Why have umrah visas become so costly

samix
By samix

I have noticed that umrah visas are becoming costlier with every passing time, recently my friend visited a agent and they informed him that it is QAR 350/-

This means that a family of 4 people will have to spend 1400/- riyals for a visa that is essentially free as per the stamp on the visa.

By Victory_278692• 26 Dec 2012 09:45
Victory_278692

for the consumer satisfaction and complaints dept at Doha muncipality.

By samix• 25 Dec 2012 20:56
samix

Thank you for your comments guys, is there a place where we can complain about these yearly increases, because I feel that this is unfair, if the embassy charges only 50/- QAR, then I think that max that these guys should charge is a 50/- or 100/- riyals above that.

@Kashif401, thanks I will contact them as I want a visa for now inshaAllah.

By Yasir_Kh• 25 Dec 2012 10:43
Yasir_Kh

Oh ... I am sorry. I thought u said 2nd trimester.

Brother, 1st trimester is very crucial for pregnancy. Please take advise from your gynecologist and act accordingly.

By Khanan• 25 Dec 2012 10:41
Khanan

but not recommended.

It indeed is v tiring in bus.

By Yasir_Kh• 25 Dec 2012 10:41
Rating: 5/5
Yasir_Kh

You can always go by plane.

of course every person is different but I think it would be doable for her.

Try to get the accommodation as close as possible to Haram. (depends on your budget).

Make up her mind that she may not be able to attend all the five prayers in Haram.

besides everything, Wheel chairs are available free of cost which your wife can use on daily basis apart from motorized wheel chair which she can use while performing Tawaf and Saii .... (I think 200 Riyal for 2 hours - not sure).

All the best.

By Victory_278692• 25 Dec 2012 10:39
Rating: 3/5
Victory_278692

Second month of pregnancy going for umrah by Air has no problems but by road is risky, considering the long wait at the border and a journey of 18 to 24 hours.

By Maher10• 25 Dec 2012 10:36
Maher10

Assalam alikom brothers

My wife is in her second month of pregnancy, do you think that it's possible for her to go to umrah with me

I ve heard that the journey to Mecca with bus is so tiring, do you think that a pregnant woman can bear that

Is there a more comfortable way to make omra for my wife

By Khanan• 25 Dec 2012 10:06
Khanan

Jazak Allah Khair!

Will contact them !

By Victory_278692• 25 Dec 2012 10:05
Rating: 4/5
Victory_278692

Initially, I have visited Saudi Embassy once, the gentleman on the counter given me a piece of paper lisitng the names of agents and their contact numbers.

They attend only to travel agents with complete documents. No individuals entertained even in UAE or Qatar.

By Khanan• 25 Dec 2012 09:49
Khanan

But for that you had to apply through agent too.

By kashif401• 25 Dec 2012 09:48
Rating: 5/5
kashif401

contact Doha Group Transport for Hajj & Umrah, Tel: 44415779, 55560124

just now i checked they are taking Qr. 250/- per passport for visa.

they are accepting passport for visas.

By samix• 25 Dec 2012 09:40
samix

@tahsinmim, I plan to go on my own after the visa, not through the agents, in this way you are way independent in your schedules and hotel selections.

By Khanan• 25 Dec 2012 09:39
Rating: 5/5
Khanan

are accepting passports for Umrah Visas and processing time is one week.

You can contact 'Labaik Trading for Umrah and Hajj Visas'

By Yasir_Kh• 25 Dec 2012 09:35
Yasir_Kh

Thanks emy...

By emy007• 25 Dec 2012 09:32
emy007

Yasir, just called one agency she said nt informed yet from saudi so if early will be last week of january and if late middle of february.

By Khanan• 25 Dec 2012 09:26
Rating: 5/5
Khanan

Omrah visas are already opened and you can apply through only agent.

The fee increases with every passing year.

Starting at QR 80/- ~ 135~250 and now QR 350/-

By Yasir_Kh• 25 Dec 2012 09:21
Yasir_Kh

Sorry to hijack, when Umrah visa will open?

By Reliableman• 25 Dec 2012 09:19
Reliableman

They might think it is still cheap considering the heaven you will get as the reward :). So this can be called "heaven business" :o)

By Yasir_Kh• 25 Dec 2012 09:08
Yasir_Kh

unfortunately it is compulsory....

By samix• 25 Dec 2012 08:58
samix

So is it possible for us to directly contact the Saudi embassy for the umrah visa ? or is it compulsory to go through one of these agents ?

By britexpat• 25 Dec 2012 08:56
britexpat

they know its a money maker, both for the agent and the embassy.

By Victory_278692• 25 Dec 2012 08:50
Rating: 5/5
Victory_278692

Qatari local agents mint money being a seasonal business.

By Khanan• 25 Dec 2012 08:38
Rating: 5/5
Khanan

they are getting costlier.

The visa fee at the Embassy is QR 50/- only and the rest goes to the agent.

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