About Umrah:
Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. It involves a series of rituals including Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, Sai (running) between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and other acts of devotion. Umrah holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims, offering them an opportunity to seek forgiveness, blessings, and divine mercy.
About Umrah visa:
Umrah visa is a special permit granted by the Saudi Arabian government to Muslims wishing to go on a spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. Unlike the Hajj visa, which is reserved for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Umrah visa allows pilgrims to perform Umrah at any time of the year, outside the Hajj season.
To obtain a Umrah visa, applicants can apply through VisitsVisa. This includes submitting the required documents and paying the applicable fees. The visa allows a limited stay in Saudi Arabia for the purpose of performing Umrah only.
It is important to note that Umrah visas are not issued for tourism or any other purpose other than religious pilgrimage. Pilgrims must follow the rules outlined by Saudi authorities, including respecting holy sites and rituals associated with Umrah.
Cost of Saudi Umrah Visa For Indians
Embarking on the spiritual odyssey of Umrah beckons with an allure that transcends borders, captivating Muslims worldwide. For Indian pilgrims charting their course towards Umrah in the illustrious year of 2024, deciphering the visa labyrinth and its attendant costs emerges as a pivotal quest.
Are you Planning for Umrah with your friends and family? You can now apply online for an Umrah E-visa at just Rs 20,000, and receive it in 5-7 working days. When you opt for the fastest and easiest way to apply for a Saudi Umrah visa for Indians with VisitsVisa.com, Then Best Services Guaranteed with very secure and easy process.
Several factors play a pivotal role in determining the cost of an Umrah visa:
Government Regulations: The Saudi Arabian government sets regulations governing Umrah visa fees. These regulations are subject to periodic changes, which can directly affect the overall cost of obtaining the visa.
Processing Fees: Travel agencies or authorized agents responsible for handling Umrah visa applications often impose processing fees. These fees are an integral part of the total cost of obtaining the visa and can vary depending on the agency.
Additional Services: Many travel agencies offer supplementary services as part of Umrah packages. These services may include transportation, accommodation, and guided tours. The inclusion of such services can significantly impact the overall cost of the pilgrimage, as pilgrims may opt for packages with varying levels of amenities and convenience.
Here are some valuable tips to make your Umrah journey more cost-effective:
Plan in Advance: Securing your Umrah packages well ahead of your intended travel date can lead to better deals and potentially lower visa costs. Early planning allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts and ensure availability during peak travel seasons.
Compare Packages: It’s essential to research and compare Umrah packages offered by various travel agencies. By doing so, you can find the most cost-effective option that aligns with your preferences and budget. Look for packages that offer competitive pricing without compromising on essential services.
Travel Off-Peak: Consider scheduling your Umrah journey during non-peak seasons. During these times, prices for visas and accommodations tend to be more competitive as demand decreases. Traveling off-peak can help you save significantly on overall expenses while still enjoying a fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Group Travel: Opting for group bookings can be a cost-effective choice, especially for families or larger groups of pilgrims. Many travel agencies offer discounted rates for group bookings, making it an economical option to share expenses such as accommodations, transportation, and guided tours.
By following these tips, you can maximize your savings and make your Umrah pilgrimage more budget-friendly without compromising on the quality of your experience.
Documents Required For Umrah Visa 2024
- Passport: A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of application.
- Visa Application Form: Completed visa application form, accurately filled out with all required information.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background, adhering to specific size and format requirements.
- Proof of Identity: Valid proof of identity, such as a national identity card or driver’s license.
- Proof of Residence: Document(s) confirming residential address, such as utility bills or rental agreements.
- Travel Itinerary: Confirmed travel itinerary, including flight bookings, accommodation details, and transportation arrangements.
- Vaccination Certificate: Proof of vaccination against specific diseases, as required by Saudi Arabia’s health regulations. Typically, pilgrims need to be vaccinated against meningitis and other communicable diseases.
- Letter of Consent: For female pilgrims traveling without a mahram (male guardian), a notarized letter of consent from their mahram authorizing their travel for Umrah or Hajj.
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable): For female pilgrims traveling with a male relative who is not their husband, a marriage certificate or proof of relationship may be required.
- Financial Documentation: Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the pilgrimage, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance coverage for the duration of the pilgrimage journey, providing medical coverage in Saudi Arabia.
- Umrah/Hajj Package Booking Confirmation: Confirmation of booking with a licensed Umrah/Hajj travel agency, including details of the package purchased.
- Additional Requirements: Depending on the pilgrim’s nationality and individual circumstances, additional documents or requirements may apply. It’s advisable to check with the relevant consulate or embassy for specific guidelines.
Saudi Umrah visa online application process for Indians
Unfortunately, you cannot apply for a visa yourself. You need the help of an agency or authorised sponsor. VisitsVisa is an authorised sponsor and can get your visa in 3 days. Below is the steps to apply Saudi Umrah Visa.
Start application: Begin your Saudi visa application by clicking Apply Now on Visitsvisa
Upload or take your photo: You can either upload an existing photo or take a new one directly through the portal using your smartphone or laptop.
Provide your details: Fill in the required personal and travel information accurately.
Finalize and pay: Review your application, then proceed to checkout and pay the applicable visa fees. once your visa fee is paid you will get a confirmation mail once process is completed Visa will be delivered on email within 3-5 working days.
The cost of an Umrah visa from India is as follows:
- Visa fee: INR 2,0000 (approximately USD 250)
- Service fee: INR 1,000-2,000 (approximately USD 13-25)
The service fee is charged by Umrah tour operators for processing the visa application on your behalf.
In addition to the visa fee and service fee, you may also be required to pay for the following:
- Medical insurance: INR 500-1,000 (approximately USD 6-13)
- Police clearance certificate: INR 500-1,000 (approximately USD 6-13)
The total cost of an Umrah visa from India is typically between INR 24,000-26,000 (approximately USD 250-300).
Payment methods
The visa fee and service fee can be paid in cash or by credit card. Medical insurance and police clearance certificate fees are typically paid in cash.
Additional information
- The visa fee is non-refundable.
- The service fee is charged by Umrah tour operators for processing the visa application on your behalf.
- Medical insurance is mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims.
- A police clearance certificate is not required for all Umrah pilgrims, but it may be requested by the visa authorities.
Tips for reducing the cost of your Umrah visa
- Book your Umrah package well in advance of your travel date. This will give you more time to shop around for the best prices.
- Consider applying for your visa directly through the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in India. This will save you the cost of the service fee charged by Umrah tour operators.
- If you are applying for your visa through a Umrah tour operator, be sure to compare the service fees charged by different operators.
- If you are eligible for a multiple-entry visa, this may be more cost-effective in the long run if you plan to perform Umrah multiple times.
Conclusion
The cost of an Umrah visa from India is relatively affordable. By following the tips above, you can reduce the cost of your visa and make your Umrah pilgrimage more affordable.
