Performing Umrah is a significant spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide, requiring careful preparation, including obtaining the necessary visa. The Umrah visa allows pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia specifically for performing the Umrah pilgrimage. Understanding the eligibility criteria and required documents is essential to ensure a smooth application process for the Umrah visa.
Do Indians need an Umrah visa from India?
Yes, Indian citizens require an Umrah visa to travel to Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah. The visa is specifically issued for religious purposes and cannot be used for other activities, such as work or tourism. Applicants must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months and meet other eligibility criteria. The Umrah visa for Indians can be obtained through authorised travel agents or approved online platforms.
Eligibility criteria for Umrah visa for Indians
To be eligible for an Umrah visa, applicants must meet certain conditions set by the Saudi Arabian authorities. These criteria ensure that only qualified pilgrims can enter the country for this religious journey.
- Muslim faith: Only Muslims are permitted to apply for an Umrah visa.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Age restrictions: Minors and women under 45 must be accompanied by a male relative (Mahram).
- Vaccinations: Applicants must provide proof of vaccination, particularly for meningitis and other country-specific requirements.
- Round-trip ticket: You must show proof of confirmed return or onward travel to be eligible for the visa.
Read more: Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians
Required documents for Umrah visa
To apply for an Umrah visa, you need to submit several important documents. These documents are critical to proving your identity, travel plans, and adherence to Saudi Arabia's entry requirements.
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months' validity from your planned entry date.
- Photo: A recent passport-sized colour photo with a white background.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings or a letter from your host confirming where you will stay.
- Travel itinerary: A round-trip flight ticket or evidence of your complete travel plans.
- Vaccination certificate: Proof of vaccination against meningitis and any other required vaccinations.
- Application form: A completed Umrah visa application form with your personal details and contact information.
- Proof of residency: If you are applying from a country where you are not a national, provide a valid residency permit.
- Certificate from a mosque or Islamic centre: For those with a non-Muslim name or converts to Islam, a certificate confirming your faith is required.
- Proof of relationship: For women or children travelling with a male relative (Mahram), proof of relationship with the accompanying male relative is needed.
- Bank statement: To demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses.
- Onward ticket: Proof that you have a confirmed departure ticket from Saudi Arabia.
These documents ensure you meet all the entry requirements for your Umrah journey. The Umrah visa is valid for 80 days from issuance and grants a one-time entry into Saudi Arabia.
Umrah visa fees for Indian citizens
The cost of an Umrah visa for Indians depends on the visa category and selected services. Generally, fees range between $100 (approximately Rs. 8,468) and $400 (around Rs. 33873). Additional expenses may apply if you use a travel agent for processing your application. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Umrah visa fees, it is recommended to consult authorized travel agents or directly contact the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
