Umrah Visa: Complete Guide to Requirements, Application & Travel

Umrah Visa: Complete Guide to Requirements, Application & Travel

An Umrah visa is the Saudi entry permission that lets a Muslim pilgrim travel to Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. However, “Umrah visa” no longer describes a single document. In 2026, pilgrims can reach the holy cities with a dedicated Umrah visa, a Saudi tourist eVisa, or, for British passport holders, an electronic travel authorisation. Each route carries its own conditions, and Nusuk, Saudi Arabia’s official pilgrim platform, now sits at the centre of most journeys.

This guide from British Haj Travel explains how the main options work, which documents travellers usually prepare, and how to plan flights, hotels and support around your visa. Everything here reflects information available in September 2026. Saudi rules have changed several times in the past year. Therefore, treat this article as a planning guide and confirm the latest requirements through official Saudi sources before you pay for anything non-refundable.

Quick answers

• What it is: permission to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, issued through Saudi Arabia’s official channels.
• Main routes today: a dedicated Umrah visa (single-entry or the new multiple-entry version), the Saudi tourist eVisa, or the Saudi ETA for British passport holders.
• Nusuk matters: you need an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before you enter the holy sites, and dedicated Umrah visas are linked to Nusuk bookings.
• Timing: Umrah visas cannot be used during the Hajj season, and processing times vary.
• Golden rule: current requirements may change, so verify before you book.

What Is an Umrah Visa?

An Umrah visa is an official Saudi Arabia visa that allows Muslims to enter the Kingdom for the purpose of performing Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage. Unlike Hajj, which takes place on fixed dates each year, Umrah can be performed at other times of the year, subject to Saudi seasonal rules.

The visa serves two purposes. First, it gives you legal permission to enter Saudi Arabia. Second, it ties your journey into the Kingdom’s pilgrim management system, which now relies heavily on digital services. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah describes Nusuk as the platform where international pilgrims can apply for Umrah visas and book services online.

Many travellers search for the Saudi umrah visa as though it were one product. In practice, it covers several entry options:

• Standard Umrah visa: a religious-purpose visa, usually single-entry, arranged through an approved provider linked to a Nusuk booking.
• Multiple-entry Umrah visa: launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on 20 July 2026, valid for 365 days from issue, with a combined stay of up to 90 days across all visits.
• Other entry routes that allow Umrah: the Saudi tourist eVisa and, for British passport holders, the Saudi ETA introduced on 1 July 2026 (both explained below).

Understanding which route fits your passport and travel plans helps you avoid delays, extra costs and last-minute changes.

Who Needs an Umrah Visa?

Most international visitors need some form of Saudi entry authorisation before they fly. Which one applies depends on your nationality, your place of residence and the way you plan to travel. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries generally travel under separate arrangements, so this guide focuses on travellers from outside that group.

General information (applies to most pilgrims):

• You need valid entry authorisation before you board a flight to Saudi Arabia.
• Umrah travel is linked to Nusuk, so you should expect to use the platform or a Nusuk-approved provider.
• Umrah authorisations cannot be used for Hajj. Hajj needs its own visa and permit.

Nationality-specific information (varies by passport):

• Nationals of eVisa-eligible countries, including the United Kingdom, can apply online for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which also allows Umrah outside the Hajj season.
• British passport holders can also use the Saudi ETA, which came into effect on 1 July 2026, according to announcements by Saudi authorities and the Council of British Hajjis.
• Nationals of countries outside the eVisa list usually need a dedicated Umrah visa through a licensed provider that submits the application alongside a verified Nusuk booking.
• UK residents with a non-British passport may have different options. Check with Saudi authorities or your travel provider before you assume you qualify for the same route as a British citizen.

Because eligibility lists change, always check your own nationality on the official visa portal rather than relying on a friend’s experience.

Umrah Visa Requirements

Umrah visa requirements depend on the route you choose. However, most applications share a core set of documents and conditions. Use the list below as a preparation checklist, and then confirm each item against the current official guidance for your visa type.

Commonly required items

• Valid passport. Travellers are commonly advised to hold at least six months of validity from their date of travel or entry. Airlines and border officers can also expect blank pages, so check your passport early.
• Recent passport-style photograph. Follow the portal’s photo specifications, because poor photos cause avoidable rejections.
• Accurate personal information. Names, dates of birth and passport numbers must match your passport exactly.
• Confirmed accommodation and transport through Nusuk. Under rules introduced from late 2025, dedicated Umrah visa applications generally need accommodation and transport booked through Nusuk-approved providers. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also confirmed in July 2026 that each visit on the multiple-entry visa requires a service package from an approved provider.
• Umrah permit. Entry to the holy sites requires a permit issued through the Nusuk app, and the permit dates should match your approved package.
• Flight details. Airlines or border officers may ask for return or onward travel information.
• Health requirements. Saudi health authorities require proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination for pilgrims, and the UK Health Security Agency urges UK travellers to have it. Providers commonly advise getting the vaccine at least 10 days before departure, so check the current timing rule.
• Travel insurance. Requirements differ by route. Some visas include a medical insurance element, while other routes leave insurance to the traveller. Check your visa conditions, and consider cover regardless.
• Extra requirements by nationality. Some countries face additional steps, such as biometrics or specific vaccinations. British travellers should confirm whether anything extra applies to them.

What you should not assume

Do not assume that a visa alone lets you enter the Grand Mosque. Likewise, do not assume that a friend’s documents will match yours. Saudi Arabia can update health rules, fees and application steps with little notice, so recheck the list close to your travel date.

How to Apply for an Umrah Visa

Follow these steps to move from planning to submission. The exact screens differ by route, but the sequence stays broadly the same.

1. Check your eligibility. Confirm whether your nationality can use the tourist eVisa, the Saudi ETA or a dedicated Umrah visa. Confirm that you meet the faith and residency conditions that apply to the visa type you want.
2. Check your passport. Look at the expiry date, the number of blank pages and the name spelling. If your passport falls short of the six-month guideline, renew it before you apply.
3. Select the right application route. British passport holders can apply directly for the tourist eVisa or ETA, or they can choose a package that includes a dedicated Umrah visa through a licensed provider. Nationals of other countries typically go through a licensed provider.
4. Prepare your documents. Gather your passport scan, a compliant photograph, vaccination proof and any nationality-specific documents. Use the same spelling everywhere.
5. Arrange accommodation and travel information. For dedicated Umrah visas, confirm your hotels and transport through Nusuk-approved providers first. Booking through one licensed provider reduces the risk of mismatched details.
6. Submit the application. Complete the online form or ask your provider to submit it for you. Double-check every field before you press submit.
7. Review the visa information. When your visa or authorisation arrives, read the name, passport number, dates, entry conditions and stay limits line by line.
8. Prepare for travel. Issue your Umrah permit through Nusuk, confirm your flights and hotels, and save digital and printed copies of everything.

How Long Does an Umrah Visa Take?

Processing times vary, and nobody can guarantee a specific turnaround. Some online routes issue decisions quickly, whereas applications that depend on Nusuk bookings, document checks or peak-season demand can take longer.

Several factors influence the wait:

• The visa route you choose
• The completeness and accuracy of your documents
• Whether your Nusuk-linked bookings are confirmed
• Seasonal demand, especially before Ramadan and school holidays

As a result, the safest approach is to apply well ahead of your departure date rather than counting on a fast decision. Furthermore, avoid buying non-refundable flights before you have a clear picture of your visa timeline. Ask your provider for a realistic estimate for your dates, and treat it as guidance rather than a promise.

How Long Is an Umrah Visa Valid?

Validity depends on the type of visa you hold, so the conditions printed on your own visa always take priority. The table below summarises what Saudi authorities and reputable reports currently describe.

Two points deserve extra attention. First, the multiple-entry Umrah visa switches off after each departure from Saudi Arabia and reactivates only when you meet the requirements for your next visit. Second, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that the visa is not activated between the first day of Dhu al-Qi’dah and the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Therefore, plan Umrah trips before or after that window.

Umrah Visa vs Saudi Tourist Visa

The main difference is purpose. An Umrah visa exists specifically for pilgrimage, while a Saudi tourist visa serves visitors who travel for tourism, family visits, events and other permitted activities. The Saudi tourist eVisa is the electronic version of the tourist visa, and Saudi authorities currently allow it to be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Which option suits you best depends on your nationality, your budget and how much support you want. For example, a family that wants flights, hotels and transfers handled together may prefer a package with a dedicated Umrah visa. In contrast, an experienced traveller who wants to arrange each part personally may choose the eVisa. Either way, check eligibility before you commit.

Can You Perform Umrah With a Saudi Tourist eVisa?

Yes. Saudi Arabia currently allows holders of the tourist eVisa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, and UK nationals are among the eligible nationalities. However, you still need a Nusuk permit for the Grand Mosque, and current rules may change, so verify the latest official guidance before you travel.

The Saudi tourist evisa was designed for tourism, and Saudi authorities expanded its permitted uses to include Umrah. That change gave many UK travellers a flexible alternative to the traditional agent-issued Umrah visa. Nevertheless, several conditions still apply:

• Season limits. The tourist eVisa allows Umrah outside the Hajj season only. It never replaces a Hajj visa.
• Permits still matter. You need an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before you enter the Grand Mosque, and you need a Rawdah permit for the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
• Faith requirements at the holy sites. The central areas of Makkah are open to Muslims only, and hotels near the Haram follow those rules.
• Independent planning. You arrange flights, hotels and transfers yourself, which suits confident travellers but demands more research.
• British passport holders have another option. Since 1 July 2026, the Saudi ETA has offered UK passport holders an electronic route that reportedly permits multiple entries and Umrah outside the Hajj season. Reports differ on how the ETA relates to the older Electronic Visa Waiver, so check the official portal for the current position.

Because these rules have moved quickly, review the official visa portal and Nusuk on the day you apply. A blog post, including this one, cannot replace the live regulations.

Umrah Package and Visa Planning

An Umrah Package coordinates the main parts of your journey so you deal with fewer separate bookings. This matters more than before, because Nusuk-linked rules reward travellers whose visa, hotel and transport details match.

A well-built package may include:

• Flights to Jeddah or Madinah, with dates that fit your permit and stay limits
• Visa assistance appropriate to your nationality and route
• Makkah accommodation at a confirmed hotel
• Madinah accommodation at a confirmed hotel
• Transfers between the airport, hotels and the two holy cities
• Ziyarat services to historic sites, where the package includes them
• Travel support before departure and during your stay
• A sensible duration, since a longer stay means more days counted against your visa allowance

When you compare packages, ask which parts are included and which cost extra. Ask, too, how the provider handles Nusuk bookings and what happens if your visa needs changes. Moreover, look at the hotel location and the split of nights between Makkah and Madinah, because those choices shape your daily experience more than the headline price.

British Haj Travel works with Saudi partners, including Ekram Aldyf, to offer Umrah packages to UK travellers. If you want to compare options, review the Umrah Package page and ask the team which visa route suits your passport.

Finally, remember that Hajj follows separate rules. If you are researching the greater pilgrimage instead, see the Hajj package page, and do not assume that an Umrah visa or eVisa will carry over.

Choosing Makkah & Madina Hotel Accommodation

Your hotel affects your energy, your prayer routine and your comfort, so it deserves as much attention as your visa. A good Makkah & Madina Hotel choice balances location, quality, budget and the needs of your group.

Key factors to compare

• Distance from the Haram. Hotels closer to Masjid al-Haram save walking time, which matters for elderly pilgrims, families with children and anyone who prays five times a day at the mosque.
• Walking distance and route. A hotel that looks close on a map can involve crowded roads, steep sections or long detours. Ask for the real walking time and route.
• Transport availability. If your hotel sits farther away, check for shuttle services, taxi access and how easily you can reach the mosque during busy periods.
• Hotel quality and services. Look at cleanliness, lift capacity, breakfast options, prayer facilities and staff support.
• Room options. Compare single, double, triple, quad and family rooms, and confirm bed arrangements and room size.
• Family requirements. Check for connecting rooms, cots, halal dining and quiet floors.
• Accessibility. Pilgrims with reduced mobility should ask about step-free access, lift waiting times and wheelchair-friendly routes.
• Location in Makkah. Consider the area around the Haram, including the road access and the views. Read recent guest feedback before you choose.
• Location in Madinah. Hotels near Masjid an-Nabawi make it easier to reach prayers and the Rawdah, but check the entrance you would use and how far your hotel sits from it.

Because Nusuk-linked visas depend on confirmed accommodation, you should also confirm that your hotel booking appears in your visa documentation and matches your dates. In addition, keep your confirmation numbers handy for check-in and airport questions.

Umrah Visa for Travellers From the UK

UK-based pilgrims benefit from several entry routes, yet the abundance of options can confuse first-time travellers. This section covers the practical points for anyone planning Umrah travel from the UK.

Passport considerations. Check that your British passport has at least six months of validity from your travel date, and confirm that it has blank pages. If you hold a passport from another country while living in the UK, confirm which routes you can use, because eligibility follows your passport and residence status.

Visa planning. British passport holders can currently consider the Saudi tourist eVisa, the Saudi ETA or a dedicated Umrah visa through a licensed provider. Compare them on cost, stay limits, flexibility and the level of support you want. If you expect to visit more than once in a year, the new multiple-entry Umrah visa may also deserve a look, although the standard single-entry route can be simpler for one trip.

Accommodation and flights. Confirm your hotels first when your route requires Nusuk-linked bookings, and then match your flights to the permit and visa dates. Most travellers fly into Jeddah or Madinah, so check which arrival suits your itinerary.

Transfers. Airport-to-hotel and Makkah-to-Madinah journeys form part of the visa documentation for some routes. Book through licensed providers rather than informal arrangements.

Choosing a reliable provider. Reports in early 2026 described Saudi authorities suspending a number of foreign agencies for service violations. As a result, check whether your provider is properly licensed, ask for written confirmations and avoid vague promises.

Checking current Saudi entry requirements. Before you pay, check the official visa portal, Nusuk and UK government travel advice for Saudi Arabia. Then compare what you find with what your provider tells you.

A specialist Umrah agent in UK can help you compare these routes and prepare a compliant itinerary, particularly if this is your first pilgrimage.

How an Umrah Agent in UK Can Help

You can arrange Umrah independently, but an experienced Umrah agent in UK can remove a lot of the friction. The value lies in coordination and local knowledge rather than in any magic shortcut. No agent can guarantee visa approval or processing times, and you should be wary of any provider that does.

What a good agent can offer

• Visa guidance. An agent can explain which route fits your passport and prepare the application details, so mistakes are less likely.
• Package selection. Agents compare flights, hotels and transfer options, and then match them to your budget and dates.
• Hotel arrangements. They can advise on distance from the Haram, room types and the best split of nights between Makkah and Madinah.
• Travel planning. Agents help you build a realistic timetable around permits, prayer times and rest.
• Customer support. A reachable team helps when flights change, documents need correcting or you have questions during your stay.
• Group travel. Agents coordinate shared itineraries, room allocations and transport for large groups.
• Family travel. They can suggest suitable rooms, pacing and services for children and older relatives.
• Pre-departure assistance. Agents remind you about vaccinations, permits, luggage and travel documents before you fly.

British Haj Travel is a UK-based Hajj and Umrah operator, and its team can talk through your options once you share your passport type and travel dates. Some UK operators, including British Haj Travel, also act as a Hajj agent in UK, which can help families who plan to perform Umrah now and Hajj later. Ask any provider for clear written details of what you pay for, what is included and what happens if plans change.

Umrah Visa Mistakes to Avoid

Small errors cause big delays. Use this checklist before you submit or book.

• Applying with an expired or unsuitable passport. Check validity, blank pages and name spelling first.
• Entering incorrect personal information. Match every detail to your passport, because a single typo can force a correction or a new application.
• Ignoring visa conditions. Read the entry window, stay limit and permitted activities on your issued visa.
• Booking non-refundable arrangements too early. Confirm your route and requirements before you buy flights or hotels you cannot change.
• Skipping the hotel location check. A cheap hotel far from the Haram can cost more in time, transport and tiredness.
• Overlooking travel dates. Check the Hajj-season restriction, your permit dates and your package length against your visa allowance.
• Missing updated Saudi regulations. Rules on visas, permits and health requirements can change, so recheck before departure.
• Relying on outdated online information. Look at the publication date of any guide, and prefer official announcements.
• Leaving documents until the last minute. Passport renewals, vaccinations and Nusuk bookings all take time.

Preparing for Your Umrah Journey After Receiving Your Visa

Once your visa or authorisation arrives, the preparation shifts from paperwork to practical readiness.

1. Check the visa details. Confirm your name, passport number, dates and stay limit, and report any error to your provider straight away.
2. Confirm your flights. Make sure your flight dates fit your visa validity, permit and package dates.
3. Confirm your accommodation. Keep your Makkah and Madinah hotel confirmations, including addresses and phone numbers.
4. Prepare your travel documents. Carry your passport, visa or authorisation, vaccination proof, insurance details and printed itineraries. Save digital copies too.
5. Plan your Makkah and Madinah stays. Decide how many nights you want in each city, and leave time for rest between rituals.
6. Understand your transport. Know how you will travel from the airport to your hotel and between the two cities.
7. Issue your Nusuk permits. Book your Umrah permit and your Rawdah permit if you plan to visit it, in line with your dates.
8. Prepare essential items. Pack comfortable footwear, ihram clothing, a small bag for the mosque, medication and a phone with mobile data.
9. Check current requirements one more time. Review official updates a few days before you fly.

Umrah Visa Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Umrah visa?

An Umrah visa is a Saudi Arabia visa that lets Muslim pilgrims enter the Kingdom to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Saudi Arabia now links most Umrah travel to the Nusuk platform, which handles bookings, permits and related services.

Who can apply for an Umrah visa?

Eligible Muslim travellers can apply, but the route depends on nationality and residence. Some nationalities, including UK citizens, can use online options such as the tourist eVisa, while others apply through licensed providers with a Nusuk booking. Always check your own eligibility.

What documents are required for an Umrah visa?

Travellers commonly need a valid passport, a compliant photograph, accurate personal details, vaccination proof and confirmed travel arrangements. Dedicated Umrah visas generally link to Nusuk bookings. Requirements vary by route and nationality, so confirm the current list before applying.

How do I apply for an Umrah visa?

Check your eligibility, confirm your passport validity, choose your application route, and prepare your documents. Then confirm accommodation and transport where required, submit the application, and review the issued visa carefully. Many pilgrims apply through a licensed provider or package.

How long does an Umrah visa take?

Processing times vary by route, season and the completeness of your documents, and no one can guarantee a fixed turnaround. Apply well before your travel date, particularly ahead of Ramadan and school holidays, and avoid non-refundable bookings until your visa is confirmed.

How long is an Umrah visa valid?

It depends on the visa type. The multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for 365 days from issue, with a combined stay of up to 90 days. Other routes have different limits, so follow the dates and conditions printed on your own visa.

Can I perform Umrah with a Saudi tourist visa?

Yes, current Saudi rules allow eligible travellers to perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa, including the electronic version, outside the Hajj season. You still need a Nusuk permit for the Grand Mosque. Verify the latest rules before you travel.

Can I perform Umrah with a Saudi tourist eVisa?

Yes. Saudi Arabia currently lets eligible eVisa holders perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, and UK nationals are among the eligible nationalities. The eVisa does not cover Hajj, and you should still obtain your Nusuk permit before visiting the Grand Mosque.

What is the difference between an Umrah visa and a Saudi tourist visa?

An Umrah visa exists specifically for pilgrimage and links closely to Nusuk bookings. A Saudi tourist visa covers tourism and other permitted visits, and it currently also allows Umrah outside the Hajj season. The tourist route gives more independence but needs more self-planning.

Can UK citizens perform Umrah?

Yes, Muslim UK citizens can perform Umrah. They can currently choose from options such as the Saudi tourist eVisa, the Saudi ETA or a dedicated Umrah visa through a licensed provider. Check the latest official guidance to decide which route suits your trip.

Do UK travellers need a visa for Umrah?

UK travellers need valid Saudi entry authorisation before they travel. That may be a tourist eVisa, a Saudi ETA or an Umrah visa, depending on the route they choose. Nusuk permits are also needed for the holy sites.

Can I book an Umrah Package with visa assistance?

Yes, many providers offer Umrah packages that include visa assistance, flights, hotels and transfers. Ask which visa route the package uses, what it includes, and how the provider handles Nusuk bookings and changes.

What should I consider when choosing a Makkah & Madina Hotel?

Consider distance from the Haram or Prophet’s Mosque, real walking routes, transport access, room types, family needs, accessibility and recent guest feedback. For Nusuk-linked visas, also confirm that your hotel booking matches your visa documentation and travel dates.

Can an Umrah agent in UK help with visa arrangements?

Yes. An Umrah agent in UK can explain your visa options, prepare application details and coordinate your package. No agent can guarantee approval or processing times, so choose a licensed provider that gives clear written terms.

Can I travel to Madinah before Makkah?

Yes, many pilgrims begin in Madinah and then travel to Makkah, or they follow the reverse order. Your itinerary depends on your flights, package and permit dates. Confirm the sequence with your provider so that hotels and transfers match your visa.

What should I check before travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah?

Check your passport validity, visa conditions, Nusuk permit, vaccination proof, hotel and flight confirmations, transport plans and travel insurance. Also review official Saudi announcements shortly before departure, because requirements can change.

Can Umrah visa requirements change?

Yes. Saudi Arabia can update visa types, health rules, permit processes and fees, and it introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa and a UK ETA in mid-2026. Verify current requirements on official Saudi channels before booking or travelling.

What should I do if my visa information contains an error?

Contact your provider or the issuing channel immediately, before you travel. Name, passport number or date errors can cause problems at check-in or border control. Do not fly until you have confirmed that the information is correct or the visa is reissued.

How should I prepare after receiving my Umrah visa?

Check every detail on the visa, confirm flights and hotels, issue your Nusuk permits, and organise your passport, vaccination proof, insurance and itinerary. Then plan your Makkah and Madinah stays and review official requirements once more before departure.

Where can I check the latest Saudi Umrah requirements?

Check the official Saudi visa portal, the Nusuk platform and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announcements. UK travellers can also read UK government travel advice for Saudi Arabia. Then confirm the details with your licensed travel provider.