Hasnita Travel Consult has announced new guidelines for prospective Umrah pilgrims, introducing a two-category visa application system aimed at simplifying the application process and making arrangements for the Islamic pilgrimage more convenient for applicants.
The travel consultancy says the new arrangements are designed to streamline visa applications, clarify documentation requirements and ensure that prospective pilgrims receive the necessary support throughout their journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
As part of the new guidelines, applicants have been divided into two major categories: Pre-Qualified Applicants and Standard Applicants, with different documentation requirements and travel arrangements applying to each group.
Under the Pre-Qualified category, applicants who hold valid United Kingdom, United States or Schengen visas, with evidence of entry into any of the qualifying destinations, as well as individuals who have previously undertaken Umrah, qualify for a simplified application process.
Applicants under this category are required to provide a passport with at least six months’ validity, evidence of previous entry or Umrah travel, a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background, confirmed flight details and hotel accommodation from an approved list.
The second category, known as the Standard Application category, covers applicants who do not meet the pre-qualification requirements. It is further divided into Class A and Class B applicants.
Class A applicants applying directly are expected to submit additional supporting documents, including six months’ bank statements, payslips, employment records, previous travel history and a passport photograph.
Self-employed applicants are also required to provide evidence of business registration, while all applicants must demonstrate sufficient ties to their home country.
For Class B applicants, the application process will be handled through registered business-to-business (B2B) travel partners, with applications organised under approved group arrangements.
Hasnita Travel Consult has further outlined two different service arrangements for applicants. Those under the first category are permitted to purchase their flight tickets and hotel accommodation from other providers, although their Umrah visa applications must be processed through the consultancy.
However, applicants under the second category are required to obtain their flight tickets, hotel accommodation and ground transportation services through Hasnita Travel Consult as part of an integrated pilgrimage package.
The mandatory package includes confirmed flight arrangements, accommodation at hotels on the approved list, with a minimum of two nights in Mecca, visa processing and ground support services.
The ground support package also covers airport meet-and-greet services, hotel check-in assistance, 24-hour support in Saudi Arabia and transportation between the airport, hotels and holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
Providing further assurance to prospective pilgrims, the consultancy says visa applications will be processed within 24 to 48 hours, subject to the submission of the required documentation and fulfilment of the applicable conditions.
Hasnita Travel Consult, which has its head office at 89 Sunflower Street, East Legon, Accra, says the new guidelines are intended to provide applicants with a clearer understanding of the requirements and arrangements necessary for a smooth Umrah experience.
The initiative is expected to help prospective pilgrims plan their spiritual journeys more effectively while benefiting from organised travel arrangements and support services throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
