Applying for Umrah Visa Online In 7 Easy Steps
Planning your first Umrah from the UK is exciting, but sorting out the visa can feel confusing. You might find one website recommending a tourist eVisa and another suggesting a dedicated Umrah visa. So, which one should you apply for?
The answer depends largely on your passport and travel circumstances.
To apply for an Umrah visa from the UK, first check your eligibility, choose the appropriate Saudi entry route, complete the online application and submit the required documents. Eligible travellers can apply directly, while others may prefer help from a travel provider.
Here’s how to get started without unnecessary complications.
Can You Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK?
Yes. People living in the UK can apply for permission to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, although the available application routes aren’t the same for everyone.
If you hold a British passport, you may be eligible for a Saudi Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or tourist eVisa. Both can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season, provided you meet the relevant conditions.
Things can be different if you’re living in Britain on a Pakistani, Indian or Bangladeshi passport. Your nationality and UK immigration status may affect the route available to you.
For example, two friends travelling together from Manchester might need different visa arrangements simply because they hold different passports.
That’s why checking eligibility should always come before booking flights.
Which Visa Should You Apply For?
There are several ways to arrange entry for Umrah.
- Saudi ETA: Available to eligible British citizens. It allows multiple visits within its validity period, but doesn’t include medical insurance.
- Tourist eVisa: Another option for eligible travellers. It generally allows multiple entries over one year, with a total permitted stay of up to 90 days.
- Dedicated Umrah visa: This route is specifically intended for pilgrims and may involve booking through Nusuk Umrah or an authorised service provider.
Don’t choose a visa simply because someone you know used it last year. Entry conditions change, and their circumstances might be different from yours.
If you’re uncertain, our Umrah visa service can help you understand the available options.
What Documents Will You Need?
It’s worth getting everything together before opening an application form. Nobody wants to stop halfway through because their passport photograph is saved on another device.
Most applicants should have these details ready:
- A valid passport, generally with at least six months remaining from arrival
- A recent digital passport photograph
- An email address you can access
- Your home address and contact information
- A debit or credit card for payment
- UK residence documents, if required for your application
- Travel details and accommodation information, where requested
Parents should also check the requirements for children travelling with them.
You’ll need to review Saudi Arabia’s current vaccination rules separately. Umrah pilgrims are subject to meningococcal vaccination requirements, so don’t leave your health preparations until the week before departure.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa Online from the UK
Once you know which entry route suits you, the next part becomes much easier.
1. Check Your Passport and Eligibility
Look at your passport’s expiry date first.
If it needs renewing, sort that out before applying. Your visa details must match the passport you’ll use to travel.
Then confirm that your passport nationality qualifies for your chosen Saudi entry route.
2. Use the Correct Saudi Visa Website
For eligible tourist eVisa applicants, start at the official Saudi eVisa portal.
British citizens considering an ETA should use the official Saudi application service linked through current government guidance.
If you’re applying through the dedicated pilgrimage route, visit Nusuk Umrah.
Be careful with websites that look official but add expensive processing charges. Check the website address before entering payment details.
3. Complete Your Application
You’ll be asked for information such as your full name, date of birth, passport number and nationality.
Take your time here.
A missing letter in your surname or a wrongly entered passport number can create problems that are much harder to resolve once you’re travelling.
4. Upload Documents and Check the Details
Depending on the application, you may need to upload your photograph or supporting documents.
Make sure everything is clear and readable.
Before submitting, compare the information on your screen with your actual passport. Don’t rely on what you remember.
5. Pay and Keep Your Confirmation
Review the total amount before paying, particularly whether insurance or additional services are included.
Once you’ve submitted the application, save your reference number and payment confirmation.
You’ll need these if you have to check the application later.
6. Check Your Visa When It Arrives
Don’t just download the document and forget about it.
Check your name, passport number, visa validity and permitted entry conditions.
Keep a digital copy on your phone and another copy somewhere accessible during your journey.
What About Applying Through Nusuk Umrah?
Nusuk Umrah is an official Saudi platform designed to help pilgrims access approved Umrah services.
After registering, you provide your nationality and country of residence. The platform checks the available services for your circumstances and may offer suitable pilgrimage arrangements.
It’s particularly useful for understanding dedicated Umrah services rather than assuming every pilgrim should apply through the tourist visa route.
Read the booking conditions carefully before committing to a package.
How Much Does the Application Cost?
There’s no single fee for every UK traveller.
The amount depends on the visa route, your eligibility, any applicable insurance and whether you’ve chosen professional application assistance.
Ask for a written breakdown if you’re using a travel company.
Visa fees are only one part of your journey’s budget. Our guide to how much Umrah costs from the UK covers the wider expenses, including flights and accommodation.
You can also compare Umrah packages from the UK if you’d rather arrange several services together.
How Long Should You Allow for Approval?
Some online applications are processed quickly. Others take longer when additional information or checks are needed.
There’s no sensible reason to leave your application until the day before travelling.
Give yourself enough time to deal with unexpected issues, especially if your family members have different passport nationalities.
Before You Leave for Saudi Arabia
A visa is only one part of preparing for Umrah.
Check your flight confirmation, hotel address, travel insurance and vaccination documents. Look into the Nusuk app and any bookings or permits needed for your planned activities, including a Rawdah visit in Madinah.
Remember that an entry authorisation allowing Umrah isn’t permission to perform Hajj.
It’s also worth checking the latest UK government travel advice before making non-refundable bookings.
For practical pilgrimage advice beyond the paperwork, see our article on common Umrah mistakes.
Need Help with Your Umrah Visa?
If you’ve checked the requirements but still aren’t sure which option applies to you, there’s no need to guess.
Hajj Umrah Hub can help you review your visa options and plan the arrangements for your journey.
Tell us your passport nationality, where you live in the UK and when you’d like to travel.
Request a Free Umrah Quote and take the next step towards your pilgrimage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Apply for an Umrah Visa Without an Agent?
Yes, if you’re eligible for an independent online application. You can use the appropriate official Saudi platform rather than paying someone to submit it for you.
Can Pakistani Passport Holders Apply from the UK?
They may be able to, but the correct route depends on individual eligibility, including passport nationality and UK immigration status.
Can I Apply Before Booking Flights?
Some application routes don’t require confirmed flights at the initial stage. Check the specific requirements before paying for non-refundable tickets.
What If My Visa Application Is Refused?
Read the reason provided and check whether the problem can be corrected. Don’t submit another paid application without understanding what went wrong.