Umrah is a pilgrimage that is undertaken by Muslims all around the world. While Saudi Arabian government only allows 1.75 lakh Muslims from India (one in every thousand Muslim) to go on Hajj every year, the number of pilgrims who go for Umrah is usually higher. In 2019, about 2.1 lakh people from India performed Umrah between September and December. Even though so many Muslims take the Umrah trip from India to the shrine of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Makkah, not everyone is familiar with the steps and details of planning the journey. To help intending pilgrims organising their Umrah journey from India conveniently, here is some key information that one must be aware of.
Obtaining Umrah Visa
In India, people going for Umrah need to get in touch with licensed agencies for getting their Umrah visa. These organisations work with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia to ensure the safe arrival and departure of pilgrims. To undertake the Umrah journey from India, intending pilgrims need to fill an application form providing details of their nationality, sex, home and office address, date of birth, and marital status, and submit it along with a photograph to the registered Hajj and Umrah agencies. Based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Umrah and Hajj, the applications are processed by the concerned authorities.
Visa Eligibility for Umrah
People planning their Umrah trip from India should meet the eligibility criteria established by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The Umrah visa requirements for Indian pilgrims are:
- Pilgrims going for an Umrah trip from India need to have a passport valid for at least six more months from the date of submission of the form.
- They should apply for the visa along with photographs captured with a white background. Also, the picture should provide a full-face view of the applicant.
- To go for Umrah, pilgrims should have confirmed tickets to and from Makkah.
- Women and children who want to perform Umrah should go to Makkah along with their husband or father.
- To get their Umrah visa approved, pilgrims should attach a vaccination certificate against meningococcal meningitis along with their visa application.
Best time for Umrah trip from India
The holy journey of Umrah can be performed during any time of the year, except during the Hajj period. Intending pilgrims can plan a trip based on their convenience, or choose any of the Islamic months that are considered sacred for Umrah. For Muslims, performing Umrah in Ramadan is considered most rewarding. Some people plan their Umrah trip from India during the summer or winter vacations of their children. In general, spring months—February to May—are pleasant in Saudi Arabia, which makes the Umrah journey more comfortable. If you want to perform Umrah peacefully, without much crowd, December is a good time to choose. After the Hajj period ends, there are fewer pilgrims, which means one can perform the pilgrimage in peace.
Ideal Duration for Umrah Trip from India
The pilgrimage of Umrah involves four main rituals that should complete well within 6 hours. However, the holy city is home to a number of important places. It is recommended that pilgrims visiting the city of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stay there for a while and visit the religious sites in Makkah before returning to India. Considering the number of cities one wishes to cover, the duration of an Umrah trip can be anywhere between 4 to 8 days.
Suggested Itinerary for Umrah Trip from India
Besides Makkah, pilgrims taking Umrah trip from India should also check out the nearby cities in Saudi Arabia. In fact, The most popular Umrah from India itinerary includes the twin holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. However, Saudi Arabia has a lot more to offer, and one can consider visiting the following cities as well.
- Madinah: It is considered the second holiest city in Islam after Makkah. It is the city of Masjid Al-Nawaabi, the burial site of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). There are many other places of historical significance that make Madinah an important stop for Umrah pilgrims.
- Riyadh: The commercial hub of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a beautiful city with a history that dates back to the 17th century. The city is home to more than 4000 mosques and a popular tourist destination for celebrating Ramadan.
- Jeddah: Jeddah is the second-largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one of the most prominent Islamic cities in the world. The place is the main gateway for pilgrims visiting Makkah and features beautifully distinctive architecture.
Must Read: 12 Holy Places To Visit During Umrah Pilgrimage
Cost for Umrah Trip from India
The cost of an Umrah trip from India can vary depending upon various factors. Some of these are place of lodging, the time of undertaking the journey, duration of the stay, the preferred mode of transportation, and the number of people in a group going for the minor pilgrimage. On average, the cost of an Umrah trip from India can vary anywhere between INR 45,000 and 150,000 for pilgrims going to Makkah from Mumbai.
Pilgrims should keep the cultural sensibilities of the local Saudi Arabian people in mind while traveling to the kingdom for the pilgrimage of Umrah. Further, they must be respectful towards the authorities and cultural diversity that can be seen during the pilgrimage. One should not use curse words or wear revealing clothes during their travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Umrah is like a prelude to Hajj and plays an important role in helping pilgrims get a sense of how fulfilling and rewarding it is to visit the house of Allah and be Allah’s guest. Therefore, the trip must be comfortable and sorted in every sense. Before planning an Umrah trip from India, pilgrims should consider various factors like budget and the eligibility to undertake the pilgrimage. People should pay attention to even the smallest details and plan meticulously to make sure everything is in place. With minimum efforts one should be able to focus their mind and heart on devotion to Allah.
Umrah Trip from India FAQs
What is the validity of Umrah visa for pilgrims from India?
The validity of the Umrah visa from India is 14 days. The pilgrims going for performing Umrah should make sure to depart from Saudi Arabia within two weeks of the date of entry.
What places should be visited in Makkah besides Masjid Al-Haram?
There are several holy places in Makkah that travellers should visit during their Umrah trip from India. These sites include places like Cave of Hira, Jinn Mosque, Jannatul Mualla, and Cave of Thawr.
Is there any age limit for people going for Umrah?
According to the present guidelines, the Umrah performers who are not residents of Saudi Arabia should be between 18 years and 50 years.
Are there any good hotels in Makkah?
Yes, people going for Umrah from India can find plenty of good hotels in Makkah to stay. From mid-range hotels for budget travellers to five-star properties, there is something for every kind of tourist in Makkah.
What is the best time to go for Umrah from India?
Most pilgrims prefer the month of December to perform Umrah from India. Also, the weather of Saudi is pleasant from February to May, hence a lot of pilgrims travel during these months. In India, May is usually the time for school vacations, and is hence most suitable for those performing Umrah with children.
What are the things that one should keep in mind while visiting Saudi Arabia?
People should be mindful towards Saudi Arabian culture and locals.
How much does it cost to carry out Umrah from India?
The average price for the pilgrimage from India will cost around INR 45,000-150,000.
