How to Apply for Umrah Visa Online
Muslims all over the world, quench their thirst by seeing the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah in the form of Umrah or Hajj. Every year thousands of Muslims perform these religious rituals to wash their sins and renew their level of faith. Their love for these cities is immeasurable.
To enter these holy cities one must have an approved visa. So the question here is how to apply for a visa. No worries I am here to guide you step by step on how to apply for an Umrah visa online.
A physically, financially, and mentally fit Muslim may undertake Umrah in order to gain the blessings of Almighty Allah. Umrah is the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad SAW so the Muslims dreamed of doing this at least once in a lifetime.
Whether they are poor or middle-class people or those who live luxurious lives they love visiting these places to undertake pilgrimage.
So to undertake this minor pilgrimage, one must have one of the 4 types of Umrah visas.
These 4 types of visas are:
What is Umrah Visa?
This visa is an official document for foreign pilgrimage designed to facilitate them in their whole journey.
This visa is permission from the Saudi government for foreigners to perform Umrah rituals. This includes permission to see the Holy cities and many religious Ziarah places.
By having an Umrah visa the pilgrimage is allowed to enter Riady and embark on Makkah and Madina for performing Umrah.
Umrah Visa Requirements
The following documents are required in order to obtain a visa.
Note: Vaccination against Coronavirus is not necessary for a visa, but it is required to enter Saudi Arabia. So must not forget to get fully vaccinated and bring a vaccination card with you.
How to Apply for Umrah Visa Online
Now if you have prepared your documents for the visa, here is the step-by-step procedure for getting the visa.
This is how you will get your online visa without the involvement of any travel agent.
Umrah Apps
At last, you have to install two apps on your mobile after entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
These apps are only applicable there. One is named Tawakalna, and the other one is Eatmarna. The Nusuk app replaced it.
These two apps will help you clear all permits and documentation fuss.
The Tawakalna app contains your Vaccination record while the Eatmarna app allows you to get prayer permits linked to your Tawakalna app.
Visa Through Approved Travel Agents
The alternative way of applying for the visa online is getting it through approved travel agencies throughout the country.
All you have to do is to seek your nearest approved travel agent and buy their Umrah packages. And submit your documents and application form.
These agents will then buy you a suitable Umrah package for you.
This way is recommended for people visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time.
Umrah Visa Validity
Saudi Arabian authorities have increased the Visa validity from 30 days to 90 days. In the latest updates, they have also allowed people having Umrah visas to enter or exit the country by any air, land, or sea.
Umrah Visa Processing Time
Issuance of the Visa typically takes 7 to 10 days. But it is possible to get your Umrah Visa within 24 hours.
Umrah Visa for GCC residents
If you are a GCC resident, you can apply for the visa online from the Saudi Arabian government directly or through the package plan.
Visa On Arrival
Those Pakistani nationals who are residents of the US, UK, or EU or they are US, UK, or Schengen visa holders, can apply for Visa on arrival or visa through packages issued by the Saudi embassy.
Umrah with Transit Visa
Transit Visa allows people to perform or participate in different events. Note that religious travelers must visit Nusuk.sa to schedule their appointments.
Umrah Visa with Insurance
The Saudi government has reduced the cost of Insurance by 63%.
Insurance is the part of Visa provision. This insurance covers emergency admission, hospitalization, pregnancy, and severe health issues as well as accidents.
Umrah Visa Fee
The visa fee or application cost is between 380$ to 490$. But it is liable to change from country to country.
Visa Fee from Pakistan
In Pakistan, the visa is free of cost but the process and other accessories or services may be charged. So the total fees become 44000 to 50000 Rupees in Karachi and Lahore. Visa costs in other cities are a little bit different.
FAQ
Conclusion
Issuance of an Umrah Visa is not much difficult as people think. We just need to be prepared for it. If you follow the above steps, there will be no hurdle in the issuance of your visa.
Online visa is simple but you have to do it all alone. While the visa through agents is costly but there will be someone who assist you in making decisions and issuance of the visa.
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