Planning your Makkah spiritual journey is the most important decision a Muslim can take. However, many pilgrims in the UK often ask if they should travel on a Saudi Umrah Visa UK or Saudi tourist visa. With new travel rules and more tourism opportunities being rolled out in Saudi Arabia, it’s more important than ever to understand the difference between these two entry options. Every year at Alfajar Travel we help hundreds of UK pilgrims to choose the most suitable option for their needs, budget, and travel plans. Our travel specialists will guide you through the new Umrah visa regulations, tourist entry options, eligibility criteria, and how to choose the correct visa for your visit in this guide.
Describe an Umrah visa:
This is a special Umrah Visa UK issued for those Muslims who want to perform Umrah. It is intended for religious travel and is usually organized through a licensed Umrah travel agency such as AlFajar Travel.
Benefits of the Umrah Visa:
- Specifically designed for Umrah ·
- Simple entering process
- Travel assistance by authorized agents
- Friendly to first-time pilgrims
- Commonly included in Umrah packages
New multi-entry Umrah visa issued:
The new visa is aimed at pilgrims who want to perform Umrah more than once during the year. Shihab said the visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries and pilgrims to stay in Saudi Arabia for a total of 90 days during its validity. The days can be split up over several journeys. The cost of a visa depends on the travel agency, and the time is usually two working days. This is not for other purposes like a tourist visa.
What is a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?
Citizens of many nations, including the UK, can apply for the Saudi Tourist Visa, which was created to encourage international travel. Many travelers from the UK choose this option because it offers greater flexibility—many offer multiple entries—and the chance to visit cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and Madinah in addition to Makkah.
- Go to Saudi Arabia.
- Perform Umrah during the non-Hajj season.
- Go to historical Islamic locations
- As long as your visa allows, stay.
Can citizens of the UK perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Indeed. As long as they travel outside of the official Hajj season and adhere to Saudi regulations, British passport holders can typically perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa. Travelers who wish to combine worship with sightseeing and family visits are increasingly choosing this option.
| Umrah Visa | Tourist Visa |
| Umrah only | Tourism & Umrah |
| Muslim pilgrims | UK nationalities eligible |
| Limited | Usually longer validity |
| Depending on the rules | Often multiple entry |
| Visit Limited Other Cities | Visit Other Cities Yes |
| Dedicated pilgrimage | Pilgrimage + tourism |
Which visa is ideal for pilgrims from the United Kingdom?
An Umrah Visa UK obtained through Alfajar Travel is typically the best choice if you wish to perform Umrah with a clear conscience. We will take care of everything, including hotel reservations, airport transportation, and your visa application. However, the tourist visa may be more practical and adaptable if you want to visit friends and family or spend more time exploring Saudi Arabia.
You should apply for an Umrah visa if:
- All you want to do is Umrah
- An organized pilgrimage appeals to you
- You desire hotels, flights
- Transportation and a visa are required
- You are traveling with elderly family members
- At every stage, you require professional assistance
Select a Tourist Visa when:
- You want your travel schedule to be flexible.
- You wish to travel around Saudi Arabia.
- You are going to see friends or family.
- You would like multiple entries.
- You enjoy planning some of your own travel arrangements.
Documentation Needed for Travelers from the UK:
Requirements may differ based on visa type, but most applicants will require:
- A current UK passport
- A passport-sized photo
- Flight reservation
- Reservation for a hotel
- Insurance for travel,
- The visa application has been completed
- Evidence of travel arrangements
Alfajar Travel assists clients in getting all the paperwork ready for a simple application process.
Why Choose Alfajar Travel?
Getting a visa is just the beginning of Umrah trip planning. Flights, hotels, transport, and guidance are all important ingredients in making your pilgrimage a comfortable one. Alfajar Travel has years of expertise in assisting UK Muslims perform Umrah with confidence. We provide the cheapest Umrah packages, luxury hotels near the Haram, visa assistance, airport transfer, and 24/7 customer support before and during your trip. Whether you are traveling alone, with your spouse, or with your whole family, we have packages tailor-made for every budget.
Related Articles:
Book a Family Umrah Package from the UK
Expert Tips for Application:
Ensure your passport is valid for the required length of time before applying for your saudi umrah visa or tourist visa and plan your trip well in advance, especially if you are traveling during Ramadan, December holidays, or school breaks. Compare different umrah packages If possible, book accommodation near Masjid al-Haram. Make copies of all travel documents. You’ll often find better prices and hotel availability if you apply early.
FAQS:
1. Which is better, Umrah visa or tourist visa?
Muslim tourists may perform Umrah on a tourist visa, but a separate visa is needed for Hajj. A Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa is usually easier to obtain and has less stringent entry requirements, while still allowing one to perform Umrah.
2. What is the new umrah visa policy?
The new umrah visa policy in Saudi Arabia reduces the validity period from 90 days to 30 days from the date of issuance.
3. Which visa is best for Umrah?
The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa is the most popular route for UK travellers performing Umrah. It is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing up to 90 days in the country.
4. Can I apply for a tourist visa and go to Umrah?
The one-year, multiple-entry visa allows tourists to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days for leisure, events, family visits, and Umrah.
5. Can I visit friends in Saudi and then do Umrah?
It is possible to do Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa under certain conditions. First, you have to be a Muslim traveller because the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are only accessible to Muslims.
