Umrah Visa Guide for UK Muslims 2026
Everything you need to know about the Umrah visa — types, eligibility, documents, costs, vaccination rules and how to apply — explained clearly for UK residents.
What is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is an entry permit issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia specifically for pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah — the non-mandatory Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of year and does not have a fixed quota per country, making it accessible throughout 2026.
The Umrah visa is a single-entry visa, typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. It permits the holder to enter Saudi Arabia solely for the purpose of performing Umrah and does not permit employment, business, or tourism activities.
Types of Umrah Visa Available to UK Residents
e-Visa (Tourist / Umrah)
Saudi Arabia's online e-Visa system allows UK passport holders to apply directly via visa.visitsaudi.com. Covers both tourism and Umrah. Issued within minutes in most cases. Costs around SAR 300 (approx. £65). Valid 1 year, multiple entry, 90-day stay per visit.
Package Umrah Visa
Issued through an authorised Saudi Umrah operator or approved travel agent as part of a full package (flights + hotel + visa). This is the traditional route used by most UK pilgrims and is the type included in all our packages.
Ramadan Umrah Visa
Standard Umrah visa issued for travel during Ramadan. Due to very high demand, early booking is essential — visa slots can fill months in advance. Processing times may be longer during this period.
Group Visa
For organised groups of 10 or more pilgrims travelling together. Processed through an approved operator. Offers some logistical advantages for coordination of flights and accommodation.
Who is Eligible for an Umrah Visa?
Any Muslim who is a UK national or UK resident can apply for an Umrah visa, subject to the following Saudi government rules:
- Must be a practising Muslim (Saudi authorities may ask for evidence of faith on arrival in rare cases)
- Non-Muslim passport holders are not eligible for an Umrah visa
- Non-British nationals residing in the UK must hold a valid UK visa or BRP with sufficient remaining validity
- Women of all ages may now perform Umrah without a Mahram (male guardian), provided they travel as part of an organised group — a rule change introduced by Saudi authorities in recent years
- Children must have their own passport and their own individual visa
- There is no age restriction — infants, the elderly, and those with disabilities may all apply
Documents Required for an Umrah Visa (UK Applicants)
The following documents are required by Saudi authorities for all Umrah visa applications from the UK. Ensure everything is in order before applying to avoid delays.
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date. Minimum 2 blank visa pages required. Name must match booking exactly.
Meningitis ACWY Vaccination Certificate
Mandatory for all pilgrims. You must have received the ACWY meningococcal vaccine at least 10 days before travel. Available at most UK travel clinics and participating pharmacies. Free on NHS in some areas.
Confirmed Return Flights
A confirmed outbound and return flight booking to Saudi Arabia (Jeddah JED or Madinah MED). Open-jaw tickets are acceptable. Must show your full name as on your passport.
Hotel Accommodation Confirmation
Confirmed hotel booking in Makkah for the duration of your stay. The hotel must be in Makkah; stays in Madinah alone do not satisfy this requirement.
Passport Photograph
Recent colour photo (within last 6 months), plain white background, 35mm × 45mm, full face clearly visible, no glasses. Identical spec to a UK passport photo.
UK Residency Proof (non-British nationals only)
If you hold a non-British passport, you must provide your valid UK visa or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The document must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date.
Health Declaration (if applicable)
Saudi authorities occasionally require health declarations — particularly during or after major health events. Requirements can change; check the latest Saudi Ministry of Hajj guidance before applying.
Marriage Certificate (for couples)
Married couples sharing a room may be asked to provide proof of marriage. A certified English translation is recommended if your certificate is not in English or Arabic.
Umrah Visa Costs 2026
Visa fees vary depending on the route you choose:
| Visa Route | Government Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi e-Visa (online direct) | ~SAR 300 (approx. £65) | Paid directly to Saudi government. Tourist/Umrah combined. |
| Package visa (via travel agent) | Often included in package price | Agent handles processing. Government fees may be included or charged separately — always confirm. |
| Group visa (10+ pilgrims) | Varies — confirm with operator | Typically processed in bulk by the operator. |
Fees are set by the Saudi government and subject to change. Always verify the current fee on the official Saudi visa portal before applying.
Umrah Visa Processing Times
Processing times depend on the route and season:
- Saudi e-Visa (online): Usually issued within minutes to a few hours for UK passport holders
- Package visa via approved agent: Typically 5–10 working days once all documents are submitted
- Ramadan / peak season: Allow 4–6 weeks — processing slows significantly during high-demand periods
- General recommendation: Apply at least 4 weeks before your departure date regardless of route
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK
Route 1: Apply Directly via Saudi e-Visa Portal
Visit visa.visitsaudi.com, create an account, complete the application form, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the government fee online. Suitable for independent travellers who have already arranged their own flights and accommodation.
Route 2: Apply Through an ATOL-Protected Travel Agent
Book a full Umrah package (flights + hotel + visa) through an authorised UK travel agent. The agent handles the visa application on your behalf as part of the package. This is the most common route for UK pilgrims and removes the complexity of self-application.
Route 3: Apply Through a Saudi Umrah Operator
Saudi-licensed Umrah operators (Mutawwif companies) can sponsor Umrah visas directly. UK agents typically work with these operators. This route is mainly used for large group bookings or specialist pilgrimage programmes.
Check Your Visa Before Travel
Once issued, verify your visa details carefully — name spelling, passport number, travel dates, and visa type. Errors must be corrected before travel. Keep a printed copy in addition to the digital version.
Common Reasons Umrah Visa Applications Are Delayed or Refused
Understanding the most common mistakes helps you avoid unnecessary delays:
- Passport valid for less than 6 months from departure date
- Missing or expired meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate
- Name on booking does not exactly match passport
- Passport photograph does not meet Saudi specifications (wrong size, coloured background, glasses)
- Non-British passport holders not providing valid UK visa or BRP
- Applying too close to departure — insufficient processing time
- Hotel booking not in Makkah (stays only in Madinah are insufficient)
- Incomplete or unsigned application form
Frequently Asked Questions — Umrah Visa
Yes. All travellers, including British citizens, require a valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia. For Umrah, you need either the Saudi e-Visa (which covers tourism and Umrah) or a dedicated Umrah package visa issued through an authorised travel agent.
Yes. UK residents can apply independently through the Saudi government's e-Visa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com. You will need confirmed flights and hotel accommodation before applying. However, many pilgrims prefer using a package as it simplifies the entire process.
Yes. Saudi Arabia updated its rules and women of all ages can now perform Umrah without a Mahram (male guardian), provided they travel as part of an organised group. Solo female travel for Umrah is not permitted — you must be part of an official group.
The Saudi e-Visa covers both tourism and Umrah in a single document. A dedicated package Umrah visa is a separate type issued through authorised operators. Both allow Umrah; the e-Visa additionally allows general tourism throughout Saudi Arabia.
Umrah visas are typically issued for 30 days and extensions are not normally granted. If you wish to stay longer, you would need to leave Saudi Arabia and re-enter on a different visa type. Plan your itinerary carefully within the 30-day window.
The meningitis ACWY vaccine is mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims. You must have received it at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate. Additional recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and flu — particularly for elderly pilgrims or those with health conditions. Consult your GP or a travel clinic.
If applying via the Saudi e-Visa portal directly, the government fee is approximately SAR 300 (around £65). If you book through a travel agent, the visa cost may be included in your package price or charged separately — always confirm in writing before booking.
An Umrah visa permits the lesser pilgrimage, which can be performed year-round except during the Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah 8–13). A Hajj visa is a separate, quota-controlled visa issued only for the annual Hajj pilgrimage during Dhul Hijjah. You cannot perform Hajj on an Umrah visa.
Need help with your Umrah visa application? Our Umrah Visa UK Application Assistance service handles the entire process for UK residents — document review, submission, tracking and 24/7 support. Or browse our Umrah packages from London which include visa assistance as standard.
Ready to Plan Your Umrah?
Browse our 2026/2027 packages from London, Manchester and Birmingham — all include visa assistance.