Saudi Umrah Visa Guide for UK Travellers (2026)

Do I need a visa for Umrah?

Yes. All travellers from the UK need a valid Saudi visa before travelling for Umrah. Umrah can generally be performed on a Saudi tourist eVisa, an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), a dedicated Umrah visa, or certain other valid Saudi visa categories permitted under current rules.

Hajj is different: Hajj requires a dedicated Hajj visa and cannot be performed on a tourist visa or EVW.

Option 1 — Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)

Best for British passport holders making a one-off Umrah trip on a budget. The EVW is an online application, single entry, valid for tourism and Umrah (not Hajj), and can allow stays of up to six months.

Pros: usually the cheapest option, simple process and fast approval. Cons: single entry only, so a new application is needed for each trip. It does not include Saudi medical insurance.

Option 2 — Saudi tourist eVisa

Best for frequent travellers, multiple Umrah trips, or those also visiting other Saudi cities. The tourist eVisa typically offers one-year validity, multiple entry, and stays of up to 90 days per visit. It can be used for Umrah but not for Hajj.

Pros: multiple trips, more flexibility and wider tourism rights. Cons: usually more expensive than the EVW. For most regular travellers this is the preferred visa.

Option 3 — Dedicated Umrah visa

The traditional option, still available in some circumstances through authorised channels and typically suited to organised pilgrimage arrangements. In practice, most UK customers now travel on either the EVW or the tourist eVisa rather than a traditional Umrah visa.

EVW vs tourist eVisa — which should I choose?

EVW: British passport holders, single entry, up to six months, usually the cheapest — ideal for one Umrah trip.

Tourist eVisa: eligible nationalities, multiple entry, one-year validity, up to 90 days per stay — ideal for several visits.

Rule of thumb: one Umrah trip → EVW; several Saudi trips → tourist eVisa.

Common requirements

Requirements vary by nationality and visa type, but typically include: a passport valid for at least six months, a passport photo, a valid email address, your travel details, accommodation details (if requested), and medical insurance where applicable.

Each traveller needs their own visa or permission, including children.

Documents to prepare

Have these ready before you apply, whichever route you use: a passport valid for at least six months; recent passport-size photographs on a white background; your confirmed return flight booking; hotel confirmations for Makkah and Madinah; and proof of relationship for dependents travelling together, where applicable.

A meningitis (ACWY) vaccination certificate is required for dedicated Umrah visas and strongly advised for all pilgrims — see our vaccinations guide. Accurate, complete documentation is the single best way to avoid delays or rejection.

How the application works, and how long it takes

The process has become much simpler in recent years: complete the application form, submit your documents, confirm your travel arrangements, pay the applicable visa or service fees, and receive your approval electronically.

Most applications are processed within roughly 2–5 working days, though costs and timings vary with the travel season, the provider and what's bundled with your package. Many pilgrims book a complete package — visa, flights, hotels and transfers together — for exactly this reason.

Avoid delays: the common mistakes

The errors we see most often are small but costly: incorrect passport details typed into the form, expired or short passport validity, missing documents, incomplete application forms and missing vaccination certificates.

A few extra minutes checking everything against your passport before submitting keeps the process smooth — and if we're arranging your visa, we check it all for you.

Once you're there

Respect Saudi laws and local customs, never overstay your permitted duration, carry identification and travel documents when required, and follow official pilgrimage regulations. Our laws-and-customs guide covers the details.

What about Nusuk?

Nusuk is Saudi Arabia's official pilgrimage platform. Depending on the season and your route, you may need it for Umrah permits, Rawdah bookings and managing your pilgrimage. See our separate Nusuk guide for setup steps.

Not a British passport holder?

Saudi eligibility is determined mainly by your passport nationality, not by UK residency. Holding a UK BRP, ILR or residence permit does not by itself make you eligible for the EVW or eVisa. If you hold a Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nigerian or other passport, your options depend on current Saudi rules for your nationality — see our nationality guide, and contact us and we'll check for you.