Umrah Visa from the UK 2026: The eVisa Route Explained

For pilgrims travelling from the United Kingdom, the Umrah visa is refreshingly simple: the UK is eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, issued entirely online, usually within hours, and it permits Umrah outside the Hajj season. There is no embassy visit and no agent required, so most British pilgrims can arrange the whole trip themselves. Here is the process, the requirements and how it all fits together. Fees change — verified July 2026; confirm on the official portal before paying.

The eVisa in brief

The tourist eVisa is about SAR 535 (roughly £110) including mandatory insurance, valid one year, multiple entry, with stays of up to 90 days. It lets you perform Umrah, visit Madinah, and travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia on the same visa — so you can add AlUla, Jeddah or Riyadh to the trip without a second application. See the full Saudi eVisa guide.

How to apply, step by step

1. Go to the official portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) or the Saudi eVisa app and create an account.
2. Enter your passport details, a photo, your address and travel dates.
3. Confirm the bundled medical insurance and pay by card.
4. Wait for approval — often within hours, occasionally a few days if extra checks are needed.
5. Receive the eVisa by email; keep it on your phone for immigration.

Apply at least a week before travel, and make sure every detail matches your passport exactly, since mismatches are the main cause of delay.

Requirements

• British passport valid at least 6 months with blank pages.
• Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination certificate — standard for Umrah pilgrims; your GP or a travel clinic can provide it.
• Accurate details matching your passport (name, date of birth, passport number).

The Nusuk permit

On the eVisa you still book your Umrah permit (when one is required, notably in Ramadan) and free Rawdah appointment in the Nusuk app. The visa gets you into the country; the Nusuk permit gives permission to perform the pilgrimage — set up your account before you fly so slots are ready.

Dual nationals and residents

If you hold a British passport, use it for the eVisa. If you are a non-British resident of the UK, you may still qualify through the used-visa route or your own nationality's eligibility — check the official portal. Holders of a valid, used US, UK or Schengen visa can also use the eVisa or a visa on arrival regardless of nationality.

Plan it yourself

Because the eVisa is so straightforward, most UK pilgrims plan Umrah themselves rather than buying a marked-up package — booking flights, a hotel by Ḥaram zone, and transport directly. It is usually cheaper and gives you full control of dates and standard. Follow the DIY Umrah guide and pre-book your airport transfer. Compare your route with pilgrims elsewhere in the Pakistan and India guides. Figures verified July 2026.