UK citizens can apply for a dedicated Umrah visa tailored for a single Umrah pilgrimage. An Umrah Visa is a specific type of visa issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Muslims who wish to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Umrah is a religious journey that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike the Hajj pilgrimage, which has specific dates.
However, the Saudi Arabian tourist e-visa is a more adaptable alternative. This e-visa permits Umrah (except during Hajj) and facilitates general tourism activities within Saudi Arabia. Here’s why the Tourist e-visa might be preferred:
- Convenience: Apply online from anywhere, bypassing the need for a separate Umrah visa application process.
- Multiple Entries: The e-visa allows multiple entries, enabling you to explore the country beyond your Umrah pilgrimage.
- Validity: The e-visa can remain valid for up to a year, offering greater flexibility for your trip than a single-entry Umrah visa.
The Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa offers fast and efficient entry into the country, accessible through an online application. If you’re planning a tourist visit to Saudi Arabia, apply conveniently with Visas for Future. We’re committed to guiding you throughout the e-visa application, addressing queries, and ensuring a seamless process. Once approved, your e-visa will be promptly delivered to your email.
What We’re Offer
If you’re a UK citizen intending to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, you may opt for a Saudi Arabia Tourist e-visa. Our visa processing service guarantees a quick process, and you will receive your visa and mandatory health insurance in your mailbox within three days.
- 90 days duration.1
- Multiple entries.1
- The fee of $214.82 covers both the government fee and the compulsory health insurance.
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Types of Umrah Visas
The Umrah Visa is issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia specifically for Muslims undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Here’s a discussion covering the different types of Umrah visas:
- Individual Umrah Visa:
- This visa is issued to individual pilgrims who wish to perform the Umrah pilgrimage independently.
- It allows the holder to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah rituals.
- Pilgrims must apply for this visa through authorized travel agencies, the Saudi embassy, or the consulate in their home country.
- Group Umrah Visa:
- The Group Umrah Visa is issued to pilgrims traveling together to perform Umrah.
- It is often facilitated by travel agencies who organize Umrah packages for groups of pilgrims.
- This visa allows groups to travel and perform Umrah together, providing a more organized and structured pilgrimage experience.
- Family Umrah Visa:
- This visa is designed for families with spouses, children, and other family members who wish to perform Umrah together.
- It allows families to travel and perform the pilgrimage as a unit, enhancing the spiritual journey through shared experiences.
- Transit Umrah Visa:
- The Transit Umrah Visa is issued to pilgrims who are transiting through Saudi Arabia on their way to another destination but wish to perform Umrah during their layover.
- It allows pilgrims to perform Umrah rituals within a limited time while in transit at a Saudi airport.
- Express Umrah Visa:
- The Express Umrah Visa is designed for pilgrims who require expedited processing of their Umrah visa application.
- It typically involves paying an additional fee for faster processing, allowing pilgrims to obtain their visas in a shorter period, sometimes within a few days.
- Business Umrah Visa:
- This type of visa is issued to individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia for business purposes but wishing to perform Umrah during their stay.
- It allows business travelers to combine their business trips with the spiritual journey of Umrah, provided they meet the necessary visa requirements for both purposes.
Alternatives:
- Tourist E-Visa: In some cases, pilgrims might consider using a tourist visa for Umrah. However, this can be risky due to potential restrictions:
- Limited Activities: Tourist visas might not explicitly permit Umrah rituals.
- ZamZam Water: Restrictions might exist on carrying ZamZam water out of the country with a tourist visa.
Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Validity
This visa is specifically for Umrah pilgrimages, and it lasts approximately 30 days. It allows for a single entry into Saudi Arabia during this period.
Eligibility Criteria for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for United Kingdom Citizens?
Here are the eligibility criteria for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for UK Citizens:
- UK Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from entering Saudi Arabia.
- Age Requirement: Meet the minimum age requirement (typically 18 years old).
- Religion: While not officially required documentation, you may be asked to demonstrate you are Muslim (check with visa agency or embassy for details).
- Meningitis Vaccination: Proof of vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis administered at least ten (10) days before travel is mandatory.
- Travel Health Insurance: While not required for the eVisa itself, it’s highly advisable to have travel health insurance with coverage for Saudi Arabia.
- Return Flight Ticket: You’ll need a confirmed return flight ticket out of Saudi Arabia.
- Modest Dress: When entering Saudi Arabia, be prepared to dress modestly (men: long trousers and shirt; women: loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs).
- Female Pilgrims: Depending on the situation, female pilgrims traveling without a mahram (male guardian) may require additional documentation, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
What are the Required Documents for Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa
The required documents for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa typically include:2
- Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months and have two empty visa pages adjacent.
- Passport Photo: Submit one recent passport-size color photograph with a white background showing a full-face view directly facing the camera.
- Completed Application Form: Please fill out the application form in black ink or print it out. It must be signed and stamped by the authorized travel agency.
- Mahram Information: If traveling with a Mahram, provide their complete information and copies of marriage or birth certificates. Documents issued outside the US should be translated and notarized.
- Women’s Travel Requirements: Women must travel for Umrah with a Mahram. Proof of kinship is required. Women over 45 may travel without a Mahram with a notarized no-objection letter from a husband, son, or brother.
- Roundtrip Ticket: Have a non-refundable roundtrip ticket with confirmed reservations.
- Vaccination Proof: Submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and other required vaccines, including flu vaccines for certain age groups.
- Minors’ Travel: Minors under 18 must travel with family and submit a notarized authorization letter if traveling with one parent.
- Conversion to Islam: Those who converted to Islam should provide a notarized Islamic certificate from an Islamic Center.
Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Fee
The application fee for an Umrah visa falls within the range of $380 to $490.
What is the Difference between a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa and a Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa?
| Features | Umrah Visa | Tourist E-Visa |
| Activities | Performing the Umrah pilgrimage | This is for sightseeing, shopping, dining, cultural events, family visits, leisure activities, and Umrah participation. |
| Eligibility | Exclusive to Muslims | Available for Non-Muslims |
| Duration | 30 days | 90 days |
| Number of Entries | Single entry | Multiple entries |
| Application | Through the embassy or travel agency | Apply online |
Advantages of Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa over the Umrah Visa
Advantages of the Saudi Arabia Tourist e-visa over the Umrah Visa include:
- Flexibility: The tourist e-visa allows for multiple entries, enabling travelers to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times within its validity period. In contrast, the Umrah Visa typically permits only a single entry.
- Duration: The tourist e-visa often has a longer validity period than the Umrah Visa, providing travelers more time to explore the country beyond their pilgrimage activities.
- Activities: While the Umrah Visa is primarily intended for pilgrimages, the tourist e-visa allows visitors to engage in various tourism activities, such as sightseeing, attending events, and exploring cultural attractions.
- Application Process: The process of obtaining a tourist e-visa is usually more straightforward and may not require additional documentation related to pilgrimage requirements, making it more convenient for travelers.
- Accessibility: The tourist e-visa may be available to a wider range of travelers, including non-Muslims, whereas the Umrah Visa is exclusively for Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage.
How to apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa for United Kingdom Citizens Online?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your Saudi Arabia E-Visa online through Visas for Future:
Step 1: Click the “Get Saudi Arabia EVisa Now” button.
Step 2: Complete the order form.
- Fill out the order form by providing this information:
- Name
- Phone number
- Country
- Nationality
- City and country of birth
- Profession
- Expected arrival and departure dates
- Billing Information:
- Billing address
- City
- Country
- State/province
- ZIP code
Step 3: Make the visa payment using a debit or credit card.
- Review your application details and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Fill in the intake forms accurately.
- Personal information
- Full name
- Gender
- Marital Status
- Date of birth
- Country/City of Birth
- Profession
- Passport Information
- Passport Type
- Passport Number
- Passport Country of Issuance
- Passport Issue Date
- Passport Expiry Date
- Additional travel information
- Purpose of Visit
- Current Residences Address
- Country of Residence
- City
- Zip code
- Address
- Residence Address in Saudi Arabia
- Where are you going to stay in Saudi Arabia?
- Primary Contact Number
Step 5: Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport biographical page (in JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP format).
Step 6: Submit your application.
- Carefully review your application once more before submission.
Step 7: Receive your e-visa.
- If approved, your e-visa will be sent to you via email within three days.
- Print the e-visa and ensure you carry it with you during your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need visas for Umrah?
Yes, UK citizens usually require a visa to undertake Umrah in Saudi Arabia. However, they have the option to obtain a Saudi Arabia Tourist e-visa online, which serves for both tourism and Umrah purposes (except during Hajj).
How much is a Saudi Umrah visa from the UK?
The cost of a Saudi Umrah visa from the UK can vary, typically ranging from approximately $380 to $490.
Who is eligible for an Umrah visa?
Eligibility for an Umrah visa primarily hinges on the applicant being a Muslim and satisfying specific criteria outlined by the Saudi authorities, including:
1. Possess a valid passport with at least six months validity from the entry date.
2. Being a Muslim.
3. Meeting the minimum age requirement (typically 18 years old).
4. Providing evidence of meningitis vaccination.
5. Travel health insurance is recommended, particularly for visas, upon arrival.
6. Female pilgrims may be required to demonstrate proof of a mahram relationship (male guardian).
Can you do Umrah without an Umrah visa?
No, you cannot perform Umrah without a visa or e-visa authorization to enter Saudi Arabia.
Which visa is best for Umrah?
The ideal visa choice for Umrah varies depending on your nationality and travel preferences. However, the Saudi Arabian tourist e-visa is the most convenient and beneficial option for numerous nationalities.
- The Official Website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2024). Saudi EVisa. Visitsaudi.com. Retrieved March 26, 2024. <https://visa.visitsaudi.com/> [↩] [↩]
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2019). Umrah Visa. Mofa.gov.sa. Retrieved March 26, 2024. <https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/usa/EN/CONSULARANDTRAVELSERVICES/VISAAPPLICATION/Pages/Umrah-Visa.aspx> [↩]
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Written by
Rosalie Santos 
Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for United Kingdom Citizens." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/saudi-arabia-umrah-visa-for-united-kingdom-citizens/. Accessed on 26 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for United Kingdom Citizens." Visas For Future. March 26, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/saudi-arabia-umrah-visa-for-united-kingdom-citizens/.