Umrah Visa
How much does Umrah visa cost?
For e-visa:
- Price: SAR 535 (around £114)
- Application Fee: Included in eVisa price
- Medical Insurance Fee: Included in eVisa price
For visa on arrival:
- Price: SAR 480 (around £102)
- Medical Insurance Fees: SAR 180 (around £38)
The main issue i found, on a tourist visa, if there is any medical issues, your not covered, even though you pay travel insurance when getting that visa, on a umrah visa its all covered
Ihram – What to Know
- Recommended to do ghusl (bath) and perform 2 nafl salah
Masjid al Haram, Makkah
- Remember to take a card from your hotel so you can find your way back easily.
- Identify the closest door to the Haram from your hotel
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before salaah time to comfortably find a place in the Haram. For Friday prayers, it is recommended to arrive no later than 10am in off-peak periods.
Mobile – Sims and Internet
- Register for a free eSIM
- Purchase Data package (lasts 30 days) – 3GB is sufficient
- Enable
High Speed Train
You can book High Speed Train connecting Jeddah Airport to Makkah and Madinah. The train station is located in the Airport and is easily accessible. You can book tickets at the station but these will be more expensive than if you book online or via the app.
You can book either via website https://sar.hhr.sa/web/portal/home#
Via App “HRR Train” – Android –https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.indra.haramain.pro&hl=en&pli=1
Ziyarah (Visiting)
Makkah:
- Jabal al-Nour: The ‘‘Mountain of Light’’ hosts Gar-e-Hira- the cave in which the Prophet Muhammad (saw) would go to for seclusion, contemplation and meditation. It is also the place where the first words of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (saw) through Angel Jibreel.
- Jabal Thawr – where the Prophet (saw) and Abu Bakr hid during the Hijrah
- Mount Arafat: Mount Arafat is a holy site of Hajj and considered to be a blessed place to visit.
- Maktaba Makkah-al-Mukarramah: This is the holy birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is located in She’eb Banu Hashim in Makkah. Previously a mountain, this place has been converted into a national library.
- Masjid-e-Ayesha; The location where Aisha (ra) was told by the Prophet to go to and enter into Ihram. It is also a site where pilgrims can assure Ihram.
- Masjid Jinn – where the Jinn heard the Prophet (saw) recite the Qur’an.
- Mal’a Graveyard – where Khadijah (ra), the wife of the Prophet (saw) is buried
Places to Eat
MAKKAH
1. Food Court Tower (Jabal Umar): Great for a variety of food options near the Haram, on the road from Dar at Tawhid Intercontinental.
2. Raydan (King Fahd Gate): Offers traditional Saudi food that is both delicious and authentic.
3. Biryani House, Between Hyatt regency and Conrad, all the way up the stairs and on the left. Romansiah (Left of the Biryani House) – get chicken and meat with 3-4 different rice types and a shared table where you can share.
4. Happy Chef do a nice prawn wrap but don’t try their pizzas.
Packing Checklist
1. Passports
2. Tickets (copy)
3. eVisa (copies)
4. Proof of Vaccination
5. Convert £100 to Riyals
6. Cash / Debit
7. Emergency Contacts
8. Prayer mat
9. Dua Book
10. Dua List
11. Tasbeeh Counter
12. Umrah Guide Book
13. Suitcase with locking system
14. Hand luggage (Ihram, book)
15. Neck cushion
16. Eye mask cover and ear plugs
17. Snacks – nuts, biscuits
18. Clothing, accessories & flip-flops
19. Ihram
20. Waist Pouch
21. Bathroom Slippers
22. String Bag (for shoes)
23. Toiletries, Small Scissors & Sellotape
24. Medication & Vaseline
25. Plasters / Blister Plasters
26. Energy tablets
27. Phone, charger, powerpack & adaptor.
28. Notebook and pen
29. Personal Qur’an, Life of the Prophet & other dua books
