£120
per pilgrim
Visa Fee
Instant EVW Processing
Fast & Hassle-Free
90 Days Validity
Single Entry for Umrah
For Filipino Muslims residing in the United Kingdom, the spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah is a profoundly significant milestone. Historically, securing an Umrah visa on a Philippine passport required applying through a licensed travel agency, securing a sponsor, and purchasing a fixed package.
However, if you are a Filipino citizen living in or visiting the UK, the process is now remarkably simple. Under Saudi Arabia’s revised digital visa system, Philippine passport holders with a valid UK visa or UK residency qualify for “Group B” Conditional Eligibility. This grants you the ability to apply for the highly flexible Saudi Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa, allowing you to perform a DIY Umrah independently.
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we will outline how you can leverage your UK immigration status to secure your Saudi Umrah visa online.
While the Philippines is not on the standard list of eligible countries for the standalone Saudi eVisa, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has granted a special exemption for high-tier visa holders.
As a Philippine passport holder, you are fully eligible to apply for the online Saudi Tourist eVisa if you meet one of the following criteria:
You hold a valid UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or permanent residency.
You hold a valid UK Standard Visitor Visa that has been used at least once. (Note: If you have a newly issued UK visa, you must enter the UK and receive an entry stamp before it becomes valid for the Saudi eVisa).
Expert Insight: By securing this eVisa, you can perform a completely independent Umrah. You do not need a Saudi sponsor, a recruitment agency, or an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), as this is strictly a tourist and pilgrimage visa, not a work permit.
Why should a Filipino in the UK opt for the Tourist eVisa rather than a traditional Umrah visa processed by an agency?
| Feature | Saudi Multiple Entry eVisa (via UK Status) | Traditional Philippine Umrah Visa |
| Application Method | 100% Online (Approved in hours) | Paper-based via an approved agency |
| Validity | 1 Year (Multiple Entry) | Typically 30 to 90 Days (Single Entry) |
| Allowed Stay | Up to 90 days per visit | Tied strictly to your agency’s schedule |
| Flexibility | Travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia freely | Often restricted to Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah |
| Mahram Rule | Not required for female travellers | Varies by agency and age restrictions |
To ensure your application is processed smoothly and without rejection, gather the following documents before starting:
Valid Philippine Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Proof of UK Status: A clear digital scan of your UK BRP, settlement status, or the valid, used UK visa sticker stamped inside your passport.
Passport-Style Photo: A recent, high-quality digital photograph with a solid white background.
Payment Card: A valid UK debit or credit card to cover the online processing fee.
Note: You must carry a valid Meningococcal quadrivalent (ACWY) vaccination certificate when travelling, as it is a mandatory health requirement for all pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia.
The application process is entirely digital, saving you the hassle of visiting the Saudi Embassy in London.
Visit the Official Portal: Go directly to the official Visit Saudi eVisa website.
Select the Exemption Category: When prompted for your nationality, select the Philippines. The system will ask if you hold a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa/residency. Select “Yes” and input your UK details.
Fill in Personal Data: Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on the bio-page of your Philippine passport.
Upload Documents: Upload the clear scan of your passport bio-page and your UK BRP or used UK Visa.
Pay the Fees: The total fee is generally between £80 and £114 (approximately 402 to 535 SAR). This cost conveniently includes the mandatory Saudi health insurance required for your stay.
Receive Your eVisa: Approved eVisas are typically emailed as a PDF within 24 to 48 hours. Print a physical copy to present to airline staff and immigration officials.
Hajj is Excluded: The Tourist eVisa permits you to perform Umrah, but it cannot be used to perform Hajj. During the Hajj season, entry to Makkah is heavily restricted and eVisa holders will be turned away.
Download the Nusuk App: Once your visa is granted, you must download the official Saudi Nusuk App. You will need this to book your mandatory time slots for performing Umrah and praying in the Rawdah Mubarak in Madinah.
No Employment: This visa strictly prohibits engaging in any form of paid or unpaid work within Saudi Arabia.
For Filipino Muslims residing in the United Kingdom, performing Umrah has never been more accessible. By utilising your UK residency or visitor visa, you can bypass complex agency procedures and secure a 1-Year Multiple Entry Saudi eVisa online. Prepare your documents, plan your itinerary, and embark on a peaceful, self-guided spiritual journey to the holy cities at your own pace.
No. If you hold a Philippine passport without a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa (or GCC residency), you do not qualify for the online eVisa. You will need to apply for a standard Umrah visa through a licensed travel agency.
No. The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is only required for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) travelling for employment. As you are travelling on a Tourist eVisa for pilgrimage, an OEC is not required.
Yes. If you are applying using a UK Standard Visitor Visa, it must have been used at least once (meaning you have an entry stamp into the UK). If you hold a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), this rule does not apply as you are already a resident.
No. Under Saudi Arabia’s current Tourist eVisa regulations, female pilgrims of all ages can travel and perform Umrah independently without a male guardian (Mahram).
The eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 365 days from the date of issue. You can stay in the Kingdom for a maximum of 90 days per visit.
