Most Common Visa Types for Umrah from the UK
When traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, pilgrims must acquire an appropriate visa. Here is a detailed overview, presented in a fact sheet, tabular format, and bullet points for easy reference.
Fact Sheet: Umrah Visa Types
| Visa Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Umrah Visa | Issued specifically for Umrah pilgrimage; valid for a limited duration. |
| Tourist Visa | Allows performing Umrah but not Hajj; offers more flexibility with validity and multi-entry options. |
| E-Visa (Electronic Visa) | A digital alternative for eligible nationalities; faster processing. |
| Transit Visa | Short-stay visa for travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia; permits Umrah under certain conditions. |
Visa Types and Details (Tabular Format)
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Duration of Stay | Multi-Entry | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Umrah Visa | For performing Umrah pilgrimage only | 30 days | Up to 14 days | No | 5–10 business days |
| Tourist Visa | For tourism and Umrah | 1 year | Up to 90 days per trip | Yes | 24–48 hours (e-Visa) |
| E-Visa | Simplified process for Umrah | 1 year | Up to 90 days per trip | Yes | 24–48 hours |
| Transit Visa | Stopover visa; allows Umrah | 96 hours (4 days) | Up to 4 days | No | 1–5 business days |
Standard Umrah Visa
- Purpose: Issued solely for performing Umrah.
- Requirements:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- Recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
- Flight itinerary.
- Limitations:
- Single-entry only.
- Cannot be used for tourism or non-religious purposes.
Tourist Visa
- Purpose: Allows both tourism and Umrah (except during Hajj).
- Advantages:
- Multi-entry for up to one year.
- Can combine Umrah with other activities like sightseeing.
- Eligibility:
- Available for citizens of over 50 countries, including the UK.
- Processing: Easily applied for online or via the Saudi Embassy.
E-Visa
- Overview: A digital version of the Tourist Visa.
- Key Benefits:
- Fast approval process (24–48 hours).
- Allows multi-entry visits for one year.
- Suitable for individual travelers and families.
Transit Visa
- Purpose: Designed for travelers with layovers in Saudi Arabia.
- Usage:
- Valid for a stay of up to 96 hours (4 days).
- Allows visiting Mecca and Medina for Umrah.
- Eligibility: Must show proof of onward travel.
Comparison Table: Umrah Visa Types
| Feature | Standard Umrah Visa | Tourist Visa | E-Visa | Transit Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Religious (Umrah only) | Tourism + Umrah | Tourism + Umrah | Stopover + Umrah |
| Duration of Stay | Up to 14 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 4 days |
| Entry Type | Single-entry | Multi-entry | Multi-entry | Single-entry |
| Processing Time | 5–10 days | 24–48 hours | 24–48 hours | 1–5 days |
| Flexibility | Limited | High | High | Limited |
| Cost Range | £100–£200 | £100–£150 | £100–£150 | £30–£50 |
Key Points to Remember
- The Standard Umrah Visa is more restrictive and requires coordination with an authorized travel agent.
- The Tourist Visa and E-Visa provide more flexibility for multi-purpose visits.
- Transit Visas are economical for short visits but require proof of onward travel.
- Early planning ensures smooth processing, especially during peak seasons like Ramadan.
Types of Umrah Visas Saudi Arabia is Offering
Saudi Arabia offers a variety of visa types for Umrah, depending on the nationality of the applicant and the purpose of their visit. For international Muslim citizens of different countries living in the UK, there are three main types of visas that can be used for Umrah:
Saudi Tourist Visa
UK resident Muslims, who wish to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of Saudi Arabia in addition to performing Umrah, can apply for a Saudi tourist visa. This type of visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days on a one time entry and grants the freedom to visit various landmarks, including Makkah, Madinah, and other significant cities. It is worth noting that additional documentation is required to perform Umrah with a tourist visa, as outlined by the Saudi authorities.
Saudi Umrah Visa
The Saudi Umrah visa is specifically designed for Muslims intending to embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah. This visa is valid for a period of 90 days and allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia. It can be applied for online or at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, London. The Umrah visa grants pilgrims entry into Saudi Arabia for the sole purpose of performing Umrah. Unlike Saudi tourist visas, only Muslims can apply for the Saudi Umrah visa.
Saudi Visa on Arrival
Saudi Arabia offers a visa on arrival option for selected nationalities, including UK residents. This allows travellers to obtain their entry permit upon arrival at select Saudi airports. However, it is essential to note that the availability of a visa on arrival may vary for different nationalities. It is recommended to confirm the eligibility and requirements with the Saudi embassy or consulate prior to arranging travel.
Saudi eVisa
Saudi eVisa, also known as the Saudi Electronic Visa, is an online visa application system introduced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is designed to simplify and expedite the visa application process for travellers wishing to visit Saudi Arabia for various purposes, including tourism, business, and religious activities such as Umrah.
The Saudi e-Visa allows eligible individuals to apply for a visa electronically, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and visits to embassies or consulates. The online system provides a convenient and efficient way to apply for a visa from anywhere in the world, as long as the applicant meets the eligibility criteria.
How Can We Help you Get Umrah Visa
If you are an international Muslim citizen residing in the UK and looking to embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah, we are here to assist you in finding the perfect Umrah visa. There are different types of Umrah visas available, catering to the diverse needs of individuals and families. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you obtain the ideal Umrah visa that suits your requirements. Along with our visa services, we also offer comfort, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for you and your loved ones. Let us take care of the visa arrangements while you focus on the sacred rituals and spiritual fulfilment of your Umrah pilgrimage.