How to Do Umrah: from Initial Preparation to Departure

Illustration of Umrah (Antara)

YOGYAKARTA - Muslims in Indonesia can now perform the umrah independently without being tied to third parties. This self-umrah is considered more affordable so that prospective pilgrims do not have to prepare costs of tens of millions of rupiah. The estimated cost of umrah without travel is quite cheap. In addition to being cheap, the way to do umrah independently is easy, namely by completing the requirements and following the procedures that have been set. For more clarity, see the following article.

How to Umrah Alone

The way to worship umrah itself starts with preparing everything independently, from completing documents, taking care of visas, to taking care of needs while in Saudi Arabia. To make it easier for you, here are the steps for independent umrah.

Initial Preparation

In the initial stage, prospective independent umrah pilgrims must prepare many things, especially related to understanding the procedures for performing umrah. To make it easier for you, here are some things that are included in the initial preparation.

Learn the manasik of umrah yourself because when you get there you have to worship independently without an accompanying person. Download the Nusuk application for visa or umrah and slor Rawdah permit applications, Tawakkalna to check health and licensing status, and Haramain to get information on fast trains. Make a passport, if the validity is almost expired, it is recommended to extend it first. Make meningitis vaccine, don't forget to ask for a yellow card from the Ministry of Health or Puskesmas designated hospital. Make travel insurance (optional but recommended). Arrange the trip.

Prospective independent umrah pilgrims must also arrange their journey from departure to return. So that your journey is not too long, determine how long you will be in Saudi Arabia. In addition, determine the flight route because you can land in Jeddah first or Madinah first.

After determining the trip, you can start buying plane tickets. You can adjust the plane ticket according to the funds you have.

Booking Hotels and Transportation Needs in Saudi

It is recommended to make hotel reservations and transportation needs at the beginning because proof of accommodation is usually required when applying for a Saudi Arabia visa. For hotel or transportation reservations, use the NUSUK application. However, you can make reservations through other applications if possible.

Apply for Umrah Visa

For this stage you need to follow the steps because this visa application is very procedural. Prospective pilgrims must know how to make a complete independent umrah visa with its requirements. As an illustration, here's how to apply for an independent umrah visa.

Enter the NUSUK application. Then create an account using a mobile phone number and active email. Enter passport data and then select the "Umrah without Visa" package or apply for a umrah visa if necessary. Follow the next guide. Register Umrah and Rawdah Permits on the Nusuk App

Umrah permits (Umrah Permits) and Rawdah are mandatory for independent worshipers since the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has implemented its latest rules. The permit itself is in the form of a QR Code which will later be checked by officers at the gates of the Grand Mosque or in certain areas. If the congregation does not have it, the officers will prohibit you from performing thawaf or sa'i. For a list of umrah permits, you can do it at NUSUK.

Departure

If you have gone through all the procedures, you can go on the umrah independently. Don't forget to prepare the logistics and clothes as needed.

That's how you can do a self-guided umrah. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.