Saudi Tourist Visa: A Complete Guide for UK Travellers

If you’re a UK resident thinking about visiting Saudi Arabia, the Saudi tourist visa is probably the first thing you’ve been searching for. It’s the standard entry route for millions of visitors each year, and it also happens to be the route many British Muslims now use when planning Umrah.

This guide is written for UK travellers — British passport holders, UK residents with other nationalities, and families weighing up their options. We’ll walk through what the Saudi tourist visa actually is, who can get one, what it costs, how long it takes, and where it fits alongside Umrah and Hajj travel.

One point we’ll return to throughout this guide: a Saudi tourist visa can, in many cases, be used to perform Umrah. It cannot be used to perform Hajj. That distinction matters, and getting it wrong can derail an entire trip. Read on for a clear, practical breakdown of everything you need to check before you apply.

What Is a Saudi Tourist Visa?

A Saudi tourist visa is an electronic entry permit that allows eligible international visitors to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, business events, and — for many nationalities — Umrah. It does not cover Hajj, paid employment, or long-term study.

The visa is applied for online through Saudi Arabia’s official eVisa system rather than at an embassy, which is one reason it has become so popular with UK travellers. Once approved, it’s linked electronically to your passport, so there’s no physical sticker to collect.

In practical terms, the tourist visa is designed around flexibility. It typically permits multiple entries over a set validity period, with a maximum length allowed for each individual stay. It’s meant for people who want to explore Saudi Arabia — historic sites in AlUla, the Red Sea coast, Riyadh, Jeddah — as well as those who want to combine sightseeing with a visit to Makkah and Madinah.

It’s worth being clear about what the tourist visa is not. It is not a substitute for a dedicated Hajj visa, and it’s not the same as a traditional Umrah visa issued through a licensed agent. It’s a general-purpose visa that, under current rules, happens to also permit Umrah outside the Hajj season. Because the exact eligibility list, permitted activities, and conditions can change, always check the official Saudi eVisa portal or Visit Saudi website before you commit to travel dates or non-refundable bookings.

Can You Perform Umrah With a Saudi Tourist Visa?

Yes — in most cases, holders of a Saudi tourist visa can perform Umrah, provided it falls outside the restricted Hajj season and the traveller completes the required Nusuk registration. This is one of the most-asked questions among UK Muslims, and it deserves a careful answer rather than a simple yes.

Here’s the important nuance: the tourist visa gets you into the country. It does not, by itself, get you into the Grand Mosque in Makkah or the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Saudi Arabia manages access to these sites through the Nusuk platform, which issues separate worship permits. In recent years, these Nusuk permits have applied to pilgrims regardless of which visa type they hold — meaning tourist visa holders, Umrah visa holders, and even some residents all need a valid, dated permit before they can enter for worship.

There’s also a seasonal element. Saudi authorities close the standard Umrah and tourist-Umrah routes for a period around the Hajj season each year, and normal Umrah services and Nusuk registrations resume afterwards. These closing and reopening dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so they shift slightly from one Gregorian year to the next.

This is exactly why we can’t give you a fixed answer that will still be accurate in twelve months. What we can tell you is the structure to follow:

1. Check whether your visa type currently permits Umrah.
2. Check whether you’re travelling inside or outside the Hajj blackout period.
3. Register for your Umrah and Rawdah permits through the Nusuk app or platform before you go.
4. Confirm any linked accommodation or transport requirements that Nusuk may ask you to complete as part of the permit process.

If any of this sounds like more admin than you expected, that’s normal — it’s also exactly where a specialist Umrah agent in UK earns their fee, by keeping track of these moving parts on your behalf. A separate Saudi Umrah visa, issued through a licensed travel agent, remains an alternative route and can sometimes be simpler for people who’d rather not manage Nusuk registration themselves.

Saudi Tourist Visa vs Saudi Umrah Visa

Both routes can get a UK Muslim to Makkah and Madinah, but they work differently and suit different travellers. Here’s how they generally compare.

The right route for you depends on your nationality, how much you want a travel agent to organise, your travel dates relative to the Hajj season, and current Saudi regulations. If you’re only interested in Umrah and want the process handled for you, a licensed agent offering a dedicated Umrah Package may be the more straightforward choice. If you want flexibility to also explore other parts of Saudi Arabia, the tourist visa route may suit you better — as long as Umrah is confirmed as permitted at the time you travel.

Saudi Tourist Visa Requirements for UK Travellers

Requirements for the Saudi tourist eVisa are generally similar for most eligible nationalities, though the details can be updated by Saudi authorities without much notice. As a UK applicant, you should expect to provide and check the following:

• Passport validity — most sources indicate a minimum of six months’ validity remaining from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia, with at least a couple of blank pages.
• Personal information — your details must match your passport exactly, including full name, date of birth, and passport number.
• A digital photograph — usually a recent, passport-style photo taken against a plain background.
• Travel information — your intended entry date, and sometimes onward or return travel details.
• Insurance — the eVisa fee has, at various points, included mandatory basic medical insurance as part of the payment, but coverage and inclusions can change.
• Payment — the visa fee is paid online as part of the application.

Requirements can change, so applicants should verify the latest requirements through the official Saudi visa and tourism authorities before applying. Don’t rely solely on a blog post, a travel agent’s website, or this guide for the exact current document list — always cross-check against the official eVisa portal shortly before you apply.

Who Can Apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa?

Eligibility for the Saudi tourist eVisa is based on your passport’s nationality, not on where you live. This trips up more UK-based applicants than almost anything else in the process.

British citizens travelling on a British passport are generally on the eligible nationality list for the tourist eVisa. However, Saudi Arabia’s eligible-country list covers a specific set of nationalities — it is not a blanket policy covering every country in the world.

This is where the distinction between a British passport holder and a UK resident with another nationality becomes important. If you live in the UK but hold a passport from a country that isn’t on the eVisa list, your British residency does not automatically make you eligible. You would need to check the requirements that apply to your actual passport nationality, which may mean a different visa route, additional documents, or applying through a Saudi embassy or consulate instead.

If your nationality isn’t listed for the standard eVisa, don’t assume you’re excluded from travel altogether — it usually means a different, more traditional application process applies to you, potentially involving an embassy visit or additional supporting documents. A reputable Hajj agent in UK or Umrah agent in UK who regularly works with a mixed-nationality client base can often advise on which route applies to your specific passport.

How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa From the UK

Applying for the eVisa is designed to be a self-service process. Here’s the general flow:

1. Check eligibility — confirm your passport’s nationality is on the current eVisa list.
2. Check passport validity — make sure it meets the minimum validity and blank-page requirements.
3. Prepare your information and documents — personal details, travel dates, and a digital photograph.
4. Complete the application — through the official Saudi eVisa portal.
5. Pay the applicable fee — using the accepted payment method on the portal.
6. Review the submitted information — carefully check every field before submitting, since errors can delay or derail approval.
7. Receive the visa or eVisa if approved — this is typically issued electronically and linked to your passport.
8. Check the visa carefully before travelling — confirm validity dates, permitted stay length, and number of entries match your travel plans.
9. Prepare for entry into Saudi Arabia — carry a printed or digital copy of your approval alongside your passport, and have your travel and accommodation details ready in case they’re requested.

Approval is not guaranteed at any stage of this process, and Saudi authorities can request additional information or decline an application without always giving a detailed reason. Applying early, and double-checking every detail, gives you the best chance of a smooth process.

How Much Does a Saudi Tourist Visa Cost?

Visa costs are one of the areas where you’ll see the most conflicting numbers online — and one of the areas we won’t guess at. What we can tell you is what the cost is generally made up of:

• The government visa fee, set by Saudi authorities and subject to change.
• Mandatory medical insurance, which at various times has been bundled into the visa fee itself.
• Platform or service charges, which may apply depending on how you apply.
• Agency or service fees, if you use a travel agent or visa service rather than applying directly.
• Separate travel package costs, such as flights, hotels, and transfers, which are not part of the visa fee at all.

Some third-party visa information sites currently quote figures in the region of SAR 500–550 for the standard eVisa fee, inclusive of insurance. We haven’t verified this figure against the official Saudi government portal at the time of writing, and Saudi visa fees have changed more than once in recent years, so please treat any number you see — including here — as indicative only, and check the current fee directly on the official Saudi eVisa portal before you pay for anything.

If you’re booking through a UK-based Hajj or Umrah agent, ask them to break the invoice down clearly: government fee, insurance, their service charge, and the cost of any package elements like flights and hotels. A transparent agent will do this without being asked twice.

How Long Does a Saudi Tourist Visa Take?

Processing times for the Saudi eVisa can vary depending on the volume of applications, the completeness of your information, and whether any additional review is triggered. Some applicants report approval within hours; others experience longer waits, particularly around peak travel periods such as Ramadan or school holidays.

A few practical points:

• Errors in your application — mismatched names, incorrect passport numbers, poor-quality photos — are one of the most common causes of delay.
• Applying well ahead of your travel dates gives you a buffer if anything needs correcting.
• Approval is never guaranteed, no matter how far in advance you apply.

We won’t promise you a specific number of hours or days, because Saudi authorities can and do adjust processing without much public notice. If a website or agent guarantees instant approval, treat that as a claim to double-check rather than a fact to rely on.

How Long Is a Saudi Tourist Visa Valid?

It’s easy to mix up three separate things here, so let’s untangle them:

• Visa validity — the overall window during which your visa can be used at all, often reported as being around one year from the date of issue for the standard tourist eVisa.
• Number of entries — many tourist eVisas are described as multiple-entry, meaning you can enter and exit more than once within the validity period.
• Permitted stay per visit — a separate limit, often cited at up to 90 days, on how long you can remain in Saudi Arabia on any single visit.

These are not the same figure, and a visa being “valid for a year” does not mean you can stay in the country continuously for a year. Passport validity is a fourth, entirely separate consideration — your passport itself must remain valid well beyond your visa’s dates, or you may be refused entry regardless of your visa status.

Saudi authorities have changed validity periods and entry limits in the past. They may change them again. Check your visa’s current validity and stay limits on the official Saudi website before finalising your travel plans. Take extra care if you plan a long or multi-stage trip.

Can You Visit Makkah and Madinah With a Saudi Tourist Visa?

In general, yes — tourist eVisa holders have been able to visit Makkah and Madinah, including for Umrah, outside the Hajj season, subject to Nusuk registration. But “in general” is doing some real work in that sentence.

Saudi authorities apply seasonal restrictions around the Hajj period, during which entry to Makkah is limited to those with valid Hajj permits. Non-Hajj visa holders — including tourists and Umrah pilgrims — can be turned away from the city during this window, regardless of how valid their visa otherwise is. Saudi authorities have also, at times, introduced temporary restrictions on short notice, for reasons ranging from capacity management to public health measures.

Madinah generally sees fewer restrictions than Makkah, but both cities require you to have any relevant worship permits sorted through Nusuk before you can access the Grand Mosque or the Prophet’s Mosque. Don’t assume that holding a valid tourist visa alone is enough to guarantee entry to these sites on the day you land — check current rules and complete any required registration before you travel.

Saudi Tourist Visa for Umrah

Given the flexibility of the eVisa system, a growing number of UK Muslims now use the tourist visa route specifically to plan their own Umrah trip, rather than booking a traditional Umrah visa through an agent. There are a few reasons for this: it can be quicker to apply for, it allows a more flexible itinerary, and it lets travellers combine Umrah with visiting other parts of Saudi Arabia.

If you’re considering this route, here’s what to think through:

• Eligibility — confirm your nationality is on the eVisa list and that Umrah is currently permitted on this visa type.
• Timing — check you’re not travelling during the Hajj blackout period, and be aware that Ramadan is a particularly busy season for Umrah.
• Accommodation — decide early whether you want to stay near Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, near Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, or a mix of both, and confirm any Nusuk-linked booking requirements.
• Flights — UK travellers commonly fly from London, Manchester, or Birmingham, with connections available through several Gulf and Saudi carriers.
• Transport — intercity travel between Makkah and Madinah needs planning, whether by private transfer, coach, or the Haramain high-speed rail.
• Religious planning — think about how many days you want in each city, and whether you want time for wider Ziyarah (visits to other historically significant sites).
• Current permit requirements — complete your Nusuk registration for Umrah and Rawdah access before you rely on being able to enter either mosque.

Many travellers find that even when using the tourist visa route, it helps to have support arranging a Makkah & Madina Hotel package, transfers, and the Nusuk registration process — which is exactly the kind of coordination a specialist UK-based agent can provide, even if you’re not booking a full traditional Umrah visa.

Choosing an Umrah Package From the UK

An Umrah Package typically bundles together the practical elements of the trip so you don’t have to arrange each piece separately. Depending on the provider, this can include:

• Return flights from the UK
• Visa assistance (for either the tourist or Umrah visa route)
• Makkah accommodation
• Madinah accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Ground transportation between cities
• Ziyarah tours, where offered
• Pre-departure guidance and support
• In-country support during the trip

Packages vary significantly between providers, so it’s worth comparing more than just the headline price. When you’re weighing up options, look closely at:

• Hotel location — how far each hotel actually is from the Haram, not just how it’s marketed
• Room type — shared, twin, or family rooms, and how many people are expected per room
• Number of nights — in each city, and whether this matches your religious and travel goals
• Transport — what’s included between the airport, hotels, and between Makkah and Madinah
• Visa support — whether the agent handles the application, Nusuk registration, or both
• Cancellation terms — what happens if your plans change
• Total cost — including any fees not mentioned in the headline package price
• Customer support — how contactable the agent is before and during your trip
• What is and isn’t included — ask for this in writing, not just verbally

A well-run agent should be able to answer all of these questions clearly and quickly, without pressuring you to decide on the spot.

Choosing Makkah & Madina Hotel Accommodation

Hotel choice can make or break the practical side of an Umrah trip, so it’s worth more thought than picking whatever shows up cheapest in a search.

Key things to weigh up:

• Distance from Masjid al-Haram — a hotel a five-minute walk away is a very different experience from one requiring a shuttle bus each way, especially for elderly travellers.
• Distance from Masjid an-Nabawi — the same logic applies in Madinah.
• Walking access — some hotels are close on a map but involve stairs, crowds, or long indirect routes.
• Shuttle services — if a hotel relies on shuttles, check the frequency and reliability, particularly during busy periods.
• Room occupancy — confirm exactly how many people will share a room and what that means for comfort and privacy.
• Family requirements — larger families may need connecting rooms or specific configurations.
• Accessibility — lifts, step-free access, and proximity matter more for travellers with mobility needs.
• Hotel category — star ratings can be a rough guide, but read recent traveller feedback too.
• Meal options — some hotels include breakfast or full board; others don’t.
• Peak-season pricing — Ramadan and school holiday periods can see significantly higher rates, so book early if your dates are fixed.

The cheapest available room is not always the most convenient option once you factor in walking distance, shuttle reliability, and how tired you’re likely to be after long days of worship.

How to Choose an Umrah Agent in the UK

If you’d rather have support through the process, choosing the right Umrah agent in UK comes down to a practical checklist rather than gut feeling. Before booking, check:

• Company identity — a registered UK business with a verifiable address and company details
• Contact information — a working phone number and email you can reach before you pay anything
• Clear package inclusions — written down, not just described verbally
• Hotel details — specific hotel names, not just “4-star hotel near Haram”
• Flight details — airline, route, and whether flights are confirmed or provisional
• Visa process — whether they handle the tourist eVisa, the Umrah visa, Nusuk registration, or a combination
• Terms and conditions — read them before you pay a deposit
• Cancellation policy — what you lose if your plans change
• Payment method — secure, traceable payment options rather than informal transfers
• Customer reviews — recent, verifiable feedback rather than testimonials on the agent’s own site alone
• Relevant accreditation — where applicable, such as recognised Nusuk office agent status
• Clarity on inclusions — a good agent explains plainly what is and isn’t covered, without being asked twice

Be wary of any agent making sweeping, unverifiable claims about being “the best” or “the UK’s number one” — reputable providers tend to let their transparency and track record speak for itself rather than relying on superlatives.

Hajj vs Umrah — Why the Visa Difference Matters

This is the section worth reading twice if you’re new to Saudi travel: Hajj and Umrah are not interchangeable, and neither are the visas attached to them.

Umrah can take place at almost any time of year, outside the Hajj restriction period. As explained above, eligible travellers can often perform Umrah with a tourist visa. The official Saudi eVisa portal confirms that the tourist eVisa permits Umrah but excludes Hajj.

Hajj works differently. It takes place during a specific period each year according to the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims perform a defined set of rites over several days. Hajj also follows separate permit and quota arrangements managed by Saudi authorities.

A Saudi tourist visa — no matter how it’s marketed — does not grant permission to perform Hajj. Hajj requires its own dedicated Hajj visa or permit, typically arranged through official national quota systems and licensed Hajj operators, often well over a year in advance given demand. Attempting to enter Makkah during the Hajj period without the correct permit is treated seriously by Saudi authorities and can result in penalties or removal.

If you’re planning Hajj, you’ll need a dedicated Hajj package arranged through a properly authorised route — not a tourist visa, and not a standard Umrah visa.

Choosing an Hajj Agent in the UK

Choosing a Hajj agent in the UK deserves even more scrutiny than an Umrah agent, given the cost, complexity, and once-a-year nature of the trip. Things to look for:

• Official authorisation — approved arrangements with Saudi Hajj authorities where applicable, and clarity on how the agent secures your Hajj permit
• Package details — a clear, written breakdown of accommodation, meals, transport, and services included
• Accommodation — specific hotel or camp details for each phase of Hajj, including the days spent in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah
• Transport — how you’ll move between sites during the most logistically demanding days of the trip
• Group support — group size, guide-to-pilgrim ratio, and on-the-ground assistance
• Religious guidance — access to knowledgeable scholars or guides who can walk you through the rites
• Terms and conditions — read fully before committing, given the scale of investment involved
• Refund and cancellation terms — particularly important given how far in advance Hajj packages are usually booked
• Transparent pricing — a full breakdown of what the total package price actually covers

No Hajj agent should ever suggest that a tourist visa is an acceptable substitute for a proper Hajj arrangement. If you hear that claim, treat it as a serious red flag.

Common Saudi Tourist Visa Mistakes to Avoid

A short list of the mistakes that most often catch UK travellers out:

• Applying with passport details that don’t exactly match your passport
• Confusing UK residency with visa eligibility, which is based on passport nationality
• Assuming a tourist visa automatically means Hajj permission — it doesn’t
• Ignoring passport validity requirements until it’s too late to renew in time
• Booking non-refundable flights or hotels before visa approval is confirmed
• Not checking current seasonal restrictions around the Hajj period
• Assuming visa approval is guaranteed just because a friend or relative was approved
• Skipping research on hotel location and ending up far from the Haram
• Not reading the full terms of a travel package before paying a deposit
• Relying on outdated blog posts instead of checking official current information
• Using unofficial or unverified websites to apply, rather than the official portal

Saudi Tourist Visa for Families

Travelling as a family adds a few extra things worth thinking through:

• Children — every traveller typically needs their own visa application, even infants, so build this into your planning and paperwork.
• Parents and guardians — a parent or legal guardian usually needs to complete the application on a minor’s behalf.
• Passport requirements — check that every family member’s passport meets the validity requirements individually.
• Accommodation — confirm room configurations that suit your family size rather than assuming standard double rooms will work.
• Transport — factor in luggage, pushchairs, and the needs of younger or older family members when booking transfers.
• Medical and insurance considerations — check what’s covered for each family member, particularly for older relatives or anyone with additional needs, and confirm details directly with your insurer or the official Saudi guidance rather than assuming standard cover applies.
• Documentation — keep copies of every passport, visa approval, and booking confirmation together, ideally both on paper and saved digitally.

Saudi authorities can update age-related rules at any time. We won’t guess at the current requirements. Check the official Saudi guidance before travelling with children or other family members. Confirm any age requirements that apply to your specific visa and travel plans

Saudi Tourist Visa for UK Residents Who Are Not British Citizens

This is worth its own section because it causes genuine confusion. Living in the UK does not, by itself, make you eligible for the Saudi eVisa under British passport rules. Eligibility is tied to the passport you actually hold, not your country of residence.

If your passport is from a nationality that isn’t on Saudi Arabia’s eVisa eligibility list, your years of UK residence don’t change that. You’ll need to check the rules that apply specifically to your passport’s nationality, which may mean a different application process, additional documents, or applying through your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate rather than the online portal.

In some cases, UK residence status can be relevant to certain alternative application routes, but this depends entirely on current Saudi policy and shouldn’t be assumed. If you’re unsure which category you fall into, check directly with the official Saudi visa authorities, or speak to a UK-based agent experienced in handling mixed-nationality applications.

What to Check Before Flying to Saudi Arabia

A practical pre-departure checklist:

• Passport — valid, with sufficient remaining validity and blank pages
• Visa — approved, and matching your actual travel dates
• Flight details — confirmed booking references and timings
• Hotel confirmation — for every night of your stay
• Travel insurance — confirmed separately from any visa-bundled cover, where applicable
• Copies of important documents — both printed and saved digitally
• Mobile phone — with any relevant apps (such as Nusuk) downloaded and set up in advance
• Currency and payment method — a mix of cash and card, with your bank informed of travel
• Transportation arrangements — airport transfers and intercity travel booked ahead
• Current entry requirements — reconfirmed shortly before departure, not just when you first booked
• Current pilgrimage requirements — if performing Umrah, your Nusuk permits registered and ready

Getting Help With Your Umrah or Hajj Plans

Reading through all of this, it’s fair to say the visa side of a Saudi Arabia trip has more moving parts than most people expect — especially once Nusuk permits, seasonal restrictions, and the tourist-visa-versus-Umrah-visa question all come into play.

If you’re planning Umrah from the UK and would like help comparing package options, accommodation, and travel arrangements, British Haj Travel can talk through your requirements, including Makkah and Madinah hotel choices, transfers, and visa support. The same applies if you’re looking ahead to Hajj and want a properly structured package rather than piecing one together yourself. There’s no obligation — it’s simply a chance to get clear, specific answers for your own travel dates and circumstances before you commit to anything.

Saudi Tourist Visa FAQs

1. What is a Saudi tourist visa?

It’s an electronic entry permit that lets eligible international travellers visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, and certain other permitted purposes. It’s applied for online rather than at an embassy for most eligible nationalities. It does not cover Hajj, paid work, or long-term study, and specific eligibility and conditions can change, so always check the official portal before applying.

2. Can I perform Umrah with a Saudi tourist visa?

In many cases, yes, outside the Hajj season, provided you complete the required Nusuk registration for worship access. The tourist visa gets you into the country; Nusuk permits get you into the mosques. Rules and seasonal restrictions can change, so confirm current conditions before booking flights or accommodation.

3. Can I perform Hajj with a Saudi tourist visa?

No. Hajj requires its own dedicated visa or permit, arranged through official quota systems and licensed Hajj operators. A tourist visa never grants permission to perform Hajj, regardless of how it’s described by a third party. Attempting to enter Makkah for Hajj without proper authorisation is taken seriously by Saudi authorities.

4. Can UK citizens apply for a Saudi tourist visa?

British passport holders are generally eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa. The United Kingdom is currently listed among Saudi Arabia’s eligible countries.

Visa requirements can change. Check the official Saudi eVisa portal shortly before applying. This is especially important if you hold more than one passport.

5. Can UK residents with another passport apply?

Eligibility depends on your passport’s nationality, not your UK residency. If your nationality isn’t on the eVisa list, your years living in the UK don’t change your eligibility. You’d need to check the rules that apply to your actual passport, which may involve a different application route.

6. How do I apply for a Saudi tourist visa from the UK?

You apply directly through the official Saudi eVisa portal: check eligibility, prepare your documents and photo, complete the online application, pay the fee, and wait for electronic approval. Review every detail carefully before submitting, since errors are one of the most common causes of delay or refusal.

7. How much does a Saudi tourist visa cost?

Saudi visa costs can vary depending on the visa type and application route. The total may include the visa fee, insurance, platform charges, and agency fees. These costs can change over time.

We won’t quote a fixed price here because fees may change. Check the official Saudi eVisa portal before applying. This will help you confirm the latest visa cost and any applicable charges.

8. How long does a Saudi tourist visa take?

Processing time can vary depending on demand and how complete your application is. Some applicants are approved quickly; others experience longer waits. Apply well ahead of your travel dates, and don’t rely on any guarantee of instant approval, since Saudi authorities can adjust processing without much notice.

9. How long is a Saudi tourist visa valid?

Validity, number of permitted entries, and length of stay per visit are three separate things and shouldn’t be confused. Reported figures have generally described a multi-entry visa valid for around a year, with a separate limit on how long each individual stay can last — but confirm the specifics for your visa before finalising travel plans.

10. Can I visit Makkah with a tourist visa?

Generally yes, outside the Hajj period, provided you have the required Nusuk worship permits. Access to Makkah is restricted during the Hajj season to those holding valid Hajj permits, and temporary restrictions can also apply at other times, so check current conditions before you travel.

11. Can I visit Madinah with a tourist visa?

Generally yes, with fewer restrictions than Makkah in most circumstances, though you’ll still need any required Nusuk registration to access the Prophet’s Mosque. As with Makkah, confirm current rules before your trip rather than assuming nothing has changed since your last visit.

12. Do I need a separate Saudi Umrah visa?

Not necessarily — many UK Muslims now use the tourist visa route for Umrah. A separate Umrah visa remains available, often arranged through a licensed agent, and can suit travellers who’d prefer their visa and Nusuk registration handled for them rather than doing it independently.

13. Can I book an Umrah Package with a UK agent?

Yes. UK-based Umrah agents commonly offer packages covering flights, visa assistance, Makkah and Madinah accommodation, and transfers. Packages vary significantly between providers, so compare hotel location, inclusions, and cancellation terms rather than choosing on price alone.

14. What should I look for in Makkah & Madina Hotel accommodation?

Prioritise genuine walking distance to the Haram, reliable shuttle services if the hotel isn’t within walking distance, appropriate room occupancy for your group, and accessibility if you’re travelling with elderly or less mobile family members. The cheapest hotel isn’t always the most practical choice.

15. What is the difference between an Umrah package and a Hajj package?

An Umrah package covers a pilgrimage that can generally be performed at most times of year outside the Hajj blackout period, often with more flexible visa options. A Hajj package covers a fixed, once-yearly pilgrimage with its own dedicated visa, quota system, and considerably more complex logistics.

16. How do I choose an Umrah agent in the UK?

Check the company’s identity and contact details, ask for written package inclusions, confirm hotel names rather than vague descriptions, read the cancellation policy, and look for recent, verifiable customer reviews. Be cautious of any agent making unverifiable “best in the UK” style claims.

17. How do I choose an Hajj agent in the UK?

Look for clear authorisation and permit arrangements. Ask for a detailed written breakdown of accommodation and transport for each Hajj phase. Check that the pricing is transparent and easy to understand. You should also review the refund policy before booking.

A Hajj trip involves significant planning and costs. Therefore, ask more questions and expect fuller answers than you would for an Umrah package.

18. Can visa rules change during the year?

Yes, Saudi Arabia has made these changes more than once in recent years. Updates have covered eligible nationalities, visa fees, and validity periods. They have also included seasonal restrictions around Hajj. Always check the official Saudi eVisa portal and Nusuk platform before travelling. Visa rules can change, so avoid relying on outdated information.