The historic Al-Aqsa Mosque, nestled within the ancient limestone walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, remains one of the most revered sanctuaries in the Islamic world. For many Indonesian Muslims, the opportunity to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia is frequently paired with a journey to this third holiest site in Islam, a travel configuration commonly referred to as "Umrah Plus." However, the logistical reality of visiting a site located in a territory under complex geopolitical control requires meticulous planning, particularly regarding the specialized visa processes mandated by Israeli authorities. Recent insights from industry experts highlight that the window for preparation is significantly longer than a standard holiday, demanding a strategic approach to documentation and timing to ensure a seamless spiritual experience.
The Spiritual and Historical Significance of the Al-Aqsa Compound
To understand the high demand for "Umrah Plus Al-Aqsa" packages, one must look at the religious weight the site carries. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is not merely a building but part of a 35-acre compound known as Al-Haram ash-Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary). It is the site where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have been transported during the Night Journey (Isra’ and Mi’raj) and served as the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before it was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca.
The imagery of the Dome of the Rock reflecting in rainwater during a cold Friday prayer session underscores the enduring devotion of the faithful who brave the elements to worship at this site. For Indonesian pilgrims, who travel thousands of miles, the chance to pray at Al-Aqsa—following the Hadith that encourages visiting the three mosques: Al-Haram in Mecca, Al-Nabawi in Medina, and Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem—is often a once-in-a-lifetime aspiration. This spiritual motivation, however, must be balanced with the pragmatic realities of international travel in a sensitive region.
The 40-Day Visa Mandate: Insights from Industry Experts
Syam Resfiadi Amirysah, the Managing Director of Patuna Syam Resfiadi, a prominent travel agency specializing in religious tours, emphasizes that the primary hurdle for Indonesian pilgrims is the visa acquisition process. Speaking on the complexities of the journey, Amirysah noted that because Indonesia does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Israel, the process for obtaining entry permits is distinct from standard tourist visas.
The "manifest visa" system is the primary vehicle for these visits. According to Amirysah, the processing time for this visa is strictly 40 working days. This timeline does not include weekends or public holidays, making the actual duration closer to two full months. "If a pilgrim intends to continue their Umrah journey to Al-Aqsa, they must register and submit their data at least two months prior to the departure date," Amirysah stated. This lead time is essential for the travel agency to compile the necessary manifests and coordinate with partners in neighboring countries like Jordan or Egypt, who act as the administrative intermediaries for these applications.
Technical Requirements and Documentation
The documentation required for an Al-Aqsa entry permit is more intrusive than many other international travel permits. Beyond a high-quality scan of a passport that must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel, the Israeli authorities require detailed personal data. This includes:
- Parental Information: The names of the traveler’s father and mother are mandatory fields. This is often used for security vetting and genealogical cross-referencing.
- Contact Details: Current phone numbers and residential addresses.
- Group Manifests: Unlike individual visas, pilgrims to Al-Aqsa usually travel on a group manifest. If one person in the group is flagged or delayed, it can occasionally impact the processing time for the entire cohort.
- Transit Coordination: Since Indonesia does not have an Israeli embassy, the manifest is typically sent through travel partners in Amman, Jordan, or Cairo, Egypt. These partners then submit the documents to the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Amirysah advises that pilgrims should not wait until the last minute. "The process is truly 40 days. If you are scheduled to depart on the 10th of a month, you should ideally have confirmation by the 5th or 7th. It is better to submit the manifest two to three days before the 40-day countdown begins to allow for administrative buffers," he explained.
Chronology of a Typical Umrah Plus Al-Aqsa Itinerary
A standard "Umrah Plus" journey typically spans 12 to 15 days, divided between the holy cities of Saudi Arabia and the historic sites of the Levant. The chronology generally follows this pattern:
- Phase 1: Preparation (60 Days Before Departure): The pilgrim selects a licensed travel provider and submits all personal documentation and the initial deposit. The agency begins the 40-day manifest visa process through regional partners.
- Phase 2: Umrah Rituals (Days 1-7): The journey usually begins in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims fly to Medina to visit the Prophet’s Mosque, then proceed to Mecca to perform the Umrah rituals (Tawaf and Sa’i).
- Phase 3: Transit to Jordan (Day 8): After completing the religious obligations in Mecca and Medina, the group flies to Amman, Jordan. This serves as the gateway to the West Bank.
- Phase 4: Border Crossing (Day 9): The group travels by bus to the Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) crossing. This is a critical juncture where the pre-approved manifest is checked against physical passports. This process can take several hours depending on the security climate.
- Phase 5: Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa (Days 10-12): Upon successful entry, pilgrims spend several days in Jerusalem. The itinerary includes multiple prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, visits to the Dome of the Rock, the Qibli Mosque, and other historical sites like the Mount of Olives and the Tomb of Salman Al-Farisi.
- Phase 6: Return (Day 13-14): The group returns to Jordan for a final day of sightseeing (often including the Dead Sea or Petra) before flying back to Indonesia.
Geopolitical Context and Safety Considerations
The feasibility of these trips is heavily influenced by the prevailing political climate in the Middle East. While religious tourism is a significant economic driver for the region, security remains the top priority for the authorities managing the borders. Indonesian citizens, coming from the world’s most populous Muslim nation, are generally welcomed as tourists, but they are subject to the same stringent security screenings as other international visitors.
The "manifest visa" is essentially a paper permit that is not usually stamped into the passport, which is a strategic move to help travelers avoid potential issues when visiting other countries that do not recognize Israel. However, the unpredictability of border closures or sudden changes in entry requirements means that travel agencies must remain in constant communication with ground operators in Jerusalem.
Economic Impact and Market Trends in Indonesia
The market for Umrah Plus packages has seen a significant post-pandemic surge. Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs suggests that as Umrah numbers return to pre-2020 levels (exceeding one million pilgrims annually), the percentage of those opting for "Plus" packages—including Turkey, Jordan, and Palestine—is rising.
The "Umrah Plus Al-Aqsa" package is generally positioned as a premium offering. While a standard Umrah might cost between 25 million to 35 million IDR, the addition of the Jerusalem leg can push the price to 45 million or 60 million IDR, depending on the duration and hotel quality. Despite the higher cost and the administrative burden of the 40-day visa process, the spiritual "completeness" of visiting the three mosques continues to drive demand.
Implications for Travelers and Travel Agencies
For the traveler, the primary implication of these requirements is the need for extreme patience and early decision-making. The "last-minute" travel culture that has become popular with digital booking platforms does not apply to Al-Aqsa pilgrimages. A failure to provide accurate data or a delay in registration can lead to the denial of entry, which often results in financial losses as flights and hotels in Jerusalem are usually non-refundable.
For travel agencies, the 40-day rule necessitates a high level of operational discipline. Agencies must act as both spiritual guides and administrative consultants. The role of the "rekan" or partner in Jordan and Egypt is crucial; these intermediaries are the ones who navigate the bureaucratic channels of the Israeli Ministry of Interior. A travel agency is only as reliable as its regional partners.
Conclusion: Navigating the Path to the Third Holy Site
Visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a journey that sits at the intersection of deep-seated faith and complex modern bureaucracy. The 40-day visa requirement serves as a reminder of the unique status of Jerusalem and the logistical hurdles that must be cleared to walk its ancient streets. As Syam Resfiadi Amirysah points out, the key to a successful pilgrimage is not just spiritual readiness, but administrative diligence. By respecting the two-month preparation window and ensuring all personal documentation is meticulous, Indonesian pilgrims can fulfill their dream of praying in the shadow of the Dome of the Rock, contributing to a tradition of pilgrimage that has endured for over a millennium. For those planning this sacred journey, the message is clear: start early, stay informed, and prepare for a process that is as much about patience as it is about prayer.
