Umrah Visa 2024: Everything You Need to Know about Umrah Visa
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The Umrah is a significant spiritual journey undertaken by Muslims around the world. This journey can be performed at any time of the year. However, for those planning to undertake Umrah in 2024, it is crucial to understand the specific regulations and procedures for obtaining an Umrah visa from the UAE.
This is because the Umrah visa is essential for entering Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage and has recently seen updates to its application process and duration.
In 2024, the Umrah season will close before the Hajj, with the exact dates for performing Umrah generally falling after Ramadan and before the start of Dhul-Qidah. Pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia by 6 June 2024 before the Hajj season commences.
In this article, we will cover the critical aspects of obtaining an Umrah visa 2024, detailing the necessary documents, the step-by-step application procedure, and additional tips.
What is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is a special type of visa issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Muslims wishing to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca and Medina outside the Hajj season.
With this visa, individuals can enter Saudi Arabia for a limited period, specifically to carry out the religious activities associated with Umrah, which include performing Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah hills. The visa has been updated to allow more flexibility for pilgrims, extending its validity from one month to three months.
The ideal time to apply for an Umrah visa is before the planned travel date, considering the fact that processing time can vary between 5 to 10 days as per the applicant's profile. It's recommended to start the application process well in advance to avoid any potential delays or issues.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for an Umrah Visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining an Umrah visa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. It ensures that all pilgrims are covered for various unforeseen circumstances that could occur during their journey. The mandatory insurance policy, the cost of which is included in the visa fees, provides comprehensive coverage.
This Umrah insurance policy covers emergency medical situations, COVID-19 infections, accidents, and death, as well as scenarios like flight cancellations and delays. The policy generally offers benefits up to SR100,000.
Note: Pilgrims must check the specific details of their insurance coverage to understand exactly what is included.
Documents Required for Umrah Visa Application
Pilgrims should have the following documents ready to apply for an Umrah visa from Abu Dhabi or Dubai:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date into Saudi Arabia, with at least 2 blank pages for stamping
- A filled-up Umrah visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized colour photographs with a white background
- Confirmed round-trip airline tickets
- A vaccination certificate for Meningitis and recommended vaccines by the Saudi Ministry of Health
- Evidence of the relationship for female pilgrims traveling with a mahram
- Hotel reservation confirmation or a travel itinerary in Saudi Arabia
- Travel insurance with the required coverage amount
- Applicants having non-Muslim names should provide a certificate from a mosque or Islamic center as proof of being Muslim
- Females under 45 years old traveling without a mahram must have a notarised letter of consent.
It's important to note that all documents must be up to date and comply with the requirements for an Umrah visa for UAE residents or from any other country. Proper preparation and understanding of these requirements will facilitate a smoother application process for your Saudi Umrah visa.
Application Procedure for Saudi Umrah Visa
For UAE residents looking to apply for an Umrah visa for 2024, here are the detailed steps and official websites you can use —
1. Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Portal (MOFA)
- Visit the official MOFA portal for Umrah Visa: https://www.my.gov.sa.
- Choose the Umrah Visa service and start the application process.
- You will need to fill out the e-form with your personal details, upload the required documents, and submit your application.
2. Nusuk Platform
- Go to the Nusuk website: https://www.nusuk.sa.
- Nusuk is a comprehensive service for those planning to perform Umrah. It allows you to manage your entire visit — from applying for an eVisa to booking hotels and flights.
- Follow the website’s instructions to apply for your Umrah eVisa and plan your pilgrimage.
Detailed Application Steps
- Valid passport, completed application form, recent photo, and any additional required documents must be prepared beforehand.
- You can apply through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ portal or the Nusuk platform.
- Fill out the application form on the chosen platform, upload the necessary documents, and submit your application.
- Wait for the application to be processed and keep track of your application status through the platform that you used.
- Once approved, prepare for your trip as per the guidelines provided by the Saudi authorities.
Make sure that all your documents are up to date and meet the requirements listed on the respective platforms. It’s recommended to start the application process well ahead of your planned travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.
Things to Keep in Mind While Applying for Umrah Visa
When applying for an Umrah visa, remember a few crucial points for a smooth application process —
- Check the Validity of Your Passport: Your passport should have at least a six-month validity from your expected date of travel to Saudi Arabia. For an Umrah visa from the UAE, make sure that your UAE residency is also valid for at least three months from the date of travel.
- Prepare Necessary Documentation: Apart from your passport, keep all the required documents ready such as completed Umrah visa application forms, recent passport-sized photographs, vaccination certificates, and proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia. Women and children should also have proof of relationship with their Mahram if traveling with one.
- Understand the Visa Validity: The Saudi Umrah visa is typically valid for 30 days but only allows a maximum stay of 15 days within Saudi Arabia. Thus, plan your travel and Umrah rituals within this timeframe.
- Health Requirements: Be aware of the health and vaccination requirements. This includes being vaccinated against certain diseases like meningitis and COVID-19, as per the latest guidelines for Umrah visa from UAE applicants. Check the most current health advice and requirements before applying.
- Financial Proof: Some applicants might be required to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Saudi Arabia. This can be in the form of bank statements or an official letter from an employer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, a UAE visit visa holder cannot perform Umrah. You need to apply for a specific Umrah visa from UAE to perform Umrah. The Umrah visa is different from a visit visa and must be obtained through a licensed travel agency or from the official Saudi Arabian website for the same.
The processing time for an Umrah visa online can vary. While it typically takes about 2 weeks, the duration can be shorter or longer depending on the season, application accuracy, and consulate workload. Make sure to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
You can apply for Umrah travel insurance through the official website of Policybazaar UAE. Make sure that your policy covers health emergencies, including COVID-19, for your journey for Umrah from Abu Dhabi, Umrah from Dubai, or from any other location.
As per current regulations, pilgrims applying for an Umrah visa from UAE or any other country are most likely required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, as the specific vaccine requirements may change, check the latest travel and health advisories before applying.
Women under 45 years old generally need to be accompanied by a Mahram when applying for a Saudi Umrah visa. However, women over 45 may travel with organised groups without a Mahram but still might be required to submit written consent from a Mahram confirmed through their Umrah visa application.
