Last checked: September 2026. Saudi entry rules can change, so confirm the latest guidance before you travel.
Planning to perform Umrah from the UK? Getting the right Saudi entry authorisation is one of the first things to arrange before booking your pilgrimage.
The process is not the same for every traveller. Your nationality, passport, travel dates and the type of Saudi entry route available to you can all affect what you need to do. British passport holders can currently use electronic routes such as the Saudi ETA and the tourist e-visa for Umrah outside the Hajj season, and a dedicated Umrah visa is also available through the Nusuk platform. Hajj has separate visa requirements.
This guide explains the main Umrah visa options for UK travellers, including requirements, costs, application steps, Nusuk permits, passport rules and vaccinations.
Do You Need a Visa for Umrah from the UK?
Yes. You need valid permission to enter Saudi Arabia before travelling for Umrah, and you also need to book an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before you travel (explained in the Nusuk section below).
The entry permission you need depends mainly on the passport you hold and the timing of your trip. For British citizens, current GOV.UK guidance lists the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the tourist e-visa as routes for eligible travel, with Umrah allowed outside the Hajj season. Travellers can also apply for a dedicated Umrah visa. The Electronic Visa Waiver that British travellers used before has been replaced by the ETA, so use the ETA if you see the waiver mentioned on older websites.
Being a UK resident does not automatically give you the same Saudi visa options as a British passport holder. If you live in the UK but hold a Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, or another nationality’s passport, check the Saudi requirements for the passport you will actually use.
Which Saudi Entry Route Can You Use for Umrah?
There is no single route that applies to everyone travelling from the UK.
| Entry Route | Who Is Eligible? | Validity | Max Stay | Cost (Approx.) | Health Insurance |
| Saudi KSA-ETA | British passport holders | 2 Years (730 days) | 180 days in total across the validity period | ~SAR 50 (£10) + fees | Not Included |
| Tourist eVisa | British citizens, UK PR holders, US/UK/Schengen visa holders | 1 Year | 90 days total | ~SAR 535 (£110–£130) | Included (Up to SAR 100k) |
| Dedicated Umrah Visa | Travellers arranging it through Nusuk or an authorised agent | Single-entry: up to 90 days. Multiple-entry: 365 days | 90 days (cumulative for the multiple-entry visa) | Varies by package | Included |
Saudi ETA for Umrah
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) launched on 1 July 2026 for British passport holders. It is available for tourism, business, short-term study, medical treatment and Umrah outside the Hajj season.
The ETA is valid for 730 days and permits multiple entries, with a total stay of up to 180 days across that period. It does not include health insurance. The ETA is only available to British passport holders, so travellers with other passports cannot use it, even if they live in the UK.
You must apply for the ETA before travelling. If you are travelling for Hajj, you need a separate Hajj visa.
Saudi Tourist eVisa for Umrah
Eligible travellers can also use a Saudi tourist eVisa to perform Umrah outside Hajj.
The official Saudi eVisa portal states that the tourist eVisa can be used for tourism and Umrah, excluding Hajj. The eVisa is generally valid for one year with multiple entries and allows stays of up to 90 days, subject to the conditions of the visa issued. Health insurance is included.
Travellers can apply online in advance or, if eligible, obtain the eVisa on arrival at Saudi Arabia’s international airports. Applying online is usually the safer option because your details can be checked before you fly.
Dedicated Umrah Visa
A dedicated Umrah visa is designed specifically for pilgrims. For UK applicants it is normally arranged in one of two ways:
- Through the official Nusuk Umrah platform, where you choose a service package from an approved provider
- Through a licensed travel agent, who arranges the visa and package for you
In July 2026 Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa. It is valid for 365 days and allows repeated entries with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. For each visit you must buy a service package from an approved provider on Nusuk, and the package length cannot exceed the days remaining on your visa. It is not active during the Hajj season, which runs from 1 Dhul Qi’dah to 13 Dhul Hijjah.
The single-entry Umrah visa remains available for one-off trips.
Because eligibility differs between travellers, always check which route applies to your nationality before applying.
Umrah Visa Requirements for UK Travellers
Your exact requirements depend on the Saudi entry route you use, but there are several important things to check before travelling.
Passport validity
Your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive in Saudi Arabia. The official Saudi eVisa terms also require at least six months’ passport validity from the date of entry.
Visa or electronic travel authorisation
You must have the appropriate Saudi entry authorisation for your nationality and travel purpose.
Do not assume that living in the UK automatically makes you eligible for the same route as a British citizen. Check the requirements using the passport you will use to enter Saudi Arabia.
Meningococcal vaccination
Umrah pilgrims must have a valid certificate showing vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis.
The vaccination certificate must be valid 10 days before arrival for Hajj and Umrah.
Arrange the vaccination early enough to meet this requirement and carry the certificate with your travel documents.
Accommodation and transport bookings
For some visa routes, particularly dedicated Umrah visas, Saudi rules now require confirmed accommodation and ground transport bookings to be verified through the Nusuk platform before the visa is approved. If you are booking through an agency, they will usually handle this for you.
Other documents
Depending on your circumstances and entry route, you may also need relevant travel, accommodation, flight or insurance documentation.
Requirements can change, so check the current Saudi and UK guidance before departure.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK
The application process depends on the Saudi entry route available to you. However the basic process is straightforward.
Check Your Nationality and Eligibility
Start with the passport you plan to use for travel.
If you are a British citizen, check the current ETA, eVisa and electronic visa waiver options. If you are a UK resident with another nationality, check the Saudi requirements for that nationality instead.
Check your travel dates
If your intended travel period overlaps with Hajj restrictions, the applicable rules may differ because Umrah and Hajj have different requirements.
Prepare your documents
Have your passport and any required supporting documents ready before starting the application.
Complete the relevant application
Depending on your eligibility, you may apply through the applicable official Saudi electronic visa or visa process or arrange your visa through an authorised travel provider.
Check Your Approval Before Travelling
Do not travel simply because you have submitted an application.
Wait until you have received the required authorisation and check that your name, passport details, validity dates and other information are correct.
Keep a digital copy and, where practical, a printed copy of your travel authorisation.
Download Nusuk and book your permits
Once your visa or ETA is approved, download the Nusuk app and book your Umrah and Rawdah permits. This step is explained in the next section.
Book Your Umrah and Rawdah Permits on Nusuk
A visa or ETA lets you enter Saudi Arabia, but it does not by itself give you access to perform Umrah. Saudi Arabia manages access to the Holy Mosques through the official Nusuk platform.
After your entry authorisation is approved, download the Nusuk app from the App Store or Google Play and register using the same details you used in your visa application. You can then:
- Book your Umrah permit for a specific date and time slot
- Book a separate Rawdah permit if you are visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
Rawdah slots are usually released only a week or two before the date, so check the app regularly once you know your Madinah dates. Everyone entering the Rawdah needs their own permit.
Nusuk permits are free. Be cautious of any website or individual asking you to pay for an Umrah or Rawdah permit, and only use the official Nusuk app or website.
If you are travelling with an agency, ask whether they will help you set up Nusuk and book your permits.
How Much Does an Umrah Visa Cost from the UK?
There is not necessarily one fixed Umrah visa price in the UK for every traveller.
The amount you pay can depend on the type of Saudi entry authorisation, your nationality, the application route and any additional service or insurance charges. The table below gives a guide to the main options.
| Route | Approximate government cost | What is included |
| Saudi ETA | SAR 50 (~£10–£12) | Entry authorisation only. Health insurance is not included. |
| Saudi tourist eVisa (online) | SAR 535 (~£100 to £120, depending on exchange rate) | Visa fee and mandatory health insurance |
| Saudi tourist eVisa (on arrival) | About SAR 480 | Visa fee and insurance |
| Dedicated Umrah visa | Varies by nationality and route | Usually arranged through an agent or package |
Exchange rates change, and Saudi authorities can amend fees, so always check the amount shown during the official application process.
Be careful when comparing prices advertised online. A quoted “Umrah visa cost” may refer to the government visa fee, an application or service charge, or a larger package that includes flights, accommodation and other arrangements. Agents may add their own service fee on top of the government fee, so ask for a clear breakdown.
If you are booking Umrah packages, check whether the advertized price includes:
- Visa / Visa assistance
- Return flights
- Makkah hotel
- Hotels in Madinah
- Airport transfers
- Transport between cities
- Travel or visa insurance
- Other services offered by the travel agency
Looking at the total package cost rather than the visa fee alone can make comparisons much easier.
How Long Does an Umrah Visa Take to Process?
Processing times depend on the type of Saudi entry authorisation and the application route.
Some electronic applications can be completed relatively quickly, but travellers should not rely on receiving approval immediately.
Apply well before your planned departure and allow enough time to correct any problems with your application or documents.
If you are booking flights and accommodation separately, avoid making non-refundable arrangements until you have confirmed that you can obtain the required Saudi entry authorisation.
Can UK Residents with a Non-British Passport Perform Umrah?
Yes. UK residents with other nationalities can potentially travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah but their visa options may differ from those available to British passport holders.
Saudi visa eligibility depends on the passport and nationality used for the application rather than simply the country where you live.
For example, a UK resident travelling on a German passport should check the Saudi requirements applicable to German passport holders rather than assuming that British citizen rules apply.
The official Saudi visa system provides nationality-specific eligibility information so check the applicable route before making travel arrangements.
Can You Perform Umrah During Hajj Season?
Umrah and Hajj have different visa and travel requirements.
ETA and electronic visa waiver routes can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season, while Hajj requires a separate visa.
Travelling close to Hajj can also involve additional restrictions. The FCDO warns that Saudi authorities have stopped visitors who are not performing Hajj from flying to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif during Hajj and that travellers may need a Hajj visa to board flights to these destinations.
If your Umrah dates are close to Hajj, check the latest restrictions before booking flights or accommodation.
Saudi E-Visa and Umrah: Can You Perform Umrah on an E-Visa?
This is one of the most important questions for UK travellers.
Current UK government guidance states that eligible travellers can use an electronic visa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.
However, eligibility depends on your nationality and the specific entry authorisation. Therefore, you should not assume that every person living in the UK can use the same route. Always check the current Saudi requirements for your nationality before making travel arrangements to make sure which option applies to you.
Umrah Visa vs Hajj Visa: What’s the Difference?
An Umrah entry route and a Hajj visa are not interchangeable.
Umrah can be performed by eligible travellers using certain Saudi entry routes outside the Hajj season. Hajj has its own visa and pilgrimage arrangements.
The UK government states that travellers performing Hajj need a separate Hajj visa.
If your intention is to perform Hajj, do not rely on an Umrah or tourist visa simply because it permits Umrah.
What Documents Do You Need for Umrah from the UK?
Before travelling, prepare the documents relevant to your nationality and Saudi entry route.
A typical checklist may include:
- Passport
- Visa or electronic travel authorisation
- Visa approval or confirmation
- Vaccination certificate
- Flight information
- Accommodation details
- Travel insurance or other required documentation
Keep digital and physical copies of important travel documents where possible.
Keep your passport and travel documentation safe during Hajj and Umrah.
Do You Need a Meningitis Vaccine for Umrah
The short answer to this question is “Yes”.
Saudi Arabia requires Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to have a valid certificate showing vaccination against meningococcal ACWY.
The current FCDO pilgrimage guidance states that the certificate must be valid 10 days before arrival.
Do not leave this until the last few days before your flight. Arrange the vaccination early enough to meet the required timeframe and keep the certificate with your other travel documents.
You should also check the latest health guidance before travelling because vaccination and health requirements can be updated.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Umrah?
Travel insurance is worth considering even when a particular Saudi entry route includes some health insurance.
For example, the current FCDO guidance states that the Saudi eVisa includes health insurance for the visit up to SAR 100,000, while the ETA does not include health insurance.
The FCDO recommends having appropriate travel insurance for medical treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
Note: The FCDO currently advises against all or all but essential travel to parts of Saudi Arabia. Some travel insurance policies depend on FCDO advice, so check your policy wording and contact your insurer if you have any questions before you travel.
Can a Travel Agency Help With an Umrah Visa?
Yes. Depending on the services they provide and your nationality, an Umrah travel agency such as Dar Al Eiman can help facilitate visa related services as part of your pilgrimage package.
A package may combine several parts of your journey, such as:
- Visa assistance
- Return flights
- Makkah accommodation
- Madinah accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Transportation between cities
- Other pilgrimage travel arrangements
If you are booking through an agency, ask exactly what is included before making payment.
Do not assume that every package includes the same visa service or that a quoted package price represents the same inclusions as another provider’s package.
How to Avoid Umrah Visa Scams in the UK
Visa and pilgrimage arrangements involve personal documents and significant payments, so take care when choosing a travel provider.
Before booking, check:
- Whether the company clearly explains what is included
- Whether visa assistance is included in the advertised price
- Which visa or entry route will be used
- Whether flights and hotels are included
- What happens if your visa application is refused
- What documentation the provider requires
- Whether the company has appropriate travel protection and accreditation
The FCDO specifically advises Hajj and Umrah travellers to research travel companies and check that an Umrah travel agent is ATOL protected where applicable.
Be particularly cautious of websites or individuals promising guaranteed visas without clearly explaining the application route and terms.
Umrah Visa UK Checklist
Before travelling from the UK for Umrah, check that you have:
☐ The correct passport for your Saudi application
☐ At least six months’ passport validity from your arrival date
☐ The appropriate Saudi visa, eVisa or ETA
☐ Confirmed that your travel dates fall outside applicable Hajj restrictions
☐ A valid ACWY meningitis vaccination certificate
☐ The Nusuk app installed, with your Umrah permit (and Rawdah permit if visiting Madinah) booked
☐ Your flight and accommodation details
☐ Travel insurance or other applicable insurance
☐ Copies of your passport and travel documents
☐ Confirmation of everything included in your Umrah package, if applicable
Plan Your Umrah Journey from the UK
Understanding your Saudi entry requirements is an important part of preparing for Umrah. However your visa is only one part of the journey. You also need to consider flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transfers and the overall package that suits your travel plans.
If you are looking for Umrah packages from the UK, Dar Al Eiman can help you explore and compare available pilgrimage travel arrangements and understand the services included with your package.
Before travelling, always check the latest official Saudi and UK travel guidance because visa, entry and health requirements can change.
Source:
https://ksavisa.sa/visa/umrah/details
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia/entry-requirements
