Saudi Arabia: What is Umrah Visa? Can You perform Hajj on this religious visa?

Saudi Arabia Visa: With Hajj season approaching, Saudi Arabia has reportedly revised its travel rules, temporarily restricting visa issuance for citizens of 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.

According to media reports, these changes, expected to last until mid-June 2025, are part of the kingdom's annual crowd management strategy aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth movement of all pilgrims during Hajj.

Here is everything you need to know about an Umrah visa, who is eligible to apply, and whether it can be used to perform the Hajj if you are travelling from India.

What is an Umrah visa?

An Umrah visa is a special permit granted to Muslims intending to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca. Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year (outside the Hajj period).

The new Saudi visa rules in 2022 extended the Umrah visa validity period from 30 days to 90 days, giving pilgrims ample time to complete the holy pilgrimage.

Who is eligible to apply for Umrah visa?

As per the official Saudi visa website, applicants must meet the following criteria for Umrah visa:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Be of the Muslim faith.
• Meet specific Saudi requirements for Umrah visas.
• As per the new Saudi visa rules 2022, women aged 18 to 65 years old can perform Umrah without a male guardian on the condition that they are part of a group and have the permission of their husband or father, known as a Mahram.
• Children under 18 must apply for an Umrah visa with a parent or legal guardian.

How to apply for Umrah visa from India?

To obtain an Umrah visa from India, the candidate must apply through a travel agency licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and accredited by the Embassy. The required documents include:

• Valid passport and application
• Health and vaccination certificates
• Personal photo

Umrah visas are issued starting from the first of Safar, the second month in the Islamic calendar. The last day to apply is at the end of Shaaban, the eighth month.

The visa is free of charge, and it expires at the end of the Umrah programme.

Can someone go to Hajj with an Umrah visa?

No. Saudi Arabia issues special Hajj visas exclusively during the Hajj period. The visa is valid only for Medina and Medina and the areas dedicated to the sacred rites, and it cannot be extended.

Hence, the travellers should depart from Saudi Arabia before their visa expires.

Also, the Saudi Arabian diplomatic authorities cannot issue a Hajj visa to any traveller; the only way to obtain one is via the Nusuk Hajj website.