Umrah Visa Requirements for UK Passport Holders 2025

For British citizens planning a spiritual journey to Makkah, the process of obtaining an Umrah visa has never been easier. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has vastly simplified its entry requirements for citizens of the United Kingdom, transitioning away from the old, complex travel agency systems to streamlined digital processes.

If you hold a British passport, here is a complete guide to your Umrah visa requirements for 2025.

The Saudi eVisa (Tourist Visa)

The most common and efficient way for UK citizens to travel for Umrah is by applying for the Saudi Tourist eVisa. The Saudi government explicitly allows Umrah to be performed on a tourist visa.

Benefits of the eVisa:

• Multiple Entry: Valid for one full year from the date of issue.
• Duration of Stay: You can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per visit.
• Freedom of Movement: You are not restricted to joining a specific tour group. You can travel independently to Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

Requirements for the eVisa:

To successfully apply through the official Visit Saudi portal, you will need:

1. A Valid UK Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry.
2. Digital Photograph: A recent, clear, passport-sized photo with a white background.
3. Email Address: To receive the approved visa.
4. Credit/Debit Card: For payment of the visa fee and mandatory health insurance.

Visa-on-Arrival for UK Citizens

If you do not have time to apply online, British passport holders are also eligible for a Visa-on-Arrival at major Saudi airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

• You simply approach the visa kiosks or immigration desks upon landing.
• The cost is roughly the same as the eVisa (around £100-£110, including health insurance).
• Ensure your credit card does not have foreign transaction blocks, as cash is generally not accepted at the kiosks.

Can UK Residents (Non-Citizens) Get an eVisa?

If you live in the UK but hold a passport from a non-eVisa eligible country (e.g., Pakistan, Bangladesh, India), you can still apply for the eVisa if you hold a valid UK residency permit (BRP) or a UK/US/Schengen visit visa that has been used at least once. Otherwise, you must apply for a standard Umrah Visa through the Nusuk platform or an approved travel agent.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

• Meningitis (ACWY): Officially, the Saudi Ministry of Health requires proof of the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination for all Umrah pilgrims.
• COVID-19: As of 2025, there are no COVID-19 vaccination or PCR testing requirements to enter Saudi Arabia.

Step-by-Step Application Advice

1. Apply Early: Although eVisas are usually granted within 5 to 30 minutes, it is wise to apply at least a week before your flight to avoid any technical glitches.
2. Download the Nusuk App: Once your visa is approved, you must download the official Nusuk app. You need this app to book your permit for praying in the Rawdah in Madinah. (An Umrah permit is currently not strictly enforced for entry into the Haram, but a Rawdah permit is absolutely required).

Complete Requirements for UK Passport Holders

UK citizens generally have a straightforward Umrah visa process. Here is the complete checklist:

Required Documents

| Document | Details | |----------|---------| | UK Passport | Valid for at least 6 months | | Passport photos | White background, ICAO compliant | | Meningitis ACWY vaccine | Certificate required (within 3 years) | | Return flight booking | Confirmed tickets required | | Hotel booking in Makkah | Proof of accommodation | | No criminal record | Standard background requirement | | Women under 45 | Mahram companion required |

Application Methods

1. Through a ATOL-Licensed Agent: The UK has ATOL-certified (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) agents that specialize in Umrah packages. Most UK Muslims book through these agents, which include the visa as part of the package.

2. eVisa Portal: Saudi Arabia has expanded its eVisa system. UK citizens may be eligible to apply directly through the official Saudi eVisa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) for tourist visas that can be used for Umrah (check current rules as regulations change).

Costs for UK Pilgrims (2025 Estimates)

| Package Type | Price Range | |-------------|-------------| | Economy (10 days) | £2,500–£4,500 | | Standard (10 days) | £4,500–£8,000 | | Premium (14 days) | £8,000–£15,000 |

Prices vary by season — Ramadan packages are 40–60% more expensive than off-season trips.

Ramadan Timing and UK Muslims

The UK Muslim community is particularly active in Umrah during Ramadan:

• Last 10 days of Ramadan (Laylat Al-Qadr period) are the most expensive and spiritually rewarding
• Book Ramadan Umrah 6–12 months in advance to secure hotel rooms near the Haram
• UK-based Umrah agents include HUJJAJ, Rayyan Travels, Dar Al-Salam, and many others

Post-Brexit Note

Brexit has not significantly changed Umrah visa requirements for UK passport holders. Saudi Arabia grants the same access to British citizens as before.

Tips for UK Muslims

1. Travel insurance is mandatory — get one that covers medical evacuation from Saudi Arabia
2. The Saudi Riyal is approximately SAR 1 = £0.21 (vary by market rate)
3. Group bookings save significant money, especially for families
4. Most reputable UK Umrah agents are members of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents)