Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for Citizens of the United Kingdom

Last updated: May 2024

Yearning to perform Umrah and visit Saudi Arabia but concerned about the Saudi Arabia Umrah visa requirements for British citizens? We can help!

All UK citizens must apply for a relevant Saudi visa before traveling. We offer the Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa, which can be used to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.

Introduction of new Umrah Visa rule in 2024

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has made significant updates to the Umrah Visa rules. Umrah Visas now remain valid for 90 days from the issue date. Previously, the validity of the visa began once you arrived in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, Umrah Visas for pilgrims coming from outside the country will now expire on 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah, which corresponds to May 23, 2024, for the current season. The previous expiry date was 29 Dhu al-Qa’dah. This change allows Saudi authorities more time to prepare for the Hajj season, aiming to improve the experience for both Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

All international pilgrims must leave the country by the new expiry date. There are penalties for overstaying an Umrah Visa, which will be levied on both the pilgrims and the companies that arranged their visas.

Who to apply with

We offer a simplified application process for the Tourist eVisa. Let us break down the different Saudi Arabia Visa options for United Kingdom citizens, how iVisa can help you process your online visa application, and the requirements for UK citizens.

You can also apply for your Saudi Arabia visa through official channels and find out more on the UK Government website.

We also offer the Saudi Electronic Visa Waiver, but this does not permit you to perform Umrah. Click the link to find out more.

Umrah visa requirements for United Kingdom citizens

Most foreign pilgrims must apply for an Umrah visa before embarking on a pilgrimage. Muslim citizens of the United Kingdom with valid passports can also perform Umrah using a standard Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa.

Also, note that any United Kingdom citizen approved for an Umrah visa must have mandatory travel insurance to cover any emergency medical costs that could arise from health issues during their stay in the Kingdom.

What is the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, or Saudi Arabia Electronic Visa, allows travelers to participate in tourism-related activities, including events, visiting family and relatives, leisure, and Muslim tourists can even perform Umrah (excluding Hajj).

With this visa, you can also visit the holy cities of Jeddah, Makkah (Mecca), and Medina. Take into consideration that only Muslims can enter the sacred city of Makkah.

Please note: These Saudi visas cannot be used to perform Hajj. During the Hajj period, the Saudi embassy issues special Hajj Visas, and you will require a Hajj visa to enter the country. Tourist visas do not permit studying or working and cannot be used as transit visas either.

The difference between the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa and the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa

• Aside from a Tourist Visa, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also offers a separate Umrah Visa, which provides Umrah pilgrims perks unavailable to UK nationals traveling on a tourist eVisa. For instance, those with an Umrah-specific visa may leave the country with ZamZam water, while those on a tourist visa may not.

• Other differences include that the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa is a Multiple entry visa that anyone of any religion can apply for. In contrast, the Umrah-specific visa is a single-entry visa only issued to Muslims for the sole purpose of performing Umrah.

• Saudi authorities also have vastly different requirements for each visa. Foreign pilgrims from forty-nine countries can travel to Saudi Arabia and perform the religious pilgrimage on a tourist eVisa. On the other hand, travelers from anywhere in the world can apply for the Umrah Visa.

Unfortunately, iVisa does not offer an Umrah-specific visa due to the rigorous Umrah visa requirements. You can check your eligibility for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa with our Visa Checker Tool.

If you do not qualify for a Tourist Visa, you may apply for an Umrah e-Visa instead. In this case, you must speak to your local agent or Hajj and Umrah representatives for guidance on the stringent application process. Alternatively, contact the Saudi Ministry or the royal embassy for more information.

How often can I enter Saudi Arabia with a Tourist e-Visa?

The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is a Multiple entry visa. Thus, you can enter the country as often as you want within a 1 year period. Each stay can be up to 90 days in total.

Validity of a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa

Your eVisa for Saudi Arabia expires 1 year after issued.

Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa application process with us

The application can be completed from your home or office in three simple steps:

Step 1: Provide basic information about yourself and your trip in the application form, and choose your preferred processing time.

Step 2: Check all information is correct, and pay for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa Fees using a credit or debit card.

Step 3: Finally, add any required documents, if needed, and click ‘Submit.’

Then, sit back as we process the application on your behalf. The approved visa confirmation will be emailed to you.

Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa Requirements

Make sure to gather these documents before applying for your eVisa:

• National ID Card or Birth Certificate - You must show your identity with your government's official document.

• Travel authorization from employer or school - You need a letter or a statement from your host indicating the reason for your stay.

• Applicant photo - A recent color passport photo works best.

• Valid passport personal details scan - Scan your passport bio page. You must have six months of validity left from the day you plan to enter Saudi Arabia.

• Proof of accommodation - Prove you have a place to stay while you are in the country.

• Bank statement - Show customs officials you have the money to pay for your trip.

• Vaccinations - If you come from a country with a high risk of yellow fever, you will need a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to reach Saudi Arabia.

• Onward ticket - Show that you have a departure ticket to leave Saudi Arabia.

For more information

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service team via chat or send us a WhatsApp.