At Umrah Companions we appreciate the trust you place in us to help organize your sacred journey - and we take that responsibility very seriously. To help ensure you are thoroughly prepared for you trip or to answer any of your outstanding questions, we have provided you with some Frequently Asking Questions below. Need additional help? Contact us and we will be sure to assist you.
Umrah Companions operates on the philosophy that pilgrims are not just regular travellers. Instead, they are Guests of Allah SWT. By serving pilgrims honestly, transparently, and responsibly, we can ensure our customers experience a frictionless journey every time.
Our team strives to change the pilgrim’s experience of Umrah and Hajj positively. We are North American professionals leveraging our Western training and Eastern values to uplift the religious travel and hospitality sector by highlighting the Pilgrim at every step. We also have diligent, accessible teams in Mecca and Madinah to ensure you feel informed, safe, and supported from arrival to return.
In the post-COVID-19 world, more than ever, pilgrims need qualified, informed, and sincere advisors to support their life-changing journey. Airline policies, hotel rules, and Visa regulations are changing overnight, which can be incredibly challenging for pilgrims to keep up with. We are integrated with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s MAQAM distribution system – which means we have exclusive access to information and communication with the Saudi regulatory bodies. Our partnerships with airlines, hotels, and transportation services in Mecca and Madinah give us the confidence to promise you a safe and easy journey.
At Umrah Companions, we stay ahead of the curve to deliver our customers the most accurate and relevant information in uncertain times to serve the guests of Allah SWT. From our digital platform, pilgrims and Umrah organisers can make all their travel arrangements, including flights, hotel bookings, ground transport arrangements, guidance services, and e-visa registration. From the comfort of your home, Umrah Companions is your friend in Mecca and Madinah. We are here to help you on your visit to the House of Allah SWT.
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There are mainly two types of visas available for travelers coming to Saudi Arabia looking to perform Umrah - a Tourist Visa & an Umrah Visa.
Tourist Visa
Travelers can receive a tourist visa if they are citizens of one of the 49 eligible countries (Click here to find out if your country is eligible https://visa.visitsaudi.com/) either by applying online at saudivisit.com or upon arrival at one of the airports in Saudi Arabia. In case a traveler is a permanent resident of the eligible 49 countries but not a citizen, then a tourist visa can be applied for at the Saudi Embassy in their country of residence. Citizens of other countries that are not included in the list of eligible countries but have a valid tourist visa for the United States or Schengen may also qualify for a Saudi tourist visa from a Saudi Arabian embassy or upon arrival at Saudi airports (once this service resumes). Tourist visas are valid for 12 months and allow multiple entries. Upon each entry, tourists can stay up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia. Currently, travelers with two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine; Astra-Zenica, Pfizer, Moderna or a single dose of Johnson n Johnson and have documentary proof are permitted to enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa. There is no age limit to get a tourist visa. Travelers who have completed two doses of the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines will be accepted if they have received an additional dose of one of the four vaccines approved by the Kingdom. Umrah may be performed on a tourist visa.
Umrah Visa
Umrah visas can be issued through an online travel agency like UmrahCompanions.com or by a traditional travel agent with an active Umrah contract. It is a single entry, 30 days validity visa that can be obtained once a hotel and ground transport services package is reserved. Currently, travelers with two doses of approved vaccinations; AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J/Janssen, and with documentary proof are permitted to enter Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa. Pilgrims who have completed two doses of the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines will be accepted if they have received an additional dose of one of the four vaccines approved in the Kingdom. Currently, children below the age of 12 years are not eligible for an Umrah visa.
Pre-Travel
Travel and Arrival
Transport
Check-In
Zayaraat (Historical Sightseeing) + Experiences
Pilgrimage
Return
Tawakalna: Saudi Health App. Required to enter inside buildings including hotels, mosques, restaurants, malls, etc.
Registering with Tawakalna must be done using a Saudi phone number from a Saudi SIM card which can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.
Eatmarna: Pilgrimage Booking App. Required to book Umrah time slot, prayers in the Holy Mosques and the Rawdah, and visitation of the Prophet’s grave SAW
Registering with Eatmarna must be done using a Saudi phone number from a Saudi SIM card which can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.
Note: Currently, children below the age of 12 years are not eligible to perform Umrah or enter the Holy Mosques.
Visitors from eligible countries can apply online through the tourism e-portal at visa.visitsaudi.com.
Visitors from countries not currently eligible for the e-visa can apply for a consulate visa via www.mofa.gov.sa.
The cost for a tourist eVisa is SAR 525, and a processing fee of SAR 10 for all applicants. The visa cost includes a fee for full health insurance.
Travelers who already hold a valid tourist visa which does not include COVID insurance will be required to pay a fee of SAR 40 on arrival at the airport to secure the necessary insurance.
It is better that you follow the rules and attend Umrah at the time specified on your Umrah Permit. If you missed your time slot, you can easily book again which is also specified if the permit expires.
Yes, it is permitted. The Umrah visa enables a mu’tamir to move freely between Makkah al-Mukarramah, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and all other cities of Saudi Arabia during the period of their permitted stay.
Yes, it is possible to perform Umrah with a visa that is not an Umrah visa, Umrah may be performed on a visitor, tourism, or work visa.
You can perform Umrah as many times as you’d like. There are no restrictions on the number of times Umrah may be performed.
If you are a resident of one of the suspended countries, you can enter the Kingdom with a valid tourist visa as long as you stay for 14 days in another third country, not on the suspended list. We advise you to always check with your carrier before flying into the Kingdom as regulations can change suddenly.
Yes, this is allowed. A mu’tamir may enter and leave Saudi Arabia by different means.
There are no specific airports required to enter and leave Saudi Arabia for a mu’tamir. A mu’tamir may enter and depart through any international or regional airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Health coverage for emergencies:
General coverage:
Travel-related coverage:
Note: These coverages are for the person insured by the Umrah Insurance Certificate
What 11 things are not included in the Umrah Insurance Package?
According to Akaz newspaper, officials say that the insurance package does not include non-emergency treatment and examinations, artificial teeth installation, fixed, or mobile bridge installation treatment. Tests for eye or ear defects, correction of hearing and vision aids, examination, and treatment of pregnancy of more than six months are also not covered. Physical death or physical disability of the insured visitor, if the insured commits an act causing his/her death or total disability is not included in the package. The cost of sending the dead body of the insured to any country other than his/her home country will not be covered. Notification, announcement, or delay of flight should be given in advance by the airline itself. No claim will be made for theft, damage, or indirect loss of the visitor's luggage, loss of luggage, or financial loss not specifically mentioned in the insurance policy. Cancellation of flights due to a strike or cancellation of flights due to action taken before the effective date of the insurance policy is not included in the package.
You can view the Umrah Insurance certificate, check its validity, and explore the service providers by visiting the Comprehensive Pilgrims Insurance program website for the Guests of Allah through www.riaya-ksa.com
For more information and inquiries:
Local phone: (800) 440-0008
International phone: 009-661-3812-9700
Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Email us at support@umrahcompanions.com with any questions or concerns you may have and someone from our team will get back to you in 1 to 3 business days.
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