Umrah Visa UK: Requirements and Application Guide

Umrah is the voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Unlike Hajj, it can be performed at any time of the year, and every year tens of thousands of British Muslims make the journey. Getting your Umrah visa application right is the first step to a smooth trip.

This guide covers the types of visas available to UK residents, who is eligible, how to apply online, what documents you need, and what it will cost you.

Once you are in Saudi Arabia, the local currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR). A Wise account can help you manage your travel budget in SAR, with transparent fees and no hidden exchange rate markups*.

Learn about the Wise account

Types of Umrah visas for UK residents

UK citizens have three main options when it comes to entering Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Each has different rules, costs, and eligibility requirements.

Saudi electronic tourist visa (e-Visa)

The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa is the most popular route for UK travellers performing Umrah. It is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing up to 90 days in the country. Muslim tourists can perform Umrah on this visa, though it cannot be used for Hajj- that requires a separate Hajj visa.

The tourist eVisa is available to UK citizens and can be applied for online through the official Visit Saudi portal at visa.visitsaudi.com, or through the Nusuk app. It is generally the most accessible option and carries fewer restrictions than the dedicated Umrah visa.

Specific Umrah visa requirements

A dedicated Umrah visa is issued specifically for pilgrims travelling to perform Umrah. Requirements can differ from the tourist eVisa route and may depend on how you book your trip.

Rules for women travelling without a mahram have changed in recent years. In many cases, women can now travel for Umrah without a mahram, particularly when travelling through an approved Umrah package, group or licensed operator. However, requirements can still vary depending on the visa route, the traveller’s age, and the latest Saudi rules.

Before booking, confirm the current requirements with your travel agent, the official Nusuk platform, or the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Visa on arrival options

UK citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at major Saudi entry points. On arrival, you can use the self-service kiosks or go directly to passport control at the airport. This option does not require advance application but comes with separate medical insurance fees, making it slightly more expensive overall.

Applying online in advance is generally safer, especially during peak travel periods such as Ramadan.

A transit or stopover visa is also available for free, allowing pilgrims passing through Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah while in transit.

Eligibility and mandatory requirements

To be eligible for an Umrah visa from the UK, you will generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Valid British passport with at least six months' remaining validity from your intended date of travel
• Aged 18 or over to travel alone; travellers under 18 may only enter when accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or adult sibling aged over 18
• Muslim faith is required for the dedicated Umrah visa; the tourist eVisa does not have a religious requirement but allows Umrah to be performed
• You may need to register your trip, book services or obtain permits through Nusuk, depending on your visa type and current Saudi requirements. Check the official Nusuk platform before applying.
• Valid meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate, taken at least 10 days before travel and within the last three years
• Travel insurance covering emergency medical costs in Saudi Arabia

UK residents who hold a non-British passport may also be eligible, provided they hold a valid UK residence permit. Eligibility requirements can vary by nationality and visa type, so always check with the Saudi embassy or your travel agent if you are unsure.

Application process and timelines

Applying for an Umrah visa from the UK is a relatively straightforward online process. Here is what to expect at each stage.

Step-by-step online application guide

1. Register on the Nusuk platform at umrah.nusuk.sa. Booking your accommodation and licensed ground transport through Nusuk is now a mandatory step before your visa application can be submitted.
2. Select your visa type- tourist eVisa or dedicated Umrah visa- and visit the relevant application portal. For the eVisa, go to visa.visitsaudi.com.
3. Complete the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
4. Upload your supporting documents, including your passport scan, passport photo, vaccination certificate, and Nusuk booking confirmations.
5. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
6. Receive your visa by email once approved. Print a copy and keep a digital version- you will need to present it at the airport.

Alternatively, you can book an Umrah package through a UK-based licensed travel agent, who will manage the visa application on your behalf. GOV.UK advises making sure your travel agent or operator is ATOL-protected when booking Umrah packages.¹

Required documents and passport validity

Before applying, make sure you have the following ready:

• Valid passport with at least six months' validity from your travel date
• Recent passport-sized photo- white background, biometric-compliant
• Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate- administered at least 10 days before travel
• Proof of Nusuk bookings- confirmed hotel accommodation and licensed transport
• Return flight tickets
• Travel insurance covering Saudi Arabia

If you hold a non-UK passport and live in the UK, you will also need a valid UK residence permit.

Typical processing times for UK citizens

Most online applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours. That said, it is strongly advised to apply at least three weeks before your departure date. Applications increase significantly in the weeks before Ramadan and during school holidays, which can cause delays. Applying early gives you time to resolve any issues before your travel date.

Costs and financial considerations

Understanding your costs upfront will help you budget properly for your trip. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay.

Current visa application fees

*Fees are approximate and subject to change. Always check the latest fees on the official Saudi eVisa portal before applying.*²

When you are in Saudi Arabia, you can use the Wise card to pay and withdraw in Saudi Riyals at the mid-market exchange rate, with no hidden markups. The Wise card works in 150+ countries, so you are covered throughout your pilgrimage. You can hold 40+ currencies in your Wise account and switch between them easily.

Mandatory health insurance costs

If you apply for the tourist eVisa online, health insurance is included in the SAR 535 fee. If you choose a visa on arrival instead, you will pay a separate medical insurance fee of approximately SAR 180.

If you book through a package operator, health insurance is often bundled into the package. Always ask your travel agent to confirm exactly what is included before paying.

Beyond the visa, a full Umrah trip from the UK also includes flights, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and ground transport. Costs vary widely depending on travel dates and hotel proximity to the Haram. Travelling outside Ramadan and booking early can reduce overall costs significantly.

You can also send money internationally with Wise to pay for Umrah packages- with low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate. Find out how Wise works and check the mid-market rate before you travel.

Practical travel information

Vaccination and health regulations

A meningitis ACWY vaccination is mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims. You must have received it at least 10 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia, and it must have been administered within the last three years. You will need to present a valid vaccination certificate when you travel.

You can get the meningitis vaccine at most UK pharmacies and travel clinics. It is worth booking your appointment early, particularly if you are travelling during a busy season when appointments fill up quickly.

The flu vaccination and COVID-19 boosters are also recommended. Contagious illnesses can spread rapidly in large crowd settings, especially during peak pilgrimage periods.

Saudi Arabia can experience extreme heat, with summer temperatures exceeding 50°C. Drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and carry any prescription medication with a doctor's letter if required by Saudi authorities. If you are travelling with elderly relatives, plan for rest periods and consider availability of assistance at the Haram.¹

If you are planning to use your UK mobile abroad, you may also want to read Wise's guide to Saudi Arabia SIM cards for UK travellers to avoid high roaming charges.

Permitted entry points in Saudi Arabia

UK pilgrims travelling for Umrah can enter Saudi Arabia through several international airports. The two main entry points for pilgrims are:

• Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport)- the closest major airport to Makkah, and the most commonly used by UK pilgrims
• Madinah (Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport)- a convenient option if your itinerary begins in Madinah

Both airports have immigration facilities for pilgrims, including self-service kiosks for visa on arrival applicants. Your Nusuk-registered transport operator will arrange transfers between the airports, Makkah, and Madinah.

Note that Saudi authorities have implemented entry restrictions during certain periods, particularly around the Hajj season. Always check the GOV.UK Saudi Arabia travel advice page for the most up-to-date guidance before you depart.¹

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Obtaining an Umrah visa from the UK is a straightforward online process for most British Muslims. The key steps are choosing the right visa type, registering on the Nusuk platform, booking your accommodation and transport, getting your meningitis vaccination, and applying in good time to avoid last-minute stress.

Once you arrive, you could save on your pilgrimage spending by using a Wise account for transparent currency exchange in Saudi Arabia - pay and withdraw in Saudi Riyals at the mid-market rate, with no hidden fees.

Join Wise today for free 🌍

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FAQs

How long does the Umrah visa take?

Online applications are usually processed within 24 to 72 hours. It is recommended to apply at least three weeks before your departure date, as processing volumes increase significantly ahead of Ramadan and busy travel seasons.

Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?

Yes. British citizens can perform Umrah using the Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa. This visa allows multiple entries over one year, with a maximum total stay of 90 days. Note that the tourist eVisa cannot be used for Hajj- a separate Hajj visa is required for that.

What is the cost of an Umrah visa?

The tourist eVisa costs approximately SAR 535, which includes the application fee and mandatory health insurance. A visa on arrival costs around SAR 480, with a separate medical insurance fee of approximately SAR 180. If you book through a package operator, the visa fee is usually included in your overall package price.

Do UK citizens need a mahram for Umrah?

For the dedicated Umrah visa, women have traditionally been required to travel with a mahram. However, Saudi Arabia has updated its rules in recent years and women travelling through a licensed Umrah group or package may be able to travel without one. As the rules continue to evolve, it is best to confirm the current requirements directly with your travel agent or the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before booking.

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Sources used:

1. GOV.UK – Saudi Arabia travel advice: Pilgrimage

2. Visit Saudi – Official Saudi eVisa portal

3. Nusuk – Official Umrah platform

4. Saudi Ministry of Health – Health requirements and recommendations for travellers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah

5. UK Civil Aviation Authority – ATOL protection

Sources last checked on: 01 May 2026