A Guide to Hajj Visa 2024 Navigating the Sacred Journey

Introduction: As the anticipation for Hajj 2024 grows, pilgrims worldwide are preparing for this sacred pilgrimage, seeking to follow in the footsteps of countless others who have completed this spiritual journey. To embark on this significant expedition, obtaining a Hajj visa is a crucial step. In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials of the Hajj visa application process, ensuring your pilgrimage is as smooth and meaningful as possible.

Understanding the Hajj Visa: The Hajj visa stands as a gateway for pilgrims to embark on their spiritual journey to Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. While it grants access to these holy sites, it’s essential to note that it is not valid for work or residency outside these areas. Pilgrims must adhere to these restrictions to avoid immigration violations and penalties.

Do I Need a Visa for Hajj 2024? Certainly. All pilgrims, except GCC nationals, require a Hajj visa. Even though GCC nationals don’t need a visa, they must obtain an official Hajj permit to partake in the pilgrimage.

Requirements for Hajj Visa: To successfully apply for a Hajj visa, pilgrims need to fulfill specific criteria:

1. Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six more months, acceptable for entry to Saudi Arabia, and has two empty visa pages adjacent to each other.
2. Photograph Requirements: Submit a recent passport-size photograph with a white background, featuring a full-face view directly facing the camera.
3. Application Form: Complete the application form in black ink or print it, ensuring it is signed and stamped by the authorized travel agency.
4. Mahram Requirements: For male pilgrims, provide complete information on the spouse and children traveling together, along with marriage or birth certificates. Women are required to travel with a Mahram, or those over 45 can travel with a notarized letter of no objection.
5. Vaccination Requirements: While COVID-19 vaccination is recommended, certain vaccinations like Meningococcal meningitis, Poliomyelitis, and Yellow Fever are mandatory. Ensure the certificates are issued within the specified timeframe.
6. Payment Requirements: Pay the appropriate fees through certified or cashier’s checks payable to the ‘Unified Agents Office’ in Jeddah. Children between 7 and 15 pay half the amount, while those under 7 are exempt.

Application Process: To apply for the Hajj visa, obtain the application form from your nearest Saudi Consulate. Alternatively, appoint a licensed travel agent for a streamlined process, covering visa, travel, accommodation, and other necessities. It’s advisable to apply from Mid-Shawwal until the 25th Dhual-Qa’dah.

Hajj Visa 2024 Dates: Mark your calendars! The issuance of Hajj visas for 2024 will commence on March 1 and conclude on April 29, 2024.

Fee for Obtaining the Hajj Visa: Good news for pilgrims—obtaining the Hajj visa is 100% free for all. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating the spiritual journey for every individual seeking to perform Hajj.

Conclusion: As you prepare for the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj 2024, ensure a seamless experience by adhering to the outlined visa requirements and guidelines. May your journey be filled with spiritual enlightenment and profound moments. Safe travels on this sacred expedition!

Umrah E-Visa 2023: Your Digital Gateway to Spiritual Journeys

As the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah takes significant strides in enhancing pilgrimage experiences, the introduction of Umrah E-Visa 2023 stands as a groundbreaking initiative. This digital visa not only aligns with the transformative goals of Saudi Vision 2030 but also promises a more accessible and streamlined process for Muslims worldwide seeking to perform Umrah.

Latest Developments: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has kickstarted the issuance of digital visas for Umrah, marking a milestone in pilgrimage facilitation. This move, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, aims to improve the quality of Umrah services and accommodate a larger number of Muslim pilgrims.

Application Process: For those eager to embark on their spiritual journey, the application process for Umrah E-Visa is now simplified. Prospective pilgrims can submit their applications through the Nusuk platform, paving the way for their journey to the Kingdom starting from July 19.

Enhancements and Amenities: Recent regulations bring forth several amenities for Umrah performers. Notable changes include a 63% reduction in insurance fees, ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services. The issuance of Umrah visas has been expedited to less than 24 hours, and the visa duration extended from 30 to 90 days. Importantly, there are no health requirements for Umrah visas.

Umrah E-Visa Overview: The Umrah E-Visa, also known as the Saudi E-Visa, covers tourism-related activities and Umrah, excluding the Hajj season. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, allowing eligible travelers to stay in the Kingdom for a maximum of 90 days.

Eligible Countries: Muslims from various regions are eligible for the Umrah E-Visa, including:

• North America: Canada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the United States.
• Europe: A wide range of European countries.
• Asia: Countries such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Turkey, and more.
• Africa: Including South Africa and Mauritius.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
• GCC Residents: With specific requirements.

Umrah E-Visa Requirements: To obtain an Umrah E-Visa, applicants need to fulfill the following:

• Completed Umrah visa application form on visa.visitsaudi.com.
• Valid passport.
• Recent passport photo.
• Valid email address.
• Debit or credit card for payment.

Special Requirements for Some Countries:

• GCC residents must meet residency and passport validity conditions.
• Pilgrims from the UK, Tunisia, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Malaysia must provide biometric data, including fingerprints, through the Saudi Visa Bio app.

Application Process: For both GCC citizens and residents of other countries, the application process is straightforward:

• Visit the relevant website (MOFA for GCC citizens, visa.visitsaudi.com for others).
• Fill out the necessary information.
• Upload required documents.
• Receive the Umrah E-Visa via email upon approval.

Processing Time and Fees: The Umrah E-Visa boasts a swift processing time of 5 to 30 minutes. The cost is SAR 535 (USD 142) for most applicants, including full health insurance. GCC residents enjoy a reduced fee of SAR 300 (USD 79) plus health insurance fees.

In conclusion, the Umrah E-Visa 2023 signifies a significant leap in making spiritual journeys more accessible and efficient. As you embark on this sacred pilgrimage, may your experience be enriched with profound moments of spirituality and connection. Safe travels on your spiritual quest!

Unlocking the Doors of Umrah: A Comprehensive Guide to Visas and Regulations

In tandem with its commitment to fostering spiritual journeys, Saudi Arabia has introduced groundbreaking measures for Indian citizens traveling for Haj, enhancing accessibility and convenience. These measures include the rapid issuance of visas within 48 hours and the introduction of a 96-hour stopover visa, allowing Indians traveling to the West or the Middle East to conduct Umrah and explore various cities within Saudi Arabia.

Umrah Visa Necessity: For those aspiring to embark on the minor pilgrimage, an Umrah visa is essential unless you are a citizen of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, or the UAE. Citizens from these countries can use their national ID cards for entry. Recent facilities have been extended to Muslim expatriates in Bahrain, offering the option to apply for an electronic visa through the Saudi government’s Nusuk website, valid for up to 90 days. Umrah is now permitted for all visa holders, accompanied by a reduction in health insurance fees.

Understanding the Umrah Visa: The Umrah visa serves as an official document designed to facilitate Muslims undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. In a recent development, the validity of the Umrah visa has been extended from one month to a more accommodating three months. This visa allows holders to enter Saudi Arabia for a limited period, specifically for performing Umrah rituals, including visiting the Kaaba, performing Tawaf, and Sa’i.

Umrah Visa Requirements: To obtain an Umrah visa, applicants must follow specific requirements:

• Completed original Umrah visa application form.
• Recent passport-size color photograph with a white background.
• Passport with a minimum validity of six months.
• Confirmed and non-refundable airline ticket with departure within two weeks.
• Valid residency permit if not a national of the applying country.
• Vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis, issued at least 10 days prior to entry (COVID-19 certificate is required for entry but not for the Umrah visa).

Umrah Visa Application Process: The Saudi authorities have introduced an electronic service for Umrah seekers to obtain their Umrah visa within 24 hours through the Maqam platform. After receiving the reference number, applicants can log in to the national visa platform to complete and print their visas. Pilgrims can now move freely within Saudi Arabia without constraints. Alternatively, the assistance of an approved travel agent in respective countries remains an option.

Alternative Visas for Umrah: Apart from the Umrah visa, pilgrims can explore different Saudi visas for their pilgrimage:

• Saudi Tourist E-Visa/Umrah E-Visa: Applicable to pilgrims residing in specified countries, offering a validity period of 90 days and one year, respectively.
• Personal Visit Visa: Saudi citizens can invite friends with benefits including multiple entries, extended stay, and the freedom to explore religious and historical sites.
• Saudi Transit Visa: Providing opportunities for Umrah through different Saudi visas. Pilgrims can refer to a dedicated article for comprehensive details.
• Family Visit Visa: Pilgrims with Saudi citizen or resident expatriate relatives can obtain a family visit visa for Umrah.

Umrah Visa Fees: The Umrah visa itself is free, but there may be processing fees ranging from USD 200 to 300. For the Saudi e-visa, costs include SAR 535 (USD 142) for the tourist e-visa, covering full health insurance, and SAR 480 (USD 127) for the tourist visa on arrival.

Regulations and Observances During Umrah: New regulations stipulate a three-hour window for Umrah pilgrims to complete their activities, with an obligation to vacate the mosque premises once permits expire. Luggage is discouraged during entry, and the age restriction has been lifted, allowing Muslims over 65 to partake. Female pilgrims can now travel without a male guardian.

In navigating these visa options and regulations, may your Umrah journey be filled with spiritual richness and profound connections. Safe travels on this sacred pilgrimage!

Salambooking Umrah programmes are on this link. Please connect us for all detail.