Introduction
Umrah is one of the most important religious activities for Muslims, and many people travel to Saudi Arabia every year to perform this pilgrimage. However, there are strict visa requirements for those who wish to enter the country for this purpose. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has opened up its doors to tourists, and many people are wondering whether they can perform Umrah while on a tourist visa. In this article, we will explore the process of performing Umrah on a tourist visa in Saudi Arabia.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the holiest cities in Islam. Unlike Hajj, which is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. The rituals of Umrah include entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, performing Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa), and shaving or cutting the hair.
Can Tourist Visa Holders Perform Umrah?
Yes, tourist visa holders can perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia. However, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to do so. Firstly, the tourist visa must be a multiple-entry visa, which means that the visitor is allowed to enter and exit the country multiple times during the validity period of the visa. Secondly, the visa holder must have a valid Umrah permit, which can be obtained through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website or through an authorized travel agency.
How to Obtain an Umrah Permit
To obtain an Umrah permit, the tourist visa holder must provide the following documents:
- A passport with a validity of at least six months
- A copy of the visa
- A confirmed hotel reservation in Mecca and Medina
- A confirmed return flight ticket
- A vaccination certificate for meningitis and yellow fever
Once these documents have been submitted, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will review the application and issue the Umrah permit if all requirements are met. The permit will be sent to the email address provided by the applicant, and it must be printed out and presented at the airport along with the passport and visa.
Other Requirements for Umrah
Aside from the visa and Umrah permit requirements, there are other things that tourist visa holders must keep in mind when performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Firstly, they must abide by the rules and regulations set by the Saudi government for Umrah pilgrims, including dress code, behavior, and timings. Secondly, they must have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourist visa holders can perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia as long as they meet the visa and Umrah permit requirements. It is important to note that performing Umrah is a serious religious activity and must be done with respect and devotion. By following the guidelines and requirements set by the Saudi government, tourist visa holders can have a fulfilling and meaningful experience in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
