Saudi Tourist eVisa: Complete Guide for UK Travellers
Saudi Tourist eVisa: Complete Guide for UK Travellers
The Saudi tourist eVisa is an online travel authorisation that lets citizens of eligible countries, including the United Kingdom, apply for entry to Saudi Arabia without visiting an embassy. It is a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, and it covers tourism, family visits, events, and Umrah outside the Hajj season.
For UK Muslims researching travel to Saudi Arabia, the tourist eVisa often comes up alongside the Saudi Umrah visa, and it is easy to confuse the two. This guide explains what the Saudi tourist eVisa actually covers, who can apply, how the application works, and how it differs from the visa routes used for Umrah and Hajj. Because Saudi visa rules can and do change, we also flag where you should double-check current requirements before you book anything.
British Haj Travel is a UK-based Hajj and Umrah specialist and a registered Nusuk office agent, so we work with these visa routes regularly. This article is written to help you understand your options — it is not a substitute for checking the official Saudi visa portal or speaking with a licensed operator before you travel.
What Is the Saudi Tourist eVisa?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is Saudi Arabia’s online electronic visa for leisure and short-term visitors. Saudi Arabia introduced it in 2019 as part of a wider push to open the country to international tourism, replacing the old system where most visitors needed an embassy appointment or a sponsor inside the Kingdom.
The eVisa is issued through the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal. According to the official portal, the tourist eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing a stay of up to 90 days per visit, and it can be used for tourism-related activities such as attending events, visiting family and relatives, general leisure travel, and Umrah — excluding Hajj. It cannot be used for study or paid work.
In practice, this means the Saudi tourist eVisa suits UK travellers who want to:
- Explore Saudi destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, or the Red Sea coast
- Visit family or friends living in Saudi Arabia
- Attend a conference, exhibition, or cultural event
- Combine a leisure trip with Umrah, outside the Hajj period
Because eligibility lists, fees, and permitted activities are set by the Saudi authorities and have changed several times since 2019, always check the current terms on the official eVisa portal before you rely on any figure in this guide.
Can UK Travellers Apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
Yes. The United Kingdom appears on the official Saudi eVisa portal’s list of eligible countries, so holders of a valid British passport can generally apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa online. However, eligibility is based on your passport’s nationality, not on where you live, so this only applies if you are travelling on an eligible passport.
Not everyone living in the UK holds a British passport. If you are a UK resident travelling on a passport from a country that is not on the eligible list, the tourist eVisa route may not apply to you, even though you live in Britain. In that situation, you would typically need to apply for a regular visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate, or check whether a different visa category fits your circumstances.
Before applying, UK travellers should:
- Confirm their passport’s nationality appears on the current eligible countries list
- Check that their passport meets the minimum validity requirement
- Avoid assuming that UK residency alone guarantees eligibility
If you are unsure which route applies to you, British Haj Travel can help you work out the correct visa pathway before you commit to flights or accommodation.
Saudi Tourist eVisa Requirements
Requirements can vary slightly by nationality and can change over time, so treat the list below as a general guide rather than a fixed checklist. Confirmed, commonly required items include:
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Officially, the passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia |
| Digital passport photo | Must meet the portal’s current photo specifications |
| Personal details | Full name, date of birth, and contact information as they appear on your passport |
| Travel information | Planned arrival details and, in some cases, onward or return travel evidence |
| Payment method | A debit or credit card to pay the visa fee online |
| Mandatory medical insurance | Built into the eVisa fee as part of the application |
Some applicants may also be asked for supporting information depending on their circumstances, such as proof of accommodation or sufficient funds. Because these details can vary and are set by the Saudi authorities, always check the official eVisa portal for the exact document list that applies to your application before you submit it.
How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa
The application process is designed to be simple, but a methodical approach reduces the risk of delays or rejection.
- Check eligibility. Confirm your passport’s nationality is on the current eligible countries list and that your passport meets the validity requirement.
- Prepare your passport and information. Have your passport, a compliant digital photo, and your travel dates ready before you start.
- Complete the online application. Apply only through the official Saudi eVisa portal. Enter your personal and passport details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Review your information. Check every field carefully, especially your passport number, name spelling, and date of birth, before submitting.
- Pay the applicable fee. Pay securely through the official portal’s payment system.
- Receive the eVisa. Once approved, you will receive your eVisa electronically, usually by email.
- Check the visa before travelling. Confirm the details on the issued visa match your passport and travel plans, and keep a digital and printed copy for your journey.
Mistakes to avoid
- Entering passport details that do not exactly match your passport
- Applying through an unofficial third-party site that charges inflated fees
- Booking non-refundable flights before your eVisa is approved
- Assuming an old visa rule still applies without checking the current portal
How Much Does a Saudi Tourist eVisa Cost?
Saudi tourist eVisa fees are set by the Saudi authorities and have changed more than once since the eVisa launched, so we will not quote a fixed price here. At the time of writing, official and reputable sources cite a total cost in the region of SAR 400–540, which typically bundles the base visa fee, mandatory medical insurance, and the online processing charge — but this figure can move, and the exact amount shown at checkout is the one that matters.
Because the total can depend on your nationality, the insurance provider assigned to your application, and any payment processing charges, always confirm the current fee directly on the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal before you apply. If a website quotes a price significantly higher than the official portal, treat that as a sign you may be using an unofficial third-party service rather than the government’s own system.
How Long Does a Saudi Tourist eVisa Take?
Processing times for the Saudi tourist eVisa are not fixed. Many applicants receive their approved eVisa within a few hours to a few days, but processing can take longer during busier travel periods or if the portal needs to verify additional information.
For this reason, do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation before your eVisa is approved. As a general rule of thumb, applying at least one to two weeks before you intend to travel gives you a reasonable buffer, though this is not a guarantee of approval within any specific timeframe. If your trip involves tight connections or falls during a peak season such as Ramadan, allow extra time and check the official portal for any current processing advisories.
How Long Is the Saudi Tourist eVisa Valid?
It is important not to confuse the eVisa’s overall validity with how long you can stay on a single visit — these are two different things.
- Visa validity: the eVisa is typically issued as a one-year, multiple-entry visa, meaning you can use it for more than one trip within that year.
- Permitted stay: each individual visit is generally limited to a maximum of 90 days, and this stay period cannot usually be extended once you are in the country.
- Entry rules: you must travel on the same passport used for the application, and you cannot exceed the permitted stay on any single visit even though the visa itself remains valid for further trips within the year.
Because these terms are set by Saudi immigration authorities and can be revised, check the validity and stay period shown on your own issued eVisa rather than relying solely on this guide.
Can You Perform Umrah With a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
In many cases, yes — the Saudi tourist eVisa currently permits Umrah outside the Hajj season, based on the official eVisa portal’s own description of what the tourist visa can be used for. This is different from a dedicated Saudi umrah visa, which is issued specifically for pilgrimage and is the route used by travellers whose nationality is not eligible for the tourist eVisa.
A few points UK travellers should keep in mind:
- Even where a tourist eVisa permits Umrah, you may still need to book Umrah-related permits or time slots through the official Nusuk platform to access Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, depending on current rules.
- Umrah cannot normally be performed during the Hajj season, when Nusuk typically pauses new Umrah bookings and Makkah access is restricted to registered Hajj pilgrims.
- These seasonal cut-off dates shift each year because they follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so check the current dates on Nusuk before finalising travel plans around that period.
Because Umrah access rules have changed more than once in recent years, verify the current position on the official Nusuk platform, or speak to a specialist operator, before booking flights around an Umrah trip.
Saudi Tourist Visa vs Saudi Umrah Visa
Both routes can lead to Makkah and Madinah, but they are not the same product, and they are not always interchangeable in practice.
| Feature | Saudi Tourist Visa / eVisa | Saudi Umrah Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | General tourism, leisure, family visits, events | Pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah |
| Application route | Official Visit Saudi eVisa portal | Nusuk platform or a licensed Umrah operator |
| Who typically uses it | Eligible-country nationals wanting a broader trip that may include Umrah | Pilgrims travelling specifically to perform Umrah, including those from countries not eligible for the tourist eVisa |
| Booking conditions | Standalone application | Often linked to verified accommodation and transport bookings |
| Hajj eligibility | Does not permit Hajj | Does not permit Hajj |
| Best suited for | Travellers combining sightseeing with an optional Umrah | Travellers whose primary purpose is Umrah |
If Umrah is the main focus of your trip, a dedicated Saudi umrah visa arranged through a specialist may offer a more straightforward booking chain than a general Saudi tourist visa, particularly around accommodation and transport verification.
Can You Visit Makkah and Madinah With a Saudi Tourist Visa?
Generally, yes, eligible tourist eVisa holders can travel to Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah, subject to current Nusuk booking requirements and any seasonal restrictions. Non-Muslims, however, are not permitted to enter the central areas of Makkah, and this long-standing restriction applies regardless of visa type.
A few practical points:
- Access to Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi may require a separate digital permit or time-slot booking through Nusuk, in addition to your visa.
- During the weeks around Hajj, entry to Makkah is typically restricted to registered Hajj pilgrims, and general tourist or Umrah access is paused.
- These rules can change with little notice, so check Nusuk and the official eVisa portal close to your travel date, particularly if you are travelling near a pilgrimage season.
Planning an Umrah Trip After Getting Your Saudi Visa
Getting your visa approved is only the first step. A well-planned Umrah trip also depends on flights, accommodation, local transport, and a realistic itinerary.
Once your visa is in place, UK travellers typically need to arrange:
- Flights to Jeddah or Madinah, timed around your visa’s stay window
- Accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ideally booked through a Nusuk-compliant provider
- Local transport between the airport, hotels, and the holy sites
- An itinerary that allows enough time for Umrah rituals without rushing between locations
- Travel documentation, including your visa, insurance details, and any required Nusuk permits
Because flights, hotels, and permits are often interlinked through Nusuk-verified bookings, many UK travellers choose to book everything as an Umrah Package rather than arranging each element separately.
Choosing a Makkah & Madina Hotel
Where you stay has a big effect on how comfortable and manageable your Umrah trip feels, especially for families or older travellers.
When comparing options for Makkah & Madina Hotel bookings, consider:
- Distance from the Haram — a short walk reduces reliance on transport, but front-facing hotels near the Haram are usually more expensive
- Room type — check whether family rooms, connecting rooms, or larger suites are available if you are travelling as a group
- Hotel quality and budget — options range from simple budget hotels to premium towers, so match your choice to your budget and comfort needs
- Accessibility — check lift access, ground-floor options, and proximity to prayer areas if you or a family member has mobility needs
- Transport links — some hotels offer shuttle services to the Haram, which can be useful during busier periods
Madinah accommodation is generally more affordable and closer to Masjid an-Nabawi than equivalent Makkah hotels near the Haram, so many itineraries balance a premium stay in one city with a more budget-conscious stay in the other.
Should You Book an Umrah Package?
You can, in principle, arrange flights, hotels, transport, and your visa separately. In practice, many UK travellers prefer booking an Umrah Package because it brings these elements together through a single, verified booking chain.
An Umrah Package may include some or all of the following, though the exact inclusions vary by provider and price point:
- Flights to and from Saudi Arabia
- Hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah
- Airport and inter-city transfers
- Visa assistance or guidance
- Itinerary support, including guidance on Umrah rituals
Not every package includes the same services, so check exactly what is covered before you compare prices between providers. Booking independently can work well for confident, experienced travellers, but a package or a specialist agent often reduces the coordination needed between visa, accommodation, and transport bookings.
How an Umrah Agent in UK Can Help
Working with an Umrah agent in UK can simplify a process that involves several moving parts — visa requirements, Nusuk bookings, flights, and hotel selection.
A UK-based specialist can typically help with:
- Explaining current visa and Nusuk booking requirements in plain English
- Comparing Makkah and Madinah hotel options against your budget and needs
- Coordinating flights, transfers, and accommodation as a single itinerary
- Flagging seasonal considerations, such as Ramadan demand or pre-Hajj cut-off dates
- Providing UK-based support before you depart, rather than relying solely on an overseas call centre
As with any travel provider, ask what is included in the price, what happens if a booking needs to change, and how the agent handles visa and Nusuk verification before you commit.
What Is the Difference Between an Umrah Agent and a Hajj Agent in UK?
Umrah and Hajj follow different visa routes, different booking systems, and different seasonal windows, so the expertise required is not identical.
An Umrah agent in UK typically focuses on:
- Umrah visa or tourist eVisa routes
- Year-round bookings, outside the Hajj season
- Flexible group sizes and travel dates
A Hajj agent in UK typically focuses on:
- The official Hajj visa and Nusuk Hajj registration process
- A single annual pilgrimage window tied to the Islamic calendar
- Country-specific Hajj quotas and approved package structures
Because Hajj involves a separate registration and quota system, it is worth choosing a provider who is specifically experienced with the current Hajj route for UK pilgrims, rather than assuming an Umrah-focused agent automatically covers Hajj arrangements in the same way.
Saudi Tourist Visa vs Hajj Package
A Saudi tourist visa and a Hajj package are not interchangeable, and it is important not to confuse the two when planning pilgrimage travel.
The tourist eVisa is a general-purpose visa for tourism, family visits, and Umrah outside the Hajj season. A Hajj package is a different arrangement entirely, built around:
- A dedicated Hajj visa, issued through the official Hajj registration route rather than the tourist eVisa portal
- Country-specific quotas managed through the Nusuk Hajj system
- Pre-arranged accommodation, transport, and Mashair (tent) services specific to the Hajj rituals
- A fixed annual travel window tied to the Hajj season
Buying a standard tourist package, or holding a valid tourist eVisa, does not give you permission to perform Hajj. If Hajj is your goal, you need to go through the official Hajj registration and quota process for UK pilgrims, ideally with a specialist Hajj operator who understands the current Nusuk requirements.
Saudi Tourist eVisa Checklist for UK Travellers
- Check passport eligibility against the current eVisa country list
- Check passport validity meets the six-month minimum
- Confirm current visa requirements on the official eVisa portal
- Complete the online application accurately
- Check personal details match your passport exactly
- Confirm visa approval before booking non-refundable travel
- Save and print your visa documentation
- Check flight details against your visa’s stay window
- Check accommodation, ideally Nusuk-compliant if visiting Makkah or Madinah
- Check current Makkah and Madinah entry requirements
- Check current Umrah rules if you plan to perform Umrah
- Check Hajj-season restrictions if travelling near that period
- Confirm current Saudi entry requirements shortly before departure
Common Saudi Tourist eVisa Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering incorrect passport details on the application
- Assuming UK residence automatically means visa eligibility, regardless of passport nationality
- Confusing the one-year visa validity with the 90-day maximum stay per visit
- Assuming a tourist eVisa permits Hajj — it does not
- Ignoring seasonal restrictions around the Hajj period
- Booking non-refundable flights or hotels before the eVisa is approved
- Relying on outdated visa information found on unofficial websites
- Failing to check official Saudi updates before travelling
- Confusing tourist eVisa and Umrah visa requirements when planning a pilgrimage trip
A Note on Accuracy
Visa rules, fees, eligibility criteria, entry requirements, and pilgrimage regulations may change. Travellers should verify current requirements through official Saudi authorities, the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal, and the Nusuk platform before applying or travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Saudi tourist eVisa?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is an online visa that lets citizens of eligible countries apply for entry to Saudi Arabia without an embassy visit. It is typically a one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit, covering tourism, family visits, events, and Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Can UK citizens apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Yes, the United Kingdom is currently on the official eligible countries list, so British passport holders can generally apply online. Eligibility is based on passport nationality, so this may not apply to UK residents travelling on a different passport.
How do I apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa?
You apply through the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal by checking your eligibility, entering your passport and personal details, reviewing the information, and paying the visa fee online. Approved visas are issued electronically.
How much does a Saudi tourist eVisa cost?
Fees are set by the Saudi authorities and can change, so there is no fixed price we can guarantee here. Confirm the current total cost, which typically includes mandatory medical insurance, on the official eVisa portal before applying.
How long does the Saudi tourist eVisa take to process?
Processing times vary and are not guaranteed. Many applications are processed within a short period, but this can extend during busier periods, so avoid booking non-refundable travel before approval.
How long is the Saudi tourist eVisa valid?
The eVisa is typically valid for one year with multiple entries, but each individual visit is generally limited to a maximum stay of 90 days, which cannot usually be extended.
Can I use a Saudi tourist eVisa for Umrah?
In many cases, yes, the tourist eVisa currently permits Umrah outside the Hajj season, based on the official portal’s description of permitted activities. You may still need separate Umrah or Rawdah permits through Nusuk, and rules can change, so verify current requirements before travelling.
What is the difference between a Saudi tourist visa and a Saudi Umrah visa?
The tourist visa is a general-purpose visa for tourism and leisure that can also cover Umrah, while the Umrah visa is issued specifically for pilgrimage and is often used by travellers whose nationality is not eligible for the tourist eVisa.
Can I perform Hajj with a Saudi tourist visa?
No. A Saudi tourist eVisa does not permit Hajj. Hajj requires a separate visa issued through the official Hajj registration and quota system.
Can I visit Makkah with a Saudi tourist visa?
Eligible tourist eVisa holders can generally travel to Makkah to perform Umrah, subject to current Nusuk booking requirements. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah’s central areas, and access is restricted for everyone during the Hajj period.
Can I visit Madinah with a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, tourist eVisa holders can generally visit Madinah, including Masjid an-Nabawi, subject to any current entry or permit requirements in place at the time of travel.
Do I need a Saudi Umrah visa if I already have a tourist eVisa?
Not necessarily. If your tourist eVisa currently permits Umrah and you meet the relevant Nusuk booking requirements, a separate Umrah visa may not be needed, but this depends on current rules and your individual circumstances.
Can a UK resident apply if they do not hold a British passport?
Eligibility depends on your passport’s nationality rather than your country of residence, so a UK resident travelling on a passport from a country not on the eligible list would generally need a different visa route.
What documents do I need for a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Commonly required items include a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity, a compliant digital photo, personal and travel details, and a payment method for the visa fee. Exact requirements can vary, so check the official portal before applying.
Should I book an Umrah package after getting my visa?
Many UK travellers do, because a package can bundle flights, Nusuk-compliant accommodation, and transport into one coordinated booking. It is not compulsory, but it can simplify a trip that otherwise involves several separate bookings.
Next Steps
If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia that may include Umrah, speak with British Haj Travel about your travel plans, explore available Umrah packages, or contact the team for guidance on your pilgrimage travel arrangements.
