Saudi Arabia temporarily stopped issuing Visa Umrah, Business and Family Visis for citizens of 14 countries-including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh-to the middle of June 2025.
However, there is some confusion about the suspension of the visa umrah, and many wondered how pilgrims would travel for Hajj. It is important to realize that while both umrah and hajj visas are religious, they serve two different purposes and are issued separately. Here’s all you need to know
What are the differences between visas umrah and hayj?
And the hajj relate to the pilgrimage to Mecca. However, they also differ in several respects.
According to Visa Saudi Arabia, the hajj visa is released exclusively during the Hajj period. Saudi Arab diplomatic authorities cannot issue a hajj to any travelers. As a result, it is the only way to get one through Nusuk Hajj. Hajj visas are issued approximately two months before the pilgrimage. They are only valid for Medina and Medina and areas dedicated to sacred ceremonies.
On the other hand, the umrah visa is not issued for a fixed time. It is available throughout the year (outside the Hajj period). As a result, the holder of this visa can be performed whenever Pilgrim wants, adds the website.
Also read | Saudi Arabia arrests over 18,000 illegal
How to ask for a hajj visa?
Visa Saudi Arabia states that the Saudi Hajj visa must be applied through travel agents allowed by the Ministry of Saudi Arabia in Hajj & Umrah. It cannot be asked for Saudi embassies or missions abroad. The required documents include:
- A valid passport and request
- A certificate of health and vaccination
- Personal photo
Saudi visa Hajj is usually processed in about 5 days. It is always recommended to start your application for a visa application in the Saudi gamekeeper early to avoid possible delay or unforeseen circumstances.
The visa cannot be extended and travelers should deviate from Saudi Arabia before the expiry of the visa.
How to ask for a umrah visa?
To obtain a Umrah visa from India, the candidate must register via a licensed travel agency licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and accredited by the Embassy. The required documents include:
- A valid passport and request
- A certificate of health and vaccination
- Personal photo
Umrah visa has set out from 1. Safar, the second month in the Islamic calendar. The last day to apply is at the end of Shaaban, the eighth month.
The visa is free and expires at the end of the program Umrah.
What is the difference between umrah and Hajj?
Hajj is one of the main pillars of Islam and a religious duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to go. Dry, on the other hand, is not one of the pillars of Islam. It is recommended practice (called Sunna) and is not mandatory. Although Umrah is still a religious commitment, it is not compulsory as Hajj.
Also read | Hajj 2025: The new dictat of Saudi Arabia prohibits children from pilgrimage. Here’s the reason
When is Hajj?
This year, Hajj is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar, depending on the observation of the Moon.
The Islamic calendar works on a lunar cycle, so it seems that it turns forward for about 11-12 days every year because it corresponds to the Gregorian calendar.
Every year, Hajj takes place between the same data, ie every year 8 and 12 or 13 or 13. Dhul Hijjah, depending on the observation of the Moon.
According to the agreement between India and Saudi Arabia, 1,75,025 pilgrims from India in 2025 can go to Hajj.
(Tagstotranslate) Saudi Arabia
