There is a massive debate with regards to Umrah visas. There is a known fact that Umrah visas are issued by the Saudi embassy for free. What what is really the meaning of free that so many people ask about?
Seriously I receive a lot of emails saying agents charge so much money for visas that they shouldn’t since the visas are issued for free. I just admit, I was somewhat guilty of it too. I knew that as companies the agents will have their overheads and other related expenses so there was an added cost.
However it is much more than this. I asked a director of one of the operators to explain why visas cost so much money to the end consumer, his reply was indeed very enlightening.
Heres is how it works
Every tour operator or an authorised agent in the UK must have a kafeel or sponsor – the sponsor is the Saudi Company in Saudi Arabia that has a contract with the Ministry of Hajj to offer Hajj and Umrah services. (note: companies cannot do business in Saudi Arabia without having a Saudi company as a partner)
The sponsor/kafeel/Saudi Umrah operator has a charge. A clear and distinctly defined charge per visa that he/she will issue.
The embassy does not charge a fee to issue the visa but does require an authorisation number (aka MOFA) to issue a visa. A MOFA is issued by a Saudi Company who charges for this service.
We as resellers or agents of this company – add a markup to the original cost usually between £5-10 and sell onwards. Simply the agents in the UK add a mark up to this charge and offer services to their pilgrims.
It is only normal for agents to have to make some money since they offer a service and obviously run a business. I really hope this clarifies the misconception of “free” Umrah visas since as we can see above this is not true.
Saifullah says
Assalamualaikum,
Umrah visas are never free as some people claim you can just go to the Saudi embassy and ask for a visa. Unfortunately this also means that tour companies also charge a fortune for the umrah visa. Alhamdulillah we have a family friend who is going to do mine and my father’s visa for £70 each which is much less than what I’ve been quoted by other companies. Being Muslims we expect them to be understanding and favourable to fellow Muslims but this is not the case and they love to rip us off. Going as part of a group with them you would be paying over the odds and it is much better to go as an individual.
The only problem I’m having Elena is sorting out my transportation from Jeddah to Makkah. I have been quoted £75 but I know this is too much. Have you got any places in mind that could do it cheaper? Any help would be much appreciated
Jazakallah
Elena-MuslimTravelGirl says
Saifullah ,
I have a guide which you can download and read about the available options from Jeddah to Makkah and Medina. You can download this here
http://muslimtravelgirl.boardingarea.com/umrah-transportation-guide/
It gives you all options with approximate prices. I believe a decent price will be between £50 and £60.
Salman says
My question is what is the maximum number of days we can stay to perform Umrah and visit madinah? I mean can i go for 30 days visit to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah after haj season when visa issurance open again.
Muslim Travel Girl says
Your visa validity is for 30 days from the time of issuance. so you have to go to Saudi within these days. From there you can stay for 15days.
Salman says
Thank you sister for your response. Meaning I can not stay longer than 15 days in Saudia? Some where on any travel agent site I see Umrah packages for 20 days or so, based on your reply that means I can not go for 20 days? 🙁
ismail karolia says
There is a new law on visas saying that each pilgrim that has been previously for umra will have to pay 2000 riyaals for a Visa.
If this is indeed true , it could have a very negative impact on the agents, since most will find this cost too much and hence less people travelling.
Is there any truth in this fee?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Yes there is unfortunately. We still don’t know how /when it will be implemented so waiting to find the news.
Elena
shubnum says
Slms my mum is over 70 she want to go umrah. Does she need a mehrum is it permissible
Muslim Travel Girl says
Yes you will need to speak with a group that organises trips for ladies
Faisal Khan says
You can go longer than 15 days but if you return within that time the agent in UK gets a free MOFA. So they can double their returns.
Personally don’t agree with someone having 200 to 300% markup on organising hajj and umrah tickets.
I hope the rumours of it all goin electronic like other countries comes to fruition.
Muslim Travel Girl says
I prefer that you are within reason rather than going and overstaying and there are way too many people who overstay. Being electronic I doubt it will work for many countries plus these people are making a good amount of money so they will pressure to never be.