Last updated: April 2026

Umrah Visa Requirements for UK Citizens in 2026

If you are planning Umrah from the UK, one of the first questions you will have is about the visa. The good news is that the process has become significantly simpler in recent years thanks to Saudi Arabia’s electronic visa system. This guide covers everything you need to know: whether you need a visa, how to apply, what documents are required, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Umrah?

Yes, UK citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah. There is no visa-free entry for British passport holders travelling for religious pilgrimage.

Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has offered an electronic visa (eVisa) system that has dramatically simplified the process. Previously, Umrah visas could only be obtained through licensed travel agents and involved submitting physical passports to the Saudi Embassy. Today, the entire process can be completed online through the Nusuk platform, Saudi Arabia’s official pilgrimage management system.

There are two routes to obtaining your Umrah visa:

• Self-application through Nusuk – you apply directly on the Nusuk website or app, upload your documents, pay the fee, and receive your eVisa electronically.
• Through your travel agent – most UK Umrah agents include visa processing as part of their package and handle the application on your behalf.

Both routes lead to the same visa. If you are booking an Umrah package through HalalTrek, your chosen agent will almost certainly handle the visa for you as part of the service.

How to Apply for an Umrah Visa

If you are applying for the visa yourself, here is the step-by-step process:

1. Create an account on the Nusuk platform – visit the official Nusuk website (nusuk.sa) and register with your email address. You will need to verify your account before proceeding.
2. Select “Umrah” as your purpose of travel – the platform also handles tourist visas and Hajj, so make sure you select the correct option.
3. Enter your personal details – fill in your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and other required information.
4. Upload required documents – you will need a digital copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photograph meeting Saudi specifications (see Documents Required section below).
5. Pay the visa fee – the current fee is approximately 535 SAR (around £110), payable by credit or debit card. This includes the visa fee and mandatory health insurance.
6. Receive your eVisa – once approved, your eVisa is sent to your email. Processing typically takes 24–72 hours, though most applications are approved within 24 hours.

Print a copy of your eVisa confirmation to carry with you, and also save a digital copy on your phone. Immigration officers at Saudi airports can verify your visa electronically, but having a printed copy avoids any potential issues.

Documents Required

To apply for an Umrah visa as a UK citizen, you will need the following documents ready:

• Valid UK passport – must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into Saudi Arabia. If your passport expires sooner, you will need to renew it before applying.
• Passport-sized photograph – a recent photo with a white background, meeting Saudi Arabia’s photo specifications (see Common Issues section below for details). The photo must be clear, front-facing, and without head coverings (except for religious reasons).
• Vaccination certificate – Saudi Arabia requires proof of certain vaccinations. Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination is mandatory and must have been administered no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival. Additional vaccine requirements may apply depending on current health guidelines – check the Saudi Ministry of Health website for the latest requirements.
• Travel insurance – health insurance coverage for your stay in Saudi Arabia is mandatory. The Nusuk platform includes basic health insurance as part of the visa fee. However, many travellers opt for additional comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, lost luggage, and repatriation.

If you are travelling with children, each child requires their own visa application and passport. Children included on a parent’s passport are no longer accepted for entry into Saudi Arabia.

Visa Validity and Rules

The Umrah eVisa comes with specific terms that you should be aware of before travel:

• Validity period – the eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Saudi Arabia within this window.
• Duration of stay – you can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per entry. This is more than sufficient for Umrah, which typically lasts 7–14 days.
• Multiple entry – the eVisa allows multiple entries within the validity period. This means you could technically leave and re-enter Saudi Arabia during your visa’s validity window.
• No work permitted – the Umrah visa does not permit any form of employment in Saudi Arabia. It is strictly for pilgrimage and tourism purposes.
• Travel within Saudi Arabia – you are free to travel to any city in Saudi Arabia on your Umrah visa, not just Makkah and Madinah. Many pilgrims extend their trip to visit Jeddah or other areas.

Do Travel Agents Handle the Visa?

In most cases, yes. The majority of Umrah packages from UK agents include visa processing as a standard part of the service. When you book a package, your agent will typically:

• Collect your passport details and photograph
• Submit the visa application on your behalf through the Nusuk platform
• Pay the visa fee (which is included in your package price)
• Send you the eVisa confirmation once approved

This is one of the key advantages of booking through an agent rather than arranging everything independently. It removes the hassle of navigating the application process yourself and ensures that your documents are submitted correctly.

When comparing packages on HalalTrek, check whether the visa fee is included in the quoted price. Most agents include it, but a small number list it as an add-on. Our listings clearly indicate what is and is not included so you can compare like for like.

If you prefer to arrange your Umrah independently – booking flights and hotels separately – you will need to handle the visa application yourself through Nusuk. This is straightforward, but you take on the responsibility of ensuring your documents meet the requirements.

Common Visa Issues and Tips

While the Umrah visa process is generally smooth, there are a few common issues that can cause delays or rejections. Here is how to avoid them:

Photo Specifications

The most common reason for visa application issues is the photograph not meeting Saudi requirements. Your photo must be:

• 4cm x 6cm (or the digital equivalent)
• White background
• Front-facing with a neutral expression
• No glasses (even clear prescription glasses should be removed)
• Head coverings only for religious reasons (for women wearing hijab, the face must be fully visible)
• Taken within the last 6 months

We recommend having your photo taken at a professional passport photo service and asking them to format it to Saudi visa specifications.

Passport Validity

Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity remaining from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. If your passport expires in, say, 5 months and 29 days, your visa will be rejected. Check your passport expiry date before you start the application process, and allow 6–10 weeks for a UK passport renewal if needed.

Name Matching

The name on your visa application must match your passport exactly. This includes middle names, hyphens, and spelling. Even minor discrepancies can cause problems at immigration. If your name has been transliterated differently on previous documents, use the version that appears on your current passport.

Women Travelling Without a Mahram

Saudi Arabia has relaxed its rules on women travelling for Umrah. Women aged 18 and above can now perform Umrah without a male guardian (mahram), either alone or in a group. This is a significant change from previous years and has made Umrah more accessible.

For more information about planning your Umrah, including costs and budgeting, Hajj packages, and custom package options, explore our other guides or visit our FAQ page.

The Umrah visa process for UK citizens is straightforward, especially when your travel agent handles it on your behalf. Whether you apply yourself through Nusuk or let your agent take care of it, the key is to prepare your documents correctly and apply with plenty of time before your departure. For a hassle-free experience, compare visa-inclusive Umrah packages on HalalTrek.