Saudi Visa Made Simple

Umrah Visa from the UK: Requirements, Rules and How to Apply

Planning your Umrah from the UK in 2026? Here is the short version. Umrah requires two separate things: an entry visa for Saudi Arabia, plus an Umrah permit that you reserve on the official Nusuk app. On top of that, your passport must be valid, and you will need a meningitis (MenACWY) vaccination before you travel. This guide walks you through each step, so you know exactly what to do and in what order.

Which visa do you need for Umrah from the UK?

There is not just one way anymore. UK travellers can now perform Umrah on more than one type of Saudi visa, as long as you travel outside the Hajj period. The three common routes are the dedicated Umrah visa, the Saudi tourist e-Visa, and the Saudi ETA. Whichever one you use, the visa only gets you into the country — you still book your actual Umrah permit through Nusuk, which we explain below.

The dedicated Umrah visa

This is the traditional route, arranged for you through a licensed UK travel agent — you cannot apply for this one directly yourself. It is issued specifically for pilgrimage and covers Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. It is a single-entry visa, so it is designed for one trip.

The Saudi tourist e-Visa

The Saudi tourist visa can also be used for Umrah outside Hajj, and you apply for it yourself online. It is a multiple-entry visa, valid for one year, letting you stay up to 90 days per visit. It suits travellers who also want to see other parts of Saudi Arabia, or who prefer to arrange their own visa.

The Saudi ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

On 1 July 2026, Saudi Arabia launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for British passport holders. It replaced the older Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). The ETA allows multiple entries with a total stay of up to 180 days across one year, and it can be used for tourism, business, short study and Umrah outside Hajj. It does not cover Hajj, work or residency.

At a glance

 

Nusuk: the app that issues your Umrah permit

Nusuk is the official app of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Since the latest season, every pilgrim must register on it — there are no country exemptions. Put simply, the visa handles your entry into the country, while Nusuk is what authorises the pilgrimage itself. You use it to book your Umrah permit, and to reserve a slot to pray in the Rawdah (Riyadul Jannah) at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. You can download it for free from the App Store or Google Play — just check that the developer is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

There is a second part to this. Before a dedicated Umrah visa can be issued, your accommodation and transport must be booked in Ministry-licensed hotels and logged on the Nusuk Masar platform. In plain terms: no confirmed booking, no visa. Your travel agent takes care of this side for you.

Umrah visa requirements for UK travellers

Whichever route you take, you will need the following ready before you apply:

● A valid passport: It must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, ideally with a couple of blank pages. This applies to British passports and to other nationalities holding a valid UK residence permit.

● A recent photo: Passport-style, facing the camera, on a plain light (white or grey) background.

● Confirmed flights and hotel: For the dedicated Umrah visa, your return flights and a Ministry-licensed hotel must be booked and logged on Nusuk before the visa is issued.

● A meningitis (MenACWY) vaccination certificate: Required for all pilgrims — see the next section.

● Proof you are Muslim (dedicated Umrah visa only): You confirm this on the application. If you are a revert with a non-Muslim name, you may be asked for a short certificate from a mosque or Islamic centre confirming you are Muslim. The tourist e-Visa and ETA have no religious requirement, but still allow Umrah.

● The right way to apply: The dedicated Umrah visa is arranged through a licensed agent. The tourist e-Visa and ETA you apply for yourself online.

How long is an Umrah visa valid, and how long can you stay?

This is where a lot of people get caught out, so read this part carefully.

For the dedicated Umrah visa, the rules tightened in late 2025. Your visa now expires 30 days after it is issued if you have not entered Saudi Arabia in that window. The countdown starts from the issue date, not your flight date, and if you do not travel in time, the visa is cancelled automatically. The simple fix: book your flights first, then apply close to your travel date — not months ahead.

Once you have entered the country, the stay limit is up to 90 days. The dedicated Umrah visa is single-entry and covers Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. If you are travelling on the tourist e-Visa instead, you can stay up to 90 days per visit, and it is valid for a year.

The meningitis (MenACWY) vaccination

A MenACWY (meningococcal ACWY) vaccination is compulsory for everyone performing Umrah. You need to have it at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, and you must carry the certificate with you. Most certificates are valid for a few years, so if you have had it recently for a previous trip, check the date. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be advised to have other vaccinations, such as polio or seasonal flu — your GP or a travel clinic can confirm what is right for you.

Can women travel for Umrah without a Mahram?

Yes. As things stand in Saudi Arabia, a woman is no longer required to have a Mahram (a close male relative) either to be granted her visa or to carry out the pilgrimage. Women aged 18 and over can travel on their own or, as many prefer, as part of an organised or women-only group. Travellers under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

It is worth knowing that this is the Saudi government's administrative position. Separately, many Islamic scholars still recommend that a woman travel with a Mahram, and views differ on this. That is a personal decision for you and your family — but it is no longer a barrier to obtaining your visa.

When can you go? Umrah season and Hajj closure

Umrah can be performed almost all year round. The main exception is the Hajj period, when Makkah is reserved for Hajj pilgrims and Umrah visas are not issued for a few weeks. Because the calendar follows the Islamic (Hijri) year, the exact dates shift earlier each year, so always check the current cut-offs before booking a spring trip. Ramadan is by far the busiest time for Umrah, so if you are planning to go then, apply early and book your Nusuk permits well ahead.

How to apply for your Umrah visa, step by step

1. Confirm your dates and book your flights: Lock in your travel first so your visa timing lines up.

2. Choose your visa route: Dedicated Umrah visa (through an agent), Saudi tourist e-Visa, or Saudi ETA.

3. Get your MenACWY vaccination: At least 10 days before you fly, and keep the certificate safe.

4. Book a Ministry-licensed hotel and transport: For the Umrah visa, this is logged on Nusuk Masar — your agent arranges it.

5. Submit your visa application: Through your agent for the Umrah visa; yourself online for the e-Visa or ETA.

6. Register on Nusuk and book your permits: Reserve your Umrah permit and, for Madinah, your Rawdah slot.

7. Travel within the validity window: Enter Saudi Arabia before your visa expires.

How Makkah Tour can help

Makkah Tour is a trading name of 7 Continents Travel Ltd, which has arranged Hajj and Umrah travel from the UK since 2006. Our flight-inclusive packages are financially protected under ATOL 10416, so you are covered in the event of the company's financial failure. You will receive an ATOL Certificate — please ask for it and check the details. We are IATA accredited (91280442) and work only with Ministry-licensed Saudi partners.

Our UK-based team can give you Nusuk support and guidance, sort your licensed hotel and transport bookings, and make sure your paperwork lines up with the current rules. If you would like a hand with any of the above, get in touch, and we will talk you through it. You can also browse our Umrah packages, or read our guides to flights to Jeddah, Makkah hotels and Madinah hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?

Yes. Outside the Hajj period, the Saudi tourist e-Visa can indeed be used for Umrah. Bear in mind, though, that you will still need to reserve your Umrah permit on the Nusuk app — the visa covers your entry into the country, and the Nusuk permit is what lets you actually perform Umrah.

Do I still need the Nusuk app if I already have a visa?

Yes. A visa on its own isn't enough. Every pilgrim must register on Nusuk and book an Umrah permit through it. You'll also use Nusuk to reserve a slot to pray in the Rawdah at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

How long does it take to get an Umrah visa?

Once your documents and bookings are in place, a dedicated Umrah visa is usually issued within a few working days. Because the visa now expires 30 days after issue if you haven't travelled, it is wise to apply close to your departure date rather than far ahead.

How long is my Umrah visa valid for?

For the dedicated Umrah visa, you must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the issue date, or it is cancelled. After you arrive, you can stay for up to 90 days. The Saudi tourist e-Visa is valid for a year and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Can women go for Umrah without a Mahram?

Saudi Arabia now lets women aged 18 or older apply for a visa and complete their pilgrimage with no Mahram needed, and a large number choose to join a group. Some Islamic scholars still recommend travelling with a Mahram, so it is a personal choice — but it is no longer needed for your visa.

Does each child need their own Umrah visa?

Yes. Every traveller, including children, needs their own visa. Children under 18 should travel with a parent or guardian.

Is the meningitis vaccine required for Umrah?

Yes. A MenACWY (meningococcal ACWY) vaccination is compulsory for all pilgrims. You must have it at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia and carry the certificate with you.

Can I visit Madinah on an Umrah visa?

Yes. You can travel to Madinah to visit the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi). To pray in the Rawdah (Riyadul Jannah), book your slot in advance through the Nusuk app.

Do I need my flights and hotel booked before the visa?

Yes. For the dedicated Umrah visa, your return flights and a Ministry-licensed hotel must be confirmed and logged on Nusuk before the visa can be issued — in short, no booking, no visa.

What happens if my visa is delayed or refused?

The decision rests with the Saudi authorities, and a visa is never guaranteed. The safest approach is to apply early and leave enough time before you travel. Your travel agent can advise you if there is an issue.

Can I extend my stay in Saudi Arabia?

The dedicated Umrah visa is fixed and single-entry. On the Saudi tourist e-Visa, you can stay up to 90 days per visit. Whichever route you use, do not overstay — it can affect future applications.