Welcome to Perfect Umrah
Complete Requirements & Application Process for UK Residents
Planning to perform Umrah from the UK? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining an Umrah visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Whether you're considering an e-visa, tourist visa, or dedicated Umrah visa, we'll help you navigate the application process, understand visa types, and ensure your pilgrimage journey is smooth and hassle-free.
Saudi Arabia has revolutionized its visa system to welcome international visitors and pilgrims from around the world. For UK residents planning to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah, understanding the various visa types and application processes is crucial for a successful journey. The Kingdom offers multiple pathways to obtain a visa, including the innovative electronic visa waiver system and traditional visa applications through authorized agents.
This guide will walk you through every aspect of the Umrah visa application process, from understanding required documents and processing time to navigating visa fee structures and planning your visit to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. Whether you're a first-time pilgrim or returning for another spiritual journey, this information will ensure you have all the necessary knowledge to secure your visa and focus on your Umrah preparations.
Saudi Arabia offers several visa types that allow UK citizens to visit the Kingdom for religious purposes. Understanding these options will help you choose the most suitable visa for your Umrah journey and ensure compliance with immigration requirements.
The most popular option for UK pilgrims. This e-visa allows multiple entries and is valid for one year, permitting stays up to 90 days per visit. Perfect for those wanting to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Validity: 1 year, multiple entries
Duration: Up to 90 days per visit
Processing: 24-48 hours
Specifically designed for pilgrims who wish to perform Umrah. This visa type is issued through authorized agents and is typically valid for shorter durations focused on the pilgrimage period.
Validity: 15-30 days typically
Purpose: Umrah only
Processing: 3-5 business days
A streamlined option for UK nationals, the electronic visa waiver allows single entry and stay up to 6 months. Available for eligible countries including the UK.
Validity: 6 months single entry
Processing: Instant approval
Purpose: Tourism, Umrah
While tourist visa and Umrah visa options allow you to perform Umrah throughout the year, they do NOT permit you to perform Hajj. Hajj requires a separate visa - the Hajj visa - which is only issued during the official Hajj season and through authorized Hajj operators. Pilgrims attempting to perform Hajj on other visa types risk being deported from the Kingdom.
Applying for your Umrah visa as a UK resident is straightforward when you follow the correct procedures. The processing time varies depending on your chosen visa type, but most applications are completed within days rather than weeks.
Determine whether you need a tourist visa, dedicated Umrah visa, or electronic visa waiver based on your travel plans. Consider factors like duration of stay, multiple entries requirements, and whether you plan to visit Saudi Arabia for purposes beyond Umrah.
Gather all required documents including your passport (with minimum 6 months validity), photographs, vaccination certificates, and travel itinerary. Ensure all documents are valid and meet Saudi Arabia's specifications.
Submit your application through official channels - either the Saudi e-visa portal for tourist visa applications or through authorized agents for dedicated Umrah visa applications. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
Pay the applicable visa fee using accepted payment methods. The visa fee varies by visa type and typically includes mandatory health insurance coverage for your stay in Saudi Arabia.
Wait for your visa to be processed. Tourist visa applications typically take 24-48 hours, while dedicated Umrah visa applications may require 3-5 business days. Apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
Once approved, download and print your visa. Verify all details are correct, including name, passport number, validity dates, and entry permissions. Keep multiple copies for your travel.
While e-visa applications are processed quickly, it's recommended to apply at least 1-2 weeks in advance to allow for any unexpected delays or document requirements. This is especially important during peak Umrah seasons and Ramadan.
Proper documentation is essential for a successful visa application. The required documents may vary slightly depending on your chosen visa type and the application method you use.
| Document Type | Requirements | Tourist/E-Visa | Dedicated Umrah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Minimum 6 months validity from entry date | ||
| Photograph | Recent passport-size, white background | ||
| Travel Itinerary | Flight bookings and hotel reservations | ||
| Vaccination Certificate | Meningitis (ACWY) - mandatory | ||
| Health Insurance | Included in visa fee or separate policy | ||
| UK Residency Proof | For UK residents (non-citizens) |
Understanding the cost structure for your Umrah visa helps you budget effectively for your pilgrimage. The visa fee varies depending on the visa type and application method you choose.
SAR 535 (including insurance)
Varies by agent and duration
SAR 480 (on arrival)
Saudi Arabia has expanded its visa program to include numerous eligible countries, with the UK being a priority nation for both e-visa and electronic visa waiver programs. Understanding entry requirements helps ensure smooth arrival and processing.
Pilgrims holding Umrah visa or tourist visa can enter Saudi Arabia through these designated airports:
As one of the eligible countries, the UK enjoys several benefits:
All travelers must ensure their passport meets minimum requirements and that they carry all necessary documents. The ministry of interior reserves the right to refuse entry if requirements are not met.
Planning your Umrah journey requires understanding the annual Hajj season restrictions. During specific periods, Umrah services may be suspended to accommodate Hajj pilgrims, and different visa rules apply.
Umrah can be performed year-round except during the official Hajj period:
During Hajj season (typically 6-8 weeks):
For the best Umrah experience, consider traveling during off-peak periods when crowds are smaller and services are more readily available. The ministry provides regular updates on Umrah availability and any temporary restrictions through official channels.
| Period | Umrah Status | Crowd Level | Visa Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramadan | Available | Very High | All types |
| Post-Ramadan | Available | Moderate | All types |
| Hajj Season | Suspended | Hajj only | Hajj visa only |
| Off-Peak | Available | Low | All types |
Successful Umrah preparation extends beyond securing your visa. These essential tips will help ensure your pilgrimage journey to Saudi Arabia is smooth, meaningful, and hassle-free.
British Embassy Riyadh:
+966 11 481 9100
consular.riyadh@fcdo.gov.uk
Emergency Services (Saudi):
Police: 999
Medical: 997
Yes, UK residents can use a tourist visa or e-visa to perform Umrah throughout the year, except during the official Hajj season. The tourist visa offers flexibility with multiple entries and longer validity periods.
E-visa applications typically have a processing time of 24-48 hours, while dedicated Umrah visa applications through agents may take 3-5 business days. Apply well in advance to avoid any delays.
Yes, the tourist visa and e-visa allow multiple entries within the validity period. You can visit Saudi Arabia several times for Umrah or other permitted activities, with each stay limited to 90 days.
Umrah visa or tourist visa allows you to perform Umrah year-round but not Hajj. Hajj visa is a separate visa type only available during Hajj season through authorized operators. Attempting to perform Hajj on other visa types can result in deportation.
Yes, hotel reservations in Saudi Arabia are typically required as part of your application. You should have confirmed bookings for your accommodation in Makkah, Medina, or other cities you plan to visit.
Yes, UK nationals can use the electronic visa waiver for single entry visits up to 6 months. This option is available for UK passport holders and can be obtained upon arrival or through the online system.
Ready to embark on your spiritual journey? Perfect Umrah is here to guide you every step of the way.
This guide provides general information about Umrah visa requirements. For personalized assistance and the most current information, please contact Perfect Umrah or consult official Saudi Arabia government sources.
0207 183 5330
