Umrah 2024 From UAE: Packages, Visa, News & More *Updated March 2024*

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Updated March 2024

Umrah is one of the important pilgrimages that Muslims may perform at any time during the year in Saudi Arabia. This pilgrimage is a part of the grand pilgrimage, Hajj, which is performed annually.

Wego has gathered all the important information that you need to perform Umrah from UAE in this article. Read further to find out.

Umrah from UAE news 2024

In compliance with health regulations, the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE has announced important guidelines for UAE pilgrims planning Umrah trips to Saudi Arabia in 2024. These measures aim to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims, their families, and society at large.

Starting 26 March 2024, all UAE pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah must:

present valid influenza vaccination cards
ensure vaccinations, including influenza, are administered at least ten days prior to travel
consult healthcare providers, especially individuals with chronic illnesses, to assess their health status and medication needs

High-risk individuals, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, are urged to prioritize vaccination to reduce the risk of flu-related complications.

Furthermore, pilgrims aged 65 and over and younger adults with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems are recommended to receive the pneumococcal vaccine before travel for additional protection.

Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims. Collaborative efforts aim to protect pilgrims from potential health risks during Umrah. These guidelines underscore the Ministry’s proactive approach to safeguarding the health of UAE pilgrims during their spiritual journey.

Do I need an Umrah visa from UAE?

Minister of Hajj and Umrah has clarified that individuals who reside in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are currently permitted to undertake Umrah using an electronic visit visa without the requirement for any particular occupation. Any expatriate and their first-degree relatives can visit Makkah provided they acquire a three-month residency permit and a valid six-month passport.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also allowed women aged 18 to 65 to perform Umrah without a male guardian or “mahram”, but on the condition that they are a part of a group. They are also required to be vaccinated for one dose (partially vaccinated) and free of any diseases.

Book Cheap Flights to Saudi Arabia

However, travellers arriving on visit visas (including Umrah pilgrims) must have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19-related treatment costs during their stay.

Umrah Flights From UAE: How to Travel For Umrah This Year

When is the best time for Umrah?

Many Muslims prefer to perform Umrah during Ramadan. Especially since the holy month itself is believed to be a time when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW; thus, Ramadan is marked as a month full of blessings. That is why all good deeds are encouraged during Ramadan, including Umrah.

Ramadan in Dubai and the UAE 2024: When and How to Celebrate

However, visiting Umrah during Ramadan can be a little bit expensive since the cost of the Umrah package is expected to rise during Ramadan, especially on the last 10 days of Ramadan since people want to spend the last days of Ramadan in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. A significant rise in cost has been reported for Umrah packages from Umrah operators in Saudi Arabia from SAR110 to SAR200.

The same case occurs for Umrah operators in the UAE as well, considering Saudi Arabia now has established the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15%, foreign exchange rate and other aspects would make the cost of Umrah packages rise by 10 to 15 percent.

What are the requirements for Umrah?

Umrah advisory guidelines

Ahead of the Umrah season, the Saudi authorities have issued new advisory guidelines for pilgrims visiting the Mekkah:

pilgrims should perform Umrah only once in the season so that others, too, get the chance to perform the holy ritual.
they should book their Umrah slots online through the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps. Once booked, pilgrims must stick to the date and time of their appointment.

As per the authorities, a ‘sufficient’ number of slots have been made available for the pilgrims, and dates have been arranged in coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

Please note that religious tourists have been allowed to arrive and depart on scheduled flights through any international airport in the kingdom.

Umrah age requirements

Saudi Arabia has stipulated the minimum age requirement for Umrah pilgrims. Children aged 5 years old and above can obtain an official entry permit to perform Umrah. However, children should be accompanied by their parents and must obtain proof that they are not infected or have made contact with COVID-19 patients if they wish to enter the Grand Mosque.

Umrah testing requirements

All vaccinated foreign pilgrims are now allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah without having to provide a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result before departure to the Kingdom. The PCR test result is only required for pilgrims who have not yet been vaccinated. Additionally, travelers arriving on visit visas must have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19-related treatment costs during their stay.

Umrah vaccine requirements

Although Saudi Arabia has largely lifted the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for Umrah pilgrims, it is highly recommended that each pilgrim confirm with their Umrah operator/agency the latest vaccination requirements pertaining to Umrah. This is to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Umrah journey, as well as to protect the health and safety of all individuals involved.

Apart from the COVID vaccine, there are a few more vaccine requirements that foreign pilgrims have to pay attention to before their arrival in Saudi Arabia:

Yellow Fever vaccine: All foreign pilgrims arriving from countries or areas at risk of yellow fever must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate showing the person was vaccinated at least 10 days and no more than 10 years before their arrival.

Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine: All foreign pilgrims have to be vaccinated against meningitis at least ten days and no more than three years before their arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Polio vaccine: All foreign pilgrims from polio-endemic countries and re-established transmission countries have to receive at least one dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at least six weeks before their arrival in Saudi Arabia. They will have to present their proof of vaccination upon their arrival, and they will also receive one more dose of OPV during their arrival.

Seasonal Flu Shot: The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia recommends all foreign pilgrims be vaccinated against seasonal influenza before their arrival in KSA. Pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions are highly recommended to take the Seasonal Flu Shot before their arrival.

Pneumococcal vaccine: The Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE recommended pilgrims aged 65 and over and younger adults with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems receive the pneumococcal vaccination.

For more information regarding the Umrah vaccine requirements, refer to the article below:

Umrah Vaccine 2024: What Pilgrims Need to Prepare This Year

Umrah vaccine registration

An individual’s vaccination status will first need to be registered on Saudi Arabia’s Muqeem portal at least 72 hours before departure to the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Muqeem Arrival Registration: Rules and Procedures for Travel to Saudi Arabia

The vaccination certificates are required to be attested by the official health authorities from the country of origin of the travellers. This can be the Ministry of Health or an authorized health authority. The original certificate needs to be carried upon travelling to/from the Kingdom.

All information will be verified prior to boarding and at the entry points. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in entry prevention and other legal consequences.

Umrah quarantine requirements

In line with Saudi Arabia’s latest Umrah entry requirements, no quarantine will be necessary for all foreign pilgrims fully vaccinated with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Janssen.

However, for those who have received a single dose of the Sinopharm, Sinovac, or Covaxin vaccines will undergo a three-day institutional quarantine. After completing the quarantine period, they must submit a PCR test certificate within 48 hours.

Social distancing and mask-wearing

The Hajj and Umrah authorities have lifted the social distancing measures in the Grand Holy Mosque, the Prophet’s Holy Mosque and all other mosques. Note that mask-wearing is still advised in crowded places for your own safety.

Umrah women’s attire requirements

Women pilgrims are allowed to wear clothing based on their preferences. However, the Saudi authorities have set certain requirements regarding women’s attire that must be followed. During the pilgrims, women had to wear wide and loose clothing that covered their entire body. Furthermore, any decorative elements in the clothes are not allowed. As long as these conditions are fulfilled, there are no further restrictions regarding the attire for women.

Other requirements

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has released fresh guidelines for Umrah pilgrims who are planning to visit during the final 10 days of Ramadan. The new guidelines are outlined below:

Transportation to the Grand Mosque

pilgrims have four options to reach the Grand Mosque:
- by buses from King Abdulaziz International Airport or parking lots to public transportation stations in the central area around the mosque
- by walking
- by taxis
- by private cars driven by non-Umrah pilgrims

if pilgrims choose to use private cars driven by non-Umrah pilgrims, they are only allowed to stop in parking lots at Mecca entrances
no mode of transportation is allowed in the central area

Rules for pilgrims in the Grand Mosque area

pilgrims are only granted entry to the Grand Mosque when the space is still available, which is indicated by the green light on the luminous panels at the main doors of the mosque
pilgrims can access the Tawaf through the corridors that lead to the King Abdulaziz Gate, King Fahd Gate, Umrah Gate, and Peace Gate
the ground floor is specifically allocated for pilgrims with disabilities who are able to use electric vehicles
transporting personal belongings to the grand mosque and its courtyards is prohibited for pilgrims
pilgrims are not permitted to use electrical outlets that are designated for maintenance purposes for personal use

What type of visa is needed for Umrah?

These visas allow residents of the United Arab Emirates to visit Makkah, and they can also book an Umrah Package via the Nusuk online platform. Each visa type has its own specific requirements and application process, so it’s important to understand these details when planning a visit.

Personal Visit Visa

This visa is designed for individuals who have been invited to visit by a resident or citizen of Saudi Arabia. It can be obtained by receiving an invitation from a Saudi citizen. The process is facilitated through the website visa.mofa.gov.sa. This visa underscores the importance of personal connections and facilitates the visitor’s stay in the country.

Family Visit Visa

This visa is specifically for those looking to visit family members residing in Saudi Arabia. It can be obtained through a process initiated by your family in Saudi Arabia via the website visa.mofa.gov.sa. This visa highlights the importance of family ties and ensures that individuals can easily travel to connect with their loved ones.

Electronic Visa

This visa is available for GCC Residents and can be obtained via an online platform at visa.mofa.gov.sa. This visa streamlines the application process, making it more accessible and efficient for residents of GCC countries to obtain the necessary documentation for travel.

Once the Hajj season is over, performing Umrah on a tourist visa does offer its own advantages, such as a longer stay period, permission for multiple entries, and the freedom to choose your own hotel for Umrah.

Here are our top picks of hotels in Makkah and Madinah that you can book to ensure suitable accommodation.

Makkah Tower Hotel

Set in the heart of Makkah overlooking the Masjid al-Haram, the Makkah Tower Hotel offers a range of excellent rooms and suites set in a prime location. Enjoy a host of premium amenities, including excellent dining and majestic views from the panoramic glass lifts.

Rating: 5*
Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/1-minute walk
Price: from AED 1,074 per night