Hajj & Umrah

Umrah visas can be obtained throughout the year.

The Umrah visa is initially valid for 30 days. After obtaining your visa, you must enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within 30 days. Once inside, you are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days. However, it's advisable to verify the exact duration with your travel agency, as the Saudi Hajj Ministry occasionally shortens the stay validity to 15 days, especially during the months of Ramadan and Shaban.

As of 2023, the cost of an Umrah visa is approximately £250 / $330. Alternatively, individuals from one of the 49 eligible countries can also perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa, which is available at a cost of approximately £110 / $140.

The Saudi Arabian government mandates that your passport should have a validity of at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date. If your passport is set to expire within this timeframe, it is crucial to renew it or apply for a new one well in advance. To obtain detailed information, please reach out to the appropriate passport issuing authority in your country. 

Typically, the process of obtaining or renewing a passport takes several weeks, unless you can take advantage of a fast-track service that expedites the procedure. If you are a resident in a country but not a citizen, the same rule applies, and your travel agent can guide you on any additional requirements.

Helpful Tips:

1. Make photocopies of your passport and store them separately from the passport itself.
2. Distinguish your passport from others by marking it with something easily recognizable, like tape on the edge of your passport.

For your Umrah journey, there are specific requirements for passport-sized photos and vaccination certificates:

1. Passport-Sized Photos:

   - You must provide a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.

   - Ensure that the photo is a full-face view, and not a side or angled view.

   - Your travel agent may request additional photos, especially if they are needed for group ID cards.

  - Bring at least four extra passport-sized photographs with you to Saudi Arabia. These may be required for various documents and procedures during your trip, saving you the inconvenience and expense of obtaining them in an unfamiliar place.

2. Proof of Vaccination:

   - All pilgrims from any country are required to possess a valid certificate of vaccination against quadrivalent (A/C/Y/W135) meningococcal meningitis.

   - This certificate must be signed by an authorized medical professional.

   - Proof of vaccination must be submitted at least 10 days before your arrival in Saudi Arabia, as a visa will not be issued without it.

  - Keep your vaccination certificate with you during the entire travel process, as it may be checked during check-in and at Jeddah airport. Failure to produce the certificate could result in travel disruptions.

   - Depending on your country of origin, you may also need valid certificates of vaccination against yellow fever and polio.

Ensuring you have the necessary photos and vaccination certificates and keeping them readily accessible will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free Umrah journey.

For women traveling on Hajj or Umrah, certain requirements regarding marriage and birth certificates apply:

1. Accompaniment by a Spouse or Mahram:

   - Women must be accompanied by a spouse or Mahram (a close male relative) when undertaking Hajj or Umrah.

   - Proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, must be provided as evidence of the familial connection.

2. Traveling in Organized Groups for Women over 45:

   - Women who are 45 years of age or older may travel with an organized group without a designated Mahram.

   - However, to do so, she must obtain signed permission from her Mahram authorizing her to travel with the group.

3. Requirements for Children Under 18:

   - For children under the age of 18 traveling for Hajj or Umrah, a birth certificate that includes the names of both parents is required.

4. Mahram's Application and Travel:

   - The Mahram (close male relative) must specify any individuals he is traveling with, such as his wife and children, on his application form.

   - Additionally, the Mahram should be on the same flight as his wife and children when entering and leaving Saudi Arabia.

These guidelines ensure the safety and well-being of women and children during their Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage and help maintain the integrity of familial relationships during the journey.

If you are planning to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage, you will need to make a payment to the Saudi authorities responsible for your internal travel in Saudi Arabia and your accommodation in Mina and Arafat. Typically, these payments are made in the form of a banker's draft or cheque, and your travel agent will often handle this process on your behalf as part of your package.

Here are some important details regarding the payment process:

1. Payment Details:

   - You will need to submit two cheques, both made payable to "United Agents Office" in Jeddah.

   - One cheque is for the bus services, while the other is for accommodation in Mina and Arafat.

   - It is acceptable to combine both fees into a single cheque.

2. Cheque Information:

   - Ensure that the cheques include your name and passport number, along with the date and place of issue.

3. Exemptions for Children:

   - Children under the age of 7 are not required to provide drafts or cheques for these payments.

   - Children aged 7 to 15 are typically required to pay only half of the specified amount.

4. Checking Draft Charges:

   - To stay updated on the latest draft charges, it is advisable to contact the Saudi consulate in your country for accurate information.

Please note that these requirements specifically apply to Hajj, and drafts or cheques are not typically required for Umrah. It's important to work closely with your travel agent to ensure that all necessary payments and documentation are in order for your pilgrimage to proceed smoothly.

If you have recently converted to Islam and you plan to undertake a pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah, it may be necessary to provide proof of your Muslim faith. This proof typically comes in the form of a signed certification issued by a recognized Muslim authority, such as the Imam of your local mosque. This document is essential because non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah and Madinah.

Key points to consider:

1. Verification of Muslim Faith:

   - To verify your conversion to Islam, you will likely need a signed certification from a reputable Muslim authority.

   - This certification serves as proof of your Muslim faith, particularly if your passport does not bear a Muslim name.

2. Importance of the Document:

   - The document is crucial because non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

3. Contact Your Travel Agent:

   - Your travel agent should be able to provide you with detailed information and guidance on obtaining this certification and meeting the requirements. 

Ensuring that you have the necessary proof of your Muslim faith is essential for a successful pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, especially if your conversion is not reflected on your passport. Collaborating with your travel agent will help you navigate this process effectively.