Can We Do Umrah on a Family Visit Visa?
A quick answer: yes, you can do Umrah on a family visit visa. However, only Muslims can enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah on a visit visa. Considering this requirement, many people ask which is the best way to get a Saudi visa for Umrah. The answer to this question is simple but requires detailed elaboration. This post is crafted exactly for this purpose.
Helpful Tip: If you are looking to go for Umrah and visit only the cities of Makkah and Madinah, then the best way is to take the help of Family Umrah Packages which come with all the essential facilities such as visa, flights, accommodations and on-ground transport. In short, they are best for the first timers and those that don’t want to explore the other cities of the kingdom.
Now that you have an idea about the Umrah visa, let’s get into more details and find which is the best option for going to Umrah.
Which Is Better, an Umrah Visa or a Tourist Visa?
Muslims can use both of these options but the right one depends on your preferences and budget. To find out which one is perfect for you, it is better to understand them in detail. Let us evaluate the basic differences between these two visas.
Umrah Visa
Are you looking to enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah easily and perform Umrah? Then Umrah visa is the most basic way to do so. It has been used for decades by pilgrims from all over the world and is typically included in most of the All Inclusive Umrah Packages to make it easier for pilgrims to complete their Umrah journey.
Purpose of Visa
As the name implies, this visa is only for Umrah. You cannot go to any city other than Makkah and Madinah, or Riyadh, if your flight lands there. An Umrah visa is often approved more quickly than a tourist visa because the purpose of the visa is clear. Plus, the pilgrim also shows his flight tickets and hotel booking. This is why Saudi authorities are somewhat lenient towards Umrah visa applications.
Eligibility
Muslims living in foreign countries must be 18 years or above at the time of visa application. Those under 18 require a guardian who can be a parent, elder brother, or grandparent.
Availability
Umrah visas are not issued for thirty days each year during the Hajj season. Sometimes, the Saudi government may impose restrictions on a certain nationality or at a certain time to control the influx of pilgrims.
Duration
An Umrah visa is typically valid for ninety days with a single entry. If you are booking an Umrah package for family, check that the visa’s duration falls well within your preferred travel time.
Cost
A simple Umrah visa is cheaper than a tourist visa. The price difference is huge and this is the reason cheap Umrah packages only offer this type of visa.
Booking Requirements
As per the recent changes made by the Saudi government, Umrah visa applicants now need to book their hotels through the Nusuk app. They are also required to show proof of a return flight. In case any of the things are missing, the visa will be rejected.
Perks for Pilgrims
Pilgrims with an Umrah visa is given one bottle of ZamZam on departure.
Tourist Visa
You might be surprised to know that Saudi tourist visas started only after September 2019. Before that, the country was a mystery for most of the world. However, foreigners and non-Muslims were only allowed for official and business visits. With the start of tourist visas, more and more people have started to opt for them, including both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Purpose
This visa is preferred by non-Muslims who want to visit the kingdom but they can’t enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Muslims who book tourist visas can do Umrah as well.
Eligibility
The visa is open to citizens of 60+ countries from all over the world including the EU, UK, US and GCC countries. There is no limitation of any religion.
Availability
Unlike the Umrah visa, it is available throughout the year. You can perform Umrah with it or visit any other city in the country without any restrictions.
Duration
When you have a valid tourist visa, you can enter the country multiple times in one year. However, the duration of each stay can be up to 90 days.
Cost
A tourist visa is more costly than an Umrah-only visa. It depends on the country from which you are traveling and which passport you hold.
Booking Requirements
People that apply for a tourist visa don’t have to fulfill any requirements like booking hotels and giving proof of flights. The requirements for this visa are different and must be fulfilled. The biggest of them is the proof of financial means to tell the authorities that you can manage your expenses without any issues during your stay in the country.
Which Visa Should Families Choose?
Choose Umrah Visa
In case you are only going for an Umrah and don’t intend to explore other cities or famous tourist points in the country, then opt for an Umrah visa. It is also best for pilgrims that don’t have the option to apply for a tourist visa.
Choose Tourist Visa
It is the best option if you want to take your kids on a holiday to Saudi Arabia before or after doing Umrah. Saudi Arabia’s tourism scene has been revolutionized in the past few years. It is a great option to explore the country with the little ones.
Regardless of the way you want to travel for Umrah from the UK, Muslims Holy Travel is right here to help you book the best Umrah packages. Reach out to them to know more about visa rules and discuss which option is best for you.
