Planning Umrah with children can be one of the most fulfilling experiences for Muslim parents — but it also comes with unique challenges. From packing enough snacks to making sure your toddler has the right documents, the process can feel overwhelming. And one of the most common questions parents ask when they start preparing is: “Do children need a separate visa and ticket for Umrah?”
This is an important question because your entire trip depends on getting this right. Missing a visa or booking the wrong type of ticket can result in delays, extra costs, or even being denied boarding at the airport. In this detailed guide, we will break everything down for you — visa requirements for kids, ticket rules for different ages, cost breakdowns, documents you need, and tips for making your Umrah trip with kids as smooth as possible.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear answer to whether children need a separate visa and ticket for Umrah, plus a step-by-step plan to avoid common mistakes and save money along the way.
Table of Contents
Understanding Umrah Visa Rules for Children
The first thing you need to know is that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah requires every pilgrim including infants and children to have a valid Umrah visa. There are no exceptions based on age. This means that even if your baby is only six months old, you must still apply for their visa.
The process for obtaining an Umrah visa for children is very similar to adults, but you will need a few extra documents to prove the child’s identity and relationship to the parents or guardians traveling with them.
Why Every Pilgrim Needs a Visa
Saudi Arabia’s visa system is designed to register every single person entering the country for religious pilgrimage. This is partly for security and partly for crowd management, as millions of pilgrims visit Makkah and Madinah each year. For this reason, parents cannot simply carry their children on their own visa — each child must have an individual visa issued in their name.
Do Children Need a Separate Visa for Umrah?
The simple answer is yes, children need a separate visa for Umrah. This applies to infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers.
However, there are no additional requirements beyond what adults need, except for:
- Birth Certificate: To confirm the child’s date of birth and parentage.
- Parent or Guardian Information: To link the child’s visa with the adult pilgrim.
There are no “free visas” for children. As of 2025, Umrah visa fees are generally the same for all age groups, typically around SAR 600–700 (£120–£140) depending on the travel agency and service charges.
Do Children Need a Separate Flight Ticket?
Here’s where things get a little more flexible. While a separate visa is always required, the ticket rules depend on your child’s age:
- Lap Infants (Under 2 Years): Most airlines do not require a separate seat. Parents pay 10–20% of the adult fare plus taxes. The baby travels on your lap for the duration of the flight.
- Children (2–11 Years): Most airlines offer a discounted fare, typically 75–90% of the adult price. A separate seat is required.
- Teens (12+ Years): Pay full adult fare.
So while you cannot skip the visa fee, you might save a significant amount on airfare if you are traveling with an infant or a younger child.
Age Categories & Requirements
Let’s break this down by age group so you know exactly what to expect:
Infants (0–2 Years)
- Visa: Required, same price as adult visa.
- Ticket: No separate seat required, only pay 10–20% of adult fare.
- Documents: Passport, birth certificate, photo.
- Parent Tip: Consider buying a seat anyway if it’s a long flight — babies get restless, and having extra space is a lifesaver.
Children (3–11 Years)
- Visa: Required, same price as adults.
- Ticket: Child fare, usually 75–90% of adult fare.
- Documents: Passport, birth certificate.
- Parent Tip: Book flights early so you can get seats together. Some airlines allow free seat selection for families.
Teenagers (12+ Years)
- Visa: Required, treated as adult pilgrim.
- Ticket: Full adult fare.
- Parent Tip: Teens can usually manage their own luggage and documents, which makes the process easier for parents.
Airline Policies for Families Traveling for Umrah
Airlines serving Umrah routes have family-friendly policies to make travel easier. Here’s a quick comparison of major airlines from the UK:
| Airline | Lap Infant Fare (Under 2) | Child Fare (2–11) | Family Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudia | 10% of adult fare | ~75% of adult fare | Priority boarding, bassinets available |
| PIA | 15% of adult fare | ~80% of adult fare | Direct flights from major UK cities |
| Qatar Airways | 10% of adult fare | 75–80% of adult fare | Kids’ meals, toys, and entertainment |
| Emirates | 10% of adult fare | 75–80% of adult fare | SkyNannies to assist with children |
| Turkish Airlines | 10% of adult fare | ~75% of adult fare | Free strollers at airports |
Booking early and informing the airline that you are traveling with kids allows you to request bassinets, child meals, and seats together at no extra cost.
Documents Required for Child Umrah Visa
Prepare these in advance to avoid delays:
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Birth Certificate (for children under 18)
- Parent or Guardian Passport Copy
- Passport-Size Photo (white background)
- Visa Application Form
Having all documents ready before visiting your travel agent will make the process much smoother.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Children’s Umrah Visa
- Choose a Licensed Umrah Agent – Make sure they are approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.
- Gather All Documents – Passports, birth certificates, and photos.
- Fill Out Application Form – Ensure correct spelling of names.
- Submit and Pay Fees – Around SAR 600–700 per visa.
- Wait for Approval – Processing usually takes 5–7 working days.
- Receive E-Visa – Print copies for travel.
Cost Breakdown: Visa + Ticket for Children
Let’s consider an example of a family of four traveling for Umrah from London:
| Item | Adults (x2) | Child (7 yrs) | Infant (1 yr) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee | £130 x 2 = £260 | £130 | £130 | £520 |
| Tickets | £650 x 2 = £1,300 | £500 | £80 | £1,880 |
| Total Cost | £2,400 |
Booking 3–4 months early can reduce ticket prices by up to 15%, saving your family hundreds of pounds.
Mistakes Parents Make When Booking Umrah for Kids
- Last-Minute Applications: Visa and ticket costs rise closer to peak seasons like Ramadan.
- Wrong Age Category: Can result in paying extra at check-in or even being denied boarding.
- Missing Birth Certificates: A common reason for visa rejection.
- Choosing Long Layovers: Children can become exhausted during lengthy airport waits.
Avoiding these mistakes will make your Umrah journey far smoother.
Real-Life Experiences from Families
Fatima from London shares:
“We traveled with our 2-year-old and 5-year-old. Booking early and getting a direct flight to Jeddah made all the difference. The airline provided a bassinet, and we had no issues with visas since we applied well in advance.”
Omar from Manchester says:
“I thought children didn’t need separate visas, thankfully our agent explained it clearly. We got everything sorted 6 weeks before travel and avoided a lot of stress.”
These stories show that preparation is key when traveling for Umrah with children.
Conclusion: Make Your Family Umrah Journey Stress-Free
So, do children need a separate visa and ticket for Umrah? The answer is yes — every child, including infants, needs their own visa. Tickets depend on age: infants can travel on a parent’s lap at a discounted fare, but children over 2 will need their own seat.
By planning early, gathering the right documents, and booking wisely, you can make your family’s spiritual journey smooth, memorable, and stress-free.
Ready to take your kids for Umrah?
Explore our family-friendly Umrah packages from London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Book now to get the best prices and start your journey on the right foot.
