travel quotes from different travel agencies and then buy one for making an informed purchase decision. Therefore, helping you save money and time.
That’s how pilgrims can efficiently get their Umrah visas with complete documentation.
