Umrah Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Embarking on the sacred journey of Umrah is an important duty for millions of Muslims worldwide. Bust just like any pilgrimage, it comes with its set of regulations and travel restrictions. Understanding Umrah restrictions is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of Umrah visa requirements, exploring the various restrictions that pilgrims need to navigate to fulfill their spiritual aspirations.

Understanding Umrah

Before delving into Umrah visa requirements and Umrah restrictions, let’s understand what Umrah entails. Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. While Umrah is not obligatory like Hajj, it holds great spiritual significance for Muslims around the world.

Umrah restrictions

Just as with any travel document, the Umrah visa has its share of limitations and restrictions for visa holders. Below is an overview:

1. E-visa eligibility

Only those eligible citizens (or dual citizens), residents, or visa holders can apply for a Saudi tourist e-visa, which is the easiest Saudi visa to apply for in order to perform Umrah.

2. Gender and age restrictions

Among the most notable Umrah restrictions are those related to gender and age. Women under the age of 45 are typically required to travel with a mahram, a male relative such as a father, husband, brother, or son. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of female pilgrims during their journey. However, women over 45 may be exempt from this requirement under certain conditions.

Similarly, there are age restrictions for Umrah visa issuance. Children below a certain age may not be eligible for an Umrah visa unless accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and welfare of young pilgrims during their pilgrimage.

3. Health Requirements

Health plays a crucial role in pilgrimage, and Umrah is no exception. Pilgrims are required to meet certain health criteria to obtain an Umrah visa. This typically includes vaccination requirements for diseases such as meningitis and yellow fever. Proof of vaccination may be required as part of the visa application process.

4. Travel Agency Requirement

In most cases, pilgrims may need to book their Umrah packages through authorized travel agencies. These agencies facilitate the entire process, from visa application to accommodation and transportation arrangements. Pilgrims cannot apply for the Umrah visa directly but must do so through these authorized channels. This requirement ensures that pilgrims receive proper assistance and support throughout their journey.

5. Validity Period and Duration of Stay

Saudi e-visas are issued for a specific period. Pilgrims must ensure that their travel plans align with the validity period and duration of stay specified on their visas.

Option 1: The Saudi E-Visa

Now that we’ve given a summary of the key Umrah visa travel restrictions, let’s go through the different Umrah visa options for pilgrims.

One of the fundamental requirements for undertaking the journey of Umrah is obtaining an Umrah visa. The simplest, easiest, and most convenient way to gain entry into Saudi Arabia for Umrah is by applying for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival.

However, only certain nationalities, residents, and visa holders are eligible for a Saudi e-visa. This is the key travel restriction for securing a visa for Umrah. Not all can easily apply for a Saudi e-visa. Also, under an e-visa, travelers may not perform Hajj.

Eligibility

As mentioned, there are restrictions when it comes to who may apply for a Saudi e-visa.

The Saudi e-visa program, launched in September 2019, makes it easier for citizens from eligible countries such as the US to secure a Saudi e-visa or a Saudi visa on arrival. It allows foreign nationals entry into Saudi Arabia for various purposes such as tourism, business, and even Umrah.

The following can apply for an e-visa, provided they are:

1. Citizens of the following countries:

North America: Canada, Panama, USA, Saint Kitts, and Nevis

Europe: Andorra, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom,

Asia: Brunei, China (Including Hong Kong And Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Tajikistan, Turkey, Thailand, Uzbekistan

Africa: South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

2. Permanent residents in the USA, EU, or the UK

3. Holders of visit visas (Schengen, US, UK)

4. Residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates)

Note that dual citizenships from the mentioned countries also make you eligible for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival. This means that Indian citizens who have eligible dual citizenship or have an active US, UK, or Schengen visit visa that has been used at least once may apply for a Saudi e-visa to perform Umrah.

Under the new e-visa system, eligible travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia don’t need a visa sticker stamped on their passports. Instead, these are replaced by a printed e-visa featuring a QR code. This QR code will contain all the essential data and information about the passenger, effectively functioning as a digital visa. The e-visa can be accessed online and will be instantly delivered via email. Under an e-visa, you can typically stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days.

Application

To apply for a Saudi e-visa, visit KSA Visa–Saudi Arabia’s unified platform for visa applications–and select the e-visa of your choice, and fill out the online application form.

Provide your personal information and passport details. Next, upload a digital passport-size photo with a white background.

Based on your submitted application, the form will generate the corresponding visa validity: 365 days or 1 year for a multiple-entry visa and 90 days for a single-entry visa. Both single and multiple-entry visas are valid for a total of 90 days.

Visa fees

The visa application fee includes $80 for the visa fee (refundable), $10.50 for the visa digital service fee (non-refundable), $10.50 for the insurance digital service fee (non-refundable), and the insurance fees.

Note that the insurance fee will vary depending on your chosen medical insurance provider). You can pay via international debit or credit card.

Processing time

Now that you’ve completed your online visa application form, it’s time to wait. The processing time can take anywhere between 1 minute to 3 business days, so make sure you get an e-visa ahead of time. You’ll know if your visa has been approved once you receive an e-mail from KSA Visa.

Option 2: Visa on arrival

The next easy and convenient option for pilgrims to perform Umrah is the visa on arrival. It is issued upon a foreign national’s entry into a country. Note that although it is a quick and easy way to get a Saudi visa, it might be more practical to apply for a Saudi e-visa ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Similar to the e-visa, those who hold eligible citizenship (including dual citizens); have active US, UK, or Schengen visit visas; are permanent residents of the US, UK, or the EU; as well as GCC nationals or residents can avail of a Saudi visa on arrival.

The Saudi visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from its issuance date. The multiple-entry visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. It allows the traveler to stay for a maximum of 90 days.

Option 3: Transit/Stopover Visa

As mentioned, the Saudi e-visa is only available as an option to those who are eligible for it.

Luckily, there’s another way you can easily enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah: the Saudi transit or stopover visa, which is open to all nationalities. It allows travelers to pass through Saudi land borders, airports, or ports. This is probably not the most ideal option for all, but it’s a good option if you are staying for less than four days in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers may opt to apply for a transit/stopover visa via Saudi Arabia’s Saudia or Flynas airlines by booking two flights with a suitable layover of between 12 to 96 hours. While the transit/stopover visa is free, it is still subject to administrative and medical insurance fees. Alternatively, travelers may apply for a standard transit/stopover visa via KSA Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we’ve covered essential information about Umrah restrictions, you may still have questions about the pilgrimage and travel in Saudi Arabia, in general. Below are answers to relevant frequently asked questions.

What are the mandatory immunizations for Umrah pilgrims?

Umrah pilgrims must secure immunization for the following if they are traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah:

• COVID-19
• Neisseria meningitis
• Tetravalent meningitis (at least 10 days before visiting Hajj areas)
• Seasonal influenza (a dose of the Southern seasonal influenza vaccine)

What information is required for a pilgrim to register in Nusuk?

Provide the following information if you are registering on Nusuk:

• Passport number
• Visa number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Mobile number
• E-mail address

I can’t see my Umrah permit in the application after it was issued. What do I do?

If your permit doesn’t appear after issuance, just drag the screen down to refresh the page and it should be displayed.

Can I change my name on Nusuk?

Yes, you can change your name on Nusuk. You’ll need to delete your existing Nusuk account and register as a new user with the proper name. It should be updated instantly, otherwise, get in touch with the Enaya Center for Services for the Guests of God at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah by calling 92000281.

Can I perform Umrah during Ramadan with an Umrah visa?

Yes, Umrah can be performed during Ramadan with a valid Umrah visa. However, the influx of pilgrims during Ramadan may affect the availability of accommodation and transportation.

Can you do Umrah in one day?

While it is technically possible to complete the rituals of Umrah within a single day, it is not the traditional or recommended way of performing Umrah. The customary practice involves spending a few days in the holy city of Mecca to perform Umrah with tranquility, devotion, and reflection.

However, circumstances may arise where individuals have limited time due to travel constraints or other commitments. In such cases, performing Umrah in one day is permissible.

It is advisable to allocate more time, if possible, to fully immerse oneself in the spiritual experience and take advantage of the blessings and opportunities for worship in the holy city of Mecca.

Can I perform Umrah alone?

Yes, it is entirely permissible to perform Umrah alone, without the need for a companion or group. Performing Umrah is an individual act of worship, and both men and women can undertake the pilgrimage independently.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of Umrah is a deeply spiritual experience for Muslims worldwide. However, it requires meticulous planning and adherence to various restrictions and requirements, particularly concerning the Umrah visa.

Understanding Umrah restrictions such as gender, age, health, travel agency requirements, and validity period is essential for a successful pilgrimage. By navigating these restrictions diligently, pilgrims can fulfill their spiritual aspirations and embark on a journey filled with significance and devotion.

For more information on how to perform Umrah, visit Hajj Nusuk.

Image by freepik