Visiting The Sacred Sites In Saudi Arabia From The UK
The significance of Umrah for Muslims is uncontested. This spiritually enriching practice is highly recommended to all Muslims. If travelling from the UK for an Umrah pilgrimage is on your bucket list, this article will guide you with the sites you must visit. You will also find information on the Saudi Arabia Umrah visas for UK citizens.
Introduction
Saudi Arabia welcomes millions of Umrah pilgrims. The number was 36 million in 2023. It is difficult to point out the proportion of visits from the UK for Umrah precisely. But the number is growing. This is because performing Umrah is a way to renew your spirit.
You should take an Umrah trip at least once in your lifetime to strengthen your faith. So keep reading to find out what sites to visit and what permits to get.
Religious Sites You Should Visit
Let’s check out the top religious sites in Mecca and Medina to cleanse your soul.
In Mecca
Mecca is the holiest city in Islam. It is known for the Prophet’s birth.
Grand Mosque (Day 1): It is considered the oldest mosque. It is the holiest place in Islam. You will find the Holy Kaaba here. It is the first adobe constructed for Muslims to worship. An Umrah trip is not complete without a prayer here.
Makkah Museum (Day 2): Why not blend your religious trip with a touch of Islamic history? The Makkah Museum can give you mind-blowing insights into ancient Islamic history and civilizations. You will have to ride around 10 kilometres from the Grand Mosque to get there. You can view masterpieces from diverse periods and fields in Islamic culture.
Hira Cave (Day 3): Visit the Hira Cave. It is only around 14 kilometres from the Makkah Museum. The significance of this cave? The Prophet Muhammad took refuge here. He spent several nights in the cave. Thousands of Muslims attend the site every year.
Thawr Cave (Day 4): It is said that the Prophet rested here during his journey. It is on a mountain’s peak. The cave is a rock that's empty inside. You can ride around 20 kilometres from Hira Cave to get there.
Mount Arafat (Day 5): Travel around 25 kilometres from the Thawr cave to visit Mount Arafat. It is among the holiest sites you can visit during Umrah. There is a specific point around 70 meters up on the mountain that is of special significance. The Prophet may have made the final religious talks to his Hajj companions.
After completing your tour in Mecca, take a train to Medina. It will be a 2.5-hour-long pleasant journey. You may also take a taxi.
In Medina
The second-holiest city for people belonging to the Islamic religion, Medina is where Muhammad lived and was buried.
Prophet’s Mosque (Day 6): It is the city’s largest mosque and a vital religious centre. Find the tomb of the Prophet there. Go to the Quba Mosque after you finish your prayers here. There is approximately 5 kilometres of distance between the two mosques.
Quba Mosque (Day 7): The mosque is famous, for history says that The Prophet himself had laid the foundation. It was being built after he moved to this place. The second-largest mosque in Medina, it has a typical elevation. You will be able to see it from different locations throughout the city.
Jannatul Baqi (Day 8): You need to travel around 6 kilometres from the Quba Mosque to reach Baqi. The Baqi has been a cemetery since the time of the Chosen One. Today, it is the main graveyard in Medina. Muslim locals as well as visitors get to lay in rest in Baqi upon their demise in Medina. Several of The Prophet’s family members and followers have been said to be buried here.
Visa To Enter Mecca and Medina
You need a Hajj or an Umrah visa to get access to the two sacred cities. Hajj visa is for Hajj only. So, you get to do only specific pilgrim activities for a limited period. But you can get an Umrah visa all year, excluding the Hajj period. So you must focus on the Saudi Umrah visa. Because your tourist e-visa will also cover the Umrah pilgrimage. Let’s check out the passport requirements and the types of visas you should obtain.
Passport Requirements
Let’s consider you have a full British passport. It has its expiry date. It should not expire before 6 months from the day of your arrival in Saudi Arabia. Renewal will be necessary if it is going to expire.
Visa Requirements
Let’s see what difference it makes to get a tourist visa instead of an Umrah visa.
Option 1- Umrah Visas: It is given to Muslims who are looking forward to only the Umrah pilgrimage. You can also do it on a tourist visa. But the Umrah visa will give you benefits specific to Umrah. For example, the Zamzam water permit. The blessed water can be taken back home with an Umrah visa. A tourist visa will not allow this.
But the Umrah visa is a single-entry visa given only for Umrah-related trips. So you can travel outside Mecca to cities like Jeddah and Medina. But non-sacred areas in Saudi Arabia will be off-limits without a tourist visa. The Umrah visa is a bit subsidised. A tourist visa comes with standard charges.
You can obtain an Umrah visa by visiting a reputable application portal. Want a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa for UK citizens as a paper sticker? You have to go to a consulate and do everything in person. You can also get it upon arriving at the airport.
Option 2- Tourist Visas: You can perform Umrah as well as other tourist activities with a tourist e-visa. Your e-visa will be valid for one year. You can enter the country more than once using the e-visa. You can stay for no more than 90 days in total over the year.
Note that health insurance for your visit will be included in your e-visa. The insurance change will be paid along with the visa fee. The validity of your insurance is the same as your e-visa. Visit a reputed e-visa portal to apply for your electronic tourism visa.
It is best to apply 90 days in advance. You should try to apply at least 48 hours before departing from the UK. You can pay the visa fees with your card. E-visa is the most convenient option. But a paper sticker visa can also be obtained from the embassy. You can also obtain your visa upon arriving at a point of entry in Saudi Arabia.
Points To Note
- Please note that the holy cities of Mecca and Medina can be entered only by Muslims. Non-Muslims can enter some parts of Medina, though.
- Women need their husband’s or father’s permission to perform Hajj or Umrah. Alternatively, they can have their father or husband accompany them.
- You might be refused entry to Saudi Arabia if your birth or travel history is associated with Israel.
- You will need a certificate for the meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine if you are a Umrah or Hajj pilgrim.
- Check customs requirements to make sure you are not carrying restricted items. Tourists generally think that not carrying narcotics and weapons is all that is needed. But remember that alcohol and pork products are also strictly banned in the country.
Etiquettes and Norms At Religious Sites
Knowing expectations and norms is extremely important when visiting religious sites in a foreign land.
Dress modestly. Islamic culture places great value on modesty. Wear clothes that cover your body and hair. Dressing traditionally will help you earn respect. Also, make sure you do not engage in public displays of affection. It is seen as inappropriate. It is seen as a sign of disrespect to the local customs.
Show respect to elders. This is something that is deeply rooted in the culture of Saudi Arabia. The elders are regarded as individuals with great wisdom. Address elders respectfully. Offer them seats in public and religious spaces.
Display respect for prayer times. Be aware of the five daily prayer times in Saudi Arabia. Remember that prayer times are given immense priority. Other activities are paused to attend prayer. Hence, remain patient if services are not available during prayer times.
Ready To Fly Yet?
Get a Saudi Umrah visa if your purpose of visit is solely to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. But consider a tourist e-visa if you are planning to visit some non-religious sites as well before returning to the UK. Remember that tourist visas don’t come with Umrah-specific perks.
Start your trip from Mecca. Visit Medina after covering Mecca. The religious sites in these cities will also be a medium to know more about Islamic history. You may finish your trip with a retreat to the luxury malls in the country. Finally, remember to respect the local culture and norms.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 4 days before your scheduled trip. In addition to UK citizens, Swedish citizens, Russian citizens, Australian citizens, Latvian citizens and Japanese citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.