Umrah Visa Rules?

[Amaan]

Salaams All,

Insha'Allah, I will be performing Umrah next month. My Uncle (traveling from India) will be meeting me in Jeddah. I am in the process of booking my trip with a travel agent here in Michigan. I am getting conflicting rules from different travel agents regarding the Umrah Visa.

Since my uncle will be meeting me in Jeddah and will be traveling with me to Medinah and setting me up with a place to stay, I do not have the need to PRE-BOOK my hotel accommodations before I leave. I understand that most travel agents offer the complete package (airfare, transport, and hotels) and that is how they make most of their money.....but I don't want to book a hotel that I may not be staying in.

Certain travel agents are telling me that it is a MUST to have a hotel booked before arrival in the Kingdom. While others (accredited agents recognized by the Saudi Embassy) are saying that it si NOT necessary and that they can issue to VISA and have someone meet me at JED.

So my concern is....when I arrive at the airport in Jeddah, will the officials give me any problems for not having hotel accommodations booked?

Any insight into this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Jazak'Allah

[mizfissy815]

Salaams All,

Insha'Allah, I will be performing Umrah next month. My Uncle (traveling from India) will be meeting me in Jeddah. I am in the process of booking my trip with a travel agent here in Michigan. I am getting conflicting rules from different travel agents regarding the Umrah Visa.

Since my uncle will be meeting me in Jeddah and will be traveling with me to Medinah and setting me up with a place to stay, I do not have the need to PRE-BOOK my hotel accommodations before I leave. I understand that most travel agents offer the complete package (airfare, transport, and hotels) and that is how they make most of their money.....but I don't want to book a hotel that I may not be staying in.

Certain travel agents are telling me that it is a MUST to have a hotel booked before arrival in the Kingdom. While others (accredited agents recognized by the Saudi Embassy) are saying that it si NOT necessary and that they can issue to VISA and have someone meet me at JED.

So my concern is....when I arrive at the airport in Jeddah, will the officials give me any problems for not having hotel accommodations booked?

Any insight into this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Jazak'Allah

No, you don't have to have a place to stay to preform Umrah. People from slightly closer locations (ie the gulf countries) tend to preform Umrah and in a day and catch a flight back the next day.

But for those staying longer, you might be asked where you'll be staying and so long as you know a hotel name or your where your uncle is staying in Jeddah, then you're good to go.

But generally, it's not a legal requirement and they can't make a huge fuss about it.

PS- Jeddah's immigration officials might seem a little racist, but so long as you keep your calm and answer all the questions, they've got nothing on you.

[Amaan]

Thank you very much for the insight and information. You have definitely put my mind at ease. And yes, I've heard much criticism about the Immigration Officials in Jeddah....but I've also heard that my U.S. Passport may be able to get me through that a little easier....either way, I'll find out...29 more days til I depart.

[mizfissy815]

Thank you very much for the insight and information. You have definitely put my mind at ease. And yes, I've heard much criticism about the Immigration Officials in Jeddah....but I've also heard that my U.S. Passport may be able to get me through that a little easier....either way, I'll find out...29 more days til I depart.

Yes, your passport will make things much easier for you. InshAllah all will go well.

[Ismail Simjee]

No, you don't have to have a place to stay to preform Umrah. People from slightly closer locations (ie the gulf countries) tend to preform Umrah and in a day and catch a flight back the next day.

But for those staying longer, you might be asked where you'll be staying and so long as you know a hotel name or your where your uncle is staying in Jeddah, then you're good to go.

But generally, it's not a legal requirement and they can't make a huge fuss about it.

PS- Jeddah's immigration officials might seem a little racist, but so long as you keep your calm and answer all the questions, they've got nothing on you.


One question to misfizzy...how do you know it is not a legal requirement and also how can you so casually confirm that an American passport will make things easier?

Do you have an umra license yourself? If not, try and find out what the criteria is for an agent overseas to have his contract approved by Ministry of Haj to act as an external agent and process umra visas. It is NOT Saudi Embassy who has anything to do with that license either so "a saudi embassy approved" slogan is very misleading.

The Saudi Consulate issues umra visas when a licensed agent submits the passports on behalf of their mutamirs along with the mofa they had obtained beforehand from SEJEL in Saudi Arabia.

AND, it is a MUST for all mutamirs to have a complete package. Many external agents circumvent that requirement and sell Visas only but that is illegal and if the mutamirs, arriving without a pre-booked package, is caught the agent gets penalised.

It matters not whether the mutamir has relatives or friends in Jeddah, Makkah or Madina.

[Ismail Simjee]

No, you don't have to have a place to stay to preform Umrah. People from slightly closer locations (ie the gulf countries) tend to preform Umrah and in a day and catch a flight back the next day.

But for those staying longer, you might be asked where you'll be staying and so long as you know a hotel name or your where your uncle is staying in Jeddah, then you're good to go.

But generally, it's not a legal requirement and they can't make a huge fuss about it.

PS- Jeddah's immigration officials might seem a little racist, but so long as you keep your calm and answer all the questions, they've got nothing on you.


One question to misfizzy...how do you know it is not a legal requirement and also how can you so casually confirm that an American passport will make things easier?

Do you have an umra license yourself? If not, try and find out what the criteria is for an agent overseas to have his contract approved by Ministry of Haj to act as an external agent and process umra visas. It is NOT Saudi Embassy who has anything to do with that license either so "a saudi embassy approved" slogan is very misleading.

The Saudi Consulate issues umra visas when a licensed agent submits the passports on behalf of their mutamirs along with the mofa they had obtained beforehand from SEJEL in Saudi Arabia.

AND, it is a MUST for all mutamirs to have a complete package. Many external agents circumvent that requirement and sell Visas only but that is illegal and if the mutamirs, arriving without a pre-booked package, is caught the agent gets penalised.

It matters not whether the mutamir has relatives or friends in Jeddah, Makkah or Madina.

[mizfissy815]

One question to misfizzy...how do you know it is not a legal requirement and also how can you so casually confirm that an American passport will make things easier?

Do you have an umra license yourself? If not, try and find out what the criteria is for an agent overseas to have his contract approved by Ministry of Haj to act as an external agent and process umra visas. It is NOT Saudi Embassy who has anything to do with that license either so "a saudi embassy approved" slogan is very misleading.

The Saudi Consulate issues umra visas when a licensed agent submits the passports on behalf of their mutamirs along with the mofa they had obtained beforehand from SEJEL in Saudi Arabia.

AND, it is a MUST for all mutamirs to have a complete package. Many external agents circumvent that requirement and sell Visas only but that is illegal and if the mutamirs, arriving without a pre-booked package, is caught the agent gets penalised.

It matters not whether the mutamir has relatives or friends in Jeddah, Makkah or Madina.

Oiy, bro…I'm not working with any agency or anything like that. I've just had the opportunity to perform Umrah quite a few times (and I am currently in Riyadh, after performing Umrah on the 26th-27th).

I'm basically speaking from experience. My family and I have only been asked only one or two times(verbally) where we planned on staying, but nothing a simple answer couldn't handle. We've never yet reserved hotels before going to Jeddah, because we just basically end up where ever my dad decides on the last minute, that is assuming we even bother on staying in a hotel.

What I meant by the US passport making things easier for Amaan was that she/he was less likely to get harassed at Jeddah's International Airport. The officials there can get a tad bit nasty to foreigners that aren't either a) Arab or b) 'Westerner'. I've seen people get treated worse than dirt by the immigration officials because of it. They don't dare mess with some one with a western passport.

I have yet to purchase any package from any Umrah agent, and I've preformed Umrah quite few times. Granted I've live in close by Gulf country so the rules may be different, but none of my uncles/aunts(who tend to travel longer distances) have purchased an Umrah package and they've instead resided with other family members in Jeddah.

[Ismail Simjee]

Oiy, bro…I'm not working with any agency or anything like that. I've just had the opportunity to perform Umrah quite a few times (and I am currently in Riyadh, after performing Umrah on the 26th-27th).

I'm basically speaking from experience. My family and I have only been asked only one or two times(verbally) where we planned on staying, but nothing a simple answer couldn't handle. We've never yet reserved hotels before going to Jeddah, because we just basically end up where ever my dad decides on the last minute, that is assuming we even bother on staying in a hotel.

What I meant by the US passport making things easier for Amaan was that she/he was less likely to get harassed at Jeddah's International Airport. The officials there can get a tad bit nasty to foreigners that aren't either a) Arab or b) 'Westerner'. I've seen people get treated worse than dirt by the immigration officials because of it. They don't dare mess with some one with a western passport.

I have yet to purchase any package from any Umrah agent, and I've preformed Umrah quite few times. Granted I've live in close by Gulf country so the rules may be different, but none of my uncles/aunts(who tend to travel longer distances) have purchased an Umrah package and they've instead resided with other family members in Jeddah.

Assalamo Alaikum WR WB.

My sister in Islam,

I am now amused by your reponse. I did say that your earlier replies to Amaan was casual and your reply to me confirms that. Just because you, your parent or relatives always manage to get into Saudi Arabia "unchallenged" without a package does not mean it is NOT a requirement.

You or your family appear to be getting umra visas from agents who openly flout their contractual obligations.

If and when you are stopped you will find the attitude of the officials far worst then what you illustrate about their immigration officers..much of which is, I am afraid, maligning them, and the Haj officials will take remedial steps/actions against the external agent who had facilitated the umra visa and the saudi contractor.

Citizens of GCC are exempted from the umra visa but not the expatriates.

Lastly the use of the word "OIY" is a disgrace to say the least and InshaAllah you will make attempt to be more considerate in your addressing another muslim in the future in addition to ensuring that you have got your facts right before parting with advise.

[mizfissy815]

Assalamo Alaikum WR WB.

My sister in Islam,

I am now amused by your reponse. I did say that your earlier replies to Amaan was casual and your reply to me confirms that. Just because you, your parent or relatives always manage to get into Saudi Arabia "unchallenged" without a package does not mean it is NOT a requirement.

You or your family appear to be getting umra visas from agents who openly flout their contractual obligations.

If and when you are stopped you will find the attitude of the officials far worst then what you illustrate about their immigration officers..much of which is, I am afraid, maligning them, and the Haj officials will take remedial steps/actions against the external agent who had facilitated the umra visa and the saudi contractor.

Citizens of GCC are exempted from the umra visa but not the expatriates.

Lastly the use of the word "OIY" is a disgrace to say the least and InshaAllah you will make attempt to be more considerate in your addressing another muslim in the future in addition to ensuring that you have got your facts right before parting with advise.

Akhi, firstly by 'oiy', I didn't mean it as a 'call' if you will, but to express my shock...that's it. I didn't mean anything by it wallahi and I apologize if you it offended you.

Secondly, in the end of the day, I'm no expert in the matter, but as you'll see in Amaan's first post, there are visa agents (accredited) that do say you don't require the whole package, so I'm not alone in this matter.

Either way, I'll leave it at that.

:salams:

[Ismail Simjee]

Assalamo alaikum WR Sister,

No offense taken. I was simply drawing your attention to that chosen starter, sad though it was, instead of our usual greetings.

Rogue operators exist everywhere and they are the ones that bring disrepute to other genuine agents. Sadly, however, a majority of the Ummah encourage such operators to exist because they are seeking dirt cheap trips.

Others, who ahve relatives and friends with whom they could easily stay with and do stay with, are discouraged by the blanket restrictive Saudi Laws and, thus, compel them to breach such laws.

Anyway, the advise to everyone who reads my mail is that we are obliged to abide by the laws unless it blatantly prevents us from complying with the Shariah.

So, performing Umrah and Haj would oblige us all to comply with the Saudi Regulations even if much of that is distasteful.

There are brothers and sisters who have forced the shutting down of umra contractors such as myself because they have taken a pre=package and are refusing to return back to UK in time. Many of them will now stay until end of Ramadan and a few of them will stay until Haj is over.

May Allah Guide us all.

[-Espérer-]

Ismail Simjee. Your name rings a bell. You used to do this whole Umrah/Hajj touring thing, didn't you? You still do?

[Ismail Simjee]

Ismail Simjee. Your name rings a bell. You used to do this whole Umrah/Hajj touring thing, didn't you? You still do?

Assalamo Alaikum WR WB.

Indeed, I have been providing Umra and Haj Service since past 16 years.

Over past 3 years my Haj Package was at Executive Standard which is all private - First class hotels facing Haramein Sharifeins, Private Coaches, Private Camps in Mina and Arafat etc.

Umra Package was never an off the shelf one. I specialised in offering tailored packages according to the pilgrim's own requirements and chosen itenerary.

However, as time goes, the Saudi Government has been implementing more and more restrictions whilst Pilgrims have become more and more choosy, seeking the best but not willing to pay and unable to cope with minutest problem. Some threatening legal actions and so on.

As an agent tied to Saudi counter parts, I cannot and no other genuine sincere agent can ever give 100% guarantee on the service at the other end.

Hence, I have withdrawn from offering Umra package to the general Ummah except only to those who know me well.

Last year's Hajj too was difficult with promised service in Mina not delivered. Hence, I am personally not offering a Haj package this year.

I am supporting another group from London though.

Was Salam

Ismail Simjee