Umrah Visa UK: How to Apply From England
Getting your Umrah visa from the UK is one of the first practical steps once you've decided to travel, and it's more straightforward than most first-timers expect. Since 2019, Umrah visas have been issued through the Saudi government's Nusuk platform, and can also be arranged for you by a UK Umrah agency as part of your package. Here's exactly what's involved.
Who can apply for an Umrah visa?
Any Muslim UK resident holding a valid passport can apply. Non-Muslim family members travelling as companions are generally not eligible, as Umrah visas are specifically for the purpose of performing the pilgrimage.
Documents you'll need
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
- A recent passport-style photograph meeting Saudi visa specifications
- Proof of vaccination requirements current at the time of travel (these can change, so check close to your departure date)
- For women under a certain age, evidence of a Mahram or confirmation of travelling with an organised group, depending on current rules
- Confirmed flight and hotel details, or a package booking reference if travelling with an agency
How to apply: two main routes
Route 1: Apply directly through Nusuk
You can apply for your Umrah visa yourself through the official Nusuk platform, uploading your documents and paying the visa fee online. This suits confident independent travellers comfortable navigating an official government portal.
Route 2: Let your UK agency handle it
Most UK Umrah agencies include visa processing as part of your package price, collecting your documents and submitting the application on your behalf. This is the route most first-timers and families choose, since it removes one more thing to manage yourself, and your agency will flag if anything is missing before it becomes a problem.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary depending on demand, but many applicants receive approval within a few days to around two weeks. During busy periods, such as in the run-up to Ramadan, processing can take longer, so applying as early as possible is sensible — most agencies recommend starting the process at least a month before travel.
Visa costs
Visa fees are set by the Saudi authorities and can change, so rather than quoting a figure that may be out of date by the time you read this, we'd always recommend checking the current fee directly on Nusuk or asking your chosen agency to confirm the up-to-date cost as part of your quote.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the application until close to your travel date
- Submitting a photo that doesn't meet the required specifications
- Forgetting that children need their own individual visa application
- Not checking passport validity requirements before applying
Applying as a family
Every traveller, including children, needs their own visa application and passport. If you're applying through an agency, they'll usually manage the whole family's applications as a single coordinated process, which can save a lot of admin compared to doing it individually.
Want your visa handled for you?
Compare packages from UK agencies who include Umrah visa processing as standard, or build your own — one less thing to manage yourself.
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Related reading: Nusuk vs Agency vs DIY · What to Pack for Umrah