Under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, greater flexibility and relaxed travel policies are now there for pilgrims.
If you are intending to book Umrah packages cheap soon for holy rituals, there are numerous options for you. Previously, all of the pilgrims arriving in KSA must get a separate Umrah visa for holy rituals. However, the new policies allow Muslims to perform Umrah rituals on other visa types to KSA as well. The availability of e-visa options has also made the process a whole lot easier.
The digital visa delivery system has streamlined the process for both the parties. You can manage your logistical aspects yourself and perform holy rituals on your existing visa to KSA as well. No need for a third party.
Here’s what you need to know about the new e-visa options for Umrah pilgrims.
Eligibility:
Only the Umrah travelers from 68 eligible countries can get an e-visa. Otherwise, you need to apply for a conventional Umrah visa to perform holy rituals.
- Applicants of e-visa should have a minimum 18 years of age to travel alone. Otherwise, they should travel with a parent or a guardian at least.
- Women can now travel alone for Umrah rituals. There’s no need for them to accompany a Mahram i.e. they can perform holy rituals by themselves.
- To apply for an e-visa, you must fulfill all of the requirements specified.
Types of E-visas available:
The different types of e-visas available for pilgrims are Tourist visa, Umrah visa, Business/work visa and Family visa.
Umrah visa has distinctive requirements and criteria. However, for the tourist, work or family visa – you can get an Umrah permit through Nusuk app and enter Haram for holy rituals.
To apply for an e-visa, you must;
- Check your eligibility.
- Complete the application process.
- Submit the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Get approval.
Most of the e-visa applications received are processed by the authorities within 72-hours. However, urgent visa services are also available at an extra cost.
E-visas are multiple entry visas that allow your stay up to a maximum of 90 days per visit. However, the validity of e-visa is up to a year. You can also apply for an extension of visa validity while in KSA for December Umrah packages on your e-visa.
Documents required for obtaining an e-visa:
The essential documents that you need to submit for getting your online visa to KSA include;
- Valid passport.
- Latest scanned copy of passport sized, coloured photographs.
- Vaccination certificate (scanned).
- Transaction receipt for successful payment of visa fee.
- Working email address to receive your e-visa.
- Any other document required as per your region of travel.
Benefits of e-visa for Umrah pilgrims over an Umrah visa:
E-visas for Umrah pilgrims bring greater flexibility of time and travel. Pilgrims can easily travel to explore KSA without any restriction as compared to limited travel on Umrah visa. In the same way, Umrah visas are only valid for a limited amount of time and remain a single entry visa. However, there’s no such thing with e-Visas.
When you book Umrah packages cheap for an Umrah visa, you need to go through the channel of a certified travel agent. Only the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah approved travel agents can apply for Umrah visas on behalf of pilgrim. No individual applications are entertained. However, with an e-visa, an Umrah pilgrim can not only travel by himself but also apply for the visa without the need of a third party.
Umrah visas restrict your travel to any other city expect Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. However, with an e-Visa you can have the same visa restrictions as specified on your original visa to KSA. You just need to get an Umrah permit for holy rituals while the visa policies are same i.e. work, visit or family.
E-Visas for Umrah grant you the flexibility of travel times. On the other hand, pilgrims on an Umrah visa must return from the holy land within a specified timeframe.
So if you are planning for December Umrah packages consider getting an e-visa for Umrah. It will offer you greater flexibility and convenience.
