Planning Umrah from the UK is exciting, but before you compare flights, hotels in Makkah or Madinah, or start looking at Umrah packages from the UK, there is one important question to answer first:
What visa do I need to perform Umrah?
For British Muslims, the answer is not always as simple as searching for an “Umrah visa”. The correct Saudi travel permission can depend on your passport, nationality, UK residence status, travel dates and whether you are travelling during or outside the Hajj season.
For eligible British passport holders, Saudi Arabia currently allows travel for Umrah outside the Hajj season using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), while other visa routes may also be available depending on individual circumstances. GOV.UK confirms that a visa is required to visit Saudi Arabia and that the type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of your trip.
At Package Umrah LTD, our team of experienced UK travel consultants helps thousands of pilgrims plan seamless, stress-free journeys every year. We make the administrative side easier to understand so you can concentrate on preparing for your journey.
This guide explains the current Umrah visa requirements for UK pilgrims, including passport validity, visa options, vaccination requirements, Nusuk, documents, Hajj restrictions and what to check before booking your Umrah package.
Important: Saudi Arabia can change visa, pilgrimage and entry requirements. The information below is based on current guidance and should be checked again before you travel.
1. Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Umrah?
Yes. Every UK traveler, regardless of age or passport type, must hold a valid Saudi visa and an official Nusuk Umrah permit before performing religious rituals in Makkah.
Saudi Arabia no longer restricts pilgrims to a single, rigid “Umrah-only” visa. British passport holders can perform Umrah using several entry pathways, depending on travel frequency, budget, and flexibility preferences.
Expert Tip from Package Umrah: Unsure which entry method best fits your family’s travel plans? Our UK-based visa specialists review your passport status, assist with biometrics, and handle online registrations so you avoid costly border delays.
2. Saudi Visa Options for UK Pilgrims
Choosing the correct pathway depends on your nationality, passport validity, and travel goals.
Saudi Tourist eVisa (Most Popular Choice)
The Saudi Tourist eVisa remains the preferred route for UK citizens. Applied for online, it covers both tourism and Umrah anywhere in the Kingdom outside the restricted Hajj season.
- Validity: 1 year (365 days), multiple-entry.
- Maximum Stay: Up to 90 total days per year.
- Includes: Mandatory Saudi health insurance covering emergency medical care.
- Best For: Pilgrims planning multiple trips or combining Umrah with visits to family or local sights.
Saudi Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The Saudi ETA replaced the old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for British passport holders. Managed via the official portal, it offers a quick option for single or short-notice trips.
- Validity: Multi-entry authorization over a 1-year period (allows stays up to 90–180 days based on issued terms).
- Processing: Fast online processing.
- Key Requirement: Unlike the tourist eVisa, the ETA does not automatically include health insurance. You must purchase separate, comprehensive travel insurance before flying.
Dedicated Umrah Visa (Via Package Umrah LTD)
Issued through a Ministry-licensed UK agent like Package Umrah LTD, this traditional visa is linked directly to a confirmed Nusuk Masar accommodation and transport booking.
- Validity: Single-entry (30 days to enter, up to 90 days total stay) or the One-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah option.
- Requirements: Requires a confirmed Booking Reference Number (BRN) for hotels and ground transfers via Nusuk Masar.
- Best For: First-time pilgrims, seniors, or family groups who want Package Umrah to manage hotel bookings near the Haram, biometrics, and ground logistics end-to-end.
Visa on Arrival
British passport holders and permanent UK residents holding valid US, UK, or Schengen visas can obtain a visa on arrival at major Saudi international airports (Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, Dammam).
- Fee: ~480 SAR (approx. £102) + ~180 SAR (approx. £38) for mandatory health insurance.
- Recommendation: While convenient, securing an eVisa or agent-assisted visa online beforehand prevents airport queues and avoids potential border processing delays.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Tourist eVisa | Saudi ETA | Dedicated Umrah Visa | Visa on Arrival |
| Primary Eligibility | UK Passport Holders | British Citizens | All UK Residents (via Package Umrah) | UK Passport / Valid UK-US-Schengen Visas |
| Validity | 1 Year (365 days) | 1 Year | 90 Days to 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple | Single or Multiple | Multiple |
| Max Stay Per Trip | Up to 90 days total/yr | Up to 90–180 days | 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Health Insurance | Bundled Automatically | Must Purchase Separately | Bundled Automatically | Bundled at Airport |
| Nusuk Permit Needed? | Yes (via Nusuk App) | Yes (via Nusuk App) | Yes (Assisted by Package Umrah) | Yes (via Nusuk App) |
3. Document Checklist for UK Applicants
Before starting an online application or submitting documents to our team at Package Umrah, gather the following requirements:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your planned date of entry into Saudi Arabia, plus at least two blank pages.
- Digital Passport Photo: A recent, clear, color photograph taken against a plain white background (no edits, smooth lighting, clear facial visibility).
- Meningitis Vaccination Certificate: Proof of the quadrivalent ACWY Meningococcal vaccine, administered at least 10 days before travel (and within the past 3–5 years depending on vaccine type).
- Confirmed Travel Arrangements: Valid return flight bookings and confirmed hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
- Proof of UK Residency (Non-British Passport Holders): A valid UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or verifiable digital EU Settlement Scheme status.
- Digital Payment Method: A valid UK debit/credit card to pay official government fees.
4. Medical and Vaccination Requirements
Health and safety protocols protect millions of gathered worshipers in the Holy Cities.
Mandatory: Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health requires all domestic and international pilgrims to present proof of the Meningococcal ACWY (Quadrivalent) vaccine.
- Timeline: Administered at least 10 days prior to entering Saudi Arabia.
- Proof: Carry the physical or official digital certificate signed by a registered UK pharmacist or GP practice.
Recommended Routine Health Precautions
While not mandatory for entry, public health agencies recommend remaining up-to-date on routine immunizations:
- Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Highly recommended due to high population densities in the Haramain mosques.
- Covid-19 & Pneumococcal Coverage: Recommended for elderly pilgrims or high-risk individuals with chronic conditions.
5. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Process
1.Determine Your Preferred Visa Pathway:Match your passport type and travel plans.
Verify your passport validity (must exceed 6 months from entry). Select the tourist eVisa, Saudi ETA, or agent-assisted dedicated Umrah visa route.
2.Complete Online Registration or Package Umrah Submission:Ensure personal details match your passport exactly.
Apply online via the official Saudi visa portal (ksavisa.sa) or let Package Umrah manage your submission, passport verifications, and BRP proof directly.
3.Complete Biometric Enrollment (Saudi Visa Bio App):Mandatory biometric collection for select visa routes.
Download the official Saudi Visa Bio mobile app. Scan your passport, capture a face scan, and submit your digital fingerprints.
4.Book Accommodations & Ground Transfers:Secure official Booking Reference Numbers (BRN).
Ensure your hotel stay in Makkah/Madinah and ground transport are issued via an approved provider or Nusuk Masar platform.
5.Download the Nusuk App & Issue Worship Permits:Crucial final step before flying to Saudi Arabia.
Once your visa is issued, download the official Nusuk App. Create an account using your visa number and passport details to issue your official Umrah Ritual Permit and reserve your Rawdah appointment in Madinah.
6. Understanding Nusuk, Permits, and Restrictions
A frequent point of confusion among UK travelers is assuming a valid visa alone guarantees direct access to perform Umrah.
What is the Nusuk App?
Nusuk is Saudi Arabia’s official gateway platform for managing pilgrimages. While your visa grants physical entry into the Kingdom, the Nusuk app regulates foot traffic inside the Holy Mosques to prevent overcrowding and maintain safety.
Key Permits Required:
- Umrah Ritual Permit (Tasreeh): Issued via Nusuk to enter the Mataf area and perform Tawaaf and Sa’i at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
- Rawdah Al-Sharifa Permit: Grants timed access to pray inside the sacred Rawdah in the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah.
When you book an all-inclusive package with Package Umrah LTD, our consultants assist you step-by-step with downloading the Nusuk app and securing your Rawdah slots as soon as your visa is finalized.
Mandatory Hajj Blackout Dates
Tourist eVisas, ETAs, and standard Umrah visas cannot be used during the Hajj season. Saudi authorities close Makkah to non-Hajj permit holders prior to the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
7. Rules for UK Residents (Non-British Passports)
If you live in the UK on a work visa, spouse visa, skilled worker permit, or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but hold a non-UK passport, your application process depends on your nationality.
- Direct eVisa Route: Passport holders from 60+ eligible tourist countries can apply online.
- BRP / UK Residency Advantage: Holding valid UK residency (BRP or digital status) enables non-eligible passport holders to apply via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal or claim a Visa on Arrival.
- Package Umrah Managed Route: If you prefer to avoid technical errors or portal rejections, our team can handle your application directly using your UK residency status.
Start Your Spiritual Journey with Package Umrah LTD
The visa is only one part of your pilgrimage, but getting it right gives you a much stronger foundation for the rest of your journey.
If you would rather have one experienced UK-based team help coordinate the practical details, Package Umrah can assist with arranging your flights, accommodation, visa processing and transfers, with 3-star, 4-star and 5-star options available for different budgets and travel preferences. You can also discuss a custom Umrah package if the standard itinerary does not fit your dates, family requirements or preferred hotel category.
Ready to plan your trip? Contact our UK travel consultants today at info@packageumrah.co.uk or call us to receive a free custom quote tailored to your preferred travel dates and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah Visa Requirements for UK Pilgrims
1. Do UK citizens need a visa for Umrah?
Yes. British citizens need valid Saudi travel permission to enter the Kingdom for Umrah. Eligible British passport holders can currently apply for a Saudi Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Umrah outside the Hajj season. Other visa options may be available depending on individual eligibility.
2. What are the Umrah visa requirements for UK pilgrims?
UK pilgrims need an appropriate Saudi visa or travel authorisation, a valid passport, the required meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate and any applicable Umrah permits or bookings. The exact requirements depend on your nationality, passport, travel dates and visa route.
3. Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist e-visa?
Yes. Eligible travellers can use a Saudi e-visa for Umrah outside the Hajj season, subject to the conditions of the visa. A tourist e-visa cannot be used to perform Hajj, for which separate arrangements apply.
4. What is the Saudi ETA for Umrah and who can use it?
The Saudi Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allows eligible travellers to visit Saudi Arabia for purposes including Umrah outside the Hajj season. GOV.UK states that an ETA is valid for 730 days, permits multiple entries and allows stays of up to 180 days in total during its validity period.
5. How long must my UK passport be valid for Umrah?
Your passport should have an expiry date at least six months after your arrival in Saudi Arabia. Check the validity of every passport before booking your Umrah, particularly when travelling as a family.
6. Do UK residents with Pakistani or other non-British passports need a different Umrah visa?
Potentially, yes. Saudi visa eligibility is based on your nationality and passport as well as your UK residence status. A UK resident holding a Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nigerian or another passport should check the requirements that apply to their own nationality rather than automatically following British passport rules.
7. Is the meningitis ACWY vaccine mandatory for Umrah?
Yes. UK government guidance states that pilgrims travelling for Hajj or Umrah must have a valid certificate showing vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis, with the vaccination meeting the required timing before arrival.
8. Do I need a Nusuk permit to perform Umrah?
Yes, current Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guidance provides an Umrah permit service through the Nusuk application. Pilgrims should check Nusuk before travelling and follow the latest instructions for selecting and obtaining the relevant permit.
9. What documents do I need for Umrah from the UK?
Depending on your circumstances, you may need a valid passport, Saudi visa or ETA, meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate, flight and hotel confirmations, Umrah package documents and relevant Nusuk information. UK residents travelling on non-British passports may have additional requirements.
10. Can I perform Umrah during Hajj season?
Umrah travel is subject to Saudi regulations around the Hajj season. Entry to Makkah and the ability to obtain Umrah permits can be restricted during this period. Saudi Arabia publishes specific dates for the Umrah season and permit availability, so pilgrims travelling near Hajj should check the latest official announcement before booking.
11. Can I use an Umrah visa for Hajj?
No. An Umrah visa or other ordinary Saudi travel permission should not be treated as a Hajj visa. Hajj has separate visa, permit and booking requirements, and pilgrims must follow the official Hajj process.
12. How much does an Umrah visa cost from the UK?
There is no single visa price that applies to every UK pilgrim. The total cost depends on the visa or travel-authorisation route, eligibility and any processing or service charges. If you book through an Umrah travel agency, check whether visa processing and applicable charges are included in your package price.
13. How long does an Umrah visa take to process?
Processing time depends on the visa route, applicant and current Saudi procedures, so there is no universal processing time that should be treated as guaranteed. Apply early, check all passport information carefully and allow additional time if your travel dates are close to a busy pilgrimage period.
14. Can I book an Umrah package from the UK that includes visa assistance?
Yes. UK pilgrims can choose an organised Umrah package that brings together services such as flights, accommodation, visa processing or assistance and ground transportation. Package Umrah offers flight-inclusive Umrah packages with 3-star, 4-star and 5-star accommodation options, with visa support available according to the package and traveller’s circumstances.
15. Where should I check the latest Umrah visa requirements before travelling from the UK?
Check the latest information from GOV.UK, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the official Nusuk platform before travelling. Visa, health, permit and Hajj-season rules can change, so current official guidance should always take priority over older blog posts, social media advice or previous travel experience.
