Umrah offers an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, pray for their needs, and be cleansed of their sins. Additionally, in order to gain closer to Allah Almighty, Umrah is considered one of the best deeds one can perform.

Not only during this minor pilgrimage, but throughout a Muslim’s life, it has a profound impact on their spiritual and mental well-being. It’s more than simply a way to clean the slate

If you are somebody planning an Umrah visit from the UK, we have got you covered with all the necessary information you need to apply for an Umrah visa from the UK. At SaudiVisa our team of experienced professionals help you with all your queries related to the Umrah visa requirements and the recent changes in the same.

To begin with, you must note that all UK Umrah pilgrims must submit their fingerprints for visa issuance. Biometric verification is a must for a successful completion of Umrah visa application. The Saudi Ministry comes up with regular amendments in the Umrah visa application from UK to improve the number of pilgrims regarding Umrah 2023. Whatever the Saudi Ministry decides, it provides a comfort zone for the coming Muslims to perform their religious duty.

After stating the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims must obtain an electronic Umrah visa and ought to submit their biometric details including fingerprints.

The Saudi Ministry has already issued a list of 5 countries, to whom the above restriction will apply.

Visitors from the following 5 countries are required submit their fingerprints for Umrah visa issuance :

• UK
• Tunisia
• Kuwait
• Bangladesh
• Malaysia

The ministry emphasized that this requirement aims to simplify the entry procedures for travelers for Umrah. Furthermore, upon their arrival, it improves the pilgrims’ online experience.

What happens at the Umrah Visa application center?

On the day of your appointment without biometrics information, your visa application will not be processed. Given below are certain rules related to biometric submission, visitors from UK applying for Umrah visa must go through the same:

Biometrics is mandatory for all the applicants except Exemptions cases

• Without biometrics information, your visa application will not be processed.
• Your fingerprint scan and facial scan will be captured.
• A digital fingerprint scanner will collect images of all 10 fingers, and at the same time a digital photo will be captured. This is a quick, discrete and non-intrusive process.
• Your digital photograph must show your full face. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted spectacles, or a head covering unless it is worn for religious or ethical reasons.
• If you have temporary injuries on your fingers, you’re advised to wait until your injuries have healed.
• Ensure your fingertips are free from any forms of temporary body decoration like mehndi as it interferes with the working of the scanner.
• If you have applied for a Schengen Visa after 02nd November 2015, you will not need to submit biometric data as you will have already done so.
• Citizens who hold diplomatic passports and heads of state do not require a visa and will not need to submit biometric data.
• For an applicant between the ages of 12 and 17, a parent or legal guardian will be asked to give consent and be present when fingerprints are collected.

How will you confirm the fingerprints online?

Those visitors from UK applying for Umrah visa online can register their fingerprints for the Umrah Visa and for this a “Saudi Visa Bio” application will be compulsory. Interested individuals must download the app and provide their fingerprints and picture biometrics for visa registration for pilgrimage.

The aforementioned app was launched last year to fulfill the commitment to enabling biometrics enrollment through mobile devices. This has been done to provide ease to visa applicants and avoid physically visiting visa centers in Mecca. Furthermore, it makes the state among the first in the world to accept mobile biometrics for the issuance of visas.

What is the process of verifying Umrah Visa fingerprints online?

Check below for the procedure to verify the fingerprints for Umrah visa from UK online:

Step 1: Download the required application
Step 2: Select the visa category
Step 3: Scan the passport for the remaining process
Step 4: Then the applicant must use the front camera to capture a full face picture
Step 5: Match the captured shot with the passport picture to confirm the identity
Step 6: Scan the 10 fingerprints electronically

Umrah eVisa from UK: Requirements and Rules

There are certain other Umrah e-visa requirements for UK citizens that must be fulfilled for hassle-free visa issuance.

Umrah e-visa requirements for UK

• Recent passport photograph
• Valid passport with at least 6-8 months
• An email address
• A payment method for visa fee

Umrah e-visa rules for UK

• A woman must reach the age of puberty before obtaining a visa.
• Under 18 will not be able to grant an Umrah visa until with adult family members.
• If one is not a British citizen, one must have to show Britain residency allowance.
• Applicants must have a valid British passport to apply for an e-visa.
• Pilgrims must verify their fingerprints in an online application.
• There is no longer a PCR test requirement.

The Saudi government has opened the doors of the kingdom for Umrah on all types of visa holders. Make sure you scan your fingerprints for visa processing completion without which the chances of your e-visa issuance will not be successful. Also remember, this restriction is just for 5 countries, including the UK. You may book your Umrah package with SaudiVisa which is an ATOL-protected Company. Our team of experts will instruct you about this update and help you with all the other visa related requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do visitors from UK need biometrics for a Saudi visa?

Effective immediately, Saudi visa applicants in UK must provide their biometric data when applying for a business visa, short-term work authorization, or a work visa, whereas previously, this was not required.

Can I get an Umrah visa with a UK travel document?

Muslim citizens of the United Kingdom with valid passports can also perform Umrah using a standard Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa.

Can Umrah visa from UK be approved without biometrics?

Without biometrics information, your visa application will not be processed. Your fingerprint scan and facial scan will be captured. A digital fingerprint scanner will collect images of all 10 fingers, and at the same time a digital photo will be captured. This is a quick, discrete and non-intrusive process.

Can I do Umrah from UK?

You will need a visa to enter or travel through Saudi Arabia as a visitor. You can apply for a tourist visa online. Muslim tourists may perform Umrah on a tourist visa, but a separate visa is needed for Hajj.

Is biometric required before or after Umrah visa?

You can give your biometrics only as part of an application you submit. If you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit, you’ll need to give your biometrics before we start to process your application.