October 16, 2023 | 13 min read
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Performing Umrah is a spiritually meaningful and profound experience for many devoted Muslims. If you hold a Dubai tourist visa, you may wonder if it grants you the privilege of performing this sacred pilgrimage.
In this article, we have detailed everything you need to know about the requirements to be allowed to perform Umrah and other details about Umrah.
Understanding Umrah and Visa Eligibility
What is Umrah?
The Umrah is a religious journey that is performed by Muslims all over the world, and it consists of a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which is located in Saudi Arabia. Unlike Hajj, which all Muslims who can afford it and are physically able to do must do, Umrah is a religious act that Muslims should do but have no obligation to do.
Distinction between Hajj and Umrah
The Hajj and the Umrah are types of Islamic pilgrimages, but they are distinct. Both hold enormous religious significance for Muslims all over the world.Hajj is among the Five Pillars of Islam, and financially and physically capable Muslims are obligated to perform at least once in their lifetime.
Hajj is performed in Mecca annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Some rites performed during Hajj include circumnavigating around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwah, and standing at Mount Arafat.
As millions of pilgrims from all over the world, regardless of nationality or social level, assemble for worship, this symbolizes solidarity and equality among Muslims.
On the other hand, Umrah is a pilgrimage performed by many Muslims but is not obligatory. In contrast to Hajj, this pilgrimage can be performed any time of the year and contains a shorter series of rituals.
These include going around the Kaaba seven times, walking between Safa and Marwah seven times, and shaving or cutting one's hair seven times. Although Umrah has a tremendous spiritual value, it does not fulfill the duty to perform Hajj.
Dubai Tourist Visa and Umrah Eligibility:
- Dubai Tourist Visa Holders: Performing the Umrah pilgrimage is not typically included in the privileges of a tourist visa for Dubai.
- Saudi Arabia Visa for Umrah: To be eligible for performing Umrah, you must have a specific visa for Saudi Arabia, which can be obtained independently of your Dubai tourist visa.
- Umrah Operators: It is highly recommended to work with approved Umrah operators, as they can assist in acquiring the appropriate visas and organizing trip plans.
Umrah and Visa Regulations in Saudi Arabia
Requirement of a separate visa for Umrah in Saudi Arabia
Any Muslim who intends to perform the holy pilgrimage known as Umrah in Saudi Arabia must first obtain a specific permit.
To embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah, you must obtain an Umrah visa. This visa allows pilgrims to gain lawful entry into Saudi Arabia to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage.
The Saudi government regulates and issues this visa, and the application process and qualifying requirements are separate from those for any other access.
Pilgrims are often granted permission to remain in Saudi Arabia for their Umrah pilgrimage by obtaining a valid visa for a specific period.
Pilgrims are often granted permission to remain in Saudi Arabia for their Umrah pilgrimage by obtaining a valid visa for a specific period.
When applying for an Umrah visa, applicants must provide certain documents, including evidence of their Islamic faith, a valid passport, and, in some cases, a sponsorship letter from an Umrah operator registered with the government.
In addition, the applicant's travel history may be considered throughout the approval process.
Eligibility Criteria for Umrah Visa
The requirements to qualify for an Umrah visa are very stringent, and meeting them is necessary for any Muslim intending to perform this holy pilgrimage. Before being permitted to enter the holy towns of Mecca and Medina, the government of Saudi Arabia requires that pilgrims fulfil several prerequisites, which are outlined in these criteria.
- Muslim Faith: First and foremost, the applicant must be a devout Muslim; this requirement is mandatory. The Umrah visa is not available to non-Muslims.
- Valid Passport: The applicant is required to have a passport that is now valid and has a minimum remaining validity of six months from the desired date of entrance into Saudi Arabia.
- Age Requirement: No minimum age requirement exists, although a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18.
- Health and Physical Capacity: Those who embark on a pilgrimage should be in good physical condition and able to handle the rigors of the journey. Those with severe medical issues could be discouraged from undertaking the journey.
- Absence of Criminal Record: Pilgrims must have a clean criminal record, and if they have any prior offenses, their visa application may be denied.
- No Prior Violation of Visa Regulations: Those who have previously been in Saudi Arabia and violated visa requirements when they were there may be denied the opportunity to enter the country for the Umrah pilgrimage.
- Travel Arrangements through Authorized Channels: Pilgrims should make trip plans through certified Umrah operators that the Saudi government recognizes.
- Proof of Kinship (if applicable): Women under 45 years old and children must be accompanied by a Mehram. A Mehram is a male relative they are not allowed to marry, such as a father, brother, or son. Proof of kinship may be requested.
- Marital Status (for women): Women who are married are expected to prove their Status by presenting a marriage certificate
- No Prior Umrah visa issued in the Same Year: You will not be issued with Umrah visa more than once in a year
Conclusion
Even though a Dubai tourist visa allows you to visit the exciting city, it will not entitle you to perform Umrah. You need a separate visa for Saudi Arabia to participate in this religious trip.
If you want your Umrah to go smoothly and spiritually benefit you, getting advice from approved Umrah operators or your local religious authorities is important.
Faq
You will not be granted permission to do Umrah if you have a Dubai tourist visa. You must apply for an additional visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
You can obtain an Umrah visa by contacting certified Umrah operators or seeking direction from the religious authorities.
Many tourists decide to start their trip in Dubai and continue to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah. Nevertheless, remember to secure the relevant visa and appropriately prepare for your trip.
Robeena Brown
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