If you are a
worshipper of Allah and want to visit Saudi Arabia during the Umrah, you need
to apply for an Umrah Visa. Umrah, the pilgrimage to Mecca can be undertaken at
any time of the year, unlike the Hajj which happens at a specific time every
year. If you want to visit Saudi Arabia from London for
Umrah, you need to
obtain a legal Umrah visa first.
If you are
planning to experience the auspicious Umrah, you will have to book your visa
through one of the accredited Umrah visa agents. The government of Saudi
Arabia wants you to do so, so that they can keep track of the people visiting
the Holy cities. Many agents who want to make profit will insist you to take
expensive packages, but it is up to you, whether you want to take it or plan
the trip yourself.
The citizens of
U.S and the legal residents will have to apply for their visas through the
consulates located in Washington DC and New York. To apply for an Umrah visa
you will require the following documents:
·
Your passport
·
Proof of legal status in U.S
·
Vaccination records (along with proof of meningitis
immunization for U.S citizens)
·
Travel itineraries
·
Completed visa application and
·
Two passport size photographs
To make your
journey comfortable and to ensure that you do not have any problem obtaining
the Umrah visa, you need to remember the following Umrah visa pre-requisites:
·
You need assistance from an Umrah visa agent to apply for an
Umrah visa. You cannot apply it on your own, according to the laws of the Saudi
Arabia.
·
Holding any type of visit visa in UK will debar you from
obtaining an Umrah visa.
·
You can either obtain the Umrah visa application form from
the visa agent or collect it from the nearest Saudi Arabia consulate. You need
to read the terms and conditions, provide all the necessary information and the
sign it before submitting.
·
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6
months, from the date of application of the Umrah visa.
·
If you have a non-Muslim name, receive a letter from the
mosque or religious centre to confirm you are a Muslim by religion.
·
Women less than 45 years of age are not allowed to visit
Umrah alone. She needs to be accompanied by her mahram (a male relative). You
need to attach a proof of the relationship with the mahram along with the visa
application.
·
Applicants below 18 years of age will not be issued an Umrah
visa unless they are accompanies by their family members.
·
Visas will not be issued to people who have performed Umrah
within the past 6 months, except the mahram.
·
The Umrah visa will be valid for a period of 30 days, but you
will be allowed to stay in Saudi Arabia for 14 days only. You will have to
return back within these 14 days.
So if you are willing to experience Umrah,
start looking for an approved Umrah visa agent who can help you with the
application for Umrah visa. Once you receive the visa have a happy journey and
have an auspicious Umrah!
