Offering Umrah is something that is dear to every Muslim in this world and is considered as one of the most spiritual duties. In the past, individuals requiring to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah had to use Umrah visa. Nevertheless, due to the latest changes in the Saudi Arabia travel protocols, it has become easier for those who meet the requirements to perform Umrah through other visa categories. It has elicited the interests of many, more so the UAE residents, about the possibility of performing Umrah using a tourist visa from UAE.
For those Muslims living in the UAE or any other country, it is important that they should have adequate information on the visa before embarking on the trip. Since the multiple types of visa now available for Saudi Arabia include tourist visa, one may get to access religious sites, though with some restrictions. In this article, I will explain the doubts you may have about the Umrah visa from UAE, their requirements, and the procedures for a seamless journey.
Understanding Umrah on a Tourist Visa
The Saudi Arabia government has developed its tourist visa policy to allow more people to come in and appreciate the country’s tourism. Although this visa is for traveling to secular countries, it permits Muslims to do Umrah with certain conditions. However, unlike the Umrah visa that is granted for purposes of pilgrimage, a tourist visa has extra flexibility.
Eligibility Criteria for Performing Umrah on a Tourist Visa
The purpose of visiting the Kingdom means not all those holding a tourist visa will be allowed to perform Umrah. Here are more points that can be made:
The tourist visa has to be the one issued from Saudi Arabia.
The applicant should be a citizen of one of the countries that are allowed for the Saudi Arabia eVisa.
It is against the law therefore any vistor is expectant to uphold the laws and regulations of the Kingdom while practicing umrah.
Specifically as for getting to the holy land, one cannot enter KSA on a tourist visa to perform hajj, but a Hajj visa is issued.
Benefits of Performing Umrah on a Tourist Visa
Flexibility in Travel Plans
A tourist visa is different from an Umrah visa in that the latter is valid only for a specific period of entry and exit for Umrah, while the former enables one to visit other cities in KSA such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla before or after performing Umrah.
Easier Application Process
In general, the steps followed in the application of a tourist visa is much easier compared to the steps to get an Umrah visa. It should be noted that the majority of the countries can apply for an eVisa which will minimize the paperwork and time for visa processing.
Longer Stay Duration
A tourist visa normally permits multiple entries with long validity and this provides the visitors with enough time to conduct their spiritual trip without any haste.
How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa for Umrah
Here is the guideline on how one can perform Umrah from UAE or any other country on the basis of a tourist visa:
Go to the official website of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to check out the requirements for the e-Visa for citizens from your country.
Apply Online : Submit an online visa application form, attach required documents and pay the application fee.
Get Your Visa: The eVisa is usually processed within three working days and will be delivered to the email address provided.
Travel and perform Umrah: Once you have your visa, you can proceed to book your flights, accommodation and transport in order to make your travel smoothly.
Some important restrictions that one should be aware of while using this type of property include:
It is strictly forbidden to travel to perform Hajj on a tourist visa.
It is worth noting that tourists should be respecting the religious city of Makkah and Madinah.
The tourist visa does not allow sponsorship or employment of people in Saudi Arabia.
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