Hajj and Umrah Visas Made Easy with AlHateem Tours
A Hajj or Umrah visa is a unique travel document that allows you to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for your pilgrimage. The Hajj visa is for the yearly pilgrimage done at a specific time in the Islamic calendar, while the Umrah visa allows for a visit to these holy places at any time of the year. You’ll need to follow specific requirements to get either visa, including submitting your passport, filling out application forms, and sometimes showing proof of vaccination and other documents.
AlHateem Tours is here to make your journey effortless and stress-free. Our team will help you with everything, from getting the proper documents to guiding you through each step. If you're in the US, we handle all the details, so you don’t have to worry.
Whether you're going on a life-changing Hajj or a peaceful Umrah, we know the visa process can feel tricky. But don't worry, we make it straightforward.
Hajj Visa: Essential Information
The Hajj pilgrimage is an essential duty for Muslims around the world. Millions travel to Mecca yearly to complete this vital part of their faith, often seeking affordable Hajj deals to make the journey more accessible. A special Hajj visa is needed for those outside Saudi Arabia.
Eligibility for a Hajj Visa
To apply for a Saudi Hajj visa, you need to meet specific criteria:
- Age and Faith: You must be at least 18 years old and a Muslim. Children under 18 can apply but must be with a guardian.
- Guardian Requirements: Women can travel without a male guardian (Mahram) if they are part of a group and have written consent from their guardian. Children under 18 must apply with a legal guardian.
- Authorized Travel Agent: You must submit your application through an authorized travel agent like AlHateem Tours, recognized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Validity of the Hajj Visa
A Hajj visa is only valid for the Hajj season, usually lasting around a month. This gives you enough time to complete your pilgrimage. By the 10th of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar), you must leave Saudi Arabia. This visa is strictly for Hajj, so you can’t use it to stay longer or for other travel.
Requirements for Hajj Visa
To apply for a Hajj visa, you will need the following items:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Passport Photos: You need one recent photo that meets specific requirements. The photo should be 2x2 inches with a white background.
- Vaccination Certificate: You must show proof of meningitis vaccination. Depending on your health and age, additional vaccinations may also be needed.
- Proof of Relationship: Women traveling with a Mahram (a male guardian) must present a marriage certificate, while children must show their birth certificates.
- No-Objection Letter: Women can travel without a male guardian if they have a written consent form from a Mahram.
Apply early, as processing takes around five days. We recommend starting the application process well in advance to avoid any delays.
Umrah Visa: Essential Information
The Umrah pilgrimage, often made easier with Umrah packages, can be done any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. It’s a more straightforward journey but still very special, with millions of Muslims traveling to Mecca and Medina to complete it. Recently, Saudi Arabia has made changes to make the process easier and more flexible for people from other countries, making it even more convenient for international pilgrims.
Eligibility for an Umrah Visa
Applying for an Umrah visa requires:
- Age and Faith: Applicants must be 18+ and of Muslim faith. Children under 18 can apply with any guardian.
- Group Travel for Women: Women between the ages of 18 and 65 can travel without a male guardian if they are in an organized group and have written authorization from a Mahram.
Validity of the Umrah Visa
Good news for those wanting extra time! The Saudi Umrah visa has been extended from 30 to 90 days, giving pilgrims three months to complete their rituals. Those eligible for a tourist visa can enter multiple times over a year, with each stay lasting up to 90 days. Check all your visa details to avoid overstays and ensure your visit is smooth.
Requirements for Umrah Visa
If you want to apply for an Umrah visa, you need to have the following:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you enter Saudi Arabia.
- Photo: You need one recent color photo with a white background. The photo should be 2x2 inches.
- Vaccination Certificate: You must show proof of meningitis vaccination. You might need more vaccinations depending on your country, age, or health.
- Proof of Relationship: If women or children are traveling with a Mahram (a male guardian), you will need marriage or birth certificates to show the relationship.
- Umrah Permit: You need an electronic permit from Saudi Arabia to visit the holy sites.
- Also, COVID-19 rules are still in place. Foreign travelers must register their immunization status before entering, and medical insurance for COVID-related costs is important.
Processing Time for Hajj and Umrah Visas
Hajj visas usually take about five business days to process, while Umrah e-Visas can be ready in just 24 hours. But we suggest applying as early as possible to avoid any last-minute issues. This way, we can sort out any problems ahead of time, giving you peace of mind and letting you focus on getting ready for your journey.
How We Can Help You Get Your Visa
Getting a Hajj or Umrah visa might sound hard, but we are here to make it easy and stress-free. Here’s how we help:
- Guided Visa Application: We’ll assist you in filling out all the forms, checking your documents, and ensuring everything meets the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requirements.
- Document Preparation: We ensure you have all the proper papers, like passport checks and vaccination certificates. No more back-and-forth; we’ll sort everything out before you travel.
- Affordable and Reliable Service: We know that cost is essential. That’s why we offer budget-friendly services while keeping quality high. We want to make this journey possible for everyone.
Let us take care of the details so you can focus on your spiritual journey. With us, you’re in safe hands every step of the way.
Essential Notes on Visa Extensions
Hajj and Umrah visas for Saudi Arabia cannot be extended. This means you must leave Saudi Arabia by the date on your visa. Staying longer than allowed may lead to penalties, so checking your dates carefully is important. At AlHateem Tours, we’ll help you keep track of these dates with reminders and support, making your trip worry-free.
FAQs Frequently Ask Questions
No, Hajj requires a specific Hajj visa that cannot be substituted with a tourist visa.
Apply through us, and your permit will be processed with your visa application.
No, you cannot apply for both at once. Every pilgrimage has its visa application procedure. The Hajj visa is only available during the annual Hajj season, while the Umrah visa can be applied for at other times of the year, except for the peak Hajj period.
Yes, children of all ages require their Hajj or Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. Additionally, children under 18 must be accompanied by a Mahram (close male relative), and proof of relationship is necessary when applying for their visa.
Go to immigration and apply for a new visa as soon as possible. Overstaying can result in penalties.
Visa fees are usually non-refundable, even if the application is denied. To avoid rejection, always meet all eligibility and document requirements.