How to Become an Approved Umrah Travel Agent

As the demand for pilgrimages grows rapidly every year, the role of an Umrah travel agent is becoming vital. Managing the complex processes of visa applications, bookings, and ground arrangements is only possible with specialized knowledge and official authorization from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Becoming an approved Hajj and Umrah agent can open the door to fantastic opportunities for aspiring travel agencies to serve millions of pilgrims from around the globe.

In this guide, you will learn “how to become an approved Umrah agent.” You will also learn about the services and other requirements to operate efficiently in this highly regulated domain.

Why You Should Become an Approved Umrah Travel Agent?

The Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage is a deeply spiritual journey that millions of Muslims perform annually.  However, organizing the travel, accommodations, and logistics can overwhelm pilgrims. This is where your expertise as an approved Hajj and Umrah travel agent becomes invaluable.

There are several advantages for yourself as an accepted agent among them:

• You can access the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Maqam GDS (Global Distribution System), the central hub for all bookings.
• You will get official recognition, which can help them boost credibility and trust among pilgrims.
• You can collaborate with approved hotel, transportation, and ground service providers.
• You will have a secure payment system linked to the Ministry, ensuring transparency and accountability.

You can facilitate the booking for pilgrims with the abovementioned advantages by being an approved agent. It will help you to ensure a hassle-free experience from start to end.

Who can apply to be a travel agent for Umrah?

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has outlined specific eligibility requirements for those who wish to be licensed as approved Umrah travel agents. There are two primary categories of applicants:

Umrah Operators (UO)

These are travel agencies, tour operators, and destination management companies (DMCs) based in Saudi Arabia. They apply directly to the Ministry to obtain their license. Once licensed, Umrah Operators are granted access to official platforms and are assigned an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for secure transaction management.

External Agents (EA)

International travel consolidators, wholesalers, or agencies outside Saudi Arabia must apply through an approved Umrah Operator. As sub-agents, they depend on their associated Umrah Operator for integration into the system. However, they retain independent control over their finances and booking processes.

Steps to Becoming a Hajj and Umrah Travel Agent

To become an approved Hajj and Umrah travel agent, you must follow a structured process involving registration, financial setup, and integration with official systems.

Step 1: Registering as an Umrah Operator or External Agent

• Umrah Operators apply directly to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, providing documentation such as business licenses and proof of operations.
• External Agents partner with an existing Umrah Operator and register as sub-agents. This step requires proof of affiliation and operational capacity.

Step 2: Opening a Ministry-Approved Bank Account

Approved agents must establish a bank account with a Ministry-approved institution:

• For Umrah Operators, this account generates an IBAN for secure transactions.
• The account links to their Umrah Operator for External Agents while remaining independently managed.

This account ensures all payments are traceable and compliant with Ministry regulations.

Step 3: Integrating with the Maqam GDS

The Maqam GDS is the official platform for managing all Umrah-related bookings. Agents must:

1. Apply for access through the Maqam website.
2. Submit their systems for evaluation to ensure compatibility with the GDS.
3. Integrate with approved suppliers for hotels, transportation, and ground assistance services.

Step 4: Acquiring Necessary Technology for Bookings

Investing in a Travel ERP platform is crucial for seamless booking management. The platform should support:

• Real-time integration with the Maqam GDS.
• Customization for both B2B and B2C booking modules.
• Secure payment gateways for domestic and international transactions.

Services Offered by Approved Umrah Travel Agents

To meet the needs of pilgrims, approved agents must provide the following essential services:

Hotel and Accommodation Bookings

Access to over 850 authorized housing providers allows agents to offer a range of accommodations. Each booking generates a unique Booking Reference Number (BRN) required for visa processing.

Transportation Services

Agents facilitate transportation for pilgrims using Naqaba, the official network of transportation providers. This includes transfers between cities like Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca and local sightseeing.

Ground Services and Pilgrim Assistance

Ground services include:

• Welcoming pilgrims at their accommodations.
• Providing guides for religious and historical tours.
• Resolving complaints and offering real-time assistance.

Agents integrate with approved suppliers like Way to Umrah and Tawaf to deliver these services effectively.

E-Visa Applications

Agents simplify the visa application process by linking bookings to the Ministry’s e-visa system. Each service—hotel, transportation, and ground—requires a separate BRN, all of which must be submitted for visa approval.

Key Integrations Needed for Umrah Travel Agencies

To operate efficiently, a successful Umrah travel agent must implement the following integrations:

Hotel Suppliers

Agents must integrate with authorized suppliers like CRS and Agoda. This allows real-time access to available accommodations and ensures seamless booking experiences.

Transportation Services

Integration with Naqaba enables agents to book transportation for both local and intercity travel. With over 90 authorized providers, this system meets the needs of B2B and B2C clients.

Ground Services

Pilgrims often require assistance upon arrival. Integrating with suppliers for ground services ensures they receive guidance, complaint resolution, and other support.

Payment Gateways

To handle customer payments, agents must integrate secure international gateways like Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal. These systems ensure smooth transactions for both domestic and international clients.

Challenges and Tips for Aspiring Umrah Travel Agents

Challenges:

1. Navigating the complex approval process and meeting stringent regulatory requirements.
2. Establishing reliable partnerships with approved suppliers.
3. Managing peak-season demand without overburdening resources.

Tips for Success:

• Build strong relationships with suppliers and Umrah Operators.
• Invest in technology to streamline operations and improve customer experiences.
• Stay compliant with evolving Ministry regulations to maintain your license.

Conclusion

Becoming an approved Umrah travel agent is a fulfilling endeavor that enables you to serve pilgrims on their spiritual journey. By following the outlined steps, including obtaining Ministry approval, integrating with the Maqam GDS, and offering essential services, you can establish a successful agency that meets the needs of millions of pilgrims.

Whether you’re based in Saudi Arabia or abroad, this is your chance to impact the Hajj and Umrah travel industry significantly. Start today and become one of the trusted, approved Umrah travel agents in Saudi Arabia or beyond, ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience for your clients.

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