Everything a UK pilgrim needs to know about the Umrah visa in 2026: which visa to choose, what to send, how the Nusuk permit works and the 30-day rule that catches people out.
Umrah visa UK: the short answer
British passport holders can perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa or on a dedicated Umrah visa issued through the Nusuk platform. Either way, you also need a free Umrah permit in the Nusuk app before you enter Masjid al-Haram.
The rules changed a lot in 2025 and 2026. Umrah visas must now be used within 30 days of issue. Hotels and transport must be confirmed before an Umrah visa is approved. A new one-year, multiple-entry Umrah visa launched on 20 July 2026.
This guide explains every requirement, the documents you need and the exact order to do things in. It is written by the team at Tawaf Global Services, a UK-registered company (Companies House no. 15782798) that plans Umrah packages from the UK with visa support, hotels, flights and transfers for pilgrims across the country.
Which Umrah visa route suits UK pilgrims?
Most UK pilgrims choose between three routes. The right one depends on how often you plan to travel and whether you want a full package.
| Route | Who it suits | Validity and stay | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi tourist eVisa | British citizens and many UK residents travelling independently or on a package | One year, multiple entry, up to 90 days in the Kingdom | Umrah allowed outside Hajj season; Nusuk Umrah permit still required |
| Single-trip Umrah visa Most chosen | First-time pilgrims, families and elderly travellers booking a full package | Must enter within 30 days of issue; stay up to 90 days | Hotel and transport must be booked with Nusuk-verified providers first |
| Multiple-entry Umrah visa (from 20 July 2026) | Pilgrims planning two or more Umrah trips in a year | 365 days from issue; 90 days in total across all visits | New service package and Nusuk permit needed for every entry; inactive during Hajj season |
Source: Saudi Press Agency, 20 July 2026.
If you want one team to handle the visa, hotels near the Haram and airport transfers together, the Umrah visa route inside a package is usually simplest. It keeps the booking chain in one place, which is what the Nusuk checks now look for. Compare our 3-star, 4-star and 5-star Umrah packages to see what fits your budget.
Umrah visa requirements for UK pilgrims
You meet the basic Umrah visa requirements from the UK if you can tick these points:
- Passport validity: your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Saudi Arabia, with blank pages.
- Travel outside Hajj season: Umrah visas are not active from 1 Dhul Qadah to 13 Dhul Hijjah. Visa issuance also closes several weeks before Hajj, so spring trips need early planning.
- Children: pilgrims under 18 should travel with a parent or adult family member.
- Women: Saudi rules allow women to perform Umrah without a mahram. Many sisters still prefer a family or group trip, and a family Umrah package can keep everyone on one booking.
- Vaccination: proof of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, given at least 10 days before arrival. Check age rules and certificate validity with your GP or TravelHealthPro.
- Non-British UK residents: if you live in the UK on another passport, your route depends on your nationality and residence status. Share a copy of your residence permit and we will confirm the right option.
Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for Saudi Arabia before you book.
Umrah visa documents checklist
Gather these documents before you apply. Clear copies save days of back-and-forth. Tick each one as you get it.
Not sure you have everything? We check your documents before anything is submitted.
Check my documentsHow to apply for an Umrah visa from the UK: step by step
The order matters more than ever. Follow these steps and you avoid the most common rejections.
Choose your dates
Pick a window outside Hajj season. Consider school holidays, Ramadan crowds and weather, and allow at least three to four weeks before departure.
Pick your visa route
Decide between the tourist eVisa, a single-trip Umrah visa or the new multiple-entry visa, using the table above.
Book your hotels and transport
For an Umrah visa, accommodation and transfers must be confirmed with Nusuk-verified providers first. Our Umrah packages bundle these so the booking chain is complete.
Send your documents
Submit your passport scan, photo and supporting papers. Tawaf Global Services checks names, dates and photo quality before anything is submitted.
Receive your visa and note the date
Your Umrah visa arrives by email. You must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the issue date, so apply close to your flight.
Book your Nusuk permits
Download the Nusuk app, add your visa details and book your Umrah permit. Book a separate Rawdah permit for Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah as early as you can, as slots go fast.
Travel with copies
Keep your visa, permits, hotel vouchers and vaccination card on your phone and on paper.
Processing time, cost and the 2026–27 rules
How long does it take?
Tourist eVisas often arrive within a few days. Umrah visas take longer because hotel and transport checks come first. Allow three weeks as standard, and four or more for Ramadan, Easter and half-term.
How much does it cost?
Fees are set by the Saudi authorities and change during the season. For an Umrah visa, the real cost also includes the Nusuk-linked hotel and transport package. We confirm the current visa fee in writing at booking. See our Umrah visa and transport services for what is included.
Rules to know this season
- 30-day entry window. Since November 2025, an Umrah visa is cancelled automatically if you do not enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issue (Gulf News).
- Up to 90 days' stay. Once you arrive, you can stay up to three months.
- Multiple-entry option. The new visa lasts 365 days, but the 90 days are shared across all trips, not reset each time (The National).
- Visa is not a permit. Gate staff check your Nusuk Umrah permit, not just your visa. You can read more on the official Nusuk platform.
Common mistakes that delay an Umrah visa
Most delays come from small, avoidable errors. Watch out for these:
- Applying too early. With a 30-day entry window, a visa issued two months before your flight will lapse.
- Name mismatches. Spelling differences between passport, flights and hotels cause refusals.
- Split bookings. A visa from one seller and hotels from another can fail Nusuk verification.
- Blurry scans. A cropped or dark passport image is a frequent reason for resubmission.
- Forgetting the permit. Pilgrims arrive with a visa but no Umrah or Rawdah slot booked.
- Using unverified sellers. The FCDO warns British Muslims about Hajj and Umrah fraud. Check a company's registration, ask for written confirmation and never pay into a personal account.
If you are travelling with parents or young children, read our guide to family Umrah packages for children and elderly parents for hotel and transfer tips that also affect your visa paperwork.
How Tawaf Global Services helps with your Umrah visa
Tawaf Global Services is a UK-registered company (Companies House no. 15782798) that plans Umrah and Hajj travel for pilgrims across the UK. Learn more about our team. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your ibadah.
- Document checks before submission: passport, photo, names and dates.
- The right visa route for your nationality, travel dates and number of trips.
- Nusuk-compliant bookings: hotels in Makkah and Madinah and ground transport arranged in one chain.
- Permit guidance: help setting up the Nusuk app and booking Umrah and Rawdah slots.
- Packages for every budget: from value stays to 4-star and 5-star Umrah packages close to the Haram.
- Clear pricing: the visa fee is confirmed separately and in writing before you pay.
Ready to start your Umrah visa application?
Send your travel dates and passport details to our team for a free visa and package quote.
Umrah visa UK: frequently asked questions
Do British citizens need a visa for Umrah?
Yes. British passport holders need a Saudi tourist eVisa or an Umrah visa, plus a Nusuk Umrah permit before entering Masjid al-Haram.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa from the UK?
Yes. The tourist eVisa allows Umrah outside Hajj season. You still book your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app.
How long does an Umrah visa take from the UK?
eVisas can arrive within days. Umrah visas usually take longer because bookings are checked first. Apply three to four weeks before travel, and earlier for peak dates.
How long is an Umrah visa valid?
A single-trip Umrah visa must be used within 30 days of issue, and you can stay up to 90 days. The multiple-entry visa lasts 365 days with 90 days in total.
Can a woman get an Umrah visa from the UK without a mahram?
Yes. Saudi rules allow women to perform Umrah without a mahram. Pilgrims under 18 should travel with a parent or adult relative.
Can I apply for an Umrah visa myself?
British citizens can apply for the tourist eVisa directly. An Umrah visa is issued with a package from an approved provider, which is where an agent like Tawaf Global Services helps.
Is the meningitis vaccine required for Umrah?
Yes. You need proof of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, given at least 10 days before arrival.
Can I do Umrah during Hajj season?
No. Umrah visas are inactive from 1 Dhul Qadah to 13 Dhul Hijjah. Plan your trip before or after this period.
Can UK residents who are not British citizens apply?
Often, yes, but the route depends on your nationality and residence status. Our team will check your documents and advise the right visa.
Still have a question about your Umrah visa from the UK? Speak to Tawaf Global Services today for a free quote and step-by-step help.
Keep planning your trip
Sources: Saudi Press Agency on the multiple-entry visa; The National; Gulf News on the 30-day rule; Wego UK Umrah visa guide. Visa rules change often. Confirm the latest details with the official Nusuk platform and the FCDO before you travel.
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