Saudi Umrah Visa for UK citizens

Updated on Jun 04, 2025 | Saudi e-Visa

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage (voluntary act of worship) to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, performed by Muslims only, anytime during the year (except during the Hajj days it is not allowed), with optional visits to Medina.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers the Umrah visa, a dedicated travel permit, specifically to Muslim travelers wishing to perform the pilgrimage to the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina.

It is distinct from Hajj (which occurs only during specific days of the Islamic calendar) and can be performed at any time of year, except during the Hajj period it is not allowed.

Important Points

Not valid for Hajj

Pilgrims cannot use the Umrah Visa during the Hajj period (i.e. approximately 15 days before and after the Hajj period), so make sure to visit before or after that period.

No work allowed

The Umrah visa is intended solely for religious purposes, under the Umrah visa, engaging in work or business ventures is not allowed.

Must exit before expiry

Extending your stay with the Umrah visa is punishable, you will have to pay fines, face deportation and bans from future entry.

Entry to Mecca and Medina only

With the Umrah Visa, you can visit only Mecca and Medina for Umrah.

Do UK citizens need a visa, specifically an Umrah visa?

As a citizen of the UK, you will need a visa, specially an Umrah visa, if you are visiting solely to perform Umrah. And if you want to visit other places in Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah as well you can apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa. Do know that Tourist eVisa allows only Muslims to perform Umrah.

Note:

  • Umrah visa and Tourist eVisa are not applicable during the Hajj season.
  • Those pilgrims who want to go for Hajj pilgrimage will have to apply for a separate Hajj visa.
  • Non-Muslims are not allowed for Umrah pilgrimage, it is important to know that

What is the essential Eligibility criteria for an Umrah Visa for UK citizens?

Umrah visa for UK citizens, to be eligible to apply the pilgrim needs to match certain criteria, only then their application will be accepted.

Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Umrah Visa

For Umrah visa UK citizens should fulfil the following criterias, otherwise you will not be eligible to apply.

Religious Requirement

  • Only Muslims are allowed to apply, no non-Muslims are allowed.
  • If you are someone who has converted to Islam you will be required to present a certificate of conversion to Islam, in case your name or appearance doesn't clearly indicate your religion.

Passport Validity

From the date you have intended to enter Saudi Arabia, it should have a validity of at least 6+ months.

Photograph

Recently clicked passport photo on a white plain background.

Vaccinations

  • Vaccine certificate of Meningitis, it should be taken at least 10 days before travel with a validity period of 3 years.
  • Polio vaccine and Yellow Fever vaccine, especially for pilgrims coming from high-risk countries.

Travel Insurance

Mandatory travel insurance coverage includes medical, emergency evacuation, etc.

Women Travelers

Women who are traveling with a mahram (male guardian) need to show proof of relationship, for example, a marriage certificate.

There are some restrictions for women travelers as they must be accompanied by a mahram (male guardian) unless, there is some relaxation if:

  • They are 45 years or older and are traveling in an organized group of women
  • It is mandatory for the women to show a notarized letter of no objection from your mahram if traveling without him.

Minors (who are under 18 years)

  • If under 18 years of age, it is compulsory for minors to travel with their parents or legal guardian, otherwise application may not be accepted.
  • Original birth certificate will be required
  • A no objection letter if traveling with a single parent.

Confirmed Booking

Show evidence of confirmed booked flights and hotel accommodation in Mecca and Medina, and not any other place.

Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Tourist eVisa (Used for Umrah)

For Saudi eVisa UK citizens should fulfil the following criterias, otherwise you will not be eligible to apply.

UK Nationality: UK citizens are also eligible to apply for Saudi eVisa (electronic visa), so those who want to visit other places in Saudi and perform Umrah as well, they can apply for this eVisa.

Purpose of Visit

  • Can be used for Tourism and Umrah only, Hajj is not permitted with a tourist eVisa.
  • Know that during the official Hajj season, you are not allowed to perform Umrah.

Passport Validity: From the date you have intended to enter Saudi Arabia, it should have a validity of at least 6+ months.

Vaccination: Same as above

  • Vaccine certificate of Meningitis, it should be taken at least 10 days before travel with a validity period of 3 years.
  • Polio vaccine and Yellow Fever vaccine, especially for pilgrims coming from high-risk countries.

Insurance:

  • Must be included in the eVisa application. Mandatory travel insurance coverage that includes medical, emergency evacuation etc.

Return Ticket & Accommodation:

  • Compulsory to have proof of booked return flight tickets and accommodation, required to present at immigration for entry clearance.

Ineligibility Conditions

  • Non-Muslims are prohibited from accessing the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, exclusively reserved for Muslim pilgrims only.
  • Individuals with serious criminal backgrounds may face rejection of their visa application.
  • Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documents can lead to the rejection of your visa or denial of entry at the point of arrival.

How can citizens from the UK apply for an Umrah Visa?

Apply for a Umrah via Saudi Tourist eVisa (online):

This is the most convenient and fastest option for UK Muslim citizens and is valid for both tourism and Umrah (but not Hajj).

Step 1: Go to the Saudi visa portal website to fill the form and later you might be required to register in the Nusuk app also.

Step 2: Click on the Apply Online button and fill in the Saudi eVisa application online:

  • Answer basic questions
  • Upload passport and photo
  • Enter travel details like departure, return and stay

Note: With the Tourist eVisa if you have plans to perform Umrah, you will need to fulfill certain criterias mentioned in the above Umrah visa list, especially for women and minors.

Step 3: Pay the Saudi Tourist eVisa fee

Step 4: Receive your Saudi Tourist eVisa within 1-3 working days.

Visa Validity:

  • If applied for multiple entry visa, it is for One-year
  • Stay limited to 90 days per visit

Pros:

  • Smooth, fast, convenient, and online
  • Includes travel insurance to deal with unwanted expenses if occurred
  • Umrah is allowed throughout the year, anytime, but not allowed during the Hajj season

If you are planning to perform Umrah and want to apply for the Saudi Tourist eVisa you can simply contact us for visa application guidance.

Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.

 
Apply for Saudi Umrah Visa from the UK