Dream - Is Dream's friend planning to perform the umrah pilgrimage? Yes, this recommended act of worship is indeed the dream of most Muslims around the world. Now, for Dream's friend who intends to go on the umrah pilgrimage, besides preparing the intention, it is equally important to prepare travel documents such as a visa. The umrah visa is an entry permit for foreigners issued by the Saudi Arabian government for the purpose of performing the umrah pilgrimage. Actually, there are two ways to obtain this umrah visa. Dream's friend can go through a umrah agent, so there is no need to bother with it personally.

Given that currently Saudi Arabia has allowed pilgrims to perform Umrah with independent or backpacker visas. Here are the important procedures for obtaining an Umrah visa that need to be known as summarized by Dream through various sources.

Friend Dream should choose a truly reliable visa provider. This umrah visa provider is a mediator who collaborates with muasasah, namely umrah organizers in Saudi Arabia. Umrah visa providers must also be registered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and have official permission. Friend Dream can check it on the website simpu.kemenag.go.id.

If you have chosen a umrah visa provider, you can start registering yourself and completing the required documents as follows: Original passport valid for at least 6 months Color photo size 4x6 with a white background Health certificate from a doctor Permission letter from family or supervisor (if necessary) Proof of payment for umrah visa fees.

Then, Dream's friend needs to wait for the umrah visa provider to obtain MOFA. MOFA itself is a recommendation letter issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj for umrah pilgrims. The letter contains personal data, passport number, and pilgrim visa number. The letter is only valid for 15 days. The umrah visa provider will submit the application data to the muasasah, then issue the MOFA. Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks. It depends on the policy of the Saudi Arabian government.

The next step is the issuance of an Umrah visa. If you have obtained the MOFA, the Umrah visa provider will submit the visa issuance to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KBSA) as the authorized authority. In this case, original passport and original travel ticket documents are required. Later, the KBSA will check the eligibility for visa issuance for the pilgrims. If there are no issues, the visa will be issued and affixed to the passport. The process takes approximately 1 to 2 working days.

The last step is to submit the Umrah visa. If the visa has been issued, the Umrah visa provider will collect the visa collectively from KBSA. Then, the Umrah visa provider will hand over the visa to the pilgrims along with other documents such as insurance, identification cards, and Umrah guidebook. It is important for Dream friends to double-check. If there is an error, immediately report it to the Umrah visa provider for correction.

It is important to know that the validity period of the umrah visa is 90 days from the date of issue. Currently, the cost of applying for an umrah visa is 300 Riyals or around Rp 1.1 million. This fee is paid by those who apply for visa issuance. Any changes in regulations indirectly can change the package price from the PPIU or umrah agent.