How Long is Umrah Visa Valid

Posted by Ady Grewal on January 21st, 2020

Umrah Visas are issued all around the year. Umrah season usually starts from the first of Moharram (1st month of the Islamic year) and lasts till the end of Ramadan (9th month of Islamic Year). After Ramadan, Umrah is only open for GCC nationals for some time and then the Hajj preparations begin. That means if you want to book cheap umrah packages from UK, you can do so during these months.

Requirements for obtaining an Umrah Visa.

1. The applicant must be 18 years old in order to travel to perform umrah alone. Under 18 years of age must travel with their families/relatives.
2. The application must be duly filled with the attachment of all relevant documents;
   • 6-7 months validity of Passport.
   • Proof of non-refundable Return Ticket.
   • Pre-accommodation Hotel Reservations Information.
   • 2 Front Facing, Passport size colored photographs with White Background.
   • Vaccination Certificates.

The validity of Umrah Visa.

The Umrah visa is originally valid for 2 weeks (14 days) only.

30 Days exception.

Umrah visas are usually issued with 30-day validity. However, it is only because a person can have the permission of entrance in case, he/she faces flight cancellation or inconveniences like that. In short, the extra 15-day period is for emergency arrangements that one might face due to different sorts of travel restrictions and delays. But once, you arrive in the Kingdom, you have to perform all your Umrah rituals within 2 weeks and then your visa expires. Consequently, you have to depart from Saudia Arabia on the 15th day from your arrival.

Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Government has recently introduced a project called “Saudi Vision 2030”. The project came into existence, considering the country’s economic needs. The main purpose of Saudi Vision 2030 is to minimize the dependency of the Saudi economy on oil and maximize productivity and business opportunities in other fields of Infrastructure, Tourism, Health, Education and Jobs. In light of this, Hajj and Umrah's policies were also revised.

Umrah Fee.

Before Saudi Vision 2030, Umrah visas were issued free of cost by Saudi Authorities. However now it consists of a total fee of 330 SAR plus taxes which approximates to 250-300 GBP per person, including children.

2nd Umrah.

Saudia Ariba has eliminated the need for the 2nd umrah fee for pilgrims. That means if you want to perform umrah more than once in a year you don’t have to pay 2000 SAR (400 GBP) extra fee at all!

Umrah on Tourist Visa.

In order to boost tourism, Saudia Arabia has started issuing tourist visas to Muslims and as well as non-Muslims. They can obtain it through e-services and even on arrival. Furthermore, Muslims have the permissibility to perform umrah on their tourist visas as well.

The Concern of a Mahram (for women).

Women can now travel alone for Umrah. There’s no need for a mahram to be accompanied. However, for hajj, the compulsion of a Mahram is still valid.

Hence through a variety of January umrah packages London offered, you can now go for umrah in a much easier and convenient way possible!