UK residents planning the sacred journey to Makkah need an Umrah Visa before they can set foot in Saudi Arabia. The good news is that British passport holders are among the 66 nationalities eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which now permits Umrah — making the process faster and more flexible than ever.
Which Visa Do UK Residents Need for Umrah?
British citizens have two main routes into Saudi Arabia for Umrah. The one you choose depends on how much flexibility you want and whether you are booking independently or through a travel agent.
Saudi Tourist eVisa
The Saudi tourist eVisa is the most popular option for UK pilgrims. It is valid for one year with multiple entries, and each stay can last up to 90 days.
Since 2019, holders of this eVisa are officially permitted to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. You can apply entirely online — no agent needed.
Traditional Umrah Visa via a Licensed Agent
Some UK residents — particularly those who do not hold a British passport — may need to apply through an authorized travel agent licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This route bundles the visa with flights, accommodation, and ground transport.
Check the Wego Umrah visa guide for a broader look at how the traditional visa process works across different nationalities.
Documents Required for a UK Umrah Visa
Getting your paperwork right is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays or rejections. Here is what you need ready before you apply.
For the eVisa (British passport holders)
- Valid British passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your date of arrival in Saudi Arabia
- Recent digital passport photo — white background, full face visible, no head covering unless for religious reasons
- Active email address for receiving the approved eVisa
- Debit or credit card for payment
For the traditional Umrah visa (Non-British passport holders)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and two blank pages
- Four passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Completed visa application form from your travel agent
- Confirmed return flight itinerary and hotel booking in Makkah or Madinah
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate (administered at least 10 days before arrival)
- Proof of relationship if traveling with a Mahram (requirements vary — confirm with your travel agent)
Biometrics for UK applicants
Saudi Arabia collects biometric data — fingerprints and facial recognition — from all arriving travelers. For tourist eVisa holders, biometrics are captured by immigration authorities at the port of entry in Saudi Arabia. No prior biometric enrollment is required to apply for or receive the eVisa online. For other visa categories such as work or business visas, biometric enrollment through an authorized visa center may be required before travel.
How to Apply Step by Step
The eVisa route is straightforward and takes most UK applicants under 15 minutes to complete online.
- Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com and select “United Kingdom” as your nationality.
- Enter your passport details, personal information, and travel dates exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Upload your digital passport photo and pay the visa fee by card.
- Receive your approved eVisa by email — most UK applicants get approval within 24 hours, though it can take up to 72 hours.
- Register on the Nusuk platform to book your Umrah permit, schedule entry to Masjid al-Haram, and optionally reserve a Rawdah appointment in Madinah.
The Nusuk registration is mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims as of 2025 — you cannot enter the Grand Mosque without it. For a deeper look at how Nusuk works, read the Wego Umrah 2026 guide.
Fees and Processing Time
Costs differ depending on which visa route you take. Here is a side-by-side breakdown.
| Cost Component | eVisa (British Passport) | Traditional Umrah Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Government visa fee | SAR 300 (~£59) | SAR 300 (~£59) |
| Medical insurance | ~SAR 180 (~£35) | Usually included in package |
| Platform/processing fees | ~SAR 55 (~£11) | N/A |
| Agent service fee | N/A | £50–£150 |
| Total visa cost | SAR 535 (~£105) | ~£115–£250 |
| Processing time | 6–72 hours | 3–7 working days |
GBP amounts are approximate based on exchange rates at the time of writing and may vary. During Ramadan season, processing times for traditional visas can stretch to 10–14 working days. Apply well in advance if your trip falls between February and April.
For the full cost picture — including flights to Jeddah, accommodation, and transport — the Umrah packages from the UK guide breaks down what a complete trip costs.
Vaccination and Health Requirements
The UK government advises all Umrah pilgrims to get the meningococcal ACWY vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. Saudi Arabia requires this vaccine for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims aged one year and older — the certificate is valid for 3–5 years depending on vaccine type.
For the full breakdown of which shots are mandatory, which are recommended, costs at UK clinics, and current Saudi health screening rules, read the Wego Umrah vaccine guide.
Women Traveling for Umrah From the UK
Saudi Arabia has relaxed its rules significantly in recent years. UK women applying through the tourist eVisa face no Mahram (male guardian) requirement regardless of age.
Read the Wego guide to Umrah without a Mahram for the full picture on solo female pilgrimage options.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject UK Umrah Visas
Avoid these frequent pitfalls that trip up UK applicants.
- Passport validity calculated from application date instead of arrival date — your passport must be valid for 6 months from when you land in Saudi Arabia, not from when you apply
- Name mismatches between the visa application and passport — even minor spelling differences cause rejections
- Applying too close to Hajj season — Umrah visa issuance closes several weeks before Hajj begins. In 2026, the last day for Umrah visa issuance was March 20
- Missing Nusuk registration — your eVisa alone does not grant mosque entry. You must book an Umrah permit through Nusuk
- Using an unlicensed travel agent — only book through agents certified by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The UK FCDO warns that Hajj and Umrah fraud is a persistent problem targeting British Muslims
If you are also comparing Umrah packages from the UK, read that alongside this piece so you can match the right visa route to the right package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa from the UK?
Yes. British passport holders can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com, which permits Umrah outside Hajj season. You still need to register on the Nusuk platform for your Umrah permit.
How long does the UK Umrah visa take to process?
The eVisa typically arrives within 24 hours, though it can take up to 72 hours. Traditional Umrah visas through agents take 3–7 working days, or up to 14 days during Ramadan season.
Do I need a meningitis vaccine for Umrah from the UK?
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires the meningococcal ACWY vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims aged one year and older. The certificate must be issued at least 10 days before arrival and is valid for 3–5 years depending on the vaccine type. The UK government and WHO also strongly recommend this vaccination.
Can a UK woman travel for Umrah without a male guardian?
Yes, if using the tourist eVisa — there is no Mahram requirement for eVisa holders regardless of age. On the traditional Umrah visa, women 18 and over can travel in authorized groups through a licensed operator without a Mahram.
Sources
- UK Government (FCDO) — Saudi Arabia Pilgrimage Travel Advice
- Saudi Tourism Authority — Official eVisa Portal
- Nusuk — Official Umrah Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Umrah Information
- UK TravelHealthPro — Hajj and Umrah Health Guide
- House of Saud — Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Guide 2026
- Visit Saudi — Visa Regulations
Disclaimer
Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
