Umrah Visa From Qatar: Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

Umrah is a way of expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and fulfilling religious obligations. It is believed to bring spiritual purification and blessings. When planning for Umrah, many wish to reach the holy land as soon as possible.

We’ve heard this from several of our clients in Qatar, who express their strong desire to embark on this spiritual journey quickly.

In this blog post, we aim to clarify the confusion many Umrah travelers from Qatar may have. Let’s delve into the requirements, eligibility, and more.

Umrah Visa from Qatar: Here’s What You Need to Know

All your doubts regarding the Umrah visa are cleared here. Let’s start with the basics.

Who Needs an Umrah Visa From Qatar 

GCC citizens can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa and just need to show their passport or national ID at the border.

In 2022, new rules allow people from 68 countries to apply for a Saudi tourist e-visa and travel to Saudi Arabia, which makes them eligible to perform Umrah. Do you have doubts?  Talk to Our Umrah Visa Expert.

You can get a visa on arrival at one of Saudi Arabia’s entry points if you meet one of these conditions:

• You have a valid USA, UK, or Schengen visa.
• You have permanent residency in the US, UK, or EU.

The visa on arrival can be issued as follows:

• A single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa.
• It is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
• You can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days.

Yes, it is a regular visa on arrival, and you can perform Umrah with it.

The question is, who can perform Umrah, or what are the criteria for getting an Umrah visa from Qatar?

Eligibility Criteria for Umrah Visa from Qatar

To apply for a Saudi Umrah visa, you must be:

• To be a Muslim.
• Women aged 18 to 65 can’t perform Umrah without a male guardian.
• Women must travel in a group and have permission from a husband or father (known as a Mahram).
• Children under 18 must apply for an Umrah visa with a parent or legal guardian.

You’ve got an idea about whether you can perform Umrah, so let’s look at the documents you must submit.

Saudi Umrah Visa Requirements

Here is the complete list of requirements you need to meet. 

• Complete a visa application form: Apply through travel agents approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from when you apply.
• Photo: Submit 1 recent color photo. It should be 2×2 inches in size and taken against a white background.
• Vaccination Certificate: You need a health certificate for Meningococcal Meningitis, Issued at least 10 days before entering Saudi Arabia. And it is valid for at least 3 years. You may also need vaccines for yellow fever, polio, and influenza, depending on your nationality and health.
• Proof of Relationship (for Women and Children): Women and children must travel with a husband or father (Mahram). The Mahram must provide proof of relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate. They must be on the same flights.
• No-Objection Letter (for Women Travelling with a Group): Women aged 18 to 65 can travel without a male guardian if they are in a group and have a no-Objection letter from their Mahram.
• Ticket: You need a confirmed return or onward airline ticket.

Umrah Visa Application Process

If you plan to perform Umrah from Qatar, you must follow these steps to get your visa as early as possible.

1. Gather Required Documents:

You need to collect the documents mentioned above. Don’t fail to present it at the time of submission.

2. Submit Application:

You can submit your application online through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website or through a licensed travel agency like us. Fill out the online application form with accurate information and upload the required documents.

3. Wait for Approval:

The processing time for Umrah visa applications can vary. You will receive a notification once your application is approved or rejected.

Key Points: 

• The Umrah visa fee depends on your nationality.
• You can usually pay the visa fee using a credit card or bank transfer.
• It’s always best to check with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or your visa partner for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa fees and payment methods.
• Visa requirements and fees can change, so it’s important to verify the information before applying.

Yes, you have arrived at a conclusion about the requirements and eligibility criteria you need to address in order to perform Umrah. We can assess the level of happiness and supplication you are experiencing for the pilgrimage. However, the Ministry of Qatar has put forward some safety measures for Umrah pilgrims. Yes, as a visa service provider in Qatar, we also need to address some important considerations for Umrah.

Important Considerations for Umrah Pilgrims from Qatar

Here are some common concerns Umrah pilgrim has: 

Travel options: You can travel by air or by road.  You can go to Umrah from Qatar by airways from Doha to Jeddah or Qatar- Saudi transportation buses are also available. 

Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, considering your budget and preferences. The Popular options include hotels near the Haram in Mecca.

Language: While many people in the Hajj and Umrah industry speak English, learning some Arabic phrases can be helpful.

Safety Measures: Ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations recommended for travel to Saudi Arabia. Follow safety guidelines and avoid crowded areas during peak times.

Spiritual Preparation: Learn about Umrah and study the rituals and their significance. Have a sincere intention to seek Allah’s blessings and pray for a safe and meaningful pilgrimage.

Conclusion

Going to Umrah is a special journey for every pilgrim from Qatar. To make your trip smooth and enjoyable, being prepared is important. This guide shares important things to know, like visa requirements, travel plans, health and safety tips, and cultural manners. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before, understanding these key points will help you have a great Umrah experience. Get ready both spiritually and practically to make the most of your trip.

FAQ 

1. Can someone with a visitor visa in Qatar go to Umrah?

Yes, of course. Someone with a Qatar visit visa can travel for Umrah by air or road from Qatar.

2. What is the difference between an Umrah visa and a tourist visa?

The Umrah visa is valid for one month and is specifically for Muslims who want to perform Umrah in Makkah and Medina. Only Muslims can apply for this visa.

On the other hand, the tourist visa is mainly for people who want to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism or to see friends and family. 

It’s valid for 1 year with multiple entries, and you can stay up to 90 days at a time. Anyone with a valid Qatar ID or those from eligible countries, as per Saudi immigration rules, can apply for a tourist visa.

3. What is the new rule for Saudi Umrah visas?

In 2022, Saudi Arabia changed its visa rules, extending the Umrah visa’s validity from 30 to 90 days. This gives pilgrims more time to complete their religious rituals during their visit to the Kingdom.