During the Umrah, which is a pilgrimage associated with Islam, Muslims make their way to Mecca. When compared to the Hajj, the Umrah is slightly different. The Islamic Lunar Calendar is the one that is responsible for determining the dates of the Hajj itself. The Umrah, on the other hand, can be performed at any time of the year. The word "Umrah" comes from the Arabic language and simply means "to visit a populated place." Additionally, as comparison to Hajj, Umrah is comprised of a smaller number of rites. Hajj is performed after booking the Hajj packages and Umrah is performed after booking the Umrah Packages. UK citizens can book the December Holidays Umrah Packages from Baitullah Travel because Umrah Packages in this month becomes cheaper because of cheaper flights and hotel accommodation.

Mecca is located in Saudi Arabia, and if you are not a citizen of Saudi Arabia, you are need to look for Umrah packages in order to enter the nation. There is a specific procedure that must be followed in order to obtain an Umrah visa for Saudi applicants. The holder of an Umrah visa is not permitted to work or tour in Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that the visa is free of charge.

In the event that you are interested in submitting an application for a visa in order to travel to Umrah, the following steps has to be taken.

The steps that need to be gone through are as follows:

·         Complete the application

It is possible to obtain the application for a visa by going to the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy website. It is imperative that each and every detail on the three-page form be filled out precisely. In addition, the visa application can be downloaded here, and it can be typed or handwritten, depending on your preference. To ensure that the form is filled out correctly, you should use a black pen. At the same time, the form requires the candidate to provide their personal information. The candidate is required to sign the application, which includes a statement stating that they ensure they will not bring any drugs or alcohol into the country.

·         Obtain a vaccination.

When it comes to meningococcal meningitis, getting immunised is really necessary. It is imperative that you receive vaccination against this disease in order to prevent having your application for a Saudi visa rejected, as stated by the guidelines provided by the embassy. For a period of only three years, the immunisation is only applicable.

In the event that it has been more than three years since your most recent vaccine and you wish to perform an Umrah, you will be required to re-immunize oneself. In addition, if you are going to obtain a new vaccination, make sure to arrange it no later than ten days before your trip. Documentation from your physician or doctor stating that you have meningococcal meningitis is something you will need. A polio vaccination is also required to be administered to children who are younger than fifteen years old.

You must provide evidence that you accompanied your father or spouse on the trip. The female population is subject to this particular rule. Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equivalent to the Hajj and that’s why most of the people Book Ramadan Umrah packages from different travel agencies of UK. If you also want to book these Umrah Packages then Baitullah Travel is one of the best Umrah travel agency in the United Kingdom.

In the event that you are a young woman who is going to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage, you will be required to present documentation that demonstrates that you are going with your father. If you are married, you are also required to provide formal papers proving that you are travelling with your spouse.

The documentation consists of a birth certificate or marriage certificate that is linked to the application for the international visa. Women above the age of 45, on the other hand, are permitted to travel by themselves. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that they would travel in a group that is well-organized. They are need to show a certificate from their father or spouse declaring that they disagree with the idea of the woman travelling alone and that they would not object to her doing so. In addition, a woman who is under the age of 45 and is not married is permitted to accompany her brother.

·         Contact an authorized travel agent about Umrah

Those who would prefer not fill out the form on their own should get in touch with a travel agent who is certified to handle Umrah packages. The Saudi government has formalised arrangements with a variety of travel businesses in order to facilitate the distribution of Umrah visas. People from the United Kingdom, for instance, have the ability to search the website of the Saudi embassy for authorised travel agents that are comparable to those in the United States.

·         Verify the passport's expiration date

You should make sure that your passport is checked thoroughly if you intend to travel to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of doing the Umrah. It is acceptable for the passport to have a validity period of at least six months. In the event that your visa is about to expire in less than six months, the government may decide to refuse to issue it for reasons of security.

·         A fresh passport-size photo

In order to complete the Umrah application, you are required to send a full-sized coloured passport picture that contrasts with a particular colour background. Always make sure you are facing the camera directly. It is possible that your visa application will be denied if you present that you have a different perspective or a side profile.

·         Evidence of nonrefundable airline tickets

Before filing your application for an Umrah visa during the holy month, you should make sure that you have purchased aeroplane tickets to Saudi Arabia through Ramadan Umrah packages. An additional criterion stipulates that there will be no returns for the tickets that have been purchased. A further requirement is that the date of departure from Saudi Arabia must be no later than two weeks after the date of arrival. When applying for a visa, you are required to include a trip itinerary with your application. There is nothing more than a guarantee that you are only there to participate in the pilgrimage experience.

For whom is an Umrah visa to Saudi Arabia applicable?

It is possible to submit an application for a Saudi Arabian Umrah visa if:

Considering that members of the GCC are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a visa, you are not a member of the organisation.

In order to obtain an on-arrival visa or an eVisa, you must be a citizen of one of the fifty countries that are eligible to do so.

·         You are about to embark on a journey to perform the Umrah.

·         During the course of the pilgrimage, you intend to remain for a period of up to ninety days.

·         A parent or legal guardian must submit an application for kids who are younger than 18 years old.

For this reason, as you are making preparations for the Umrah visa, you should be sure to keep in mind all that was discussed earlier. When it comes to these restrictions, the Saudi Arabian government is extremely tough and adheres to them in a completely strict manner.

In light of this, be sure to thoroughly investigate the rules and regulations. For the visa, you will need to gather the relevant papers and submit it.