Hajj and Umrah, both remain Islamic pilgrimages. Hajj being the obligatory pilgrimage, is only an obligation for those who can afford it financially, physically as well as mentally. On the other hand, umrah is a sunnah pilgrimage that is performed voluntarily by Muslims traveling through umrah packages from UK and the rest of the countries.

Hajj rituals are only observed once a year i.e., during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. While umrah rituals can be carried out by a pilgrim at any time of the year. Nonetheless, whether you are traveling for Umrah or Hajj, arriving in Makkah has a pre-requisite of obtaining a specific visa for it beforehand.

Previously, umrah and Hajj visa applications were only accepted by authorized travel agents. In other words, only the travel agencies that remained certified by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah can arrange for the Umrah and Hajj travel of the pilgrims. However, with the passage of time, newer policies were introduced under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan that allowed pilgrims to get their visas through e-services as well.

Heres everything you need to know about e-visa for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.

E-visa for Umrah pilgrimage

Previously umrah visas could only be applied through the channel of Umrah travel agents. However, as per the new policies, pilgrims wishing to offer Umrah rituals can get their visas individually through e-services.

In this regard, they can either apply for an e-visa online or get visa-on-arrival services on the spot as well. However, only the residents of specific countries are eligible for this scheme whose complete list is present on the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Additionally, one can travel for Umrah on a tourist visa as well. If you are a Muslim and traveling to the Kingdom for touring purposes, you are allowed to offer Umrah rituals on your tourist visa as well. Theres no need to obtain a specific Umrah visa for it.

Documents required for Umrah e-visa

1. Valid passport.
2. Proof of prebooked hotel accommodation.
3. Vaccination certificates.
4. Copy on return airline tickets booked in advance.
5. Health insurance.
6. Recent photographs (passport sized).
7. Shahadah certificate (for those having a non-Muslim name).

If you have all the above-mentioned documents, you can apply for an Umrah e-visa online and get on board for a spiritual journey of a lifetime.

E-visa for Hajj Pilgrimage

Hajj pilgrimage can also be opted for by a pilgrim through e-visa services. However, in this regard, one cannot apply for a hajj visa on an individual basis. Rather, you have to select a particular travel agency from the list (specified on the official website or the digital visa app) and apply for a hajj e-visa through that travel agency. Though its a third-party kind of involvement, necessary to get issued a Hajj e-visa.

Unlike the Umrah pilgrimage, traveling for the hajj brings some additional restrictions for the safety and security protocols specified by the authorities. For instance;

You cannot perform hajj for two years in a row i.e., theres a certain wait period for a second hajj.
Women necessarily require the company of a male Mahram to travel for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Hajj visas are issued against a fee, unlike Umrah visas.
Theres a specific quota for hajj visas, available on a first come first serve basis for different countries, etc.

As far as the documents required for hajj travel are concerned, they are pretty much the same as the ones required for the Umrah pilgrimage. However, some things might differ that you need to confirm with your travel agent before your departure.

So, thats how you can travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages through E-visa.