Umrah Visa
A Comprehensive Guide to Umrah Visa
Understanding the Umrah Visa
An Umrah visa is a special type of visa issued by the Saudi Arabian government to individuals who wish to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca. It’s a relatively straightforward process, but it’s crucial to adhere to the specific requirements and guidelines.
Eligibility for Umrah Visa
To be eligible for an Umrah visa, you must:
- Be a Muslim: This is a fundamental requirement for Umrah.
- Have a Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your intended departure.
- Have Sufficient Funds: You must be able to financially support yourself during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
Documents Required for Umrah Visa
The specific documents required for an Umrah visa may vary, but generally, you will need:
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
- One Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent photographs with a white background.
- Proof of Vaccination: You may need to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases, such as meningitis. (ACWY)
- Flight Itinerary: A confirmed flight itinerary for your round trip.
- Hotel Booking Confirmation: A confirmed hotel booking in Makkah and Madinah.
- Transport Confirmation: Requried
Umrah Visa Process
The Umrah visa process typically involves the following steps:
- Choose a Licensed Umrah Agent: Select a reputable Umrah agent who can assist you with the visa application process.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide the required documents to your Umrah agent.
- Visa Processing: Your Umrah agent will submit your visa application to the Saudi Arabian authorities.
- Visa Approval or Rejection: Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification regarding the visa approval or rejection from your agent.
Using an E-Visa for Umrah
- Online Application: Apply without visiting an embassy, saving time and effort.
- Quick Approval: Many e-visas are processed within a few days.
- Dual Purpose: Can be used for both Umrah and tourism in Saudi Arabia.
- Automatic Linking: E-visa is digitally connected to your passport for easy entry.
- United Travel Guidance: Assistance with e-visa steps to ensure a smooth process.
Tourist e-Visa for Umrah Travelers
United Travel provides expert guidance on securing the Saudi Tourist e-Visa, helping you choose the best option for your Umrah or multi-city Saudi holiday.
Key Benefits of the Saudi Tourist e-Visa:
- Multiple Entries: Travel in and out of Saudi Arabia several times within one year.
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days in total across multiple visits.
- Fast Processing: Approval typically within 24–72 hours.
- Dual Purpose: Use for Umrah as well as tourism (excluding Hajj).
- Easy Online Application: Apply directly online with simple documentation.
- Flexibility: Great for UK travelers who want to explore beyond Makkah and Madinah.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for UK Travelers
United Travel assists pilgrims in understanding whether the EVW or Tourist e-Visa is more suitable for their journey, ensuring compliance with Saudi regulations while making the visa process stress-free.
Advantages of the EVW for Umrah Travelers:
- Stay Duration: Allows a single stay of up to 6 months.
- Eligibility: Available exclusively for UK citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia.
- Application Window: Apply 48 hours to 90 days before travel.
- Online Process: No embassy visits required; quick and secure application.
- Multi-Purpose: Valid for tourism, business, education, medical travel, and Umrah (excluding Hajj).
- Convenience: Ideal for first-time or short-term pilgrims looking for a simpler process.
Tips for a Smooth Umrah Visa Process:
- Choose a Reputable Agent: Select an experienced and reliable Umrah agent.
- Submit Accurate Information: Ensure that all information provided on the visa application form is accurate and up-to-date.
- Prepare Documents in Advance: Gather all necessary documents well in advance to avoid delays.
- Check Visa Validity: Verify the validity of your visa before your departure.
- Adhere to Saudi Arabian Laws and Customs: Respect local customs and laws to avoid any legal issues.
Common Reasons for Umrah Visa Rejection:
- Incomplete Application: Missing or inaccurate details on the visa form.
- Invalid Passport: Expired, damaged, or less than 6 months validity remaining.
- Vaccination Issues: Failure to meet required vaccination guidelines (e.g., meningitis).
- Unclear Photographs: Photos not meeting Saudi specifications.
- Insufficient Financial Proof: Bank statement not showing enough funds.
- Unconfirmed Bookings: No verified flight or hotel reservations.
- Solution: Double-check all documents and use a licensed Umrah agent like United Travel to avoid these pitfalls.
Best Time to Apply for an Umrah Visa
- Apply Early: Start 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
- Peak Times: High demand during Ramadan, Hajj season, and UK school holidays.
- Better Availability: Early applications secure preferred flights and hotels.
- Avoid Delays: Extra time allows for resolving any document or approval issues.
- Expert Guidance: United Travel helps choose the best travel dates and packages for a smooth journey.
Important Considerations:
- Visa Fees: Visa fees may vary depending on your nationality and the specific Umrah package.
- Processing Time: Visa processing times may vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
- Visa Validity: The validity of your Umrah visa is usually limited to a specific period.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: In some cases, you may be eligible for a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times within a certain period.
By following these guidelines and working with a reputable Umrah agent, you can successfully obtain an Umrah visa and embark on a spiritually fulfilling journey.
Umrah Visa for Families and Groups
- Group Benefits: Discounted flights, shared transport, and coordinated hotel bookings.
- Easier Management: One agent handles all applications together, reducing delays.
- Family Convenience: Special care for children, elderly, and first-time travelers.
- Shared Experience: Group travel enhances the spiritual journey through companionship.
- United Travel Advantage: Expert handling of group and family visa processes.
We provide flights for Umrah from almost every major UK city:
- London Heathrow, Gatwick, City – Saudi Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways
- Birmingham – Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa
- Manchester – Direct flights with Saudi Airlines, or indirect with Turkish, Emirates, Air France
- Glasgow & Edinburgh – Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines (one-stop)
- Leeds, Bradford, Cardiff, Belfast – Connections via London or Manchester
Start your spiritual journey today with United Travel, your trusted partner for a smooth and hassle-free Umrah Visa process.
