How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK Requirements Cost and Timeline
Planning your Umrah this year? Get a free consultation with our UK-based visa experts to make the process stress-free.
Why the Umrah Visa Process Matters for UK Muslims in 2025
Every year, tens of thousands of Muslims from the UK travel to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah. For many families, it’s not just a trip — it’s a deeply spiritual journey. But in 2025, the Umrah visa UK process has a few important changes you’ll want to understand before booking your tickets.
Growing Demand for Umrah among UK Muslims
As flight routes expand and costs become more competitive, more UK Muslims — from young professionals to elderly couples — are taking the opportunity to perform Umrah outside of Hajj season. For some, it’s their first time; for others, it’s a yearly tradition. With this rise in demand, Saudi Arabia has streamlined the process, but it’s also become stricter about documentation.
What’s New in 2025: Nusuk Platform, Hotel + Transport Requirement
A major update this year is the mandatory use of the Nusuk platform for booking accommodation and licensed transport. You can’t simply apply for a visa without proving you’ve arranged your hotel and ground transport through approved providers. For UK pilgrims, this means you’ll need to pre-book your stay in Makkah/Madinah and a licensed Umrah taxi or bus service before your visa is issued.
Difference Between Umrah Visa, Tourist E-Visa, and Visa on Arrival
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Umrah Visa: Religious visa, valid for Muslims only, usually issued for 30 days.
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Tourist E-Visa: Valid for multiple entries (up to 90 days at a time), but not always accepted for Umrah rituals.
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Visa on Arrival: Available for some UK residents with residence permits from certain countries, but risky if you’re not sure of your eligibility.
👉 Tip: Always check the official Nusuk portal before applying to avoid confusion.
Who Can Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK? (Eligibility)
Requirements for British Passport Holders
If you’re a UK citizen with a valid British passport, applying for an Umrah visa is straightforward. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of travel.
Rules for UK Residents on Foreign Passports
If you’re living in the UK on a Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or Indian passport (with a UK residence permit), you may still qualify. In some cases, you might even be eligible for a visa on arrival, but it depends on your travel history and visa stamps. To avoid problems at Jeddah or Madinah Airport, most UK residents prefer applying online before travel.
Female Pilgrims – Do I Need a Mahram? Latest Updates
In the past, women under 45 needed a male guardian (mahram) to travel for Umrah. However, in recent years, Saudi Arabia has relaxed this rule, allowing women to apply independently or as part of a group package. Many UK sisters are now travelling with friends or female relatives.
Documents Required for a UK Umrah Visa Application
To ensure your application goes smoothly, prepare the following:
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Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity.
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UK Residence Permit (if applicable): For non-UK passport holders living in the UK.
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Recent Passport Photo: White background, biometric-compliant.
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Vaccination Certificate: Meningitis (MenACWY) is compulsory, while flu and COVID boosters are recommended for your safety.
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Proof of Hotel & Transport Booking via Nusuk: Required before visa approval.
👉 Need your vaccines? Many UK pharmacies and travel clinics (e.g., Boots, Omnicare) provide Hajj and Umrah vaccination packages. Book yours early!
Step-by-Step Guide – How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK
Step 1 – Prepare Documents and Vaccinations
Get your passport, photos, and vaccination certificate ready. If you’re travelling with elderly parents, double-check their medications and request a doctor’s letter for any controlled medicines.
Step 2 – Book Hotel + Licensed Transport (via Nusuk)
Use the Nusuk app to book your Makkah/Madinah accommodation and select an approved family Umrah transport provider. This could be a shared coach, a private Umrah taxi from Jeddah Airport, or a group shuttle.
Step 3 – Apply Online via Nusuk Portal/App
Fill in your details, upload documents, and attach your booking confirmations. The system is user-friendly, but many UK pilgrims still prefer travel agents to avoid mistakes.
Step 4 – Pay the Umrah Visa Fee
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Online Umrah visa: SAR 535 (approx £110)
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Visa on arrival: SAR 480 (approx £100)
Step 5 – Receive Approval & Print Visa Copy
Once approved (usually within 2–5 days), print your visa. Keep both digital and paper copies when travelling.
How Much Does an Umrah Visa Cost for UK Applicants?
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Visa Fee: £100–£110 depending on type.
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Hotel & Transport via Nusuk: Prices vary, budget £300–£700 for a week depending on comfort level.
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Vaccinations: Around £60–£100 per person in the UK.
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Flights: London–Jeddah return flights average £500–£700 outside peak Ramadan.
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Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended, approx £50 per traveller.
Processing time: Most visas are approved in 2–5 working days, but it’s safer to apply at least 3 weeks before your flight.
Useful Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejections
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Check your passport validity early.
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Only book hotels and cabs through Nusuk-approved providers.
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Get your meningitis vaccine 10+ days before travel.
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Avoid applying in a rush — especially just before Ramadan, when applications spike.
👉 Want a stress-free process? Book a consultation with our UK Umrah support team today.
Health & Safety Guidelines for UK Pilgrims
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Mandatory: Meningitis ACWY vaccine.
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Recommended: Flu jab & COVID booster.
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Carry a small medical kit (paracetamol, rehydration sachets, plasters).
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For elderly pilgrims: consider wheelchair rental in the Haram.
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Buy travel insurance covering medical emergencies in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can UK residents get an Umrah visa on arrival?
A: Yes, if you hold a valid UK residence permit and meet Saudi eligibility. However, it’s safer to apply in advance.
Q: How long is the Umrah visa valid for UK applicants?
A: Typically 30 days. Tourist visas allow longer stays but are not always accepted for Umrah rituals.
Q: Do I need to travel with a group from the UK?
A: No, you can travel independently. Just make sure your bookings are confirmed on Nusuk.
Q: Can I combine Umrah with a tourist visit to Saudi?
A: Yes, many pilgrims visit Jeddah’s Corniche or AlUla on tourist visas.
Q: What happens if I overstay my Umrah visa?
A: Overstay fines apply (approx SAR 100 per day). Avoid this at all costs.
Final Checklist Before You Travel
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Passport & printed visa copy
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Hotel & transport confirmation (via Nusuk)
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Vaccination certificates
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Ihram clothing (packed separately for airport use)
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Debit card + some Saudi riyals in cash
👉 Ready to begin your spiritual journey? Start your Umrah visa application today with trusted UK-based support.
Recap & Next Steps
Applying for an Umrah visa from the UK in 2025 is much simpler than it seems — as long as you plan ahead. The key changes this year are the Nusuk booking requirement and ensuring you’re up-to-date on vaccines.
If you’d like more help:
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📖 Read our guide: [“What to Pack for Umrah – UK Pilgrim’s Checklist”]
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🚖 Book your Umrah cab from Jeddah Airport directly with our UK partners for peace of mind.
