Checklist for Understanding Umrah Visa Validity

Planning your Umrah in 2025? Here's what you need to know about Umrah visa validity:

• Key Dates: Umrah visas are valid until 13 April 2025, and all pilgrims must leave by 29 April 2025. Post-Hajj Umrah resumes on 10 June 2025.
• Visa Types: Options include eVisas (£114 online, £102 on arrival), standard Umrah visas, tourist visas, and more. Each has specific conditions and durations - e.g., eVisas allow multiple entries for up to 90 days within a year.
• Overstay Penalties: Overstaying can result in fines up to SAR 15,000 (£3,200), deportation, or bans. Plan your travel dates carefully.
• Health Requirements: Meningococcal vaccination is mandatory. Others, like polio and yellow fever vaccines, depend on your origin. Check with your GP early.
• Passport Rules: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Ensure all personal details match exactly across documents.

Pro Tip: Use trusted travel services like UmrahDeals for visa processing, travel arrangements, and personalised support, ensuring a smooth journey.

Stay organised, follow the rules, and focus on your spiritual experience.

Check Passport and Traveller Requirements

Make sure your British passport complies with Saudi entry regulations to avoid any delays. Pay attention to passport validity, travel history, and personal details to ensure a hassle-free visa process.

Passport Validity

Your British passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in Saudi Arabia. Double-check the expiry date and renew your passport if it will expire within six months of your planned entry.

For example, if you plan to arrive in Saudi Arabia on 15 February 2025, your passport must remain valid until at least 15 August 2025.

Travel Restrictions

UK residents are eligible for a Saudi e-visa, which covers Umrah, tourism, and family visits. However, your travel history could affect your eligibility. For instance, if you’ve previously visited Israel, you may be denied entry into Saudi Arabia. Similarly, overstaying a Saudi visa in the past can lead to fines, detention, deportation, or even a ban from future entry. Ensure you’ve adhered to all prior visa conditions before applying again.

Personal Details Match

All details on your visa application must precisely match those on your passport. Even small errors can result in visa rejection or being denied entry.

For instance, if your passport lists your name as "Mohammed Abdullah Smith", do not abbreviate it to "M. A. Smith" on your application. Double-check that the passport number you provide matches exactly. Key details to verify include:

• Full name (exactly as it appears in your passport)
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Issue and expiry dates

If you’ve recently changed your name due to marriage or any other reason, make sure your passport reflects the updated name before submitting your visa application.

Know Your Umrah Visa Type and Validity Period

Getting the right visa for your Umrah journey and understanding its validity period is crucial for a smooth trip. It ensures you can plan effectively and avoid any last-minute hiccups at the border.

Visa Options Available

For UK citizens planning Umrah in 2025, there are several visa options to consider:

• Electronic Tourist Visa (eVisa): Available online for approximately £199, this visa allows for both tourism and performing Umrah.
• Standard Umrah Visa: Specifically for pilgrims, this visa is obtainable through authorised tour operators. It’s a practical choice if you’re booking a travel package that includes visa arrangements.
• Visa on Arrival: If you hold a valid visa from recognised Western regions, you can obtain this visa upon arrival at Saudi airports.
• Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW): This option offers extended validity for British passport holders, making it a convenient choice for longer stays.
• Family Visit, Personal Visit, or Business Visas: These visas allow you to perform Umrah while visiting family or travelling for business purposes.
• Transit Visa: Ideal for short stays, this visa permits a stopover in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours, which can be used for a brief Umrah visit.

Each visa type has its own conditions, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your travel plans.

Visa Duration and Travel Limits

The duration and travel limits vary depending on the visa type:

• Standard Umrah Visa: Allows a stay of up to 90 days.
• Tourist eVisa: Offers one-year validity, with up to 90 days per visit. Some single-entry tourist eVisas, however, only allow a 30-day stay within a 90-day validity period.
• Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW): Provides the longest validity, allowing stays of up to 180 days within its 180-day validity period.

For travellers using Hajj or Umrah visas, entry and exit are restricted to Jeddah or Madinah airports.

Important Reminder: Umrah visas cannot be extended. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, deportation, or even a ban on future entry. Plan your travel dates carefully to avoid any issues.

Important Dates for 2025

Key dates in 2025 are vital for aligning your visa validity with your travel plans:

• Entry Deadline: Arrive in Saudi Arabia by 13 April 2025.
• Exit Deadline: Depart by 27 April 2025.
• Post-Hajj Umrah Resumption: Umrah visas will be issued again starting 10 June 2025, with international arrivals allowed from 11 June 2025.

To secure your spot, apply for your Umrah visa as early as January or February 2025. In 2024, strict quotas limited Indian applicants to just 250 visas per day, down from 5,000. Similar limits may apply to other nationalities, so early application is key.

When booking flights and accommodation, opt for flexible policies to safeguard against sudden changes in rules. Keep an eye on updates from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the latest information on visa policies and restrictions.

Prevent Overstay Penalties and Plan Your Dates

Overstaying your Umrah visa can lead to serious consequences, impacting both your current pilgrimage and future travel opportunities. The Saudi government enforces strict penalties, and there are no provisions for extending your visa under any circumstances.

No Visa Extensions

An Umrah visa is strictly limited to its original validity period. Overstaying, even as a first-time offender, can result in a fine of SAR 15,000 (approximately £3,200) and deportation. Repeated violations come with harsher penalties, including higher fines, longer entry bans, and even imprisonment. Additionally, a daily fine of SAR 100 (about £21) is imposed for every extra day you remain in the country. Beyond financial repercussions, overstayers risk detention until deportation is arranged, and future travel to Saudi Arabia or other Gulf countries may be restricted.

Track Your Travel Dates

To avoid these penalties, keeping a close eye on your travel dates is essential. Saudi authorities use systems like the Absher platform to monitor entry and exit records. Check the entry stamp in your passport and use Absher or similar digital tools to track how many days remain on your visa. Visa durations vary - some are valid for 30 days, while others allow up to 90 days - so it’s crucial to confirm your specific allowance.

Plan your return journey carefully, booking flights at least two days before your visa expires to account for unexpected delays. Align your departure date with your visa validity rather than making last-minute arrangements. Use digital calendar reminders or countdown apps to keep track of important dates, such as your visa expiry and departure. Always carry both digital and physical copies of your visa and passport, as these may be required if questions about your stay arise.

Bear in mind that Saudi Arabia uses the Hijri calendar for official purposes. Check the Hijri dates on your visa to accurately determine when it expires. Stay informed by consulting official Saudi channels for updates on visa regulations that might affect your plans.

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Complete Health and Entry Requirements

To ensure your Umrah journey goes smoothly and your visa remains valid, it's essential to meet Saudi Arabia's health and entry requirements. Just as passport and visa checks are crucial, confirming your health status and having the right documentation is equally important. The Kingdom enforces strict health protocols to safeguard both pilgrims and residents, given the sheer number of visitors undertaking Umrah and Hajj each year.

Here’s what you need to know about vaccinations and documentation to avoid any disruptions.

Required Vaccinations

To enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, certain vaccinations are mandatory, while others are highly recommended. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements:

• Meningococcal vaccination: This is compulsory for all travellers aged two and above, starting from 1 February 2025. The Quadrivalent ACYW-135 vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival, and the certificate remains valid for three years. Airlines will check vaccination certificates at check-in and will deny boarding if documentation is missing or invalid.
• Polio vaccination: Travellers from countries with reported polio cases must get vaccinated at least four weeks before arriving in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, random polio vaccinations may be conducted at entry points depending on your country of origin.
• Yellow Fever vaccination: This is required for individuals coming from regions at risk of yellow fever transmission.
• COVID-19 vaccination: While not mandatory, it is strongly advised, particularly for pilgrims over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or health verification via the Tawakkalna app is no longer required for most facilities and public transport.

Vaccination	Age Requirement	Timeline	Validity
Meningococcal (ACYW-135)	2 years and above	At least 10 days pre-arrival	3 years
Polio	All ages (risk countries)	At least 4 weeks pre-arrival	Varies
Yellow Fever	All ages (risk countries)	As per medical guidelines	10 years

It’s a good idea to consult your GP well in advance to discuss these vaccination requirements and confirm vaccine availability in the UK. Proper planning will help you stick to the required timelines and prevent last-minute issues.

Required Documents

In addition to vaccinations, having the correct documentation is essential for a hassle-free entry process. Make sure you have the following:

• International vaccination certificate: Secure an international certificate for all mandatory vaccinations in both digital and paper formats.
• Medical documentation: If you have chronic health conditions or cannot receive certain vaccinations due to medical reasons, carry detailed medical reports explaining the exemption. Approval for such cases will depend on Saudi health authorities.
• Prescription medications: Ensure you bring your prescription medications in their original packaging, along with a sufficient supply. Include a summary of any chronic conditions for reference.
• Medical insurance: Visitors are required to have medical insurance that covers COVID-19-related hospitalisation and other health emergencies. Check that your policy provides adequate coverage for the duration of your stay.

Upon arrival, download and register on the Tawakkalna app, as some establishments may still require health verification. Be prepared for strict health screenings at airports and border checkpoints, and keep all health-related documents easily accessible.

For the latest updates, always check the official Saudi Ministry of Health website at www.moh.gov.sa before travelling. Additional measures, such as quarantine or preventive treatments, may be implemented based on the current health situation.

Use Trusted Travel Services

Planning your Umrah involves navigating a maze of visa requirements, travel arrangements, and health protocols. Trusted travel services simplify this process by handling everything from visa applications and flight bookings to hotel reservations and local support. This allows you to focus entirely on your spiritual journey. Always ensure you apply through accredited travel agents for a seamless experience.

Licensed agencies not only ensure transparent pricing but also help you avoid unexpected expenses, making it easier to stick to your budget. For first-time pilgrims, these agencies often provide orientations, checklists, and pre-departure workshops to guide you. For instance, in March 2025, Ruksana shared her experience with Al Bushra Tours And Travels, praising their flawless management of airport transfers, accommodations, and transportation. She gave them a perfect 10/10 rating, highlighting their exceptional service.

Below, learn how UmrahDeals can simplify every step of your preparation.

UmrahDeals Services

Meeting the strict visa and travel requirements for Umrah can be challenging, which is why partnering with experienced providers like UmrahDeals is a smart choice. They offer a complete range of services designed to make your journey stress-free. Their packages include flights, carefully chosen accommodations in well-known hotels in Makkah, and expert visa assistance from authorised professionals. Since Umrah visas must be processed through accredited agents and cannot be extended, their expertise ensures that your application is accurate and submitted on time.

One of the standout features of UmrahDeals is their personalised 1-to-1 guidance via WhatsApp. This service helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures you fully understand your visa's validity, travel restrictions, and health requirements. Their flexible packages are tailored to suit individuals, families, and groups, offering customised itineraries that cover everything from essential items like ihram to comprehensive visa and travel support.

UmrahDeals also provides detailed pre-departure briefings, covering current health protocols, vaccination schedules, and necessary documentation. They handle visa checks, accommodation bookings, and flight arrangements, allowing you to focus entirely on the spiritual aspects of your journey while ensuring you comply with all Saudi regulations.

With their all-inclusive packages, personalised support, and expertise in visa processing, UmrahDeals ensures your Umrah experience is smooth and spiritually enriching from beginning to end.

Conclusion

Knowing the validity of your Umrah visa is crucial to ensuring a smooth and trouble-free pilgrimage. By following a clear checklist - from verifying your documentation to planning your travel dates - you can avoid costly errors and potential travel restrictions that may impact future visits.

Begin by confirming your visa dates as soon as you receive your documents. Plan your itinerary carefully to steer clear of overstay penalties, as Saudi Arabia enforces strict immigration rules with serious consequences for violations.

Stay on top of your compliance during the trip by setting reminders for important dates and keeping your records well-organised. It’s a good idea to have both physical and digital copies of your documents readily available for reference.

For added convenience and accuracy, consider working with authorised travel providers. Since Umrah visas must be processed through accredited agents and cannot be extended, partnering with experienced services like UmrahDeals can simplify the process. Their packages, which include visa assistance, flights, accommodations, and personalised WhatsApp support, allow you to focus entirely on your spiritual experience while adhering to Saudi regulations.

FAQs

What should I do if my passport is due to expire within six months of my planned Umrah trip to Saudi Arabia?

If your passport is due to expire within six months of your planned arrival in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, you’ll need to renew it before travelling. Saudi regulations require all visitors to have a passport with at least six months of validity from the date they enter the country.

Taking care of your passport renewal ahead of time can save you from unnecessary delays or issues with your Umrah visa or entry into Saudi Arabia. Ensuring your documents are up to date is a key part of preparing for this important spiritual journey.

How can I make sure my personal details are consistent across all documents to avoid issues with my Umrah visa?

To ensure a smooth process for your Umrah visa, double-check that your personal details - like your name, date of birth, and passport number - match perfectly across all the documents you submit. Even small errors or mismatches can cause issues, so it’s worth reviewing everything carefully before sending it in.

If you notice any discrepancies, make sure to update the information as soon as possible. You can do this through the official visa application portal or by reaching out to the relevant embassy. It’s also a good idea to keep copies of all updated documents and any confirmation receipts for your records. These simple precautions can help reduce the chances of delays or rejections.

What happens if I overstay my Umrah visa, and how can I avoid it?

Overstaying your Umrah visa can lead to serious penalties, including fines as high as £10,500 (SR50,000), up to six months in prison, deportation, and even future travel restrictions. These rules are strictly enforced, so it’s crucial to adhere to the permitted duration of your stay.

Here are some practical steps to help you avoid overstaying:

• Double-check your visa’s expiry date and plan your return accordingly.
• Account for potential travel delays by building extra time into your schedule.
• If you're uncertain about your visa's validity or require an extension, seek advice from reliable sources.

By staying mindful of these steps, you can focus on your pilgrimage without worrying about legal complications.