Umrah is a significant pilgrimage for Muslims worldwide, and many people from Bangladesh travel to Saudi Arabia each year to perform it. If you are planning your Umrah journey, one of the most important things to know is the duration of stay allowed on an Umrah visa. In this article, we will discuss the validity of an Umrah visa, rules regarding the length of stay, possible extensions, and other key details every traveler should be aware of.
Understanding the Umrah Visa Duration
The Umrah visa is a short-term visa specifically designed for pilgrims who wish to perform Umrah in Makkah and visit Madinah. Generally, an Umrah visa allows a stay of up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia. However, this duration can vary depending on specific regulations issued by the Saudi government each year. Umrah Package From Bangladesh
Key Points About Umrah Visa Duration:
Maximum Stay: 30 days (but subject to change).
Valid for a Single Entry: You cannot exit and re-enter on the same visa.
No Work or Business Allowed: Strictly for pilgrimage purposes.
Can You Extend Your Umrah Visa?
One of the most common questions among Bangladeshi travelers is whether they can extend their Umrah visa if they wish to stay longer. The general rule is that an Umrah visa cannot be extended beyond the allowed period.
- Overstaying is strictly prohibited and may lead to fines, deportation, or even bans from future visits.
- If you want to stay longer in Saudi Arabia, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a tourist or business visa.
Rules for Leaving Before the Visa Expires
As an Umrah pilgrim, you must leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires. Staying beyond the permitted time can lead to serious consequences:
- Heavy fines: Overstaying can result in fines of thousands of Saudi Riyals.
- Legal action: You may be detained and deported.
- Future travel bans: You might be banned from entering Saudi Arabia for a certain period.
To avoid these issues, plan your return flight well in advance and ensure your departure date is within your visa validity period.
Special Cases: What If Your Visa Expires?
If, for any reason, your visa expires before you leave Saudi Arabia, you should immediately report to the authorities. In rare cases, special permissions might be granted, but this depends entirely on Saudi immigration laws.
In case of medical emergencies or other unavoidable circumstances, you may contact:
- Your country’s embassy (Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia).
- The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
However, it is always best to follow the rules and leave on time to avoid any complications
New Rules for Umrah Visa (2024 Updates)
The Saudi government frequently updates Umrah visa policies. Here are some recent changes that may affect your stay duration:
Multiple Entry Visas: Some travelers can now get multiple-entry Umrah visas under specific conditions.
Tourist Visa for Umrah: Travelers can now perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa (but not Hajj).
Visa Duration Flexibility: While the standard stay is 30 days, Saudi authorities may change this based on demand and crowd management.
Can You Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa?
Yes, Saudi Arabia now allows tourists to perform Umrah on a tourist visa. If you obtain a Saudi eVisa or tourist visa, you can stay for up to 90 days and travel freely within the country. However, this visa does not allow you to perform Hajj.
If you plan to stay longer for tourism purposes, this may be a better option than an Umrah visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happens if I stay longer than 30 days on an Umrah visa?
If you overstay, you may face fines, deportation, and even a future travel ban. It is highly recommended to leave before your visa expires.
2. Can I get an extension on my Umrah visa?
No, an Umrah visa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you should apply for a tourist or business visa separately.
3. How soon should I leave Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah?
You should leave before your visa expiration date. Ideally, book your return flight within 25–28 days of arrival to avoid any last-minute issues.
4. Can I perform Umrah multiple times during my stay?
Yes, you can perform Umrah multiple times within your valid visa duration. However, you must follow all guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities.
5. Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa instead of an Umrah visa?
Yes! You can perform Umrah on a tourist visa, which allows you a longer stay of up to 90 days. However, Hajj is not allowed on a tourist visa.
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Final Thoughts
The Umrah visa allows a stay of up to 30 days, but it cannot be extended. Travelers should plan their trip carefully to ensure they leave before the visa expires to avoid penalties. If you wish to stay longer in Saudi Arabia, consider applying for a tourist visa instead.
Understanding the rules and restrictions of an Umrah visa will ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Make sure to check with the Saudi authorities or your Umrah travel agency for any updates before planning your trip.