Umrah Visa from the UK
What is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is a visa issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to allow Muslims to enter the country to perform Umrah. Umrah is a pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah (Medina), and it is an important ritual for Muslims. The Umrah visa is essential for international Muslims who wish to undertake this religious journey and offers them legal entry into Saudi Arabia for a limited period.
The Umrah visa allows millions of Muslims from around the world to access the two holiest sites in Islam:
· Masjid Al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Makkah (Mecca), where the Kaaba is located.
· Masjid An-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Madinah, built by the prophet Muhammad and is his final resting place.
The Umrah visa is a dedicated visa for performing Umrah and is available to Muslims worldwide regardless of their nationality. It is typically valid for 90 days allowing a single entry from 30 to 90 days. The Umrah visa is only available for Muslims. Non-Muslims cannot enter Makkah and are not permitted to perform Umrah.
Unlike Hajj, which is performed during specific dates in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.
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Umrah Visa Options for UK Citizens
Visitors to Saudi Arabia have multiple visa options to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, including:
Saudi eVisa (Tourist Visa)
The Saudi electronic visa (eVisa), also known as the Saudi Tourist Visa, is a multiple-entry visa that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to Saudi Arabia for multiple purposes, including Umrah. The eVisa allows travel to all Saudi cities, including Makkah and Madinah. The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year and allows multiple visits to Saudi Arabia, as long as the total stay in Saudi Arabia does not exceed 90 days. It has a quick online application process and is ideal for travelers who want to combine Umrah with tourism or make multiple visits.
Umrah Visa
The Saudi Umrah Visa from the UK is a single-entry visa specifically for pilgrims traveling only for Umrah. It is issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs through approved Umrah travel agencies. The Umrah visa only permits travel to Makkah, Madinah, and select areas. It is recommended for pilgrims traveling on an Umrah package, those who only want to perform Umrah (without any other travel in Saudi Arabia), and those not eligible for the Saudi eVisa.
It may also be possible to perform Umrah using a different type of visa. For example:
- Employment Visa Individuals working in Saudi Arabia with a residency permit (Iqama) can perform Umrah freely.
- Family Visit Visa Holders of a Saudi family visit visa can perform Umrah if they are visiting relatives who live in Saudi Arabia.
- Transit Visa A 96-hour transit visa allows passengers on certain airlines with stopovers in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah if they meet entry requirements, such as entering through an approved airport and booking an Umrah permit.
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa vs. Umrah Visa: Key Differences
While both the Saudi Tourist eVisa and the Umrah Visa allow Muslims to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the Tourist visa is the most popular option for the following reasons:
- An easy online application process
- More flexibility for multiple visits
- The ability to explore Saudi Arabia
Below is a comparison of the two visa options.
| Feature | Tourist eVisa | Umrah Visa |
| Validity Period | One year | 90 days |
| Multiple Entry | Yes | No |
| Stay Duration | 90 days per visit | up to 90 days |
| Permits Umrah | Yes | Yes |
| Travel limitations | Allows travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia. | Restricted to Makkah, Madinah, and select areas. |
| Processing time | Usually within 24 to 72 hours | Approximately 5 business days |
| Eligibility | Citizens of 66 countries around the world | Muslims from any country |
Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for UK Citizens
UK citizens can easily perform Umrah using the Saudi Tourist Visa. This multiple-entry visa allows UK travelers to visit Saudi Arabia not only for Umrah but for other activities, including:
- Cultural and historical visits
- Leisure and Entertainment, e.g., attending festivals, concerts, and sports events
- Visiting family and friends
Compared to the traditional Umrah Visa, the eVisa is the quicker and more convenient option for travelers from the UK wishing to perform Umrah. The application process is fully online, with approvals typically issued within minutes to a couple of days. Additionally, it provides greater travel flexibility, as it allows multiple entries.
The Saudi eVisa permits a maximum stay of 90 days per stay, giving travelers enough time to complete their pilgrimage and explore the country. Given its longer validity, ease of application, and added travel benefits, the Saudi eVisa is a great choice for UK citizens looking to perform Umrah.
Required Documents for a Saudi eVisa Application
UK citizens must submit the following documents when applying for a Saudi eVisa.
Passport
A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamps.
Personal photograph
Applicants must submit a recent color passport photograph taken against a white background. The photo must be clear and high-quality.
Application form
A completed online application form where you must provide all the required information, including your contact information.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory travel health insurance, which is included automatically when applying for the eVisa. It covers medical emergencies during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa
The Saudi eVisa application can be completed online quickly and easily. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you apply successfully.
Step 1: Complete the application form
Visit our website to complete the online application form. You will be asked to provide:
- Your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, country of nationality, profession, and current address.
- Your passport details.
- Your email address and phone number.
- Your intended travel dates and purpose of visit (e.g., visiting family, leisure, or Umrah).
- A passport-style photo (a maximum of 5MB in JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or PDF format).
- Accommodation information in Saudi Arabia.
Step 2: Pay the visa fee
After completing the application form, proceed to the payment section. The Saudi eVisa costs US$ 199. Payments can be made using a debit or credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. Once the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email.
Step 3: Receive your approved visa
Once the payment is successful, your application will be reviewed by the Saudi authorities. You will receive an email notification with your approved visa attached as a PDF file. Once you receive your visa, you need to download and print a physical copy before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi eVisa Processing Time and Fees
The total cost of the Saudi eVisa is US$ 199. This fee includes the visa processing fees, our professional service fee, and mandatory travel health insurance, which is automatically included with the eVisa.
The application process is quick and straightforward. Most eVisa applications are approved instantly or within a few minutes, although in some cases it can take a couple of days.
Umrah Visa for UK Citizens
The Umrah visa from the UK is a special short-term travel permit issued by Saudi Arabia to allow Muslims from the UK to enter the country specifically to perform Umrah. Unlike the Saudi eVisa, which permits multiple entries and tourism, the Umrah visa is more restrictive and intended solely for the pilgrimage.
The Umrah visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Pilgrims can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days, giving them enough time to complete their Umrah pilgrimage and visit Makkah and Madinah. It is a single-entry visa, meaning once the traveler leaves Saudi Arabia, they cannot re-enter without applying for a new visa.
If you are applying for a Saudi visa for Umrah from the UK, it must be obtained through an authorized travel agency. While it remains a popular option for first-time pilgrims, many UK travelers prefer the Saudi eVisa due to its greater flexibility, easier application process, and multiple-entry benefits.
Umrah Visa Requirements
To apply for an Umrah visa from the UK, you must comply with the Umrah visa requirements from the UK. This includes submitting the correct documents as part of the application process:
Valid passport
Applicants must have a UK passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel. The passport must also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
Completed Umrah visa application form
You can apply for an Umrah visa from the UK, through an online Umrah visa application from the UK through an authorized Umrah visa service provider from the UK that offers their services online.
Recent passport-sized photograph
Applicants must submit a recent color passport photograph that meets all the criteria.
Proof of travel and accommodation
Applicants must provide confirmed flight bookings (e.g., return flights from London) and hotel reservations in Saudi Arabia, covering their entire stay.
Umrah Visa Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for an Umrah visa varies depending on the time of year and the travel agency handling the application. The typical processing time is 5-10 business days, although this can take longer during peak seasons (e.g., Ramadan or the months leading up to Hajj). It is, therefore, recommended to apply at least 2-4 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid last-minute delays.
The Umrah visa price from the UK varies depending on the travel agency and package chosen. Unlike the Saudi eVisa, which has a fixed fee, the Umrah visa fee from the UK varies as it is usually obtained through authorized travel agents as part of a package deal that includes flights, hotels, and transport.
Umrah Visa for UK Residents
UK permanent residents, depending on their nationality, may be eligible to apply for a Saudi eVisa and use it for Umrah. The Saudi eVisa is the best option for UK residents because it offers a faster, easier application process and allows for multiple entries, making it more convenient than the traditional Umrah visa. While UK passport holders can apply for the Saudi eVisa without restrictions, non-UK nationals living in the UK must meet specific conditions to qualify.
If you are a non-UK citizen but a UK resident, you will need to provide a valid UK residence permit (BRP) or visa that allows you to stay in the UK. Non-eligible passport holders may need to apply for a traditional Umrah visa through an authorized travel agent and pay the Umrah visa cost from the UK. The Umrah visa allows a single entry for 30 to 90 days and is valid for 90 days, but it comes with more restrictions and a longer processing time compared to the eVisa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for an Umrah Visa if my Tourist visa application is rejected?
The Tourist eVisa and the Umrah Visa are two different types of visas with different eligibility criteria. Even if your Tourist Visa application was rejected, you can still apply for an Umrah Visa.
Can women get an Umrah Visa from the UK on their own?
Yes, women can apply for an Umrah visa on their own. Women are no longer required to be accompanied by a Mahram (a close male relative, such as their husband, father, brother, uncle, or adult son) to perform Umrah. Women can now perform Umrah alone or with a close female relative or friend.
Can I use the Umrah Visa or the Tourist eVisa to perform Hajj?
No, neither the Umrah Visa nor the Tourist eVisa allows you to perform Hajj. If you wish to perform Hajj, you must apply for a separate Hajj visa from the UK. The Hajj visa has specific conditions and eligibility requirements and is typically only available during the Hajj season.
How many times can I enter Saudi Arabia with a Tourist eVisa?
Tourist eVisas are valid for multiple entries into Saudi Arabia, with no limits on how many times you can enter during the 365-day validity period. However, your total stay in Saudi Arabia during the validity period cannot exceed 90 days.