Performance of Umrah is the dream of every Muslim worldwide, and obtaining an Umrah visa is part of making it a reality. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has some conditions that pilgrims must fulfill to get this visa. Choose the affordable packages for Umrah and must keep all the documents when travelling. Below are the required Umrah visa documents, why they are necessary, and common mistakes to be avoided.
Overview of Umrah Visa Requirements
Umrah visa is a short-term travel permission by the Saudi government on independent religious pilgrimage. It is distinct from business or tourist visas and has certain conditions including the stay duration and restricted places of travel in Saudi Arabia. Since many pilgrims’ book from travel agencies providing cheap Umrah packages UK that provides seamless journey. But ultimately it is the duty of the traveler to verify all these documents to be valid and updated.
Essential Personal Documents
Your visa application relies on your personal documents. These are mandatory and must be produced in their original or certified copy, as appropriate. Your passport must be valid for at least 180 days after your return date. Useless or expiring passports are one of the major reasons for delays. Two passport photos are generally needed. The form is usually obtainable from your travel agent or online. It should be completed correctly with your correct information corresponding with the passport and other documents. There are countries where you need to provide a photocopy of your national identity card as additional identification.
Travel and Booking Documents
In addition to personal identification, you will also need to provide proof of the booking of your journey. These documents are needed by the Saudi government to confirm that your travel is arranged and secure. Return air ticket is compulsory. Open tickets or one-way tickets are not allowed to make sure the pilgrims return home upon returning from Umrah. You will need to provide proof of residing in Makkah and Madinah. If you book cheap Umrah packages these confirmations will be provided by the agency on your behalf.
Health and Safety Documents
With many pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia annually, health conditions have to be complied with at all costs. The release of health documents ensures that the visitors are safe and healthy. Here are some documents that are necessary.
- You must present proof of vaccinations. The Saudi government updates the vaccine list, and you’ll do well to check with your tour operator before preparing your application.
- Some pilgrims who are elderly or have certain medical ailments can be recommended by some tour companies to get a fitness certificate for travel from their doctor.
- Travel insurance policy is not mandatory. But it is included in the package in many agencies.
It is recommended that you have insurance documents with you as it protects you from medical complications, accidents, or flight cancellations during the tour. By keeping the above documents on health and safety, you will have a comfortable journey.
Additional documents for special cases
Not every pilgrim’s case is the same. Based on your personal condition, you may be required to provide additional documentation. Female travelers under the age of 45 years are generally needed to travel in the company of a mahram (male chaperone). Under such circumstances, proof of relationships may be requested. Women aged 45 and above can travel in groups based on a sworn no-objection letter from their guardian. Children traveling with parents should produce copies of their birth certificates as proof of relationship. If pilgrims book December Umrah packages then the agents will guide them about the needed documents.
Common mistakes to avoid when submitting documents
The greatest number of pilgrims are delayed or rejected because of minor mistakes. To prevent unnecessarily worrying, do not make the following mistakes. Submitting expired passports or passports soon to be expired. Avoid submitting unclear or incorrect photos. Inconsistency of the information on documents. No health records or outdated vaccination certificates. Booking hotels or flights that are not equal to application dates. If you book with Umrah visa Online, then submission process can save you time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Umrah Visa Documents
Q. Can I submit scanned copies online?
Scanned copies will normally be accepted in most circumstances for first application. Original documents are however required where final verification is completed or at the Saudi consulate. Check with your agent first before proceeding solely on digital copies.
Q. How long does the document verification take?
The verification process will take many days or weeks. It depends on the time of year and the completion of your documents. Processing will take a lot of time in peak months, such as December.
Q. What If a document is rejected?
If your document is found to be invalid, your application gets delayed or rejected. You will usually be asked to provide them with the right version. That is why rechecking all the details with your travel agent before submission is advisable.