Umrah is a sacred trip that every Muslim wants to undertake. It is a journey to Makkah where pilgrims pray, walk around the Kaaba, and run between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Some people travel to Saudi Arabia on a family visa. They wonder if it is even possible to go on a pilgrimage on this visa. This visa is made not only for Umrah, but also for visiting loved ones. If you want to do Umrah on this visa, you need to follow Saudi Arabian rules. The whole journey can be easy and full of peace with proper planning. Make things simpler with Family Umrah Packages from a trusted travel agency, like Muslims Holy Travel. Be it help with visas, hotels, or flights, everything is covered in these deals. Keep reading this guideline for more information!
What is a Family Visit Visa?
A family visit visa allows people from other countries to visit their relatives living in Saudi Arabia. This may include parents, husbands, wives, siblings, children, and in-laws. A family member who has legal residence or is a Saudi citizen usually helps get this visa. It is primarily used for spending time with your family members, not for religious travel. However, if someone has this visa, they can still carry out the divine act of Umrah during their visit. All they need to do is proper planning, so that everything is well-managed. This is how visitors can enjoy their time with loved ones and complete the pilgrimage with ease, comfort, and full peace of mind.
Does a Family Visit Visa Allow You to Perform Umrah?
Yes, you can do Umrah while jetting off to Saudi Arabia using a family visit visa. But having the visa is not just enough. You need to take the necessary steps before going to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. One crucial step is getting permission through official Saudi applications, like Nusuk or Tawakkalna. You can book your Umrah time and follow the rules using these apps. This booking system keeps the sanctified mosques from getting too crowded. Not only this, but it also helps ensure everything is safe and healthy. You can’t go for the pilgrimage without following this simple step. It is very important to plan ahead and make the appropriate use of these apps. When you do everything in the right manner, your Umrah trip will be smooth and full of blessings. Aside from this, it is advisable to always check for updates before your journey.
Steps to Do Umrah on a Family Visit Visa
The following are some essential steps to follow when performing Umrah on a family visit visa;
Get a Family Visit Visa
To start your journey, your relatives in Saudi Arabia must apply for a family visit visa for you. This is usually done on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. They will fill in your name, nationality, passport number, why you are coming, and how long you will stay. They also upload copies of your photo, passport, and their proof of citizenship or residency. The moment the form is sent, they will receive a number to confirm it. After that, there is a need to visit the Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia to pay a fee and get a stamp. This stamped form is sent to you.
You need to take it with two photos, your passport, and other documents to the Saudi embassy or consulate near you. In case the visa is approved, you will get a sticker in your passport. You can better plan all these things and ensure a memorable journey with family Umrah packages.
Travel to Saudi Arabia
Once you get your family visit visa, you can travel to Saudi Arabia. Make certain that your visa and passport are both still valid and will not expire during your stay. Don’t forget to check all your papers before your flight to avoid any problems. When you reach Saudi Arabia, follow the rules at the airport. You may need to show your passport, visa, and other documents. It is vital to follow any health rules as well. It is mandatory to have proof of a quadrivalent meningococcal ACYW135 vaccine for the pilgrimage. Always listen to the airport staff and do what they say.
Once you’re inside the country, you can enjoy time with your family. If you plan to perform Umrah, be sure to begin getting ready by learning all the essential steps. This is how you can focus on Umrah rituals. You can get All-inclusive Umrah Packages for a hassle-free pilgrimage.
Book Your Umrah Appointment
When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, don’t forget to book your Umrah time using the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps. These apps help you get a spot to go to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. You can easily download these applications from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. First, you need to register apps using your phone number. Then, you will get a code to enter. Fill in your important details like name, passport number, nationality, visa number, and when you plan to visit Saudi Arabia. Besides, you also need to upload a photograph of your passport and visa.
Choose Umrah as the service you want in these apps. Select a day and time that best works for you. The apps will show what slots are available. Once the service is booked, the app gives you a QR code. You need to show this QR code at the mosque gate to enter and start your pilgrimage.
Perform Basic Umrah Rituals
Go to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah on your chosen day to begin your Umrah. Start by entering the state of Ihram. This means wearing special white-colored clothes. Now, you need to make the intention to do Umrah. Afterwards, do the Tawaf by walking around the holy Kaaba seven times in a respectful way. Go to the hills of Safa and Marwah to perform Sa’i. Walk back and forth between these hills seven times. This is also a crucial part of Umrah. When you’re done with Sa’i, the last step you need to follow is Halq or Taqsir. This marks the completion of Umrah.
On top of that, you must make sure to follow all the basic rules given by the government of Saudi Arabia. Follow directions, stay calm, and keep the sacred place completely clean and safe for everyone. Completing Umrah brings great joy, peace, and spiritual reward for all Muslims.
Final Thoughts
Doing Umrah on a family visit visa is a special chance to meet your loved ones and also strengthen your bond with Allah Almighty. While the visa allows you to enter Saudi Arabia, you still need to follow the right steps to complete Umrah. First, get the visa with the help of a family member who lives in the country. Then, book the specific time of your pilgrimage using the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps. You must ensure to follow all the rules of the Saudi government. When you plan everything well, your Umrah will be full of blessings. If you don’t have time to plan the pilgrimage, get family Umrah packages from Muslims Holy Travel for a smooth trip.