Umrah Visa for Indians

Eligibility Criteria for Umrah Visa from India

The following is a clear, precise elaboration of the eligibility requirements for Umrah visa for Indians, making it easy for first-time pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land.

Who Can Apply for an Umrah Visa?

Anyone of the Muslim faith and at least 18 years old can apply for an Umrah visa for India. As per the latest Saudi visa rules, even women aged 18 to 68 are now allowed to perform Umrah without being accompanied by a Mahram (a male guardian). However, they must travel as part of a group and have written permission to do so from their father or husband. Children below the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to apply for an Umrah visa.

Health Requirements

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has specific health guidelines for applicants of Umrah visa from India and elsewhere. It is mandatory to get certain vaccinations and carry the certificates as proof to obtain the Umrah visa. This includes vaccinations for Meningococcal Meningitis, Yellow Fever, Poliomyelitis, and Seasonal Influenza, among others, depending on the country of origin.

Note that the validity period for each vaccination certificate varies. For instance, the vaccination certificate for Yellow Fever must show the applicant was vaccinated between 10 days to 10 years before arriving at the border, while the vaccination certificate against Meningitis must be issued no more than 3 years to no less than 10 days until arrival at the Saudi border.

Additionally, Umrah visa applicants must ensure they are in good physical health to undertake the demanding pilgrimage rituals. Performing Umrah can be especially tiresome during the summer, owing to the intense desert heat. Also, those suffering from existing health conditions are advised to be extra cautious. For such individuals, getting a thorough medical evaluation, carrying prescription medication, and planning the pilgrimage during the off-peak season is advisable.

Required Documents for an Umrah Visa Application from India 2024

• Indian passport valid for at least six months from the date of entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• 2 Latest passport-size photographs against a clear white background
• A filled-out Umrah visa application form, including all personal information and other necessary details
• Booked flight tickets confirming travel and return
• Proof of accommodation reservations and/or travel itinerary to Saudi Arabia
• Proof of vaccinations and any additional health certificates (prescription medicines, etc.)
• Personal Identification: Applicants with non-Muslim names must provide written confirmation of their Muslim faith from local mosques or other acceptable Islamic organisations
• Solo female Umrah pilgrims must be part of groups and carry written permission (No Objection Certificate) from their Mahram
• Women travelling with Mahram must provide proof of relationship with their Mahram (father, spouse, or brother)
• Women and children travelling as a family must provide proof of relationship with the Mahram. They must also travel on the same flight as their Mahram
• Travel insurance covering COVID-19 protection

How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from India in 2024

1. Online Application Process

As per the latest rules, Indians are not eligible to apply for an Umrah visa online. Instead, they must apply through a reputable travel agency or submit the application directly at the Saudi consulate.

Indian nationals who hold UK, USA, or Schengen residence or visa permits can obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival at a Saudi Arabia port of entry. However, to be eligible for this, they must travel with a Saudi national airline, and their UK/USA/Schengen visa must be a business or tourist visa that has been used at least once before.

2. Submitting Documents to the Saudi Consulate

To apply directly for the Umrah visa at the Saudi Embassy, applicants must first contact the nearest Saudi Arabian Consulate to learn about the specific requirements. Next, they must submit the necessary documents along with the Umrah visa application form.

Applicants must appear for an in-person interview at the Saudi Arabia Embassy and pay the applicable fees. The Embassy authorities will guide applicants through the essential steps and process therewith, assisting with any additional information.

Tracking Your Visa Application Status

It's important for Indian Umrah visa applicants to keep track of their application by watching out for updates from the Embassy. Additionally, it is mandatory for Umrah pilgrims to register on the Nusuk and Tawakkalna apps in compliance with the Saudi Ministry's health and safety protocols during the sacred pilgrimage.

Processing Time for Umrah Visa from India

How long does it take?

Typically, it takes around 5 to 10 business working days to process an Umrah visa application. It's best to apply for the Umrah visa from India as early as possible to mitigate delays, and have ample time to collect and organise all the necessary documents.

Factors affecting Umrah visa processing time:

• Peak Umrah Season: There may be a delay from the authorities due to the vast number of Umrah visa applications.
• Misinformation: If there is incomplete information or misinformation on a filled-out Umrah visa form, it could cause delay or rejection.
• Documentation Error: Incomplete documentation submission may lead to delays or rejections of Umrah visa by the Saudi authorities.
• Technical Issues: Sometimes, there may be technical difficulties in tracking your Umrah visa application online. It's best to rely on experienced travel agents for real-time updates.

Umrah Visa Price for Indians 2024

Umrah Visa Fees

On average, the Umrah visa price from India ranges approximately INR 15,500 onward per person. You can also apply for group Umrah visas at affordable costs when relying on an experienced and legitimate travel agency. They have economical packages that ensure reasonable Umrah visa fees for Indians, making travel to Haram for the sacred pilgrimage affordable for all.

Additional Charges

The cost of processing Umrah visa for Indians does not include the marginal fee levied by travel agencies to successfully process the application and other pilgrimage-related services. Picking a reputable Umrah travel agency can get the work done at minimal cost.

Travel Agencies Offering Umrah Visa Services in India

Trusted Agencies and Their Services

Reputable travel agencies offer Saudi Umrah visa for Indian pilgrims year-round for travelling to the Holy Land of Makkah. These agencies are experts in quickly processing Umrah visa applications for Indian Muslims, ensuring they travel to Haram on their chosen pilgrimage dates.

The process is simple. First, pick a licensed agency specialising in Umrah visas and provide all the necessary documents. Next, wait for the agency to verify your documents and send them to the Saudi authorities for approval. Pay the Umrah visa fees while you wait for your application to be processed successfully. Upon approval, receive your passport and Umrah visa from the travel agency.

Note that several travel agencies provide Umrah visa services in a package deal, including every aspect of the journey, such as flights, accommodation, hotel-airport transfers, guided Ziyarat tours, and ground transportation.

Benefits of Using a Travel Agency for Umrah Visa from India

• The agency handles the entire process, from filling the Umrah visa form and documentation to verifying the information and submitting the application.
• Experts are in-charge of your successful application, ensuring there are no errors. This mitigates the chances of delays or rejections.
• Going through an agency saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on the spiritual aspects of your journey to Makkah.
• You save more, as reputable agencies offer affordable packages that include Umrah visa services, guaranteeing you total value for money.
• It ensures you travel to the Holy Land for your sacred pilgrimage at a time of your choosing.

Tips for a Successful Saudi Umrah Visa Application

It helps to avoid making a few common mistakes to ensure your application is successful, and you travel to Haram without hassles. For instance, ensuring accurate and complete documentation is paramount when applying for the Umrah visa, as it will make the process quicker and more efficient, with fewer chances of rejection or delays.

Here are certain other vital things pilgrims can do to obtain Umrah visa for Indians:

• Rely on an authorised and trustworthy visa service provider.
• Gather all the required documents well beforehand for a smoother application process.
• Inquire about the exact Umrah visa fee for Indians to ensure there are no hidden charges.
• Apply as early as possible to combat unforeseen delays and complications.
• Keep track of your application status online or through the agency.

Note that once you receive your Umrah visa electronically, you must print a copy for hassle-free transition at the border.

Travel Preparations After Receiving Saudi Umrah Visa

Flight and Accommodation

For the Umrah visa to be processed successfully, Indian pilgrims must make all the essential travel arrangements. These include booking flights to and from Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage and accommodation arrangements. Making these arrangements is crucial as pilgrims must submit proof of travel (booked flight tickets) and accommodation (hotel stay confirmation) when applying for Umrah visa. Many include travel itinerary as well, so the process is simpler and quicker.

Packing Umrah Essentials

There are other preparations to undertake upon receiving the Umrah visa, such as packing essentials for Umrah pilgrimage suitable for all in the travelling group. For instance, men must pack Ihram clothing, which is mandatory for male pilgrims. Meanwhile, women must pack suitable attire that covers everything except the face and hands, as mandated by the Saudi authorities. Sun protection, refillable water bottles, and proper clothing for after the pilgrimage are also important.

Add-Ons

Pilgrims travelling with kids or elderly parents must make additional arrangements, such as infant strollers, wheelchairs for adults, medical supplies, etc. They can also seek special meals when booking Umrah packages to accommodate the dietary needs of their children and elderly companions. Booking packages with laundry services can be prudent, as it offers additional comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Umrah Visa from India

• What are the current eligibility requirements for an Umrah visa from India?

To be eligible for Umrah visa, applicants must be of the Muslim faith and at least 18 years old. Children below 18 cannot apply without being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Women aged 18 to 68 can apply when travelling in a group and carrying a No Objection Certificate from their Mahram.

• What documents are required to apply for an Umrah visa from India?

When applying for Umrah visa, applicants will need: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia, 2 latest photographs, booked flight and hotel confirmation, specified vaccination certificates, proof of Indian citizenship/residency status/identity, NOC for female pilgrims travelling without Mahram, and travel insurance covering COVID-19.

• How long does it take to process an Umrah visa from India?

The average processing time for Umrah visa from India is around 5 to 10 business working days. Factors like incomplete documentation and misinformation may affect the approval time and status, so take care to fill all the details without error.

• Can I apply for an Umrah visa online from India?

As per the latest rules, Saudi Umrah visa for Indian pilgrims cannot be applied for online. You must go through a reliable travel agency or approach the Saudi Embassy directly with your visa application.

• Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to apply for an Umrah visa?

Yes, you will need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to apply for Umrah visa from India. The vaccination certificate must be 6 weeks prior to your Umrah visa application, and your name on it must match the one on the passport.

• Are there any age restrictions for applying for an Umrah visa?

Yes, there are. You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for Umrah visa for India. Minors under 18 can apply when accompanied by parents or legal guardians.

• Can women travel alone for Umrah from India?

Yes, women aged 18 to 68 are permitted to travel alone for Umrah from India without their Mahram, provided they do so in a group. Additionally, they must submit a written certificate of no objection from their Mahram to travel for Umrah.

• What is the validity period of an Umrah visa?

As per the revised rules by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, an Umrah visa from India is valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance. As such, you must enter Saudi Arabia within the specified 90 days, complete your Umrah, and leave before the validity period expires.

• Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?

Yes, Indian Muslims with a Saudi tourist visa are permitted to perform Umrah, as per the latest rules. When you apply through a reliable agency, the Saudi tourist visa fee will be very low.

• What are the best times of the year to perform Umrah?

Umrah in Ramadan is popular as it carries additional rewards, and is equal to Hajj as per some hadiths. The grand months of Muharram and Safar following the Hajj season are highly auspicious, too. May to September is the cheapest time to perform Umrah, while October to March is best weather-wise.

• Can I extend my Umrah visa if I want to stay longer?

No, you cannot extend your Umrah visa from India. You must complete your pilgrimage within the specified 90 days and leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires. Overstaying the visa validity may lead to penalties and even deportation.