Complete Guide to Umrah Visa from the UK

Having concerns about getting a Saudi Umrah visa from the UK but are not sure about the requirements? Or is it the cost of a visa for Umrah from the UK bothering you? Regardless of your age, gender, or nationality, all pilgrims need an Umrah visa to fulfill their spiritual dreams.

The immigration authorities of Saudi Arabia have revised their rules to restrict free entry into the country. With that intention, an Umrah visa UK is a must-have document to obtain before entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

So, if you have a UK passport and are unsure of how you can get an Umrah visa from the UK you have come to the right place. We can help!

Types of Saudi Visas for Umrah

In the first place, all UK citizens are bound to apply for a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. As explained, it is mandatory to acquire this document before entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Now, the next question for you to figure out is: how many types of Umrah visas are available to travel to the KSA from the UK?

Let’s provide you with a simple answer. There are TWO types of visas you can apply for to enter the KSA as a tourist.

• A tourist e-Visa
• Or an online Umrah-specific visa

Also, to put it straightforwardly, Saudi Arabian authorities offer two types of visas for pilgrims from the UK.  Either you can get a dedicated Umrah visa or acquire an online tourist visa. However, a tourist visa cannot provide you with perks and benefits to perform a comfortable Umrah. Conversely, it is more convenient to apply for a tourist visa instead of the latter option.

More Details about Saudi Tourist Visa

When you apply for a Saudi Umrah visa from the UK, it is the best option to perform an Umrah. However, a tourist visa of Saudi Arabia is a similar document. The only difference is that a tourist visa allows UK citizens to attend events, meet family members, or just promote tourism.

A tourist visa also allows you to enter Mecca and Medina as a foreign visitor. You can visit holy cities and sites in Jeddah and Mecca. However, only Muslim tourists can visit the holy Mecca. Besides, you cannot perform Hajj by acquiring a tourist visa.

Also, with a tourist visa, you are not permitted to take admission to a course in a Saudi Institution. Nor you can apply for a full-time job in Saudi Arabia with this type of document.

How is the Umrah Visa Different from the Saudi Tourist Visa?

Of course, the is no reason to worry about getting an Umrah visa UK. The government side from a tourist visa, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allows you to get an Umrah-specific visa. For example, a multiple-entry visa is useful for anyone who wants to perform an Umrah and visit the country for leisure purposes. Whereas, a single-entry Umrah visa is only beneficial for performing an Umrah. Moreover, there are several different conditions for each type of visa for UK-based visitors.

First, pilgrims from the UK and almost 50 countries can visit the KSA with religious intentions. Second, pilgrims from anywhere in the world can apply for an Umrah-specific visa and visit holy cities.

So, the eligibility requirement for an Umrah-specific visa is slightly different from other visa types. Let us explore it in detail.

Umrah Visa Requirements for Citizens of the UK

Ofcourse, you need to fulfil all the requirement such as traveling with female, passport requirements, and visa documents. But first, let us  discuss some COVID-19 or vaccination rules to acquire an Umrah visa from the UK.

COVID-19 Requirements

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made requirements easy for pilgrims. So, as per new 2023 rules, there are no more special requirements to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, you’re not required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test.

In fact, there is one rule that is applicable to all pilgrims regardless of their nationality. You need medical insurance to help you avoid any medical emergencies. So, in case you suffer from a major illness or undergo COVID-19 treatment, you can benefit from medical insurance at hospitals and clinics.

 Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

If you already possess a valid passport, you’ll need six months of validity from the date you arrive in the KSA. You should check with your travel agent or consultant to understand passport validity rules. This will reduce confusion and embrace clarity.

Visas

If you have never traveled to the KSA from the UK, remember you need an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) to enter the country. Moreover, a tourist visa can be applied online conveniently. So, all Muslim travelers can participate in Umrah by getting a tourist visa. But, if you also aim to perform Hajj, you will require a Hajj-specific visa. That is out of the scope of this post.

But a separate visa is needed for Hajj. See separate guidance on the Umrah application process in the Pilgrimage section.

If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, medical treatment or to study, you can apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver. An EVW permits a single entry visit of up to six months. You can apply for an EVW through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visas portal. You must have a confirmed flight booking and apply for your EVW from 90 days to 48 hours prior to your trip. Tourist visas are valid for 360 days from the date of issue and can be used for visits of up to 90 days. A daily fine will be levied if you overstay your visa.

If you’re travelling for any other purpose, you should apply for a visa through visa agencies accredited to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. If you overstay your visa you will be fined and deported.

If you’re transiting through Saudi Arabia, you may need a transit visa if the connecting time between your flights is more than 12 hours. Once the ticket is issued, you should confirm with your airline or travel agency if you need a transit visa. You should be able to apply for a transit visa through your airline, travel agency or through an established agent via the visa section of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.