Umrah operators across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are requesting the UAE umrah pilgrims to pre-book their accommodation and transportation when applying for a visa. This announcement comes after the most recent measures of Saudi Arabia to regulate pilgrim movement. Moreover, travel aggregators confirmed that authorities at Jeddah and Madinah airports have tightened checks to ensure pilgrims arrive with an Umrah visa, confirmed hotel bookings, and licensed transport.
Stricter Entry Checks at Airports
Shihab Parwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism explained that the pre-booking is now compulsory at the time of visa application. Moreover, he said, “If you plan to perform Umrah, you are required to apply for a visa, have your transportation to the holy cities, and your accommodation pre-booked”.
Security personnel at the Jeddah airport are verifying the booking. Hence, operators face fines or system blockage if their clients come without a confirmed arrangement. Moreover, this step is connected to the campaign of Saudi Arabia to restrict the illegal taxi services operating near the airports and pilgrimage airports.
Only Approved Transport Options Allowed
Pilgrims are suggested to prebook either taxis through the official portals or tickets for the Haramain Express High Speed Rail, as these are the only accepted transport options. Moreover, similar rules apply at Madinah.
Integrated With Saudi Digital Platforms
According to Qaiser Mahmood of ASAA Tourism in Abu Hail, the process has been eased through the digital systems of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, Mahmood said, “When applying for an Umrah visa, you are required to include hotel and transport booking in the ‘Masar’ app, also available via the Nusuk app.”
Hotels must be registered with the Hajj and Umrah authorities, and Taxis through the Nusuk-approved portal. Moreover, Mahmood also warned pilgrims to avoid travelling to the holy sites on a tourist visa. He said, “Some nationalities might be denied access to key religious sites, including Riyaz ul Jannah, if they do not hold a valid Umrah visa.”
Costs and Advice for UAE Umrah Pilgrims
Currently, the price of Umrah Visas in the UAE is Dh750. However, prices might differ based on nationality. Yet, this new requirement ensures that pilgrims enter the complete kingdom with the complete travel arrangements in place. Therefore, operators strongly recommend securing flights, hotels, and transport in advance to avoid delays or complications for the UAE residents who are planning to perform Umrah.
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