Umrah is the shorter version of Hajj that involves a series of religious rites, such as Tawaf and Sa’i. The UK Muslims contribute to a significant proportion of Umrah pilgrims. That’s why they often search for the cost of Umrah fees from the UK before getting their Umrah packages. It is approximately £115 per person, but additional charges may apply depending on the service provider.
Are you also a British Muslim planning to perform Umrah? Then this guide is for you. It offers a detailed understanding of the prices associated with receiving an Umrah visa from the UK. Let’s explore the exact estimate that can help you plan your pilgrimage.
Visa Types & Their Fees from the UK
A visa is an official document issued by a state to foreign nationals. It allows tourists to enter and stay in a country for a specific period. The Umrah visa is a special type of visa that is issued by the Saudi government. It allows Muslims from all over the world to enter Saudi Arabia and perform sacred Umrah rituals. These visas often come in the following three forms. All these types are available in different price ranges.
1- Standard Umrah Visa
It is the most common type of visa that is typically valid for 30 days. With standard Umrah visas, pilgrims can easily visit the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina and perform the revered Umrah. Usually, these visas are included in the Umrah packages offered by travel agencies.
Fee
Standard Umrah visa usually costs around £115 per person. This fee covers the charges of visa processing as well. The additional charges can apply as well, based on the type of services provided. This extra price may range from £50 to £100.
2- Tourist Visa
It is the latest addition by the Saudi government. You can use this visa for both tourism and Umrah. It is valid for one year and allows multiple entries as well. When you are on a tourist visa make sure that you don’t extend each stay more than 90 days.
Fee
You can get a tourist visa by paying around £114 which equals 535 SAR. Besides covering the expense of visa processing, this fee also includes the cost of medical insurance. Remember, medical insurance is mandatory for all tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. Just like standard visas, tourist visas may also come with additional service charges based on the type of service provider.
3- E-Visa
Considering the need for digitalization, Saudi Arabia has introduced the e-visa application policy. Currently, the residents of 66 countries are eligible for this type of visa. Fortunately, the UK is included in the list.
Fee
Being one of the most convenient options for many pilgrims, e-visas are usually available at around £114. This price includes the cost of medical insurance. The application fee is also added to the e-visa price. Generally, no additional charges come with these visas.
Some Other Charges to Consider While Planning an Umrah
Apart from visa fees, pilgrims have to manage other expenses as well. These typically include flight, accommodation, transport, and food. Here is a budget estimate for all these basic requirements:
Flight Charges
Booking a flight is the first step while embarking on a sacred Umrah trip. The cost of a flight from the UK to Saudi Arabia varies significantly depending on the season, airline, and booking time. On average, you have to pay £400 to £800 for return flights.
Accommodation
Staying in Saudi Arabia is a must for pilgrims. Mecca and Medina offer you multiple lodging options at different price ranges. The cost of a hotel depends upon their services and distance from the holy sites. Budget options usually cost around £50 per night. On the other hand, luxury hotels can go up to £200 per night.
Transport
After lodgings, transport is the necessary element for pilgrims. They can either go with the local options or opt for private taxis or cars. Private options are costlier than public transport. A taxi usually costs you around £70 to £120 for a one-way trip from Mecca to Medina. On the other hand, the high-speed train just charges £30 per person for the same distance.
Food
During your Umrah trip, you must have a separate budget for your daily food expenses. Many Umrah packages provide you with hotels that offer full or half-board meals. You can also get food from local stalls or eateries. Though the food expenses may vary, it is observed that pilgrims on average spend around £10 to £30 per person per day on meal.
A Quick Guide to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK
Let’s explore how you can apply for an Umrah visa from the UK:
1- Look for a Reputable Travel Agency
Travel agencies offering a wide range of Umrah packages can help you with the visa application process. Here are some of the vital tips to find a reliable agency:
- Use online platforms to research about different travel firms.
- Check customer feedback and compare their services.
- Verify the credentials of travel agencies.
- Always choose the one that is IATA & ATOL certified and offers more services at low prices.
2- Collect all the Required Papers
Gather all the necessary documents for your application process. Check out if you have the following papers or not:
- A valid passport.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Certificates for required vaccinations, such as polio, yellow fever, and COVID-19.
3- Complete your Request Form
Once you have all the required papers, fill out your visa application form. This form is usually provided by the travel firm or the Saudi consulate. Make sure you enter the details correctly to avoid any delays. Next is the submission of the visa application. Attach the required documents and visa fee with your form and submit it to the travel agency or the consulate.
4 – Receive Your Visa
After submitting the application, wait for approval. It is usually done between 5 to 10 working days. During this period, your travel agency will keep you updated on your application status. When it is approved, the firm will provide you with the visa.
By following this short guide and choosing a reliable agency, you can streamline your visa application process. Muslims Holy Travel is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK. They provide a wide range of Umrah packages and cover all the travel logistics to ensure you a hassle-free trip. Contact them now to make your journey comfortable.
