Umrah Visa Requirements from the UK: Complete 2026 Guide
Every year, thousands of British Muslims travel to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah. Saudi Arabia has now changed its visa system considerably in recent years, so the process now looks quite different from what it used to look like almost a decade ago. Some travellers can apply online, while others still need a licensed provider. New Nusuk booking and permit steps also matter now.
This guide explains the Umrah visa requirements from the UK. It covers the visa routes available, passport rules, the documents you will need, and how requirements differ for British passport holders and UK residents on other passports. This guide further also explains whether you can perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa and what exactly to check before you book your flights.
Do You Need a Visa for Umrah from the UK?
The answer is, Yes. UK citizens and residents need a valid Saudi visa or an approved electronic visa waiver to enter Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah. Only citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council states are exempt for the visa. Current GOV.UK travel advice confirms that eligible travellers can apply for an eVisa or electronic visa waiver to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Hajj is separate and can only be booked through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.Umrah Visa Options for UK Travellers
Most UK pilgrims will be using one of the following routes.1. Saudi tourist eVisa
The Saudi tourist eVisa is the most common route for eligible passport holders. It is applied online through the official Saudi visa portal. Muslim travellers holding it may perform Umrah, but it cannot be used for Hajj.2. Electronic visa waiver (EVW)
An electronic visa waiver is another digital route that GOV.UK recognises for Umrah. Eligibility and conditions are set by Saudi Arabia, so check the official portal for your situation.3. Dedicated Umrah visa
A dedicated Umrah visa is issued specifically for pilgrimage. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, it is typically arranged through the Nusuk platform or a licensed Umrah service provider. It usually requires confirmed accommodation and transport packages.4. The new multiple-entry Umrah visa (from July 2026)
On 20 July 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa. According to the Saudi Press Agency:- It is valid for 365 days from the date of issue.
- Pilgrims may enter the Kingdom several times, up to a cumulative stay of 90 days.
- Each visit requires a service package from an approved provider on Nusuk, and the package cannot be longer than the days remaining on the visa.
- An Umrah permit must be issued through the Nusuk app before arrival.
- The visa cannot be used to enter during the Hajj season.
Can You Perform Umrah on a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
Yes, in general. Saudi authorities allow Muslim visitors with a valid Saudi visa, including the tourist eVisa, to perform Umrah. Some points to remember:- The tourist eVisa cannot be used for Hajj.
- Umrah is not available during the Hajj season, and the dates move each year.
- You will usually still need to obtain permits through the Nusuk app for access to the Grand Mosque and for visiting the Rawdah in Madinah.
- Only Muslims may enter the central area of Makkah.
- A visa gives you permission to enter but does not guarantee entry. Border officers make the final decision.
Umrah Visa for UK Citizens (British Passport Holders)
British passport holders are generally eligible for the Saudi eVisa route, which is why it is the most common choice.Passport requirements
- A valid British passport. Commonly cited guidance requires at least six months’ validity from your date of travel, so check this before applying.
- Enough blank pages for entry stamps.
- A clear, recent passport-style photograph if requested.
Age and travelling with children
Travellers under 18 are commonly required to be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or adult sibling. Confirm the current rules for your party before booking.Umrah Visa for UK Residents on Non-British Passports
This is where many travellers get caught out. Living in the UK does not decide your visa route. Your passport nationality does.- If your passport is from a country eligible for the Saudi eVisa, you may be able to apply online, just as British passport holders do.
- If your nationality is not eligible, you will normally need to go through the Umrah visa route arranged via Nusuk or a licensed Umrah provider.
- Your UK immigration status, such as a residence permit or settled status, may still matter for your return to the UK. Check that your UK permission to stay remains valid for your whole journey.
- Your passport validity should still meet Saudi requirements, and your name must match your other documents exactly.
- If you are not sure which category you fall into, get advice before paying for flights or hotels.
Documents Required for an Umrah Visa from the UK
Requirements vary by route, but you should be ready with the things mentioned below:
- A valid passport with sufficient validity, usually six months.
- A recent photograph that meets the portal’s specifications.
- Personal details, including your address, contact information and travel dates.
- Confirmed accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
- Confirmed transport arrangements, if applicable.
- A Nusuk account and permits, as needed for your visa type and activities.
- Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate. GOV.UK states that you must have a valid certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 10 days before arrival for Hajj and Umrah.
- Travel insurance. Saudi Arabia may include mandatory insurance with the eVisa, but you should also consider full medical and cancellation cover for your trip.
- Return or onward flight details.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the UK: Step by Step
- Check your eligibility. Work out whether your passport allows an eVisa or waiver, or whether you need a licensed provider.
- Check your passport. Make sure it is valid and undamaged.
- Choose your travel dates. Avoid the Hajj season, because Umrah visas and eVisas are not valid for entry then.
- Choose your visa route. Options for that are, the tourist eVisa, EVW, single-entry Umrah visa or multiple-entry Umrah visa.
- Arrange bookings if required. Some routes require verified Makkah and Madinah accommodation and transport before approval.
- Apply through official channels. Use the official Saudi visa portal, the Nusuk platform or a licensed provider. Be careful with unofficial websites that charge extra or ask for unusual information.
- Obtain your Nusuk permits. Book your Umrah permit and Rawdah slot as required.
- Complete your health requirements. Get the meningitis ACWY vaccine in good time.
- Book flights only when you are confident about your visa route. See the checklist below.
- Travel with your documents ready. Carry your visa, permits, hotel confirmations and passport in an accessible place. You can also speak with our team about Umrah travel support before departure.
What to Check Before Booking Flights
- Your passport validity on the dates of travel and return
- Whether your nationality is eligible for the eVisa or requires a licensed route
- Your visa validity window and how long after approval you must enter
- Whether your dates fall in or near the Hajj season
- Whether your accommodation and transport bookings meet Nusuk requirements
- Whether your flights are flexible or refundable if plans change
- Insurance that covers cancellations and medical care
Avoid buying non-refundable tickets before you understand your visa route.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a tourist eVisa for Hajj. It is not valid for this.
- Overstaying. GOV.UK warns that overstaying can lead to large fines, detention, deportation or a ban on returning.
- Assuming a UK residence permit means eVisa eligibility. Your passport nationality decides this.
- Booking flights first and checking visa rules later.
- Missing the vaccination window.
- Using unofficial visa websites. Always use official portals or licensed providers.
- Not checking name spellings. Your name should match your passport exactly across visa, permits and bookings.
How Al Mukarmmah Travels Can Help with Umrah Visa Guidance
Working out which visa route applies to you can feel overwhelming, especially if you are travelling as a family, with older relatives, or on a non-British passport. Al Mukarmmah Travels provides Umrah visa guidance for UK travellers, including:- Helping you understand which visa route may apply to your passport and situation
- Explaining the documents you should prepare
- Guiding you on the timing of flights, accommodation and permits
- Supporting you with Nusuk-related bookings where applicable
- Answering questions about group, family and multi-generational travel
Ready to plan your Umrah?
Contact Al Mukarmmah Travels today for personalised visa guidance.Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Umrah?
Yes. British citizens need a valid Saudi visa or an approved electronic visa waiver. GOV.UK confirms eligible travellers can use an eVisa or waiver for Umrah outside the Hajj season.Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Generally yes, for Muslim travellers, but not during the Hajj season, and you will still need the relevant Nusuk permits. The tourist eVisa cannot be used for Hajj.What documents do I need for an Umrah visa from the UK?
Usually a valid passport, a photograph, your travel details, any required accommodation and transport bookings, a meningitis ACWY certificate and travel insurance. Requirements vary by route.How long does the Umrah visa take?
Processing times vary and cannot be guaranteed. Apply well ahead of your planned travel date and do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is confirmed.Can UK residents with non-British passports apply?
Yes, but the route depends on your passport nationality. Some nationalities can use the eVisa. Others must apply through Nusuk or a licensed provider.What is the new multiple-entry Umrah visa?
Introduced on 20 July 2026, it is valid for 365 days and allows several entries with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. Each entry requires a Nusuk service package and permit, and it cannot be used during the Hajj season.Can children travel for Umrah from the UK?
Yes, though age-related rules apply. Travellers under 18 are commonly required to be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or adult sibling. Check the current guidance for your group.Can I extend my Umrah visa?
Do not assume you can. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention or bans. Plan your return within your permitted dates.