Umrah is a holy minor pilgrimage and Muslims can perform it at any time of the year. Muslims from The United Kingdom can go to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, for this they must apply for an Umrah visa from UK. The Saudi government has announced a new Umrah visa policy. This Umrah visa policy is very quick and convenient. According to this new Umrah visa policy, The Saudi government has abandoned the charges of 2000 SAR for pilgrims who want to perform Umrah twice a year. They have introduced a revised visa fee which is more than £175. There are many Umrah packages, every year thousands of UK pilgrims travel with one of their suitable cheap Umrah packages to perform the minor pilgrimage. UK citizens also need a visa to enter and perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Muslim tourists from the UK can also perform Umrah on a tourist’s visa but for Hajj they need a separate visa.
What is an Umrah visa?
An Umrah visa is a travel document. It is issued by Saudi Arabia. Through this document they allow the pilgrims to enter the country and perform the Umrah. Umrah visa 2023 UK starts from at least £115. UK citizens can also apply for Umrah visa online by booking a package online through one of the approved travel agencies.
Types of Saudi visas for UK residents:
• Tourist visa/eVisa:
This is an entry authorization document allowing foreigners to enter Saudi Arabia for non-religious and non-essential purposes. eVisa allows visitors to spend 90 days in the country. Muslim tourists can also perform Umrah and such study activities on e-visa. The Minimum age for a tourist visa is 18 years and it is valid for one year.
• Business visa:
UK residents can also apply fora business visas to enter Saudi Arabia for business purposes.
• Religious visa:
Muslims from the UK can apply for a religious visas to perform Umrah or Hajj and to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
• Transit visa:
This visa is also used for short stays like short stay of 12 hours. It is available to the people of any country.
How to apply for Umrah visa UK?
Muslims from the UK can perform an Umrah on any type of Saudi visa. Muslims can perform an Umrah through Umrah visa and Saudi e-visa.
Requirements for Umrah Visa:
The following documents are required for an Umrah visa.
• A complete application form:
This form can be obtained from the nearest Saudi consulate or Muslims from the UK can also take help from a certified travel agent.
• Recent passport-size color photograph:
To apply for Umrah visa UK one passport-size color photograph with white background is necessary.
• A valid passport:
A passport is required.
• A confirmed and non-refundable airplane ticket:
An airplane ticket is required within two weeks from the date of entry.
• Residency permit:
A valid residence permit should be submitted.
• Vaccination certificate:
It must be issued 10 days before entry to the country. It must be carried by the pilgrim into Saudi Arabia.
Requirements for Umrah e-visa:
It covers activities related to tourism and Umrah. Requirements for e-visa are the following:
1. A completed Umrah visa application form that should be filled out online
2. A credit card
3. A valid email address
4. A recent passport-size photograph
5. A valid passport
How to apply for Umrah visa online?
The Saudi government has introduced a new electronic devices for an Umrah seekers, through this they can get an Umrah visas within 24 hours. Now Umrah seekers can directly apply for an Umrah visas from the Maqam platform from all over the world. They will receive a reference number for the application then they will log in to the national visa plate form. There they can complete and print their visas. The Saudi government has increased the validity of the visa from one month to three months.