Umrah is an important pilgrimage that is undertaken by Muslims. This pilgrimage is performed in Saudi Arabia and is also a part of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage, but it can be performed separately as well. That's why we've put together a guide, so you know the procedure and how to perform Umrah successfully.

Note: All pilgrims travelling for Umrah from Qatar must abide by the COVID-19 precautionary measures as stated by the Saudi Arabian government, and must check Qatar's Ministry of Public Health's website for any travel updates.

Type of visa for Umrah

Umrah Visa

The Umrah visa is valid for 90 days which allows entry to only Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. The first entry from the date of visa issue will also have to be made within 90 days.

eVisa

Aside from the Umrah Visa, GCC residents visiting Saudi may also perform Umrah if they enter Saudi Arabia using the eVisa as it permits them to visit all cities. However, this will not be applicable during the Hajj season.

• How to apply for the Saudi eVisa as a GCC resident
  

Price of the Umrah visa from Qatar

The Umrah package usually includes travel, hotel stay, and visa costs an average of QR 3,200 (as of January 2023). It can be booked by the Hajj and Umrah tour operator you select from the list at the end of the article.

Note: Medical insurance cost is included in the visa price.

Documents required for performing Umrah from Qatar

• Umrah application form (this will be provided and filled by the Hajj and Umrah tour operator)
• Qatar ID copy
• Original passport + passport copy (passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date the application is submitted)
• Confirmed and non-refundable return ticket (departure from Saudi Arabia must be within two weeks of arrival)
• 2 x recent passport-size photographs on a white background with a full-face view (the applicant must be directly facing the camera)

Note:

• If someone has a non-Muslim name, they are to get a certificate from a mosque or Islamic Centre in Qatar stating that the person applying is a Muslim.
  
• Women and children do not require a mahram any longer to perform Umrah.

Negative PCR Test not required for entry to Saudi Arabia

As of 10 March 2022, it is not required to submit a negative result for an approved PCR test or an approved Rapid Antigen Test before going to Saudi Arabia.

Mobile apps required for Umrah

Pilgrims travelling for Umrah from Qatar must download and register on the following mobile applications before entering Saudi Arabia for Umrah:

Tawakkulna or Nusuk: The Tawakkulna or Nusuk mobile applications will be required for pilgrims as they will have their Umrah permit on them.

• Tawakkulna- iOS/Android
• Nusuk- iOS/Android

COVID-19 regulations that have been removed

• The permit required for praying in the Grand Mosque and visiting the prophet (PBUH) has been cancelled. You will still need permits for umrah and praying in the Noble Rawdah.
  
• Verifying the health condition to enter the two holy mosques has also been cancelled.
• Institutional and home quarantine for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom is cancelled.
• You must adhere to the date and time given to you for Umrah.

Approved list of Umrah tour operators in Qatar

The following is the approved list (in alphabetical order) of accredited and approved tour operators in Qatar for Umrah and Hajj, as per the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf). These tour operators are authorised by Awqaf Qatar and will book you the Umrah basic package, issue Umrah visas for citizens and residents of Qatar, obtain all permissions and conduct all procedures necessary, including fulfilling all requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah:

Ansar for Hajj and Umrah

• Location: Wadi Al Qura Street, Al Maamoura, Doha - Qatar
• Tel: +974 4411 4225 | Mob: +974 7022 4045
• Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9 am - 1 pm; 4 pm - 9 pm; Friday: closed

Bin Darwish for Hajj and Umrah

• Location: Adbul Rahman Bin Jasim Street, Al Wakrah - Qatar
• Tel: +974 4432 9090 | Mob: +974 5555 7424
• Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9 am - 1 pm; 4 pm - 9 pm; Friday: closed

Durra Makka for Hajj and Umrah

• Location: Off Ibn Nubata, Madinat Khalifa South, Doha - Qatar
• Tel: +974 4492 9223 / +974 449224 | Mob: +974 5533 8217 / +974 7706 5655
• Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm 4:30 pm - 9 pm, Friday: closed

Hatim Hajj and Umrah office

• Location: Apartment 16, Second Floor, Al Hail Building, Next to Al Rawnaq, Airport Commercial Street, Matar Qaadeem, Doha - Qatar
• Tel: +974 4465 1749 | Mob: +974 5544 3343
  
• Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm; Friday: closed

Nosok for Hajj and Umrah

• Location: Wholesale Market Road, Abu Hamour Doha - Qatar
• Tel: +974 4036 0770 | Mob: +974 5519 8003
• Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 8 am - 12 pm; 4 pm - 9 pm; Friday: closed

Taiba for Hajj and Umrah

• Location: Next to Qatar Post, Madinat Khalifa Street, Madinat Khalifa, Doha - Qatar
• Tel: +974 4488 4929 | Mob: +974 6675 1996
• Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9 am - 9 pm; Friday: closed

For information on the new procedures for Umrah, please contact the Department of Hajj and Umrah in Qatar via hotline 132.

RELATED:

• Qatar to Saudi Arabia travel guide

Originally written by Nabeela Tariq, updated by Fareeha Imtiaz

Sources: Saudi Ministry of Hajj; Asharq Al-Awsat; Saudia; Al-Sharq; Xpress Riyadh; Life in Saudi Arabia; Awqaf; Arabian Visa; Saudi Ministry of Tourism; Arab News

Cover image credit: Shutterstock

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ILQ Staff

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