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How to do Umrah on a Tourist Visa

By January 14, 2022Islamic
Congratulations on your intention to go for Umrah! It’s a huge blessing to be able to go, especially during this post-Covid era. I pray you and your loved ones get to experience it with ease. Ameen.
If you’ve never performed Umrah, it’ll be easier to go with a group. However, if you’re familiar with how to do Umrah, you can easily do it yourself with a Tourist Visa.

 

NOTE: In this unprecedented time, the rules and recommendations of each country keep changing. These tips were applicable for Dec 2021 and may or may not be moving forward. Please make sure to do your own research.
Traveling to Saudi Arabia

Types of Visas

You need a visa in order to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). There are many types, but here are two.

Umrah Visa: 

If you ONLY want to do Umrah, you’ll need to go through an agent for an Umrah visa.

Tourist Visa: 

If you want to visit family or do touristy things AND do Umrah, go for the tourist visa. You can do it yourself. Check out how to do so below:
CONTENTS

1. Covid Vaccinations

Get double vaccinated. It’s recommended by the CDC to get a booster shot if your last vaccination was at least 5 months ago. Saudi Arabia does not ask about the booster shot, but this may change in the future.
Vaccine certificates are required to be certified by official health authorities from your country.
Take your original vaccine certificate with you to KSA. Keep it safe.
You’ll need to show your certificate at the airport.

2. Smartphone with Internet access

Arrange to have data / internet access for your smartphones when you land in Saudi Arabia. Required for Tawakkalna & Eatmarna apps.

3. Passport (Valid for 6 Months)

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Need to Renew? Renewing passports is taking longer than usual. Do it early!

 

American Passport Renewal Process

Ideally, apply 4-6 months prior to travel – renew by mail. Passport may take 8-11 weeks to process normally. Expedited may take up to 7 weeks.
If your flight is sooner than 7 weeks, apply for an appointment at a passport agency. Limited appointments available and no walk-ins. They offer two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You can only make an appointment by calling.

 

Click here for more info.

4. Roundtrip ticket

Purchase a ticket to KSA with an airline that provides free cancellations, flight changes, and/or full refunds just in case.

5. Apply for an eVisa.

Have all your documents ready. You get 10 minutes per page to fill out the eVisa application form.
Information Needed:
  • Your passport number, date issued/expiration.
  • Current digital photo of you with a blank, white background
  • Flight Number
  • Date and City of Arrival
  • Address of accomodations (hotel or family/friend residence)
  • Contact info of accomodations
  • Credit card for visa and basic medical insurance fee. (Note: VISA was giving issues, but a Mastercard worked) Cost: Estimated SAR 500
The eVisa is sent via email within a few minutes as a PDF file. It’s valid for one year.
Print out eVisa. You’ll need to show this at the airport.

 

Tourist eVisa

6. Negative PCR Test (72 Hours Before Departure)

Get a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours BEFORE your flight.
The test has to be verified by an accredited lab.
Print out results. You’ll need to show this at the airport.

7. Muqeem Registration

No more than 72 hours BEFORE your flight, upload your vaccine information to Muqeem online portal. Enter type of vaccine and date of vaccinations.
You’ll need your eVisa number and Passport number to register.
Print out Muqeem registration. You may need this at the airport.

 

 

Muqeem

8. Tawakkalna App

Download Tawakkalna app on iOs or Android BEFORE your flight.
After you land in KSA, register as a new user with your passport number, phone number, date of birth, nationality, etc.
You’ll need to show this app every time you enter Masjid AlHaram, Masjid Nabawi, a store, mall, etc. Some malls will require you to scan the store’s QR code to show that you’ve entered.
It will track your location at all times and will use up battery life. Allow permissions to check location. It may use data. You cannot screenshot it.
You can apply for a FREE appointment for COVID tests via this app.

9. Eatmarna App

Download Eatmarna app on iOs or Android BEFORE your flight.
Download the app BEFORE your flight. Register on the app after you arrive and are settled in. This app is connected to your Tawakkalna app. It needs your passport number and phone number to verify.
Use this app to apply for a Umrah time slot (only available once every 10 days).
You are allowed 3 hours to perform Umrah. We had enough time to do Tawaf al-Wida (farewell Tawaf) right after performing Umrah.
You need to sign up for time slots for permits to
  • Pray at Masjid al Haram, Makkah
  • Do tawaf at Masjid al Haram, Makkah
  • Pray in the Rawdah Sharif at Masjid an Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), Medina
  • Saluting the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wasallam (men only) at Masjid an Nabawi, Medina

10. Three Ply Facemasks

Fabric masks may not be allowed by some international airlines. Surgical or three ply facemasks are recommended. Although some airlines like Saudia provide 3 ply facemasks, make sure to pack multiple masks for your entire trip.
Do I need to Quarantine?
Fully vaccinated travellers presenting a negative PCR test on arrival, and proof of immunization will not be required to quarantine in Saudi Arabia. They will also be exempt from the on-arrival testing requirement.

UMRAH TIP

Entrance into the Saee area is one way. You cannot go back into the Tawaf area unless you exit Masjid al Haram. The ground outside is SUPER HOT.
  1. Enter, Store Slippers. After you enter Masjid Al Haram, go down to the lower level using the escalators. Place your slippers on the shelves on the left of the escalators BEFORE you do Tawaf.
  2. Perform Tawaf
  3. Grab your Slippers. Return to the shelves and grab your slippers.
  4. Perform Saee. Go to the Saee area and find shelves to store your slippers there (or carry them). You can collect them after you have completed your Umrah.
  5. Perform Tawaf al Wida. If you will not be able to return to Makkah, perform your farewell tawaf now. After you’ve completed Umrah, exit and re-enter Masjid al Haram.Or else, use the Eatmarna app to get a separate permit for Tawaf on another day.
Tourist Recommendations from Locals

Madinah

In Medina, near Masjid Quba
King Abdullah Branch Rd, Al Khatim, Medina 41311, Saudi Arabia

Food (Jeddah)

 

Shopping (Jeddah)

Sightseeing (Jeddah)

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