The opportunity of performing Hajj and Umrah is what every believer of Islam desires to do, at least once in their lifetime. Both of these sacred events require Muslims to Book Hajj Package travel to the holy land, Makkah in Saudi Arabia and offer the holy rituals there.

Visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj or Umrah isn’t as easy as it might seem. Since the kingdom hosts tens of millions of visitors annually, it is essential for the Saudi Government to have keen security laws and regulations to avoid inconveniences in the sacred events.

Just like every other international travel, traveling to Saudia Arabia for hajj and umrah rituals requires pilgrims to obtain a hajj/umrah visa. The applicant must meet all the requirements for applying for an umrah or hajj visa otherwise their visa might get rejected. In order to ensure a disciplined journey, usually, the pilgrims are only allowed to visit Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah only when visiting Saudia Arabia with a Hajj and Umrah visa.

Geographical boundaries of Hajj and Umrah Visa.

1. The Hajj and Umrah visas are issued free of cost by the Saudi Government, but you have to pay for the services you are provided in Saudia Arabia i.e., travel, accommodation, transportation, meals, etc.

2. Overstaying your Hajj and Umrah visa might result in fines and penalties amounting to thousands of dollars as well as detention (as per the legalities).

3. The pilgrim must depart from the Kingdom before the visa expires i.e., as soon as the permissible stay period gets over.

4. It is strictly forbidden for pilgrims to stay in Saudia Arabia after the pilgrimage period ends, until and unless they have obtained permission for it.

5. The Hajj and Umrah visa are valid for travel only in the vicinities of the cities of Jeddah, Makah, and Madinah as well as the cities that come in between i.e., the cites pilgrims visit for Ziyarath and the holy rituals.

6. An Umrah/Hajj visa does not permit any visitor to travel to other cities of Saudia Arabia.

Amendments made in Saudi Vision 2030 Plan.

As part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, a lot of amendments were made in country policies to boost tourism, infrastructure, and business opportunities in the kingdom. Consequently, Hajj and umrah policies were also revised. As per the new rules,

  • Any Muslim can perform umrah on a tourist visa to the kingdom. these tourist visas are offered both through e-services as well as on-arrival procedures.
  • Obtaining an umrah visa is not necessary, but for hajj, the necessity of obtaining a visa still remains.
These are some of the things to consider about the geographical boundaries of Hajj and umrah visas. Nonetheless, it remains advised to get professional consultation to know about it in detail and avoid penalties.