Can You Do Hajj and Umrah on a Tourist Visa?

 

In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists from around the world with the introduction of a tourist visa, allowing non-Saudi nationals to visit the country for leisure, business, and religious purposes. However, many Muslims are now wondering whether it is possible to perform Hajj and Umrah on a tourist visa, which has a specific designation for travel but is not primarily intended for religious pilgrimage.

Hajj and Umrah are sacred pilgrimages that every able-bodied Muslim is required to perform, either once in a lifetime (Hajj) or as many times as they can afford (Umrah). Both pilgrimages are integral to Islamic practice, and the rituals they entail are deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and law. As such, it is important to understand the guidelines and requirements related to performing these acts of worship while holding a tourist visa.

This article aims to explore whether performing Hajj and Umrah on a tourist visa is permissible, looking into Saudi Arabia’s current regulations, Islamic rulings, and the implications of performing these sacred rites without the appropriate visa. Along with the regulations, Quranic and Hadith references in their original Arabic forms will guide us through the spiritual and practical aspects of this issue.

The Tourist Visa and Its Purpose

 

Before delving into whether performing Hajj and Umrah on a tourist visa is allowed, it is essential to understand the purpose of the tourist visa itself. The tourist visa, launched by Saudi Arabia in 2019, was introduced to attract international travelers to the kingdom to explore its rich history, culture, and landscapes. It allows visitors to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days, depending on the visa terms. The visa permits tourists to visit various landmarks in the kingdom, including historical sites, cultural attractions, and religious places.

While the tourist visa is primarily for leisure travel, it was initially unclear whether it could be used for religious purposes, specifically to perform Hajj or Umrah. Pilgrims traditionally use a separate visa issued specifically for Umrah or Hajj, and there are strict regulations regarding entry to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for these purposes.

Can You Do Hajj and Umrah on a Tourist Visa

Can You Perform Hajj on a Tourist Visa?

 

Hajj is a mandatory religious obligation for Muslims who meet specific criteria, including being physically and financially able to undertake the journey. However, performing Hajj has stringent requirements, including obtaining a Hajj visa. This visa is issued by the Saudi government and is specifically designated for those intending to perform the pilgrimage.

Hajj and the Hajj Visa
To perform Hajj, a Muslim must have a designated Hajj visa, which is issued in accordance with the annual quota set by the Saudi government. The visa allows a pilgrim to enter the country specifically for the purpose of performing Hajj and attending the rituals associated with it, including standing at Arafah, performing the Tawaf, and other related rites.

Can a Tourist Visa Be Used for Hajj?
As of the latest regulations, it is not permitted to perform Hajj on a tourist visa. Saudi Arabia strictly regulates entry to Makkah during the Hajj season, as the city becomes overcrowded with pilgrims, and managing the large influx of visitors requires precise organization. Hajj visas are issued with specific conditions, and tourists holding non-Hajj visas are not allowed to engage in the pilgrimage.

Quranic Reference for Hajj: In the Quran, Allah commands Muslims to perform Hajj if they meet the conditions:

وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِنْ بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel. They will come from every distant point.”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:27)

This verse reflects the importance of Hajj and the obligation for Muslims to perform it, which includes proper planning and legal procedures such as obtaining a valid Hajj visa.

Hadith on Hajj
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

مَنْ حَجَّ وَلَمْ يَرْفُثْ وَلَمْ يَفْسُقْ، رَجَعَ كَيَوْمِ وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ.

“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or sinful behavior will return (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This Hadith highlights the significance of Hajj, not only as a religious obligation but also as an opportunity for purification and spiritual renewal.

Can You Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa?

 

Unlike Hajj, which has a set time frame during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. It consists of a series of rituals, including Tawaf, Sa’i, and the trimming or shaving of the hair. While it is not obligatory like Hajj, it holds great merit in Islam and can be performed as many times as one can afford.

Umrah and the Umrah Visa
For Muslims wishing to perform Umrah, a special Umrah visa is required. The Umrah visa allows Muslims to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the religious rites of Umrah. While the Umrah visa is more flexible than the Hajj visa, there are still specific guidelines and conditions that must be met.

Can a Tourist Visa Be Used for Umrah?
In the past, it was not allowed to perform Umrah on a tourist visa. However, the Saudi government has made it clear that tourists can now perform Umrah while in the country on a tourist visa. This means that Muslims holding a tourist visa are permitted to visit Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah. It is important to note that this policy applies primarily to non-Saudis from countries that are eligible for the tourist visa.

The introduction of this policy is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to open the Kingdom to more international visitors while enhancing the tourism industry. The tourist visa also allows multiple entries within the 90-day validity period, offering greater flexibility for Muslims wishing to perform Umrah.

Quranic Reference for Umrah: The Quran refers to the pilgrimage of Umrah, which is a lesser pilgrimage compared to Hajj but holds significant value in Islam:

وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ وَالْعُمْرَةِ لِلَّهِ
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj and the Umrah for Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196)

This verse indicates the importance of both Hajj and Umrah as acts of worship that are to be performed for the sake of Allah.

Hadith on Umrah
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

العُمْرَةُ إِلَى العُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا، وَالحَجُّ المَبْرُورُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا الجَنَّةَ.

“The performance of one Umrah to another is an expiation for what has occurred between them, and the accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This Hadith emphasizes the spiritual benefits of performing Umrah, which serves as a means of purification and expiation for the sins committed.

Guidelines for Performing Umrah on a Tourist Visa

 

While the tourist visa allows Muslims to perform Umrah, there are some important guidelines to follow:

  • Visa Eligibility: The tourist visa is available for citizens of countries that are eligible to apply. Therefore, pilgrims must ensure that they are from an eligible country.

  • Travel Period: The tourist visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days, during which pilgrims can perform Umrah multiple times, as long as they abide by the visa terms.

  • Registration Requirements: Some countries may require pilgrims to register through an authorized agency before entering the Kingdom for Umrah. Pilgrims should check the latest requirements before making arrangements.

  • Restrictions during Hajj Season: It is essential to note that during the annual Hajj season, pilgrims must obtain a Hajj visa. The tourist visa is not valid for performing Hajj, and any attempt to perform Hajj on a tourist visa is likely to result in penalties or deportation.

Conclusion

 

In summary, while it is not permissible to perform Hajj on a tourist visa, it is possible to perform Umrah on a tourist visa, thanks to the recent changes in Saudi Arabia’s visa policies. Pilgrims wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific Hajj visa, which ensures that they follow the proper procedures and guidelines set by the Saudi authorities.

For those wishing to perform Umrah, the tourist visa now provides an opportunity for Muslims to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and perform the rituals of Umrah. As always, it is crucial to remain informed about the latest regulations set by the Saudi government and to ensure that all legal requirements are met before embarking on the pilgrimage.

May Allah (SWT) grant all Muslims the opportunity to perform Hajj and Umrah and accept their efforts, prayers, and supplications.

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