How to Apply for Umrah Visa from UK - Complete Umrah Visa Guide

You’ll need valid permission to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. When you need an Umrah Visa From UK, there are options to enter first with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) and, second, a tourist eVisa, a dedicated single-entry Umrah visa, or a visa on arrival (if you qualify).

GOV.UK confirms that British passport holders need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia and that an ETA is used for Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Saudi system also provides a dedicated Umrah visa online, where applicants have to enter passport details, upload documents, provide travel and accommodation information, arrange medical insurance, pay fees and track the application.

Yes, British (UK) travellers need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah; the routes to opt visa depend on the reason for travel and the type of travel document used.

If you want to apply for Umrah outside Hajj season, there’s a provision for your ETA for British passport holders where eligible. The other two routes are eVisa and a dedicated Umrah visa.

Yes, you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa, subject to the current rules and Hajj-season restrictions.

GOV.UK confirms that an eVisa is valid to be used for tourism and that a separate Hajj visa is required for Hajj.

Therefore, there’s no obligation to obtain a dedicated Umrah visa for a British passport holder because the purpose of the trip is Umrah.

Yes, nationality has nothing to do with an Umrah journey; UK residence and British nationality are different things.

If you live in the UK but hold another passport, Saudi visa eligibility is generally assessed using your nationality and passport details (that means your right to enter depends on the country that issued your passport), as well as the applicable Saudi rules.

Do not use British passport guidance as proof that you qualify for the same Umrah Visa from UK route. You must check your nationality and passport eligibility before applying.

For UK passport holders, there are 5 permitted routes for Umrah outside Hajj season. Your choice depends on your eligibility, travel plans and the current Saudi rules.

If you are considering a dedicated Umrah visa for Saudi Arabia, consider checking the official Saudi application route and current conditions before paying.

Yes, eligible travellers can use the Saudi tourist eVisa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.

This is confirmed in current UK government guidance. But note that a tourist eVisa does not allow Hajj; you need to have a separate Hajj visa.

No, a dedicated Saudi Umrah visa costs more than a Saudi tourist visa. 

Here’s the breakdown:

• Saudi ETA: £10 (approximately $25 USD)
• Saudi Tourist eVisa: SAR 535 (approximately £114, includes health insurance)
• Dedicated Umrah Visa: SAR 535+ base fee (£190 to £250 total after mandatory agency package and service fees)

Note: Compare the total amount you will pay, not the headline visa fee.

Yes, where that visa specifically permits Umrah.

Current Saudi tourist eVisa permits Umrah for eligible travellers; whereas, according to GOV.UK, an ETA works the same way only outside the Hajj season.

Once the status shows your visa has been approved. Here’s how you can download your approved visa:

1. Log in to the official KSA Visa platform using registered credentials
2. Click on the Application Tracking tab
3. Fill in your passport and application number
4. Click on the Download tab, save it as a PDF, and save a digital copy.

It’s better to apply after checking your eligibility and before making non-refundable travel arrangements that depend on visa approval.

If you are travelling close to Hajj season, you must check the current deadlines and restrictions first.

Here’s the amount of time it takes based on the Visa:

• For a dedicated and tourist eVisa, apply 3-4 weeks prior.
• For ETA, apply 1-2 weeks in advance.
• For a transit/stopover visa, apply at the time of booking your flight
• Visa on arrival can be purchased instantly right after landing

There could be several reasons, but these are the most common ones:

• Passport expiry; make sure your passport has 6 months of validity
• Photo dimension inconsistencies, as the requirement is a perfect square (200 x 200 pixels).
• Incorrect passport details
• Missing documents
• Additional checks

The Visa validity depends on its type.

• The ETA visa is valid for 730 days and allows multiple entries with a maximum stay of 180 days.
• The Saudi Tourist eVisa is valid for 365 days, allows multiple entries, and permits a 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia.
• The dedicated Umrah visa is also valid for 365 days, allows multiple entries, and permits a 90-day stay, like the Tourist eVisa.
• The visa on arrival is valid for 365 days, allows multiple entries, with a 90-day stay.
• Transit/Stopover visa is only valid for 90 days, single entry, comes with a stay of 96 hours, i.e. 4 days

Do not confuse:

Visa validity with permitted stay.

A visa can remain valid for a year while the traveller has a shorter permitted stay.

According to the July 2026 Saudi announcement, the new multiple-entry Umrah visa is not activated during Hajj season, from the first of Dhu Al-Qi'dah to the 13th of Dhu Al-Hijjah. 

Seasonal rules can change sometimes; it's better to check them before booking.

For a clearer understanding of what is and is not part of Umrah, read our guide to common Umrah myths and misconceptions. 

If you continue to stay in Saudi Arabia after your Visa expires, you’ll face any of these:

• Heavy overstay fines
• Long-term bans from re-entering the country
• Deportation

Do not remain in Saudi Arabia after your permitted stay ends.

Before travelling, make sure you also understand the Miqat rules for Umrah and where you must enter Ihram.

Yes, Saudi tourist eVisa holders can perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.

This is one of the most important points for people researching an Umrah visa Saudi option.

You must know that the GOV.UK confirms that the Saudi eVisa is available for tourism and that a separate visa is required for Hajj.

Remember these points:

1. You must be eligible for the tourist eVisa.
2. Your visa must remain valid.
3. You must follow current Umrah requirements.
4. You must follow any Nusuk requirements.
5. You cannot use a tourist visa as a substitute for a Hajj visa.
6. Hajj-season restrictions can affect access to Makkah.

Living in the UK does not make you a British citizen, and eligible to be issued a visa just like UK residents.

If you hold an Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nigerian, South African or another passport, check Saudi rules for that nationality.

Yes, having UK residency means you qualify to bypass traditional visa routes and can apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa.

However, you must check the official Saudi portal visa rules for your nationality.

For a complete overview of the pilgrimage process, see our Complete Umrah Guide.

Yes, an Umrah Travel Partner can help arrange your Umrah pilgrimage.

Choosing an Umrah visa partner is very helpful if you really want a stress-free journey without any hassle. An experienced Umrah travel partner will arrange flights, hotels, transport and other arrangements based on your needs.

Before paying, ask for the following:

• The exact visa route
• Written package details
• Hotel names
• Flight information
• Transport details
• Cancellation terms
• Refund terms
• Insurance information
• Total price
• Payment receipt
• ATOL protection where applicable

GOV.UK advises Umrah travellers to check that their travel agent or operator is ATOL protected and to keep transaction records and written terms safely.

If you want an easier way to arrange your pilgrimage, an experienced UK Umrah provider can handle the visa and travel arrangements together. Make sure that you check the provider's accreditations and written terms before paying.

Yes, you’ll need to have an account on Nusuk when entering Masjid-al-Nabawi and other holy sites. Follow the current instructions attached to your visa and Umrah arrangements.

Yes, it’s mandatory to enter the Grand Mosque for Umrah. Check the latest instructions before travelling because digital pilgrimage procedures can change.

An Umrah visa is not a Hajj visa. Hajj has separate visa and entry requirements.

GOV.UK states that people travelling for Hajj must obtain a separate Hajj visa through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.

During the 2026 Hajj season, Saudi authorities announced specific restrictions on entry to Makkah and set a final departure deadline for people arriving on Umrah visas.

This shows why you should never rely on outdated information for seasonal dates; continue to check official websites for updates.

Key points

• An Umrah visa does not replace a Hajj visa.
• Tourist visas do not replace Hajj visas.
• Makkah entry restrictions apply tightly around Hajj.
• Umrah permits are completely suspended during the Hajj enforcement window inside the Nusuk app.
• Flight restrictions regularly affect non-Hajj travellers.
• Always verify the current Hajj-season Hijri calendar dates for Hajj before making any flight booking.

Getting your Umrah visa is not the end of your preparation.

Use this checklist to recheck the information:

1. Check your name against your passport.
2. Check your passport number.
3. Check your nationality.
4. Check the visa validity dates.
5. Check the number of entries.
6. Save your electronic visa.
7. Print a copy.
8. Complete any required Nusuk arrangements.
9. Check your Umrah permit requirements.
10. Check your vaccination certificate.
11. Confirm your flights.
12. Confirm your hotel.
13. Check your transport.
14. Check Hajj-season restrictions.
15. Keep copies of important documents.

GOV.UK advises pilgrims to keep passports and travel documents safe and to carry physical copies along.

First and foremost, know the reason and correct all clerical errors, like blurry photos, incorrect passport numbers, or mismatched names and reply directly. You don’t have to worry if you’ve booked via a travel partner, but you can ask for a full copy of the application details to know the issues.

Why can an application be rejected?

Possible issues could be:

• Incorrect information
• Missing requirements
• Eligibility problems
• Passport problems
• Incomplete documents
• Payment issues
• Additional checks

Can I apply again?

In most cases, you can correct the underlying issue and reply from the same page without submitting another application. It also depends on the reason for refusal and the current application rules.

Before applying

☐ Check passport validity
☐ Check nationality
☐ Check Saudi visa eligibility
☐ Choose the correct visa route
☐ Check travel dates
☐ Prepare passport photograph
☐ Prepare travel details
☐ Prepare accommodation details
☐ Check vaccination requirements
☐ Check insurance requirements

After applying

☐ Save your application reference
☐ Monitor your email
☐ Check application status
☐ Check your approved Umrah visa
☐ Check your name and passport number
☐ Download your visa
☐ Print a copy

Before flying

☐ Passport
☐ Umrah visa or other valid entry permission
☐ Vaccination certificate
☐ Insurance documents
☐ Flight confirmation
☐ Hotel confirmation
☐ Nusuk details
☐ Umrah permit where required
☐ Emergency contacts
☐ Copies of important documents

Having the Umrah Visa from the UK isn’t all you need. Finding the right flight, best hotels and transport and travel arrangements are also part of it.

If you are ready to arrange your trip, explore our Umrah packages from the UK with flights, hotels and other travel arrangements suited to your pilgrimage journey.