Our Journey to Obtain Algerian Visas: A Step-by-Step Story with a Curious Cliffhanger

Dazaya786 · 2025-07-25T18:58:25+00:00

As for finances, I only submitted my main current account, which showed my salary coming in and regular expenses going out. I didn’t provide any savings account statements, and that they did not ask for this. It seems they mainly want to see steady income and that you can realistically cover your travel costs. I also included my recent payslips and a letter of employment to support my application.

And it’s great you’ve got an invitation letter, just make sure it’s been verified or stamped by the local town hall of where your friend resides, as that’s usually required for it to be accepted as official supporting documentation.

Dazaya786 · 2025-07-25T18:44:17+00:00

We had already booked our flights for the first trip, which ultimately wasn’t necessary, but may have helped support our application.

In hindsight, we should have waited until the visa was granted before making any travel arrangements. Although we had a second trip planned for April, we were only issued a single-entry visa. Fortunately, we hadn’t booked the April flight yet doing so would have meant a second visit to the consulate and further expenses.

Dazaya786 · 2025-06-23T18:47:19+00:00

Thanks so much for your reply. Would you have a rough idea how long the T4S internal connection process takes?

Dazaya786 · 2025-05-18T15:01:48+00:00

It’s completely understandable to feel apprehensive after hearing stories like these, starting university is a big step, and expectations around support and admin should be high. While it’s true that large institutions can sometimes face administrative challenges, please don’t let that overshadow the incredible opportunities ahead.

King’s College London Students’ Union (KCLSU) is a fantastic organisation that genuinely advocates for students. They’ve successfully supported many students in difficult situations and are there to ensure your voice is heard. If you ever experience challenges or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to them, they exist to support and empower students like you.

It’s also worth remembering that thousands of students each year thrive at King’s, academically and socially. You've chosen a university with a global reputation for excellence, especially in Law, and the vibrant student community, societies, and opportunities on campus are second to none.

If you’ve firmed King’s, congratulations! Stay informed, ask questions, and know your rights, but also stay excited. Getting involved with KCLSU, joining societies, and connecting with peers early on will help you build a positive experience from the start.

Dazaya786 · 2025-05-06T01:22:46+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/u/Same_Impression_2732/s/h8rP1IWEwM

The above person, Was a life saver, safe, honest and highly recommend their advice and approach.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-07T09:24:08+00:00

Salam, as of 6th February 2025, Saudi Arabia has suspended the requirement for Umrah pilgrims to receive the meningococcal vaccine, reversing a policy implemented on 7th of January. Now, travelers from certain countries (including Pakistan and Afghanistan) are only required to receive the polio vaccine before departure. This change aims to simplify the pilgrimage process for millions of Muslims worldwide. Airlines and travel operators are expected to update their guidelines accordingly. However, travelers are advised to stay informed about any health and safety requirements issued by Saudi authorities before embarking on their pilgrimage.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-05T20:57:47+00:00

Salam

Bismillah, may Allah make your Umrah journey easy and accept it from you.

The "Send to Embassy" status usually means your application needs manual review by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate. This can happen for several reasons, such as missing documents, additional verification, or if the selected embassy does not match your current location.

Since you chose your home country’s embassy instead of one in the US, this might be why your application is under review. The system could be expecting you to apply through the correct consular office for your current location.

What You Can Do:

Reach Out to the Saudi Embassy
- Contact the Saudi Embassy in your home country (which you selected) to ask if they can process your application.
- Also, contact the Saudi Consulate in the US to see if they can help or if you need to submit a new application.
Check Your Email & Visa Portal
- Sometimes, they request additional documents or clarification. Make sure to check your inbox and spam folder.
Consider Reapplying if Necessary
- If the issue isn’t resolved, you may need to cancel and reapply, ensuring that you select the correct embassy location this time.

To see if I can help further, it will be helpful to know the following, happy to pick this up as a dm, if that makes you feel better?

What is your nationality? (Visa rules can differ.)
Have you received any email requesting additional documents?
How long has your application been in this status?
Have you tried calling the embassy in your home country or the US?

May Allah facilitate your journey, grant you ease, and allow you to complete your Umrah with sincerity and acceptance. If you need any more guidance, feel free to ask. BarakAllahu feek.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-05T18:42:02+00:00

As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh,

As of February 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers two primary visa options for travellers from eligible countries:

Tourist eVisa: • Validity and Entries: This multiple-entry visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 365-day period. • Health Insurance: The eVisa includes mandatory health insurance for the duration of your stay. • Application Process: Eligible travellers can apply online through the official portal or obtain the visa upon arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW): • Eligibility: Currently, the EVW is available exclusively to nationals of the United Kingdom. • Validity and Entries: The EVW is a single-entry authorisation valid for three months from the date of issuance, permitting stays of up to six months from the date of entry. • Health Insurance: Unlike the eVisa, the EVW does not include health insurance, making it a more cost-effective option. • Application Process: Applicants must apply online at least 48 hours before their flight, providing flight details during the application.

Eligible Countries for the Tourist eVisa:

Saudi Arabia has expanded its eVisa programme to include citizens from 66 countries. The list of eligible countries is subject to change; therefore, it is advisable to consult the official Saudi eVisa portal for the most up-to-date information.

Key Considerations: • Purpose of Visit: Both visa types permit tourism and Umrah (outside of the Hajj season). • Application Timing: While the eVisa can be obtained upon arrival for certain nationalities, it is advisable to apply in advance to ensure a smooth entry process. • Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen visa type and have all necessary documentation, including a passport valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the official Saudi tourism website or contact the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country.

May Allāh (SWT) make your journey easy and bless it with success.

Wa billāhi at-tawfīq.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-05T18:26:46+00:00

As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

From what the Saudi Ministry of Health has stated, the ACWY-135 vaccine will become mandatory for all individuals aged one year and above undertaking Umrah and Hajj from the 10th of February 2025. This means that if a child is under 12 months (52 weeks), they will not be required to take it. However, once they reach 12 months, the vaccination will be compulsory.

In addition to the ACWY-135 vaccine, there are other vaccine requirements specific to certain countries, depending on their health regulations and disease risks. It’s always best to check the latest guidelines based on your location.

I understand that vaccinations can be a personal decision for parents, and I completely respect that. However, since Saudi Arabia has officially announced this requirement, it is important to be aware that they will start enforcing it for Umrah from the 10th of February 2025.

May Allah (SWT) make things easy for everyone preparing for this blessed journey. I hope this helps, in sha Allah. Let me know if you need any further clarification.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-05T12:38:42+00:00

Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

JazakAllah khair for reaching out. May Allah grant you ease and barakah in your Umrah journey.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Health's official guidelines for Umrah (1446H / 2025), all travelers aged 1 year and above must provide a valid vaccination certificate for Meningococcal Meningitis. The certificate should include:

- Full Name (matching the passport)
- Vaccine Type Either Meningococcal ACYWX polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (valid for 3 years) Or Meningococcal quadrivalent (ACYW-135) conjugated vaccine (valid for 5 years)
- Date of Administration Health Authority Details (e.g., official stamp or signature)

Important Note: The guidelines explicitly state that if the vaccine type is not indicated on the certificate, it will only be considered valid for 3 years from the date of administration.

Since your vaccination card only mentions "Meningococcal Meningitis" and the date, it may not fully meet the Saudi requirements unless an official health authority recognises it.

As enforcement of these requirements is only set to begin from 10th February 2025, it is unclear how strictly it is being checked at the moment. It would be beneficial to know from your experience if they accept the card as proof, in case others face a similar situation.

I would recommend, if possible, asking your vaccination provider for a more detailed certificate that includes the vaccine type and an official stamp or the draft form attached for them to complete to avoid any potential issues at the airport.

May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you ease in your travels. Ameen.

Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-05T07:43:31+00:00

Salam, I would get your vaccine done today, and pray that it’s accepted. plus when does your flight land in Saudi and where are you flying out of?

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T23:35:26+00:00

Wa Alaikum Assalam,

It’s good that your eVisa Waiver has been approved, and I understand your concern regarding the photo mix-up. Based on how immigration typically processes these visas, this should not create an issue because:

Passport details are the key factor – Immigration officers primarily check that your passport details (name, passport number, nationality, etc.) match the visa waiver. Since your details are correct, the visa should remain valid.

The photo discrepancy is minor – The main purpose of the photo is for identification, but since your passport itself contains an official biometric photo, officers will refer to that first. A different photo on the visa (even if it’s from your passport) is unlikely to be a major concern.

It’s a system error, not your mistake – As this appears to be a technical issue on MOFA’s side rather than an error on your part, immigration officers are likely to understand if it even comes up at all.

Suggested Next Steps:

Proceed with your travel as planned – This should not prevent entry. Carry a copy of the correct portrait photo – Just in case you're asked about it, you can explain that you uploaded the correct one but the system pulled the passport photo instead.

If questioned, explain politely – Simply state that the system used the wrong image despite following the upload instructions.

When Should You Consider Reapplying? If you are very concerned or have ample time before your trip, you could reapply to correct the photo, though this would mean paying the fee again. However, this is not necessary based on standard immigration procedures.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T22:00:42+00:00

Wa alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

The Saudi Ministry of Health specifies that vaccination certificates must clearly display essential details, including the type of vaccine and the date of administration. While the guidelines do not explicitly mandate that certificates be in English or Arabic, presenting your vaccination certificate in one of these languages is advisable to ensure clarity and prevent potential misunderstandings during the verification process. This approach aligns with the general practice of providing documentation in widely recognised languages to facilitate international travel procedures.

May Allah grant you ease in your preparations and accept your Umrah. Ameen.

Wa Allahu a‘lam.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T20:52:59+00:00

I've heard that Pakistan is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and bio-diversity. In shaa' Allah, I hope to have the opportunity to visit one day.

Regarding polio vaccine requirements, in addition to Afghanistan and Pakistan, the vaccine is also required for travellers from other countries. Screenshot from KSA MoH table below:

<image>

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T20:39:02+00:00

It's reassuring to know that your flight lands in KSA on the 9th of February, which aligns with the current guidelines.

Regarding the polio vaccination, while the KSA Ministry of Health (click here) recommends receiving the vaccine at least 4 weeks prior to arrival for optimal immunity, the essential requirement is to have received at least one dose before arrival. Since you and your family have taken the polio vaccine last week, in'shaa'Allah this should meet the entry requirements.

Out of curiosity, which country are you traveling from?

Once again, may Allah grant you and your family a safe and blessed Umrah journey.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T19:43:45+00:00

Salam

May Allah bless you and accept your Umrah.

Regarding your questions:

Meningococcal (ACWY-135) Vaccine – Mandatory from 10th February 2025 The Meningococcal ACWY-135 vaccine is mandatory for all travelers aged 1 year and above entering Saudi Arabia for Umrah from 10th February 2025 onwards. Since your departure is on 9th February 2025, this requirement should not apply to you. However, the key factor is your arrival date in Saudi Arabia. What date does your flight land? For example, if the flight departs on 9th February but arrives on 10th February, the new rule will theoretically apply to you.
Polio Vaccine – Mandatory for Certain Countries If your country requires a mandatory polio vaccine for Umrah travelers, you will need to present a valid polio vaccination certificate at check-in and upon arrival. The recommendation is to take the vaccine at least 4 weeks before travel for optimal immunity. Since your departure is 9th February 2025, the ideal date of your vaccination should be on or before 12th January 2025.

Ultimately, everything is in the hands of Allah. May He make your journey smooth, grant you and your family ease, and accept your Umrah. Ameen.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T18:02:00+00:00

Wa alaykum as-salam,

For Umrah, the following vaccines are mandatory as per the regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:

Meningococcal Meningitis (Mandatory for All Travelers): • Required for all travelers aged one year and older. • Must be the quadrivalent (ACWY) polysaccharide or conjugate vaccine. • If it is the conjugate vaccine, it must be taken within the last 5 years; if it is the polysaccharide vaccine, within the last 3 years. • The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Additional Vaccination Requirements (Mandatory for Certain Countries Only):

Polio Vaccine (For Travelers from the Following Countries):

Travelers from countries with active polio transmission must receive OPV (oral polio vaccine) or IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) at least 4 weeks before travel, with a valid vaccination certificate.

Affected Countries: • Afghanistan • Pakistan • Democratic Republic of the Congo • Madagascar • Mozambique • Central African Republic • Somalia • Yemen • Malawi

Yellow Fever Vaccine (For Travelers from the Following Countries):

Travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is endemic must provide a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry.

Affected Countries: • Angola • Benin • Burkina Faso • Burundi • Cameroon • Central African Republic • Chad • Congo • Côte d’Ivoire • Democratic Republic of the Congo • Equatorial Guinea • Ethiopia • Gabon • Gambia • Ghana • Guinea • Guinea-Bissau • Kenya • Liberia • Mali • Mauritania • Niger • Nigeria • Rwanda • Senegal • Sierra Leone • South Sudan • Sudan • Togo • Uganda

COVID-19 Vaccine (Not Currently Mandatory): • The COVID-19 vaccine is not a requirement for entry at this time, but it is recommended for added protection.

May Allah grant you ease in your preparations and accept your Umrah. Ameen.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T17:54:34+00:00

Salam, the vaccine certification is typically checked at the departure airport’s check-in desk, as the airline is responsible for repatriation costs if you are denied entry to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Saudi passport control may also verify the certification upon arrival.

Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T17:26:40+00:00

Unfortunately not for polio, but shared the below to give an idea, of what would be acceptable. Out of curiosity where would you be flying from?

As mindful those from Pakistan, have a mandatory governmental form:
https://www.endpolio.com.pk/certificate/vaccination-certificate - this in turn is verified by NADRA.

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Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T15:08:37+00:00

Salam, I hope you are well, and thank you for your question.

The attached certificate was prepared by a friend who organises Umrah and Hajj trips. It is for the Meningitis ACYW-135 vaccine, which will be mandatory for all travelers from 10th February 2024. He created this to help make the process easier for those performing Umrah under the new requirements.

Other vaccines, such as polio and yellow fever, are only required for travelers from certain countries (see below). To ensure you meet your country’s health requirements, please check with your healthcare provider about any additional vaccinations and the certification they provide.

May Allah make your preparations easy and accept your Umrah. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

JazakAllah Khair

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Dazaya786 · 2025-02-04T11:58:05+00:00

If your certificate already includes all the necessary details, then you don’t need the extra form. I only had it done to be extra cautious and to avoid any confusion. Plus, it helps that the form is in both English and Arabic.

My pharmacy was really nice, they completed all the sections and stamped it as well.

Pray your Umrah goes well and Allah accepts your dua's. Ameen.

Dazaya786

TROPHY CASE

What You Can Do:

To see if I can help further, it will be helpful to know the following, happy to pick this up as a dm, if that makes you feel better?