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Planning Umrah from the UK in 2026 is more straightforward than it once was, but Saudi Arabia's visa and pilgrimage systems have changed significantly.
British passport holders can currently use several routes to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah outside the Hajj season, including the Saudi tourist eVisa, Electronic Visa Waiver and ETA where eligible. Saudi Arabia has also introduced a new multiple-entry Umrah visa in 2026.
The right option depends on your passport, travel plans, visa eligibility and whether you are travelling independently or booking an Umrah package.
This guide explains the Umrah visa requirements for UK citizens in 2026, including visa options, documents, costs, validity, Nusuk, accommodation requirements, vaccinations and what to check before you fly.
Important: Saudi Arabia can change visa and pilgrimage requirements at short notice. Always check the latest official guidance before travelling.
Yes. UK citizens need valid Saudi entry permission to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Eligible British passport holders may use routes including the Saudi tourist eVisa or Electronic Visa Waiver, while Saudi Arabia also offers a dedicated multiple-entry Umrah visa.
The important point is that there is not one single visa that every UK pilgrim must use.
Your options depend on your eligibility and how you plan to organise your trip.
GOV.UK confirms that British nationals can apply for an eVisa or Electronic Visa Waiver to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. A separate Hajj visa is required for Hajj.
Your passport must also meet Saudi Arabia's validity requirements. GOV.UK currently states that your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
There is no single Umrah visa route for every UK traveller. The Saudi tourist eVisa and Electronic Visa Waiver can be used for Umrah outside Hajj season by eligible travellers, while the new multiple-entry Umrah visa provides a dedicated route for international pilgrims.
The main options to understand are:
| Visa or entry route | Validity | Stay allowance | Umrah permitted? | Typical use |
| Saudi Tourist eVisa | 365 days | Up to 90 days in total across the validity period | Yes, outside Hajj season | Eligible travellers applying independently |
| Electronic Visa Waiver | Single entry | Up to 180 days | Yes, outside Hajj season | Eligible travellers making a short or extended visit |
| Multiple-entry Umrah visa | 365 days | Up to 90 days cumulatively | Yes, subject to Umrah regulations | International Umrah pilgrims |
| Hajj visa | Fixed period | Determined by Hajj authorities | No, Hajj only | Hajj pilgrims |
GOV.UK currently states that the Electronic Visa Waiver allows one entry and a stay of up to 180 days. It does not include health insurance for the visit and should be applied for at least 48 hours before the flight, or up to 90 days in advance.
The Saudi tourist eVisa has different conditions and should not be confused with the Electronic Visa Waiver.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched a multiple-entry Umrah visa on 20 July 2026.
The visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue and allows multiple entries, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. Each visit requires the relevant service package from an approved provider through Nusuk and an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application.
The visa is not activated during the Hajj season, so travellers must pay close attention to the applicable dates when planning their pilgrimage.
This is an important 2026 update because older online guides may still describe the dedicated Umrah visa using previous validity and entry rules.
Most UK Umrah travellers should prepare a passport with at least six months' validity, the appropriate Saudi visa or entry authorisation, a valid meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate and their required accommodation, transport and pilgrimage documentation.
Your exact requirements depend on the visa route, but your checklist should include:
Valid British passport
Appropriate Saudi visa or electronic entry authorisation
Recent passport photograph if required
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate
Confirmed accommodation
Relevant transport arrangements
Return or onward flight details
Travel insurance
Nusuk account and required pilgrimage permits
Any additional documents requested by your visa provider
GOV.UK confirms the six-month passport requirement for entry to Saudi Arabia.
If you are travelling as a family, check every traveller individually. Different passports or visa routes can mean different requirements.
Do not rely on a generic checklist from an older Umrah article. Saudi Arabia's digital pilgrimage system has changed, including the introduction of the new multiple-entry Umrah visa in July 2026.
The application process depends on your visa route. Eligible travellers can apply for certain Saudi electronic entry options online, while the dedicated Umrah route is connected to Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk ecosystem and approved service providers.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your arrival date.
Determine whether you are eligible for:
Tourist eVisa
Electronic Visa Waiver
Multiple-entry Umrah visa
Another Saudi entry route
Do not use a Hajj visa for Umrah or assume that an Umrah visa can be used for Hajj.
Use the appropriate official Saudi application route.
Saudi Arabia's Nusuk Umrah platform allows international pilgrims to arrange an Umrah journey and associated services through the official digital system.
Check the accommodation and transport requirements attached to your chosen visa.
This is particularly important for dedicated Umrah visa applications.
Arrange the required meningococcal ACWY vaccination in advance and ensure the certificate meets the Saudi entry requirements.
Create your Nusuk account and check the requirements for your Umrah permit and other relevant services.
Keep copies of your:
Passport
Visa
Vaccination certificate
Flight confirmation
Hotel confirmation
Transport arrangements
Travel insurance
Nusuk confirmations
Save them both on your phone and offline.
There is no single 2026 Umrah visa price for every UK traveller. The amount you pay depends on your visa route, insurance, service arrangements and whether you are travelling independently or through an Umrah package.
This is why older online articles quoting one fixed "Umrah visa fee" should be treated cautiously.
When comparing prices, check whether the quoted amount includes:
Visa or entry authorisation
Health insurance
Visa processing
Hotel accommodation
Airport transfers
Makkah-Madinah transport
Umrah-related services
Flights
If you are booking a package, ask whether the visa and associated services are included in the advertised price.
This is particularly important when comparing cheap Umrah packages from the UK, because two packages with similar headline prices may include very different services.
For the latest visa conditions, check the official GOV.UK Saudi Arabia entry requirements.
Yes. A seven-day Umrah trip from the UK is possible if you have valid Saudi entry permission and meet the current pilgrimage requirements. There is not necessarily a separate seven-day Umrah visa.
A seven-night trip can be arranged around your flight schedule, hotel bookings and time in Makkah and Madinah.
The overall cost will depend on:
Departure airport
Flight availability
Hotel category
Distance from the Haram
Number of nights
Travel dates
Transfers
Visa and insurance
Package inclusions
If you are considering a short pilgrimage, compare the complete trip cost, rather than focusing only on the visa.
TravelApp's Umrah packages from the UK guide covers common seven-, 10-, 14- and 21-night package options, UK departure airports and what is typically included in an Umrah package.
Nusuk is Saudi Arabia's official digital pilgrimage platform and plays a central role in the modern Umrah process. International pilgrims use the platform for Umrah-related services and permits, with Saudi authorities requiring the relevant Umrah permit through Nusuk for the new multiple-entry Umrah visa.
Nusuk should not be viewed simply as another travel app. Saudi Arabia has been moving much of its pilgrimage administration into digital systems, including visas, accommodation, transport and pilgrimage permits.
Under the new multiple-entry Umrah visa introduced in July 2026, each visit requires an approved service package through Nusuk and an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application.
Before travelling:
Download the official Nusuk application.
Create your account.
Enter your information accurately.
Check your visa and pilgrim details.
Check available Umrah permit requirements.
Save your confirmations.
The exact services available to you can depend on your visa and travel circumstances, so check the latest instructions before departure.
Saudi Arabia has linked dedicated Umrah visa processing to documented travel arrangements, making verified accommodation and service bookings an important part of the modern Umrah process.
This is one of the biggest changes UK pilgrims should understand.
Saudi Arabia has been using the Nusuk Masar system to document accommodation arrangements for Umrah pilgrims. This means that informal hotel bookings or arrangements that cannot be properly verified may cause problems during visa processing.
For travellers booking an organised Umrah package, this can make the process easier because accommodation and transport are arranged together rather than being handled separately.
If you are booking independently, check the exact requirements attached to your visa before paying for accommodation.
A meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate is required for Umrah travellers, and GOV.UK states that the vaccination must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
GOV.UK's pilgrimage guidance says travellers must have a valid certificate showing vaccination against ACWY strains of meningitis at least 10 days before arriving for Hajj or Umrah.
Do not leave this until the final week before your flight.
Ideally:
Arrange your vaccination appointment early.
Keep your certificate safe.
Check the vaccination date.
Take a physical copy when travelling.
Save a digital copy on your phone.
Check for any additional health requirements before departure.
Health rules can change, particularly around major pilgrimage periods, so check the latest official guidance shortly before you travel.
The length of stay depends on the visa route. The new multiple-entry Umrah visa introduced in July 2026 is valid for 365 days and allows a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. Other Saudi entry routes have different validity and stay conditions.
Do not confuse visa validity with the length of your individual trip.
For example, a visa may remain valid for a year even though your actual Umrah trip lasts only seven or 10 days.
Always check:
Visa issue date
Visa expiry date
Number of permitted entries
Maximum permitted stay
Hajj season restrictions
Any conditions attached to your specific visa
GOV.UK also warns that overstaying a Saudi visa can result in serious consequences, including fines, detention, deportation or a ban on returning.
Women are not generally required to travel with a mahram simply to perform Umrah, but travellers should still check the current visa, age and booking requirements that apply to their individual circumstances.
Saudi Arabia has significantly changed its pilgrimage and tourism regulations in recent years.
If you are travelling alone, with children or as part of a group, confirm your arrangements with your visa provider before booking.
The safest approach is to check the current Saudi requirements rather than relying on older Umrah advice that may still state that a mahram is mandatory in every circumstance.
Living in the UK does not automatically give a foreign passport holder the same Saudi visa options as a British citizen. Your eligibility is primarily determined by the passport and nationality you travel on.
This is particularly important for UK residents holding Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nigerian, Ghanaian or other passports.
Before booking:
Check your Saudi visa eligibility using your actual passport.
Check whether your UK residence status affects the available route.
Confirm the documents required for your nationality.
Ask your Umrah provider which visa route they will use.
Check the requirements for every family member separately.
Do not simply copy the visa requirements for a British citizen if you are travelling on another passport.
If you are unsure, an approved Umrah provider can help you determine which route applies before you make non-refundable travel arrangements.
Before flying, confirm your passport, visa, vaccination certificate, flights, accommodation, transport and Nusuk arrangements. Keep digital and physical copies of your key travel documents in case you need them during your journey.
Passport has at least six months' validity from arrival.
Saudi visa or entry authorisation is approved.
Visa details match your passport.
Flight dates and passenger names are correct.
Hotel booking is confirmed.
Required transport arrangements are confirmed.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate is valid.
Nusuk account is active.
Required Umrah permit arrangements are complete.
Travel insurance is active.
Passport and visa copies are saved offline.
Family members' documents have been checked individually.
You have reviewed the latest GOV.UK Saudi Arabia travel advice.
For package holidays that include flights, the UK Civil Aviation Authority explains that ATOL protection can provide financial protection if the relevant travel company ceases trading. Travellers should receive an ATOL Certificate when applicable.
Saudi Arabia's visa system has changed rapidly. The new multiple-entry Umrah visa launched in July 2026, so older articles may describe rules that no longer apply.
British citizens may have several possible routes depending on eligibility and travel circumstances.
A visa valid for 365 days does not mean you can stay in Saudi Arabia continuously for the entire year.
Always check the maximum permitted stay.
The meningococcal ACWY vaccination must meet the 10-day requirement before arrival.
Dedicated Umrah visa processing involves documented travel arrangements, so check that your accommodation and associated services meet current Saudi requirements.
If you hold a foreign passport, check the rules for your actual nationality.
If you purchase a flight-inclusive package in the UK, check whether it is ATOL protected and identify the ATOL holder responsible for the protection. The CAA recommends checking this before booking.
Ramadan, school holidays and other popular travel periods can have higher demand for flights and hotels.
If your dates are fixed, booking earlier can give you more choice.
If you only remember a few things from this guide, remember these:
UK citizens need valid Saudi entry permission to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Eligible British passport holders can use routes such as the tourist eVisa or Electronic Visa Waiver.
Saudi Arabia launched a new multiple-entry Umrah visa in July 2026.
The new multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for 365 days and allows a cumulative stay of up to 90 days.
Your passport should have at least six months' validity from your arrival date.
A meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate is required and must meet the 10-day pre-arrival requirement.
Nusuk is central to the modern digital Umrah process.
The new multiple-entry Umrah visa requires an Umrah permit through Nusuk and an approved service package for each visit.
UK residents travelling on foreign passports should check requirements for their actual nationality.
A seven-day Umrah trip is possible, but the trip length does not necessarily determine your visa category.
Always check the latest Saudi and UK government guidance before travelling.
Getting your visa right is only one part of planning Umrah from the UK.
Flights, accommodation, transfers, visa support and travel arrangements all need to work together, particularly if you are travelling with family or during a busy period.
Explore TravelApp's Umrah packages to see available options and package choices.
Our complete guide to Umrah packages from the UK also explains what packages typically include, departure airports, hotel options, package types and estimated costs.
If you are planning to travel during Ramadan, explore TravelApp's Ramadan Umrah packages and plan ahead because demand can be higher during this period.
You can also read our guide to the best time to go for Umrah if you are comparing travel dates, weather, crowds and costs.
Before booking or travelling, always check the latest GOV.UK Saudi Arabia travel advice, because Saudi entry and pilgrimage requirements can change.
Last updated: August 2026
Quick answers to common questions. Reach out if you need more help.
Yes. UK citizens need valid Saudi entry permission to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Eligible British citizens can use routes such as the Saudi tourist eVisa or Electronic Visa Waiver, while a dedicated multiple-entry Umrah visa is also available.
Requirements depend on the visa route, but travellers should expect to need a valid passport, appropriate Saudi entry permission, a valid meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate and the required travel and pilgrimage arrangements.
Saudi Arabia launched a multiple-entry Umrah visa on 20 July 2026. It is valid for 365 days and allows multiple entries with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. Each visit requires an approved service package and an Umrah permit through Nusuk.
There is no single cost that applies to every UK pilgrim. The amount depends on the visa route and whether insurance, processing or other services are included. Always check the current official fee and the total cost of your package before booking.
Yes. GOV.UK confirms that eligible travellers can use an eVisa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. The eVisa has its own validity and stay conditions, which should be checked before travelling.
Yes, eligible travellers can use an Electronic Visa Waiver for Umrah outside the Hajj season. GOV.UK currently states that it allows one entry and a stay of up to 180 days.
Your passport should have at least six months' validity from the date you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
A meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate is required for Umrah. GOV.UK states that the vaccination must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Nusuk is Saudi Arabia's official digital pilgrimage platform. Under the new multiple-entry Umrah visa, an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application is required before arrival for each visit.
Yes. A seven-day Umrah trip is possible as long as your Saudi entry permission is valid and you meet the current pilgrimage requirements. Your visa does not necessarily need to be valid for only seven days.
Your requirements may differ. Saudi visa eligibility is based on the passport and nationality you travel on, so UK residents holding foreign passports should check the rules applicable to their own nationality.
Accommodation and service arrangements can form part of the dedicated Umrah visa process. Saudi Arabia has moved these arrangements into its digital pilgrimage systems, so travellers should confirm the current requirements for their specific visa before booking.
Women are not generally required to travel with a mahram simply to perform Umrah, but individual visa, age and booking requirements can apply. Check the latest Saudi guidance before travelling.
Umrah and Hajj have different rules. GOV.UK states that a separate Hajj visa is required for Hajj, and travellers should not assume that an Umrah visa or tourist entry route can be used for Hajj.
There is no universal booking deadline, but earlier planning can be useful during high-demand periods such as Ramadan and UK school holidays. It also gives you more choice of flights, hotels and room types.
