How to Get a Saudi Visa for Umrah if You Live in the UK

If you live in the UK and want to do Umrah, one of the first things you need to sort out is your visa. The good news is that it is much easier than it used to be. You no longer need to post your passport away and wait for weeks. Most people can now apply online and get an answer in a few days.

The less good news is that the rules have changed many times in the last two years. There are now a few different options, each with its own cost and rules. This guide explains them in plain English, so you can pick the right one and avoid common mistakes.

Visa rules can change at short notice. Always check the latest details with your travel agent or the official Saudi visa website before you apply.

Visa and permit: two different things

Before looking at the options, it is important to understand one simple point. To do Umrah, you need two things:

1. A visa. This lets you enter Saudi Arabia.

2. A Nusuk permit. This lets you do Umrah and enter the holy mosques at certain times. You get it through Nusuk, the official Saudi app for pilgrims. It is free.

A visa on its own is not enough. Many first-time pilgrims do not know this. Make sure you have both before you fly.

The main visa options for British passport holders

At the time of writing, people with a British passport have three main ways to get into Saudi Arabia for Umrah. All of them are applied for online.

1. The tourist e-visa

This is the visa many UK pilgrims have used in recent years.

• How to apply: Online, on the official Saudi visa website.

• Cost: About £100 to £130. This includes the medical insurance you must have.

• How long it takes: Usually 24 to 72 hours.

• Can you do Umrah on it? Yes, outside the Hajj season.

It is a good choice if you want to do Umrah and also see other parts of Saudi Arabia, such as Jeddah or AlUla.

2. The one-year Umrah visa

This is a newer option that started in July 2026.

• Cost: About £149.

• How long it lasts: One year, with more than one entry allowed.

• How long you can stay: Up to 90 days in total over the whole year. This is a total, not 90 days per visit.

This suits people who want to go more than once in a year, for example in Ramadan and again in December.

3. The Saudi ETA

Saudi Arabia launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in July 2026. It is cheaper, at about £35, and covers tourism and business.

At the time of writing, it is not fully clear whether it can be used for Umrah. Until this is confirmed, it is safer to use one of the other two options.

If you live in the UK but do not have a British passport

Many people who live in the UK hold a passport from another country, such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or Somalia. If this is you, the rules are different.

You usually cannot use the same online options as British passport holders. Instead, you will normally need an Umrah visa arranged through a licensed travel agent. This costs about £145 and can take several working days. You will also need to show proof that you live in the UK legally, such as a residence permit.

Start this process early. Leave plenty of time before your flight in case of delays.

What you need to apply

Whichever visa you choose, you will usually need:

• A passport that is valid for at least six months from the day you arrive in Saudi Arabia, with at least two blank pages.

• A recent passport-style photo with a plain white background.

• A hotel booking. Since June 2025, your hotel must be booked through the Nusuk system.

• Your return flight details.

• Proof of the meningitis ACWY jab. You must have this jab at least ten days before you arrive.

• A UK address and contact details.

For non-British passport holders, add proof of UK residence.

If you want a simple breakdown of which visa is right for you, and help with the forms, it is worth reading a guide on getting an Umrah visa from UK from a travel agent who does this every day. They can check your documents before you apply, which helps you avoid a refusal.

How to apply: step by step

Here is the usual process for a British passport holder applying online:

1. Book your hotel through Nusuk, or through a travel agent who uses it.

2. Get your meningitis jab and keep the certificate.

3. Take a passport photo that meets the rules.

4. Fill in the online form on the official Saudi visa website. Check that your name and passport number match your passport exactly.

5. Pay the fee by card.

6. Wait for your visa by email. Print a copy and save one on your phone.

7. Set up the Nusuk app and get your Umrah permit.

If you book a package, your travel agent will usually do steps 1, 4, 5 and 7 for you.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using the wrong website. There are many fake sites that charge extra fees. Only use the official Saudi visa site or a licensed UK agent.

• Spelling mistakes. Even one wrong letter in your name can cause problems at the airport.

• Forgetting the permit. Remember, the visa gets you into the country, but you still need a Nusuk permit for Umrah.

• Leaving it too late. Most visas come through quickly, but delays happen. Apply at least a few weeks before you fly.

• Travelling in the Hajj season. Umrah visas are usually not issued for a few weeks around Hajj. In 2027, this is expected to be from mid-April to early June.

• Not using the visa in time. Traditional Umrah visas must now be used within 30 days of being issued. Do not apply too early.

Visa as part of a package

For many people, the easiest way to sort out a visa is to book a package. Most cheap Umrah packages from UK travel agents include the visa in the price, along with flights, hotels and transfers. The agent fills in the forms, books your hotel through Nusuk and makes sure your papers are in order.

This saves time and stress, and it means there is someone to call if there is a problem. If you book a package with flights, make sure it is ATOL protected. You can check the ATOL number on the Civil Aviation Authority website.

How much does it all cost?

Here is a rough idea of what a British passport holder might spend on the visa side of Umrah:

• Visa: About £100 to £150, depending on the type.

• Nusuk permit: Free.

• Meningitis jab: About £40 to £70 at a UK chemist.

• Passport photos: About £5 to £15.

• Travel insurance: This varies, so get a few quotes.

If you book a package, the visa is often included, so check before you pay for it twice.

Quick questions

How long does an Umrah visa take from the UK?

For British passport holders applying online, usually one to three days. For other passports, through an agent, it can take several working days.

Can women get an Umrah visa without a mahram?

Yes. Women aged 18 and over can now get a visa and do Umrah without a male guardian.

Can I do Umrah on a tourist visa?

Yes. The Saudi tourist e-visa can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Do children need a visa?

Yes. Every traveller, including babies, needs their own visa and passport.

Can I visit Madinah on the same visa?

Yes. Your visa lets you travel around Saudi Arabia, so you can visit Madinah and the Prophet’s Mosque on the same trip. To pray in the Rawdah, you need to book a time on the Nusuk app.

What if my visa is refused?

It does not happen often, but it can. The most common reasons are mistakes on the form, a poor photo or a passport that runs out too soon. Check the reason, fix the problem and apply again. A travel agent can help if you are not sure what went wrong.

Getting a visa for Umrah from the UK is simpler than ever, but the rules keep changing. Pick the right visa for your passport and travel plans, apply on the official website or through a licensed agent, and do not forget your Nusuk permit and meningitis jab. Check the latest rules before you apply, give yourself plenty of time, and you will be ready to go.