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Read latest news, guides and necessities about Hajj and Umrah.
Performing Umrah is one of the most spiritually uplifting experiences in a Muslim’s life. For pilgrims traveling from the UK, the journey begins with an important step — obtaining the Umrah visa. Understanding the application process, required documents, and eligibility criteria helps ensure a smooth, stress-free start to this sacred journey.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has simplified the Umrah visa process, making it easier for UK citizens and residents to apply online through official platforms. Pilgrims now have multiple options, including the dedicated Umrah visa and the Saudi tourist e-visa, both of which allow entry for Umrah outside the Hajj season.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for an Umrah visa from the UK, the documents you’ll need, the current visa costs, and practical tips to make the process easier.
While LoveUmrah.com focuses on helping pilgrims find and book verified hotels in Makkah and Madinah with transparent pricing, this guide aims to help you understand the official visa process so you can plan your entire Umrah journey with confidence and peace of mind.
Before applying for your Umrah visa, it’s important to understand the different visa options available for UK pilgrims. Saudi Arabia now offers more flexibility than ever, allowing visitors to perform Umrah through multiple visa types depending on their travel needs and preferences.
Here’s a clear overview of the main visa categories:
The Umrah Visa is specifically issued for performing Umrah. It’s arranged through licensed Saudi-approved travel facilitators. This visa grants entry to the holy cities of Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah for a limited duration.
Key details:
Valid for up to 30 days
Allows travel between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah only
Requires proof of return flight and hotel accommodation
Typically processed within 24 to 72 hours through authorized portals
This visa is ideal for those who want a focused pilgrimage trip without combining tourism or extended travel in Saudi Arabia.
Introduced under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, the Tourist e-Visa offers UK citizens a simple and flexible way to visit the country — including performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Key details:
Valid for one year with multiple entries
Stay up to 90 days per visit
Apply directly online through the official Saudi e-Visa portal
Includes mandatory travel insurance
This option is ideal for pilgrims who wish to combine Umrah with exploring other cities such as Riyadh, Taif, or Al-Ula.
If you’re flying through Saudi Arabia, you can also apply for a Transit Visa, allowing a short stay to perform Umrah during your layover.
Key details:
Valid for up to 96 hours (4 days)
Must be applied for through the airline when booking the ticket
Ideal for travelers making a stopover in Jeddah or Madinah
While it’s not suitable for a full pilgrimage, it provides an opportunity for those passing through Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah during a brief visit.
Your choice depends on how long you plan to stay and whether you want to include sightseeing or tourism in your journey. For most UK pilgrims, the tourist e-visa offers the best flexibility and ease of application.
Once your visa is approved, you can easily find verified hotels near Haram in Makkah and Madinah through trusted online platforms like LoveUmrah.com — ensuring your accommodation is secure and convenient for your stay.
Before starting your application, make sure you meet all the Umrah visa requirements set by the Saudi authorities. Having the right documents prepared in advance will make your application process smoother and help prevent unnecessary delays.
Whether you apply for a dedicated Umrah visa or a Saudi tourist e-visa, most of the core requirements remain the same. Here’s what UK citizens and residents will need to apply successfully:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of travel. Make sure it has two blank pages available for visa stamping if required.
You’ll need one or two recent colour photographs with a white background. These are typically required if you’re applying through a licensed facilitator or uploading your details online.
Applicants are required to show confirmed return flight tickets and proof of accommodation for their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Platforms like LoveUmrah.com make it easy for UK pilgrims to book verified hotels in Makkah and Madinah, providing official booking confirmations that can be attached to your visa application.
Certain vaccinations are mandatory to ensure the safety of all pilgrims:
Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine — required for all travelers.
Seasonal influenza vaccine — strongly recommended.
COVID-19 vaccine — if still required under current health guidelines.
Make sure you carry a valid NHS vaccination certificate or equivalent proof when traveling.
Although travel insurance is often included with the Saudi tourist e-visa, it’s still recommended to have comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, lost luggage, and travel delays.
If you’re applying with family members, especially if surnames differ, you may be asked to provide proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.
Applicants must complete the online visa form and pay the required fee (usually £100–£150 depending on visa type). Ensure that all details — including passport number and travel dates — are accurate before submission.
The process of applying for an Umrah visa from the UK has become much simpler in recent years. Whether you choose a dedicated Umrah visa or the Saudi tourist e-visa, the entire process can be completed online with minimal hassle. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you apply correctly and confidently.
Start by deciding whether you want to apply for a Dedicated Umrah Visa (via an approved facilitator) or a Saudi Tourist e-Visa.
If you prefer a focused religious trip, the Umrah visa is ideal.
If you’d like to combine Umrah with sightseeing or multiple visits, go for the tourist e-visa.
Your choice will determine where and how you apply.
Before applying, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready:
A valid UK passport (minimum six months validity)
Passport-size photo
Proof of confirmed flights and hotel bookings
Vaccination certificates (ACWY and others if required)
Travel insurance (recommended)
Platforms like LoveUmrah.com can help you secure verified hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah — documentation often required when submitting your visa application.
For most applicants, the Saudi eVisa Portal (https://visa.visitsaudi.com) is the easiest and most reliable way to apply.
Complete the online form with accurate personal details.
Upload your required documents and photo.
Review all information before submission.
If you’re applying for a dedicated Umrah visa, your facilitator will handle this process on your behalf.
After filling out the form, proceed to payment.
The tourist e-visa fee is around £117, including mandatory health insurance.
The dedicated Umrah visa costs between £100 and £150, depending on service provider charges.
Keep a copy of your payment confirmation for reference.
Once your application is submitted, it usually takes 24 to 72 hours for the visa to be processed. You’ll receive your visa electronically via email.
Print a copy and keep a digital version handy for airport check-in.
Before traveling, confirm that your visa details match your passport information, including:
Name and passport number
Visa type and duration
Validity dates
Report any errors immediately through the official visa portal or your facilitator.
Once your visa is approved, you can proceed to confirm your flights and hotel stays.
Having pre-booked accommodation through trusted platforms ensures you meet Saudi entry requirements and have a smooth check-in experience upon arrival.
Understanding the Umrah visa cost helps you plan your pilgrimage budget more effectively. While the total expense varies slightly depending on the visa type and season, the good news is that the process is affordable and accessible for UK residents.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved for 2025:
If you choose a dedicated Umrah visa, the fee typically ranges between £100 and £150 per person.
This cost covers:
Visa processing
Administrative charges
Basic travel documentation
Note that some facilitators may include small service fees for handling your application, but these vary depending on the provider.
The Saudi Tourist e-Visa, which allows you to perform Umrah (outside the Hajj season), costs approximately £117.
This fee includes:
Visa charges
Mandatory health insurance (as required by Saudi authorities)
The tourist visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing you to visit Saudi Arabia several times within its validity period.
While the visa is just one part of your Umrah expense, you should also plan for other essential costs such as:
Flights: £500–£700 (round trip from UK)
Hotels: £400–£800 (depending on category and duration)
Local Transfers: £50–£100
Meals & Miscellaneous: £100–£200
Having these estimates in mind will help you prepare a complete Umrah budget before you begin your journey.
Applying for an Umrah visa is usually straightforward, but paying attention to a few key details can help you avoid delays or rejections. Whether you’re applying through the Saudi e-visa portal or a licensed facilitator, following these simple tips will make the process smoother and stress-free.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned date of travel. Make sure the information matches exactly with your visa application — even small discrepancies can delay approval.
Before starting your visa application, ensure all your documents — including flight bookings, accommodation proof, and vaccination certificates — are accurate and up to date.
If you’re booking your stay online, platforms like LoveUmrah.com provide instant hotel confirmation receipts in Makkah and Madinah, which you can attach to your application as proof of accommodation.
The Saudi government mandates certain vaccinations for all Umrah pilgrims:
Meningococcal (ACWY) — mandatory
Seasonal flu vaccine — recommended
COVID-19 vaccine — if required under current travel guidelines
Book your vaccination appointments early and carry your NHS vaccination certificate or equivalent proof.
The time of year can greatly affect your travel experience and costs.
Peak Season: Ramadan and school holidays — higher demand and prices.
Off-Peak Season: January to March, September to November — fewer crowds and more affordable flights and hotels.
Planning your Umrah during the off-season can reduce both stress and expense.
Although most visas are processed within 24–72 hours, it’s wise to apply two to three weeks before your intended travel date. This ensures time for any corrections, additional documentation, or unexpected delays.
Only apply through official channels or recognized facilitators listed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Avoid offers that seem “too good to be true.” If you’re managing your own arrangements, always book accommodation through verified online platforms that display transparent prices and authentic reviews.
Print or store digital copies of your visa, passport, flight tickets, hotel bookings, and vaccination proof. Having them handy makes airport formalities and immigration checks much easier.
Performing Umrah is one of the most cherished journeys in a Muslim’s life — a time to seek peace, reflection, and closeness to Allah. For UK pilgrims, the process of applying for an Umrah visa has become more accessible and straightforward than ever before.
Whether you choose to apply through the official Saudi e-visa portal or via an approved facilitator, preparation is key. Ensuring your passport validity, vaccination documents, and accommodation confirmations are in order will make your journey seamless from the very beginning.
Planning your stay in advance is equally important. Securing a verified hotel booking in Makkah and Madinah allows you to focus fully on worship without worrying about logistics or last-minute arrangements. Trusted online platforms such as LoveUmrah.com make it simple for pilgrims to find reliable hotels with transparent pricing and instant booking confirmation — helping you plan with confidence.
Your Umrah journey is not just a trip; it’s a spiritual milestone. With the right preparation, authentic information, and peace of mind about your travel arrangements, you can begin your pilgrimage feeling fully prepared — spiritually and practically.
✨ May your Umrah be accepted and your journey be filled with ease and blessings.