Umrah is one of the most loved and cherished opportunities for Muslims to satisfy their soul and get Allah’s attention. Therefore, Muslims around the world consider performing Umrah a blessing. The same is the mindset of Muslims living in the United Kingdom. So, if you are one of them and want to obtain Umrah Visa for the journey to Makkah and Medina, the holiest places on earth for Muslims, this comprehensive guide will cover everything essential.
However, before initiating this guide, it is necessary to learn what Umrah is. Moreover, you must also have some information about Visa. So, let us start our discussion!
Let me Introduce you about umrah, first!
Umrah is a pilgrimage, and to perform it, the Muslims visit Mecca, the most sacred city for the Muslims. Some may compare it with the Hajj. However, there is a difference. You can perform Hajj only at specific times. These timings are in the month of Zill Hajj, a 12th month of Islamic calender.
Moreover, Hajj is obligatory for those Muslims who can afford the expenses and perform all rituals fully. On the other hand, Umrah is different, as it is a voluntary act of worship, and you can perform it at any time. So, you can visit Saudi Arabia after availing of Umrah Visa UK if you can afford it.
What Is an Umrah Visa?
We all know about visas. So, when discussing an Umrah visa, it means the permission given by the Saudi Arabian Government to those Muslims who wish to perform Umrah. A valid passport is necessary to obtain an visa in the UK. We will give details in the second part of this article.
Who Is Eligible for An Umrah Visa?
Only Muslims can get an Umrah visa in the UK. And to get an Umrah visa, you must have a valid passport. You must also have a proof of travel arrangements. This information confirms that Non-Muslims cannot get this visa. Moreover, women under 45 can only get this visa if they have a male relative with them.
How to Apply for An Umrah Visa?
You can apply for an Umrah visa in two different ways. First, you can apply for an visa in the UK through a licensed travel agency. Second, you can visit the Saudi Arabian embassy near you to get a visa. However, we recommend you choose the most convenient and easiest way. Choosing a licensed travel agency helps you the most to get an Umrah visa because they have expertise in it. They will complete the paperwork intelligently and guide you in case of issues. Saudi Arabian embassies also provide you with services to get an visa. However, completing all the processes is your task. Moreover, complications can also be there.
Required Documents for Umrah Visa Application
You need the following documents if you want to obtain an Umrah visa in the UK:
- A valid passport. Its validity is about six months.
- A Completed Umrah visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs. These photographs must have a white background.
- Proof of travel arrangements. Your flight must be booked, and your hotel and itinerary have been arranged.
- Meningitis vaccination certificate
- Having a marriage certificate is a must if you are married
- Conversion to Islam certificate, if applicable
Umrah Visa UK Processing Time and Fee
The next phase is understanding the processing time and fee that will help you prepare yourself for this spiritual journey. Generally, processing time and fee depend on the method you have used to apply for an Umrah visa. Hiring a licensed travel agency means the application process is in expert hands. So, you can get an visa within 2-3 weeks. The same is in the process through which you engage yourself with the Saudi Arabian embassy. Here, the process may be a bit longer because you may have issues fulfilling the requirements.
When talking about the fee, it depends on the visa type. A licensed travel agency charges a visa fee after including it in the packages. On the other hand, when using the embassy, you will pay the visa processing fee separately and other payments separately according to the additional services you want to get. These fees can be document legalization and translation.
Tips for A Smooth Umrah Visa Application
Now, some tips can help you smoothen your visa process in the UK. Let us explore them!
- Starting visa process must be started earlier to avoid complications. This way, unexpected delays can also be avoided.
- To get smooth and convenient services, we recommend hiring a licensed travel agency with expertise in the UK’s Umrah visa process.
- It is a must to complete all the documents. Moreover, these documents must be accurate.
- You must have a valid and up-to-date meningitis vaccination certificate. We recommend you get this certificate well before your travel date.
- You must have multiple copies of the documents. These copies will help you in case of stolen or lost documents.
Conclusion
Umrah is one of the most prolific rituals in Islam, and every Muslim loves to visit the holy places of Mecca and Medina once in their lifetime. The same is valid for the Muslims living in the UK, whether they are permanent residents or settled here for various reasons. So, if they are interested in getting an Umrah visa, they must have some information regarding the processing.
Obtaining an Umrah visa in the United Kingdom is a convenient yet long process. We expect that Muslims will know how to prepare for this trip. We have given some authentic information in this discussion. Therefore, if you can complete all the documents fully and apply for a visa directly to the Saudi Arabian embassy, we encourage you.
If you avoid complications and issues during this processing, we recommend you hire a licensed travel agency like Dua Travels that must have expertise in Umrah visa processing in the UK. We ensure that the application process will become hassle-free and smooth. Moreover, you will enjoy your Umrah journey more and in a better environment.
