Saudi Umrah Visa – New Rules, Eligibility to get one, how to apply for it?

According to a new regulation released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, umrah visas will now expire after three months from the date of issuance. This modification is a part of a concerted attempt to expedite the annual Hajj season’s arrangements in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Saudi Umrah Visa 

To obtain Allah’s blessings and favor, any physically fit Muslim with sufficient funds may make the minor, optional Umrah pilgrimage. Muslims view Umrah as a means of pursuing forgiveness, spiritual rejuvenation, and a stronger relationship with God. 

It is also a chance for Muslims to travel to the holy city in Islam and the location where their religion originated. Prior to visiting Saudi Arabia, pilgrims need to get an Umrah visa. If you are an Indian intending to undertake the Umrah in Makkah.

The actual Umrah visa is free of charge. But, analyzing and other Umrah-related services could come with a price. According to reports, these costs could total between $200 and $300 USD (INR 16,520 to 24,780).

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What’s new about Saudi Umrah Visa from India in 2024?

Saudi Arabia is improving the Umrah journey trip for Indians by opening more visa application sites and low-cost airlines. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, paid a visit to Delhi to talk about three additional immigration facilities, more capacity, and direct flights. 

In addition to a 96-hour stopover visa for travel to the West or the Middle East, Indian residents are now able to conduct Umrah on industry, tourism, and Umrah visas. Those traveling on Umrah visas are advised not to attempt to obtain employment in the country, according to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi authorities have reportedly requested that visitors entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas leave their homeland before their visas expire, according to the world media. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj issued a statement advising anyone who arrived on an Umrah visa not to attempt to engage in any commercial activity.

According to the Ministry of Hajj, individuals traveling on an Umrah visa should only visit other holy sites. In addition, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has accelerated the issuing of visas and lowered 63% insurance costs.  Furthermore, Umrah permits will be issued more quickly in less than a day. 

What is the new date of expiration of visa before the annual Hajj season? 

The Umrah visa deadline for pilgrims traveling from outside the Kingdom is set for Dhul Qadah 15, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

According to the ministry, the purpose of moving the Umrah visa expiration date from Dhul Qadah 29 to Dhul Qadah 15 is to facilitate the seamless movement of visitors from every corner of the entire globe to the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah for the yearly Hajj pilgrimage.

The ministry further stated that rather than the previously authorized validity from the day of entry into Saudi Arabia, the three-month Umrah visa will be considered to have started on the date of issuance. The government provided clarification on this in response to several queries sent via its X portal.

It is not possible for pilgrims to complete the Hajj ceremonies with an Umrah visa. Travelers will begin arriving in the Kingdom on May 9, 2024, with the Haj 2024 visa application period opening on March 1 and ending on April 29. The Haj is anticipated to begin this year on June 14.

Who is Eligible to get a Saudi Umrah Visa? 

For applicants to be eligible for an Umrah visa or Saudi e-visa, they must meet certain requirements. If applying alone, every candidate must be a practicing Muslim and be at a minimum 18 years old. Adolescents under the age of eighteen may apply with a legal guardian or parent for an Umrah visa or an e-visa. 

Umrah can be performed by anyone five years of age or older. The primary requirement for Saudi e-visa applicants is that they must be citizens of one of the 63 countries that qualify or have lawful status. Foreign nationals must apply for an Umrah visa through a recognized agency.

Saudi Arabia has loosened several restrictions since 2022, allowing women between the ages of 18 and 65 to perform the Umrah without a male caregiver as long as they go in groups and have their father or husband’s official authorization, or mahram.  

How to Apply for a Saudi Umrah Visa? 

If you want to apply for a Saudi Umrah Visa then there is no need to be sad and worry. Here is the easiest step by step procedure to apply for Saudi Umrah Visa provided that can help you and make your application procedure easy. 

• Navigate to the https://www.saudisvisa.com/ website. 
• A form is displayed on screen. 
• Enter the required details such as nationality, visa type, address, city, state, mobile number, etc. 
• Then enter your travel date, WhatsApp number, email address, etc. 
• Now put the required information such as first and last name, passport number, passport expiry date, date of birth, etc. in the passport detail session. 
• Attach the required documents if needed. 
• Choose the payment method to Pay visa fee. 
• Hit the submit button. Now your visa request is under processing, wait till you do not receive your visa.