Most of the British Muslims travelling to the holy city of Makkah for Umrah can perform the holy pilgrimage via a Saudi eVisa. Despite this, some of the pilgrims might still choose or require a dedicated Umrah visa depending on their nationality, travel arrangements, and eligibility. 

Whether you choose to apply for Umrah visa online UK or choose to travel via an e-Visa, you must know the key differences between them. Having access to complete knowledge, you will be able to get the right authorization and avoid any issues at the immigration checkpoint. 

Saudi Tourist eVisa and Umrah Visa

The Saudi tourist eVisa and Umrah visa are both used for visiting Saudi Arabia. Some of the key differences between these two visas are in the differences in purpose, eligibility, and several restrictions.

The Tourist eVisa

This visa is available for UK citizens and is now open to several other countries. Saudi Arabia is continuously adding to the list of eligible countries to attract the maximum number of tourists by the year 2030.

This eVisa was introduced by Saudi Arabia in 2019 and aims to attract more visitors to the country. The application process for a tourist visa is quite swift and easy and can be completed in less than an hour. The most convenient upgrade is that pilgrims can now perform Umrah on a tourist visa along with exploring the itinerary of the diverse landscape of Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims must mention Umrah as the purpose of their trip during the eVisa application process. 

Umrah Visa

The Umrah visas are specially issued to countries where individuals cannot apply for tourist visas directly. The pilgrims must go through a specific authorized agency in their country to obtain their Umrah visa. The UK Muslims can obtain an Umrah visa through Islamic Travel Agency, which is the most trusted Umrah service provider in the UK. Pilgrims can also apply for the Umrah packages from UK and seek everything, including accommodation and flights of their own choice. 

These packages mention everything including the amenities and charges for all the inclusions. They also calculate the umrah package price UK per person for you to have an estimate of the price of your Umrah trip. 

Key differences between Urah visa and Tourist eVisa

There are several key differences between an Umrah Visa and a tourist eVisa. Learning about these key differences will help you determine which visa is suitable for you. These differences are mentioned in the guide as follows. 

Tourist eVisa

This visa is suitable for general tourism, leisure, and visiting family and friends. This visa can also be utilized for non-religious travel purposes. This visa can also be utilized to perform Umrah, but Hajj cannot be performed via this visa.

Umrah Visa

This visa is specifically used for performing Umrah only but cannot be utilized during the Hajj season. This visa does not allow general tourism and is strictly for the Umrah pilgrimage. 

Eligibility

Tourist eVisa

This visa is available to the citizens of many countries and also provides a multiple-entry option which is valid for up to a year. 

Umrah Visa

This visa is only available for Muslims who are from eligible countries. This visa is only valid for a single entry and cannot be reused. 

Validity & Duration

Tourist eVisa

The tourist eVisa is typically eligible for multiple entries and is valid for up to 1 year. The tourist can stay for up to 90 days per visit. 

Umrah Visa

The Umrah visa is usually valid for a single entry and is valid for a short period. This visa allows an extended stay of up to 90 days in a single visit. 

Restrictions

Tourist eVisa

The tourist eVisa allows visitors to travel across Saudi Arabia, including visiting Makkah and Madinah for Umrah. This visa cannot be used for Hajj.

Umrah Visa

This visa can only be utilized for Umrah. It does not allow any unrestricted travel outside of Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

Cost and Application process

Tourist eVisa

The tourist eVisa usually costs between £120 and £150 per person, including the insurance. This visa can be applied for online or in-person, and its application process is quite simple.

Umrah Visa

The cost of a traditional, single-entry Umrah visa varies between £100 and £130 per person, along with the insurance. The application for this visa is usually processed through an approved Umrah agency. Pilgrims can also apply online via the official portal of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. 

You can make a well-informed decision by understanding these differences. In case you want to perform Umrah along with exploring Saudi Arabia, the tourist eVisa is the best option for you. If you are going solely to perform Umrah, then the Umrah visa is more suitable for you, but may have several restrictions. Choosing the visa according to your preferences will allow you to have a calm, safe, and sound Umrah or tourist trip.