Umrah Visa Guide for UK Travellers, Everything You Need to Know
Planning your sacred journey to Makkah and Madinah begins with understanding the Umrah visa process. At Al Furqan Travels, we handle the entire visa application on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish.
What is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is an official travel document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that permits Muslims from around the world to enter the country specifically to perform Umrah — the lesser pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and does not require a specific quota allocation.
Types of Saudi Visas for Umrah
1. 🕌 Standard Umrah Visa
The traditional Umrah visa issued through an authorised travel agent like Al Furqan Travels. It is specifically designated for pilgrimage purposes.
Key Features:
- Issued through ATOL-protected and Ministry of Hajj authorised agents
- Valid for the duration of your package (7 to 30 days)
- Covers entry to Makkah and Madinah
- Can be extended in certain circumstances
- Requires return flights and hotel bookings to be confirmed before issuance
2. 🆕 Saudi ETA — Electronic Travel Authorisation (New Visa)
Saudi Arabia has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a major step forward in simplifying travel to the Kingdom. This is the most recent and convenient option for UK passport holders.
What is the Saudi ETA?
The ETA is a pre-approved digital travel permission linked electronically to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker or stamp required. It is applied for online and approved within minutes to a few hours.
Who Can Apply?
UK passport holders and citizens of over 60 eligible countries can apply for the Saudi ETA online.
Key Features of the Saudi ETA:
- ✅ Apply online — no embassy visit required
- ✅ Valid for 1 year from the date of issue
- ✅ Multiple entry — enter Saudi Arabia as many times as you wish within the validity period
- ✅ Each stay can be up to 90 days per visit
- ✅ Allows Umrah to be performed — you do not need a separate Umrah visa
- ✅ Also covers tourism, family visits, and business travel
- ✅ Approved within a few hours in most cases
- ✅ Cost approximately SAR 300 (around £65) plus service fees
How to Apply for the Saudi ETA:
- Visit the official Saudi Arabia eVisa portal: visa.visitsaudi.com
- Create an account and fill in your personal details
- Upload a copy of your valid passport
- Pay the visa fee online
- Receive your ETA via email — download and save it
- Present it digitally or printed at the airport
Important Note on ETA and Umrah:
The Saudi government now officially permits Umrah to be performed on the ETA (tourist visa). This means UK travellers can perform Umrah without needing a separate pilgrimage visa, giving far more flexibility on travel dates and duration.
3. 🗓️ Ramadan Umrah Visa
A special category visa issued during the holy month of Ramadan. Due to extremely high demand during this period, early booking — ideally 3 to 4 months in advance — is strongly recommended.
Key Points:
- Higher demand means limited availability
- Premium pricing applies during Ramadan
- Must be booked through an authorised agent
- Al Furqan Travels offers dedicated Ramadan Umrah packages
Umrah Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for an Umrah visa or Saudi ETA as a UK traveller, you must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Religion | Must be Muslim |
| Passport | Valid UK passport with at least 6 months remaining validity |
| Passport Pages | At least 2 blank pages available for entry stamps |
| Photographs | Recent passport-sized photographs (white background) |
| Return Ticket | Confirmed return flight booking required |
| Accommodation | Confirmed hotel booking in Makkah and Madinah |
| Vaccination | Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) vaccine — mandatory |
| Age | No strict upper age limit; children must be accompanied by a guardian |
| Women Travelling Solo | Women of all ages can now travel without a Mahram (male guardian) |
Umrah Visa Duration and Tenure
| Visa Type | Validity | Maximum Stay | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Umrah Visa | 3 months stay | 7 to 30 days | Single entry |
| Saudi ETA | 2 year from issue date | Up to 180 days per visit | Multiple entry |
| Ramadan Umrah Visa | Duration of package | 7 to 30 days | Single entry |
| Tourist Visa | 1 year from issue date | 3 months stay | Multiple entry |
Health & Vaccination Requirements
The Saudi Ministry of Health requires the following vaccinations for all pilgrims entering the Kingdom:
- Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) — Mandatory for all pilgrims
- COVID-19 Vaccination — Requirements may vary; check current Saudi government guidelines
- Polio — Required for travellers from certain countries
- Yellow Fever — Required if travelling from an affected country
At Al Furqan Travels, we provide a full vaccination and documentation checklist upon booking so you are fully prepared.
Documents Required for Umrah Visa
To apply for your Umrah visa through Al Furqan Travels, you will need to provide the following:
- ✅ Valid UK passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- ✅ Completed visa application form
- ✅ 2 recent passport-sized photographs (white background, no glasses)
- ✅ Confirmed return flight tickets
- ✅ Confirmed hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah
- ✅ Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate
- ✅ For married women — marriage certificate may be required
- ✅ For children — birth certificate required
Women Travelling for Umrah Without a Mahram
In a significant change to Saudi regulations, women of all ages can now perform Umrah without a Mahram (male guardian). This applies whether travelling alone or as part of a group.
At Al Furqan Travels, we provide safe, professionally managed group environments specifically designed for sisters travelling solo, ensuring comfort, security, and full spiritual focus throughout the journey.
How Al Furqan Travels Handles Your Visa
We take the stress out of the visa process completely. Here is what we do for you:
- Collect your documents — We provide you with a clear checklist
- Complete the application — Our team fills in all forms on your behalf
- Submit to the Saudi authorities — Through our authorised channels
- Track your application — We monitor progress and keep you updated
- Deliver your visa — Electronically or by post, whichever you prefer
- Pre-departure briefing — We advise you on entry requirements and what to expect
Frequently Asked Questions — Umrah Visa
How long does it take to get an Umrah visa?
Standard Umrah visas typically take 5 to 10 working days. The Saudi ETA can be approved within a few hours to 24 hours.
Can I extend my Umrah visa?
Extensions can be granted by the Saudi authorities in certain circumstances. We advise contacting us if you wish to extend your stay.
Can I visit other parts of Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa?
With the Saudi ETA, yes — you can also visit cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al Ula. A standard Umrah visa is generally restricted to Makkah and Madinah.
What happens if my visa is refused?
Visa refusals are rare when applications are submitted correctly. At Al Furqan Travels, our experienced team ensures all documentation is complete and accurate before submission.
Can non-Muslims apply for a Saudi ETA?
Non-Muslims can apply for the Saudi ETA for tourism purposes, however they are not permitted to enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Ready to Begin Your Umrah Journey?
At Al Furqan Travels, we manage your visa from start to finish so you can focus entirely on your spiritual preparation. Our all-inclusive packages include visa assistance, flights, hotels, and 24/7 support throughout your journey.