Umrah is a spiritual journey to Makkah. Going on an Umrah journey is loved by all Muslims. A person can perform Umrah at any time of the year and its visa application is open every time except during the Hajj time. The process of Umrah visa is considered quite difficult but it is quite simple. Right information and planning are a must for a smooth Umrah journey.
In this article, we'll be going to discuss all the steps and processes of an Umrah visa from the UK, so you can have a stress-free experience.
Understanding the Umrah Visa
An Umrah visa is a special pass to Saudi Arabia for Muslims going for an Umrah. Without a visa, you cannot enter the country and will not be able to perform Umrah. There are a few other types of visas but for Umrah, the best is the Umrah Visa that most people choose.
What are the Eligibility Criteria?
Before starting the application process, it's important to know whether you meet the eligibility criteria for an Umrah visa. Here are a few requirements that must be followed for a successful application:
Valid Passport: Your passport must have a validity of six months starting from the date of applying for an Umrah visa. If your passport has less than six months left before it expires, you need to renew it first.
Photographs: One more requirement is to have two recent passport-size photographs with a white background. Pictures should be of decent quality.
Flight and Accommodation Bookings: You will have to provide proof of your confirmed flight bookings and hotel in Saudi Arabia.
Medical Certificate: A medical certificate of vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis is also a requirement by Saudi Arabia now.
Step-by-Step Application Process
After checking the eligibility criteria and completing all the required documents, it is time to apply for the visa, here is the detailed process for application from the UK:
Choose an Authorized Travel Agency: It is a requirement by the Saudi government that all Umrah visa applications be processed through authorized travel agencies. Make sure you choose a reputable and reliable Saudi-authorized travel agency.
Complete the Application Form: Once you've chosen a trustworthy travel agency, they'll provide you with the application form for an Umrah visa. Fill out this form with 100% accuracy and make sure all the details match the information on your passport.
Gather Required Documents: Place all the necessary documents, including your valid passport, photographs, medical certificate, etc. Cross-check everything to make sure you have all the required documents to avoid late inconveniences.
After this send the completed application form with the required document to the travel agency. They will let you know the application fee and pay that according to instructions. Umrah visa application takes around 1 to 2 weeks. You should apply in advance to avoid the late inconvenience or worries.
Final Thoughts
Applying for an Umrah visa from the United Kingdom is a simple process when you follow the steps and requirements which are a must.
By planning and staying informed, you can focus on the spiritual aspects of your journey and make the most of your Umrah pilgrimage. While planning your trip make sure you know about the level of comfort, you'll get on the package you have chosen from the travel agency.
May your Umrah be blessed and fulfilling!
