Umrah Visa Process for UK Residents – 2025 Complete Guide

Learn how to apply for your Umrah visa UK in 2025. Requirements, documents, costs, processing time, and easy guidance from Al Islam Travels.

Understanding the Umrah Visa UK in 2025

Performing Umrah is a dream for many UK Muslims, and with the updated Umrah visa UK process in 2025, the journey has become more streamlined and accessible than ever before. Whether you’re going for a short spiritual getaway or planning a family pilgrimage, understanding the visa rules helps you travel smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays.

What Is an Umrah Visa and Why It Matters

An Umrah visa is a special entry permit issued by Saudi Arabia that allows Muslims to perform Umrah during any month of the year except the days of Hajj. Unlike the general tourist visa, the Umrah visa is designed specifically for religious pilgrimage, which means it comes with its own set of requirements, documentation, and travel guidelines.

This visa ensures:

• Pilgrims have verified accommodation
• Secure transport and return arrangements
• Safe entry and stay following Saudi regulations

Having the correct visa also avoids issues at immigration and ensures your journey is both smooth and spiritually enriching.

Latest Changes for UK Pilgrims in 2025

The Saudi government continues to improve its digital systems, making the Umrah experience easier for global pilgrims. For UK residents in 2025, several updates stand out:

• Faster online processing thanks to improved digital platforms
• Simplified vaccination guidelines, reducing the number of mandatory requirements
• More flexibility in choosing travel dates, allowing better planning
• Digital visa issuance, eliminating the need for a physical sticker on your passport

These improvements mean faster approvals, fewer complications, and a more efficient journey from the UK to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Benefits of Applying Through Al Islam Travels

With visa rules constantly updating, choosing a trusted agency like Al Islam Travels makes the entire process easier. They handle everything—from documentation to hotel bookings—ensuring you don’t deal with technicalities or long processing waits.

Benefits include:

• Faster approvals through verified submission channels
• Authentic and confirmed hotel reservations
• Zero paperwork stress, as agents prepare and check documents for you
• 24/7 support before departure and during your stay in Saudi Arabia

This kind of support is especially helpful for first-time pilgrims, elderly travellers, and families travelling with children.

Umrah Visa Requirements UK – Documents You Must Prepare

Applying for an Umrah visa becomes much easier when your documents are complete and accurate. Here are the key items required in 2025:

Mandatory Passport and Photo Requirements

Your application must include:

A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity

A recent passport-size photo with a white background

A clear photocopy or scan of your passport ID page

Ensuring your passport is not damaged, stained, or torn is extremely important, as this can cause immediate rejection.

Proof of Accommodation, Flights, and Package Details

Saudi authorities require all pilgrims to have confirmed travel arrangements before issuing a visa. This includes:

• Verified hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah
• Return flight tickets to ensure your departure from Saudi Arabia
• A registered Umrah package, which Al Islam Travels prepares

Providing confirmed arrangements significantly increases your approval chances and speeds up the process.

Health, Vaccination, and Insurance Guidelines

As of 2025, health guidelines are easier than before, but some rules remain:

• Meningitis vaccination may be required depending on season
• Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended
• Proof of medical coverage strengthens your application

Good insurance is essential as it ensures safety in case of emergencies, making your pilgrimage stress-free.

Requirements for Families, Children, and Elderly Pilgrims

Different age groups may require additional documents:

• Children must travel with a guardian and may need birth certificates
• Elderly travellers may require medical clearance
• Family groups should keep marriage or guardianship documents handy

Al Islam Travels helps ensure all documents are correctly arranged for group or family applications.

How to Apply Umrah Visa – Step-by-Step for UK Residents

The application process has become simpler in 2025, especially when using a licensed agency. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1 – Choose a Verified Umrah Package with Al Islam Travels

Selecting the right package is the foundation of a smooth Umrah visa application. Packages come in 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star categories depending on your budget and preferred comfort level.

A verified package ensures:

• Authentic hotel booking
• Legitimate transport arrangements
• Faster visa processing

Step 2 – Gather Documents and Verify Personal Details

The next step is collecting all required documents. You will need:

• Passport copy
• Passport-size photos
• Basic personal details
• Preferred travel dates

Al Islam Travels checks everything to eliminate errors like spelling mistakes or mismatched details.

Step 3 – Submit Your Umrah Visa Application

Once your package and documents are ready, the agency submits your application through official Saudi platforms. This ensures accuracy, legality, and timely updates.

Step 4 – Visa Processing Time and Approval Updates

In most cases, your Umrah visa is processed within 24 to 72 hours. The timeline depends on:

• Travel season
• Application volume
• Document clarity

Peak times—such as Ramadan—may require early applications to avoid delays.

Step 5 – Receiving Your Visa and Preparing for Travel

Once your visa is approved, you will receive a digital version via email. Al Islam Travels then provides:

• Final travel itinerary
• Hotel and transport vouchers
• Important pre-departure instructions
• Guidance on apps and rules in Saudi Arabia

With everything ready, you can travel with complete confidence.

Common Reasons for Umrah Visa Delays or Rejections

Although the process is smoother in 2025, some applications may still face delays. Common reasons include:

Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

If your passport photos or personal details do not match, the application may be rejected instantly.

Passport Validity and Identification Issues

A valid passport with at least six months remaining is mandatory. Any damage to the passport can also lead to rejection.

Health and Vaccination Non-Compliance

Failing to provide required vaccination or insurance documents may delay approval.

How Al Islam Travels Helps Avoid Delays

Al Islam Travels ensures every application meets Saudi standards, reducing risks of delays by:

• Checking documents
• Confirming bookings
• Ensuring accurate submission

This is especially helpful during busy travel seasons like Ramadan and school holidays.

Costs and Processing Time for Umrah Visa UK

Average Visa Fees for 2025

Costs vary depending on:

• Travel season
• Type of Umrah package
• Processing speed

Al Islam Travels gives a clear, upfront quote based on your specific travel plan.

Standard vs Express Processing Times

Processing times include:

• Standard: 1–3 days
• Express: Same day or within 24 hours

Express options are ideal for last-minute travellers.

What Is Included When Applying Through Al Islam Travels

Your package generally includes:

• Visa processing
• Hotel booking
• Return flights
• Local transport in Saudi Arabia
• 24/7 helpline support

This means you don’t need to worry about individual bookings or documentation.

Choosing the Right Umrah Package for a Smooth Visa Process

3-Star, 4-Star, and 5-Star Umrah Package Options

Al Islam Travels offers:

• 3-Star Packages: Budget-friendly and simple
• 4-Star Packages: Comfortable, well-balanced
• 5-Star Packages: Luxury hotels close to Haram

Why Bundled Packages Reduce Stress and Save Money

Bundled packages are often cheaper because:

• Hotels and flights are pre-negotiated
• Visa approval is faster with verified bookings
• No risk of fake reservations

Recommended Umrah Packages for Early 2025

Top-selling packages include:

• 7-day 3-Star package (ideal for quick trips)
• 10-day 4-Star package (balanced comfort)
• 14-day 5-Star package (premium experience)

Tips to Make Your Umrah Visa Approval Smooth and Hassle-Free

Apply Early for the Best Prices

Early planning ensures you get the lowest flight and hotel rates.

Check Document Accuracy

Even minor errors—like spelling mistakes—can delay approval.

Stay Updated with Saudi Regulations

Rules may change, and Al Islam Travels keeps travellers updated.

Follow Guidance from Al Islam Travels Experts

Their team ensures every step is error-free from start to finish.

Final Checklist Before You Travel for Umrah

Verifying Visa Details

Carefully check your name, passport information, and travel dates before flying.

Confirming Hotel and Transport Arrangements

You’ll receive digital vouchers for hotels and transport from Al Islam Travels.

Essential Apps and Travel Tools for UK Pilgrims

Make sure to install:

• Nusuk App
• Tawakkalna App
• Airline apps for boarding passes and travel updates

These tools help with navigation, safety, and ease of movement inside Saudi Arabia.

Ready to begin your Umrah journey?

Let Al Islam Travels handle your visa, flights, hotel, and full pilgrimage arrangements—so you can focus on your spiritual experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)