£80
per pilgrim
Visa Fee
Instant EVW Processing
Fast & Hassle-Free
90 Days Validity
Single Entry for Umrah
For South African Muslims residing in the United Kingdom, embarking on the sacred journey of Umrah is a profoundly significant milestone. In the past, navigating the visa process as a foreign national living in the UK could be a complex web of paperwork, embassy visits, and rigid agency constraints. However, the landscape of religious travel has fundamentally transformed.
Today, South African passport holders are fully eligible for the Saudi Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa. This digital travel authorisation is the most versatile and efficient way to legally perform Umrah. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through exactly how to secure your visa, what documents you need, and how to plan the perfect spiritual journey directly from the UK.
Saudi Arabia divides global nationalities into different eligibility tiers for its visa programmes. The fantastic news for South African citizens is that South Africa is officially listed as a Group A country.
This means that your South African passport alone grants you direct access to the online Saudi eVisa system. You do not need to rely on your UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a UK visa to qualify—your South African nationality is the primary key.
One-Year Validity: The visa remains valid for 365 days from the date it is issued.
Multiple Entries: You can travel between the UK and Saudi Arabia as many times as you like within the year.
Extended Stays: Visitors are permitted to stay for up to 90 days per entry.
Do-It-Yourself Freedom: You are not forced to book expensive, pre-packaged tours. You can build your own itinerary, making affordable spiritual travel highly achievable through trusted UK-based providers like Package Umrah Ltd.
Because the application is processed entirely online, you do not need to send your physical passport to the Saudi Embassy in London. To guarantee a swift and successful application, gather the following before you begin:
Valid South African Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of arrival in Jeddah or Madinah.
Digital Photograph: A recent, clear, passport-style photo featuring a solid white background. Avoid wearing glasses or headwear that obscures your face (hijabs are perfectly acceptable provided the face is fully visible).
Payment Method: A valid UK debit or credit card to cover the online processing fees.
Vaccination Compliance: While not uploaded during the digital application, you must carry a valid Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination certificate with you. This is a mandatory health requirement checked by airline staff and Saudi immigration officials.
The digital application process is exceptionally streamlined. Follow these steps to secure your eVisa:
Visit the Official Saudi Portal: Navigate to the official Visit Saudi eVisa website.
Create Your Profile: Register with a valid email address. All official correspondence and your final visa will be sent here.
Fill in Your Details: Enter your personal information exactly as it is printed on the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of your South African passport. Even minor spelling errors can result in boarding denials at UK airports.
Pay the Processing Fee: The total cost is approximately £114 (around 535 SAR). This fee is comprehensive, covering the base visa cost, digital processing, and the mandatory Saudi health insurance required for the duration of your stay.
Receive Your eVisa: Applications submitted by Group A nationals are typically approved within 30 minutes to 24 hours. Once received, print a physical copy to present alongside your passport at the airport.
To ensure your journey remains stress-free and compliant with Saudi law, keep the following regulations in mind:
The Hajj Exclusion: The multiple-entry Tourist eVisa legally permits you to perform Umrah, but it cannot be used to perform Hajj. During the designated Hajj season, strict entry restrictions are enforced in Makkah, and standard eVisas will not grant you access.
The Nusuk App is Mandatory: Having a visa is only the first step. Once your eVisa is approved, you must download the official Saudi Nusuk App. You will use this app to book your specific time slots for performing Umrah and for praying in the Rawdah Mubarak at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
No Employment: The eVisa is strictly for tourism, visiting family, and performing Umrah. Engaging in any form of paid or unpaid work in Saudi Arabia is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties.
Being a South African expat in the UK provides an excellent launching pad for your Umrah journey. With direct flight routes from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Saudi Arabia, coupled with the ease of the online eVisa system, performing your pilgrimage has never been more accessible. Ensure your South African passport is up to date, prepare your documents carefully, and embrace the spiritual journey ahead.
As South Africa is a Group A eligible country, you apply primarily based on your South African nationality. You will enter your South African passport details into the system. You do not need to upload proof of your UK BRP or residency.
Yes. As long as you hold a valid South African passport and a valid Saudi eVisa, you can board direct or connecting flights from the UK to any international airport in Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah and Madinah
No. Under the current Saudi tourist eVisa regulations, female travellers of all ages can travel to Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah independently, without the need for a male guardian (Mahram).
Yes. The fee you pay during the online application process automatically includes mandatory Saudi travel health insurance. This covers emergency medical treatments up to 100,000 SAR while you are in the Kingdom.
Because South African citizens use the automated Group A system, processing is incredibly fast. Most eVisas are approved and sent to your email within 30 minutes, though it is always recommended to apply at least 48 hours before your flight to account for any unexpected delays.
