How to apply for an Umrah visa from India?

The journey of Umrah is a deeply spiritual and transformative experience, a pilgrimage that draws the soul closer to its faith. As the anticipation of standing in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah builds, the first step toward realizing this sacred journey is securing your Umrah visa. So, let’s explore the essentials of obtaining an Umrah visa and preparing for a journey that touches both heart and soul.

What is an Umrah visa?

An Umrah visa is a travel document issued by Saudi Arabia for Muslims to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. It can be a single or multiple-entry visa, typically obtained through authorized travel agents. However, it is also possible to apply directly through the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in some cases. The visa is valid for a limited period and requires meeting specific conditions.

Types of Umrah visas for Indians

There are two primary types of Umrah visas available for Indian citizens:

Single entry Umrah visa

Duration: This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: It is issued for individuals who wish to perform Umrah once during a particular season.

Validity: The visa is valid for use within 90 days of issuance. You must perform Umrah and exit Saudi Arabia within the 30-day window.

Multiple entry Umrah visa

Duration: This type of visa allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia over a period of one year. You can stay up to 90 days during each visit.

Purpose: It is suitable for those who wish to perform Umrah more than once or want to visit other cities in Saudi Arabia apart from Makkah and Madinah.

Validity: The visa remains valid for one year, and pilgrims can enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times.

Eligibility criteria for Umrah visa

To be eligible for an Umrah visa, Indian citizens must meet the following requirements:

Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.

Age restrictions: Males under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a male guardian (Mahram).

Females under 45 years old must travel with a male Mahram.

Vaccination requirements: As of recent regulations, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory. Additional vaccinations, such as meningitis and polio, may also be required.

Bank statements: A copy of the applicant's bank statement is often required to prove financial stability.

Umrah visa fees for Indians

The Umrah visa fees for Indians vary based on the type of visa. Typically, a single-entry Umrah visa costs around INR 7,000 to INR 15,000. For a multiple-entry visa, fees may be higher, depending on the travel agent and services included. Fees cover visa processing and are non-refundable. Always confirm the exact amount with your authorized travel agent before applying.

Documents required for Umrah visa application

Here’s a list of documents required for Umrah visa application:

Filled visa application form

What it is: This is the official form provided by the Saudi consulate or authorized travel agent that you need to fill out with accurate personal details.

Why it’s needed: The form serves as your formal request for a visa, including all relevant information such as your name, passport details, and the purpose of your visit.

How to obtain it: The form can be downloaded from the official Saudi embassy website, or it is usually provided by your authorized travel agent. Ensure you fill it out correctly to avoid delays in processing.

Valid passport

What it is: Your passport is the primary document that proves your nationality and identity. For the Umrah visa application, your passport must be current and meet specific validity requirements.

Why it’s needed: Saudi Arabia requires a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of travel to ensure that your stay is legally covered throughout the trip.

Key considerations:

Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry into Saudi Arabia.

Blank pages: Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Passport renewal: If your passport is close to expiry or does not meet these conditions, renew it before applying for the Umrah visa.

Recent passport-sized photographs

What it is: You will need to submit several recent passport-sized photos (typically two to four) as part of your visa application.

Why it’s needed: These photos are used for identification purposes, and they must adhere to specific guidelines set by the Saudi consulate.

Photo requirements:

Background: White background with no shadows.

Size: The standard size is usually 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm.

Appearance: Your face must be clearly visible without any head covering (except for religious reasons), and the photo must not be older than 6 months.

Confirmed round-trip air tickets

What it is: You need to present proof of confirmed return air tickets from India to Saudi Arabia, clearly indicating your entry and exit dates.

Why it’s needed: Saudi Arabia requires proof that you intend to leave the country before your visa expires, preventing overstays.

Key considerations:

The round-trip ticket must be booked and confirmed before applying for the visa.

Ensure the dates align with your intended Umrah stay, taking into account the visa’s validity and duration of stay (30 days for a single-entry visa).

Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia

What it is: You must provide evidence of your accommodation during your stay in Saudi Arabia, typically hotel bookings or any other confirmed place of stay in Makkah or Madinah.

Why it’s needed: Saudi authorities need assurance that you have arranged proper accommodation during your pilgrimage and that your stay will be legal and safe.

Accommodation guidelines:

Hotel bookings: A copy of your confirmed hotel booking showing the complete duration of your stay is usually required.

If you're part of a package, your travel agent will handle these arrangements and provide the necessary documents.

Proof of vaccination

What it is: In light of health regulations, Saudi Arabia requires pilgrims to provide proof of certain vaccinations, including:

COVID-19 vaccination: A certificate showing full vaccination against COVID-19.

Other vaccinations: Proof of vaccinations for meningitis, polio, and influenza, as required by the Saudi health authorities.

Why it’s needed: The vaccination certificate ensures that you are protected against infectious diseases that can pose health risks during your stay in Saudi Arabia.

Key considerations:

Vaccination certificates must be in English and issued by an approved health institution.

Keep a copy of the certificates with you during travel, as they may be requested upon entry into Saudi Arabia.

Bank statement

What it is: A copy of your bank statement showing recent transactions, typically for the last three to six months, may be required as part of the visa process.

Why it’s needed: This document serves as proof of your financial capability to fund your pilgrimage, including accommodation, transportation, and other expenses during your stay.

Key considerations:

Ensure the statement is attested by your bank and includes sufficient funds to cover the costs of the trip.

This requirement may be more applicable to independent travellers who are not part of a package tour.

Mahram-related documents (for female travellers)

What it is: If you are a female pilgrim below 45 years of age, you must travel with a male guardian (Mahram). In this case, proof of relationship to your Mahram (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate) is required.

Why it’s needed: Saudi law mandates that younger female pilgrims be accompanied by a male guardian for safety and religious reasons.

Key documents:

Marriage certificate: If traveling with your husband, submit a copy of your marriage certificate.

Birth certificate: If you are traveling with a father or brother, submit your birth certificate showing the relationship.

Visa processing fee receipt

What it is: The visa processing fee must be paid before submitting your application. The receipt serves as proof of payment.

Why it’s needed: To complete the visa process, you must pay the required fee, which varies based on the type of visa (single-entry or multiple entry).

Key considerations:

The fee amount varies depending on the agent and the specific visa type.

The processing fee is non-refundable, so ensure all documents are accurate before submitting your application.

How to apply for an Umrah visa?

The Umrah visa can be applied for through the following steps:

• Choose an authorized travel agent: In India, the Saudi Arabian Embassy only processes visa applications through authorized travel agents. It's crucial to select a registered agent who is experienced in handling Umrah visas.

• Submit required documents: Provide all the necessary documentation to the travel agent. Ensure that your passport, photographs, and vaccination certificates are in order.

• Pay the visa processing fee: The fees vary depending on whether you are applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The travel agent will inform you of the exact amount.

• Visa processing time: The processing time for an Umrah visa is typically between 7 to 10 days. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

• Receive visa and travel: Once the visa is approved, you will receive it electronically, and your travel agent will guide you through the next steps.

Differences between Umrah and Hajj visas

• Timing: The Umrah visa can be applied for and used at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season. In contrast, the Hajj visa is specifically issued for performing the Hajj pilgrimage, which is held annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

• Purpose: While both Umrah and Hajj involve pilgrimage, Hajj is obligatory for Muslims who can afford it, whereas Umrah is a non-obligatory pilgrimage and can be performed multiple times throughout one’s life.

• Duration: Hajj visas are typically issued with a longer duration, allowing pilgrims to stay in Saudi Arabia for several weeks to perform the Hajj rituals. Umrah visas, on the other hand, have shorter validity periods.

Conclusion

Securing an Umrah visa is the gateway to a profound spiritual journey for Muslims. By ensuring all your documents are in order and following the application process carefully, you can pave the way for a seamless experience. With the right preparation, your journey to Makkah and Madinah will be filled with peace, faith, and cherished memories.