Umrah Visa Services for UK Muslims
An Umrah visa is an entry ticket to Saudi Arabia without which no pilgrim can enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. And applying for an Umrah visa from the UK requires understanding of the visa types, required documents, processing times, and costs altogether. However, what if you are planning an Umrah journey for the first time? Or you don't know which type of the visa to choose or how to apply? Well, in any case, Cheap Umrah Packages is an ultimate solution as we are a trusted Islamic travel agency out there in the UK.
Our ATOL-protected Umrah visa services take care of all the paperwork and required documents. Our professionals guide pilgrims through each application step, including filling out a form and providing accurate details. We also cover the needs of pilgrims who are planning their pilgrimage with family. In this case, we handle group applications while following the latest Saudi visa rules. So, our visa processing services make a difference in your travel experience. At Cheap Umrah Packages, our experts guide about current Umrah visa guidelines in 2026 that every British Muslim must know. So, reach out to us to make the right decision on time.
What is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is a personalized travel document that Saudi authorities provide to Muslims around the world. It verifies the purpose of your visit to Saudi Arabia which is the pilgrimage of course. Besides, it also comes up with a unique visa number, mandatory insurance coverage and the duration of stay. The purpose is to regulate the entry and departure of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Which Umrah Visa Type is Best for UK Pilgrims?
UK Muslims have a flexibility to plan an Umrah journey either through traditional Umrah visa, electronic visa waiver (e-Waiver), tourist visa or a stopover/transit visa. Each of these visa types has its own features that every British Muslim must know to choose the right one to apply for. So, here is a complete breakdown of all the Umrah visa types for UK Muslims to choose from:
Traditional Saudi Umrah Visa
An Umrah visa is a specific type of visa meant for pilgrims who just want to perform Umrah. According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guidelines, pilgrims have to apply for an Umrah visa through a verified Islamic travel agency from the UK. An Umrah visa is a single entry visa which remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. However, pilgrims are required to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa issuance. Through an Umrah visa, pilgrims can only visit Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah cities and none others. However, the best part of an Umrah visa is that it comes up with default mandatory health insurance coverage for pilgrims. An Umrah visa costs up to £150 per person with which you don't have to buy health insurance separately.
Electronic visa waiver (e-Waiver)
Electronic visa waiver is a uniquely affordable option specifically for UK Pilgrims to perform an Umrah. Pilgrims can either apply for e-Waiver online or get through a travel agency reliably. e-Waiver costs up to £50 per person and comes with 6 months of validity. e-Waiver is a single entry visa that becomes invalid as soon as pilgrims exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, e-Waiver doesn't come up with bundled health insurance. Therefore, pilgrims must consider mandatory health insurance separately to enter Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah.
Saudi tourist e-Visa
Saudi tourist e-visa is another ideal option for UK pilgrims to plan an Umrah journey with. And even a trusted travel agency can organize an Umrah trip for British citizens if they already have a Saudi tourist e-visa. The best part is that pilgrims can visit any of the cities or places in Saudi Arabia with a tourist visa in addition to sacred cities.
Saudi tourist e-visa costs up to £100 and also comes with mandatory health insurance coverage so you don't have to buy separately. It's a multiple entry Saudi visa which remains valid for a year from the date of issue and pilgrims can stay up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia per visit.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK?
Saudi authorities require pilgrims to get an Umrah visa through official travel operators. So, you have to get in touch with travel agents to complete your application process. At Cheap Umrah Packages, we manage the whole process on your behalf. Here's how everything works and how we handle it professionally:
Initial Contact: Reach out to our representative team through email or phone and discuss your travel requirements. For instance, share all the necessary details like the number of travelers, the preferred Umrah deal, or if you are looking for only visa assistance.
Document Collection: We collect all the required documents and double-check them to make the whole process smooth and quick.
Application Submission: We complete the online visa application, put in your necessary details and submit it on your behalf. As we operate directly through approved systems and trusted partners, you can trust us and expect your visa without errors.
Tracking and Updates: After submission, we track the application status and regularly update UK Muslims about the progress.
Visa Approval: When the approval is done, we provide your visa digitally. Our team also explains the details like the use of visa number, validity period and the name of the Umrah operator.
Support Until Departure: Our experts are just a call away to assist you. You can always seek guidance at any step of your travel regarding flight booking, hotel arrangements, Ziyarat tours, or finding the best Umrah deals from UK.
Saudi Umrah Visa Requirements for UK Residents
An Umrah visa is a unique document that requires specific documents and proofs to be approved. Similarly, the application along with official documents should meet Saudi requirements to avoid rejections. So, we guide UK Muslims about these specifications in advance. Here's what you should have to apply for an Umrah visa from the United Kingdom:
Required Documents for Umrah Visa
The application process requires documents that confirm your identity and travel plans. For example:
- A valid Passport.
- Recent photographs.
- Completed Umrah visa application form.
- Proof of return flight booking.
- Hotel reservations in Makkah and Madinah.
Medical and Vaccination Requirements for Umrah Visa
Saudi authorities of Hajj and Umrah regulate the safety of pilgrims through specific health measures such as vaccination. As these requirements for essential vaccines tend to change over time, our team provides full guidance based on your region and previous health conditions. However, the main vaccines required are:
- Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate.
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
Passport & Residency Requirements
The visa processing proceeds seamlessly with a valid passport. However, the application also requires a bank statement in particular conditions as proof of sufficient funds. Similarly, those with non-UK passports while living in the UK often need to submit residency proof. It all ensures that UK Muslims obtain their Umrah visa without any delays.
How Much Does an Umrah Visa Cost from the UK?
An Umrah visa costs £150 per person and it's a standard fee without any service charges. It covers the visa application, processing, and final approval from Saudi authorities. In addition, this visa cost also covers the mandatory health insurance coverage so no pilgrim needs to buy it separately.
Umrah Visa Processing Time and Associated Costs
An Umrah visa processing takes a maximum of 5 working days with a standard fee. During off-peak seasons, it can also be processed within 24 hours when the application is handled professionally and all the provided documents are valid. To process an Umrah visa in urgency, it costs extra than usual to reduce the processing time. Specifically, this processing time depends on the season of pilgrimage. For example, this Umrah visa processing takes longer during peak seasons such as Ramadan or December holidays. So, we keep track of all the processes and update the pilgrims on time.
At Cheap Umrah Packages, we offer straightforward pricing without any hidden charges. We offer clear cost details before proceeding with the application process no matter if you are traveling in a group or solo. So, apply for a visa from the UK with confidence knowing exactly what you are paying. In general, our Umrah packages 2026 cover the visa application cost so you have to pay once. However, you can also take advantage of our transparent pricing while applying for a visa without any deal through us.
Can You Extend Your Saudi Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa stays valid for 90 days from the day of issuance. But pilgrims can't extend beyond this period. In case you want to extend your pilgrimage, we can assist you with the fresh application.
Umrah Visa Rules for Different UK Applicants
There are multiple visa options for UK Muslims when it comes to getting one to perform an Umrah. However, not every option works the best for every pilgrim traveling from the UK. In fact, there are individual guidelines for different applicants that make a difference and every pilgrim must know. For example, here are guidelines for different UK applicants:
UK Residents (Non-British Passport Holders)
Pilgrims who are residing in the UK legally on a skilled worker visa or independent residency without holding a British passport can apply for Saudi tourist e-visa. This requires providing original passport and UK immigration proof additionally.
British Passport Holders
British passport holders can opt for any Umrah Visa type with either tourist e-visa, electronic visa waiver or traditional Umrah visa to enter Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah.
Revert Muslims
Revert Muslims residing in the UK with non-muslim names require the Shahada certificate from recognized UK mosques to confirm faith and satisfy the entry requirements in Makkah.
Common Reasons Why Saudi Umrah Visas Get Rejected?
Umrah visa rejections are common owing to some common mistakes like incomplete or unverified documents. Otherwise, the Umrah visa processing proceeds smoothly when handled carefully by the professionals. However, pilgrims who apply for an Umrah visa individually usually make some common mistakes that cause potential Umrah Visa rejections and penalties. So, here are the common reasons why you visa get rejected before:
- Invalid passport.
- Passport having validity less than 6 months from your arrival date.
- No-biometric passport.
- Spelling mistakes in Umrah visa application form.
- Blurry or low-resolution passport scans.
- Uploading old photos.
- Incomplete u rah itinerary information and proof.
- Applying during Umrah visa closure.
Avoid these mistakes and you'll get an Umrah visa on the first attempt without any rejection. Therefore, Cheap Umrah Packages offer complete Umrah visa processing for UK pilgrims so they can get Umrah Visa before departure without any stress. It's greatly helpful because pilgrims can focus on the Umrah guide during this time while letting professionals handle their visa processing.
Do UK pilgrims require travel insurance to perform Umrah?
Yes. Every foreigner traveler including UK residents require mandatory travel insurance to enter Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah. However, the best part is that there are some Umrah types which include mandatory Umrah travel insurance by default. And some are the types that require UK pilgrims to buy the basic travel insurance plan separately.
For example, the standard tourist eVisa, the Saudi family visa and traditional Umrah visa includes mandatory travel and medical insurance by default. Even UK residents don't have to pay for this insurance coverage separately. However, electronic visa waiver or stopover/transit visa don't include travel insurance, and hence pilgrims need to buy one separately.
What does the mandatory Umrah insurance cover?
The mandatory Saudi visa insurance is more likely a basic plan which ensures the safety of pilgrims during the pilgrimage. Therefore, this mandatory insurance plan covers expenses maximum of SAR 100,000 for emergency situations such as hospital stays, sudden illness, accidents or injuries, medical evacuation and repatriation under severe conditions.
What the mandatory Umrah insurance does not cover?
The mandatory Saudi visa insurance coverage doesn't include non-emergency situations such as routine checkups, general optical or dental treatments, any pre-planned treatments or general travel issues. And since this mandatory coverage is of a basic nature, UK pilgrims can also buy separate UK travel insurance to fill these gaps and cover travel cancellations as well.
When to Apply for an Umrah Visa from UK?
For each type of Umrah visa, applying in advance is always advisable. However, how much in advance you have to apply for an Umrah visa is always a valid question. Well, the answer is different for each type of Umrah visa. For example, pilgrims have to apply for a traditional Umrah visa just 2 to 3 weeks earlier. This is because pilgrims have to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the Umrah visa issuance. So, applying for an Umrah visa a month in advance will ultimately invalidate your visa before departure.
On the other side, Saudi tourist eVisa offers quite flexibility when it comes to applying for it. This is because the Saudi tourist eVisa remains valid for a year and thus pilgrims can apply for tourist visa a month in advance.Besides this, there are also important factors that affect the processing time of an Umrah visa that every pilgrim should consider. For example, peak Umrah seasons like Ramadan and December holidays slow down the Umrah visa processing time. So, this is the time when you need to apply for an Umrah visa at least 3 weeks before your travel dates. The same works for December or Ramadan Umrah packages that pilgrims should book in advance.
Similarly, UK pilgrims should avoid applying for an Umrah visa during the visa closure window during Hajj season. Visa closure is a window during which the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah doesn't consider any Umrah visa application. For example, 19 March is the last date for applying for an Umrah visa in 2026 which will remain closed until 11 June 2026. So, avoid applying an Umrah visa during this window, rather consider applying either before or after this official Umrah cutoff window.
How to track your Umrah visa application from UK?
Tracking an Umrah visa application is easier but it depends on the method you used to apply. For example, you have to visit the MoFA portal if you have applied for an official Umrah visa from their official portal. However, pilgrims who have applied for a Saudi tourist e-visa have to visit the official Saudi visa portal to track your application. Here's how both these methods work:
Method 1: For Official Umrah Visa
As a UK pilgrim, you have to track an Umrah visa status through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) platform in case you have applied through the Nusuk platform or any UK travel agent. In this situation, follow these steps:
1. Go to the official platform of Saudi MoFA Visa Services Portal (Enjaz).
2. Scroll down to the "Query" (Inquiry) section on the homepage.
3. Choose "Application Number" from the first dropdown menu.
4. Enter your details like application number and passport number
5. Click "Search" and a popup status will appear showing either Under Process, Rejected, or Issued.
Method 2: For Saudi Tourist eVisas
As a UK pilgrim, you have to track an Umrah visa status through the Saudi e-visa portal in case you have applied for a Saudi tourist visa. In this situation, follow these steps:
1. Access the official Saudi eVisa Portal
2. Click "Sign In" and log into the exact account that you use while applying for visa.
3. Your active application will be visible on the screen along with a live tracker
4. Once approved, you will receive a digital PDF copy of your visa automatically.
However, you don't have to track your Umrah visa application through any of these methods if opted to apply through Cheap Umrah Packages. We keep our customers informed about the current Umrah visa application status so that they can spend more time learning how to perform Umrah according to the Sunnah.
Can You Travel to Other Countries on an Umrah Visa?
Pilgrims with an Umrah visa from the UK can just enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage. They can't plan any visits to neighboring countries during this journey. Similarly, pilgrims can't perform any business activities in Saudi Arabia without having a particular work visa. In case you want to visit other countries, you should have a visa for that particular country besides the Umrah visa. So, it's better to discuss your travel preferences while booking our services.
What is Allowed on a Saudi Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa allows pilgrims to perform Umrah in Makkah, visit Madinah and move between Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah throughout the pilgrimage. Our team keeps UK Muslims informed about all these travel limits so that they can focus on Ibadah.
What are the Restrictions of the Saudi Umrah Visa?
Saudi authorities put certain restrictions on Umrah visa holders to regulate their stay in the country. So, it's important to follow all these guidelines to make the best out of your journey. Here are the main restrictions:
- Pilgrims can't work in Saudi Arabia or engage in business activities.
- Pilgrims have to leave the country within 90 days of visa issuance.
- No educational enrollment is allowed.
- Travel to cities besides Makkah, Madinah, Taif, and Jeddah is prohibited.
- Tourism across Saudi Arabia is not part of the Umrah visa.
- Single entry is allowed on this particular type of visa.
Why Choose Us for your Umrah Visa from the UK?
Cheap Umrah Packages make visa processing a simple and stress-free experience. Our trusted services keep your official details confidential and ensure quick visa approvals professionally. Here's what sets our services apart when you want to get visa from the UK:
- Our Umrah visa services are ATOL-protected under the verifiable ATOL licence of 12192.
- We have a UK-based support team to meet your needs at every steps.
- We provide transparent Umrah visa pricing without any hidden service charges.
- We assist UK pilgrims in processing Umrah visa for both solo travelers and families alike.
- Our fast-track strategic Umrah visa processing takes less than usual timeline so that you can depart exactly on your planned travel dates.
- We deliver your Umrah visa digitally via email so that you don't have to visit our office physically.
- We provide expert guidance and assistance at each step of your visa application.
- We remain available 24/7 so that you can reach out to our experts anytime.
FAQ about Umrah Visa
Yes, all UK Muslims need an Umrah visa to enter Saudi Arabia. However, they have to apply through a travel agency as we offer visa processing and proper guidance at each step of the process.
Yes, women can now travel alone from the UK. In this case, we arrange a group pilgrimage for women so that they can perform Umrah rituals with confidence.
Partially yes. Umrah visa will remain closed from 19 March 2026 during which the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will not accept any of the Umrah visa applications. However, this Umrah Visa closure is temporary and will resume on 31 May 2026 after the Hajj season.
Yes. British passport holders need visa to enter Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah. However, there are flexible Umrah visa options for British passport holders like they can apply for either Saudi tourist e-visa, electronic visa waiver or official Umrah visa.
An Umrah visa takes 24 to 72 hours when applied through online platforms. However, travel agents can take up to 5 working days to provide you an Umrah visa as they have to apply through official servers.
Yes. UK citizens can get an Umrah visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia at the airport or apply for it online beforehand. UK pilgrims can also perform Umrah through visa on arrival.
No. Having only UK BRP isn't enough to perform Umrah. However, pilgrims having UK BRP or official UK immigration permit can easily apply for an Umrah eVisa to enter Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah rituals.
As a UK pilgrim, you can apply for an Umrah visa either online or through trusted travel partners like Cheap Umrah Packages.
No. Every UK pilgrim needs to get a Saudi visa to enter the Kingdom either as a tourist or a pilgrim.
