Confused by Saudi visa options, Nusuk permits and costs? This simple guide explains the difference between an Umrah visa, a Saudi eVisa and a Nusuk permit, and what UK pilgrims should prepare.
Quick answer
- The official Saudi eVisa system lists the United Kingdom among eligible countries. The eVisa can be used for tourism and Umrah outside the Hajj season, but not for Hajj.
- Living in the UK does not automatically give you the same visa rights as a British citizen. Your passport nationality matters.
- A visa lets you enter Saudi Arabia. A Nusuk permit is a separate booking for Umrah. They are two different things.
- There is no single visa price for every traveller. The cost depends on your visa route and current Saudi fees.
Planning Umrah from the UK can feel complicated when you try to understand visa options, Nusuk permits, travel documents and costs. Once you know the difference between an Umrah visa, a Saudi eVisa and a Nusuk permit, the process becomes much easier.
ImportantSaudi visa and pilgrimage rules can change. Always check the latest official requirements before you travel.
What is an Umrah visa for UK travellers?
An Umrah visa is an entry visa that allows eligible international pilgrims to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. But not everyone travelling from the UK uses the same visa.
A British passport holder may be eligible for Saudi Arabia’s electronic visa options. The official Saudi eVisa system lists the United Kingdom among eligible countries, and states that the eVisa can be used for tourism and Umrah, but not Hajj. The passport generally needs at least six months’ validity when you enter.
This is where an important difference comes in. Living in the UK does not automatically mean you qualify for the same visa as a British citizen. If you are a UK resident with a Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Egyptian, Nigerian or other passport, your eligibility can be different. Check your passport nationality and UK residence status before you apply.
Umrah visa vs Saudi eVisa: what is the difference?
“Do I need an Umrah visa if I live in the UK?” The answer depends on your passport and the current Saudi rules.
| Route | Who it is for | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi tourist eVisa | Citizens of eligible countries, including the UK | Generally valid for one year, with multiple entries and stays of up to three months, subject to the visa issued. Can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season. |
| Dedicated Umrah visa | Pilgrims who do not qualify for an appropriate eVisa | Arranged through an authorised route. The official Nusuk Umrah platform also offers electronic services for pilgrims, including visa-related processes and registration. |
| UK residents with another passport | Residents who hold a non-British passport | The correct route depends on your nationality and current Saudi eligibility rules. Get it checked before you apply. |
For UK residents with another passport, professional guidance can help. Tawaf Global Services states that it supports UK pilgrims with Saudi visa guidance, including British passport holders using eligible eVisa routes and UK residents travelling on other passports. Instead of assuming every UK resident needs the same visa, share your passport nationality, UK residency details and planned travel dates so the right route can be checked.
What is the Nusuk permit for Umrah?
Your visa and your Nusuk Umrah permit are two different things.
Visa
Permission to enter Saudi Arabia.
Nusuk permit
Permission or booking for the relevant Umrah service or access, through the official Nusuk system.
The Nusuk app is the official digital platform used by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for pilgrimage services. For UK pilgrims, Tawaf Global’s Nusuk guide explains that the app is used for Umrah permits and Rawdah bookings, while Hajj follows the separate Nusuk Hajj process. Services and requirements can change, so check your Nusuk account and the latest official instructions before you travel. Read our Nusuk app guide for UK pilgrims for the full steps.
Is the Nusuk Umrah permit free?
The Umrah permit itself is currently described as free in Tawaf Global’s Nusuk guide. But a free permit does not mean your whole trip is free. You may still pay for:
- The Saudi visa or applicable visa fees
- Flights and hotels
- Airport transfers and Makkah–Madinah transport
- Travel insurance, where applicable
- Food and personal expenses
- Optional Ziyarah or private transport
- Travel agency service or processing charges, where applicable
This difference matters when you compare Umrah packages from the UK.
How much does an Umrah visa cost from the UK?
There is no single price for every UK traveller, because your visa route can depend on your nationality and circumstances. For Saudi eVisa applications, the official Saudi portal states that the price is shown during the application and can be changed by the relevant authority.
Be careful with websites that claim one fixed Umrah visa price for everyone. Your total visa-related cost may include:
- Government visa fees
- Health insurance included with certain visa types
- Visa processing or agency service fees
- Extra document or biometric requirements, where applicable
Does the advertised price include the actual visa fee, or only visa processing assistance?
For example, Tawaf Global’s Umrah package page states that Nusuk visa assistance is included, while the visa fee itself is excluded and confirmed separately at booking. See how much Umrah costs from the UK for package starting prices.
Not sure which visa route applies to you?
Tell us your passport, your UK residence and your travel dates. We will help you understand the right route before you apply.
Documents required for an Umrah visa from the UK
The exact requirements depend on your visa route and nationality. UK pilgrims should generally prepare these. Always check your specific requirements before you submit an application.
How to apply for an Umrah visa from the UK
- Check your passport eligibilityStart with your nationality, not just a search for “Umrah visa UK”. A British passport holder and a UK resident with another passport may have different options.
- Check your travel datesSaudi pilgrimage rules can change around the Hajj season, and your dates can affect which visa or entry route is right. See our guide to the best months to perform Umrah.
- Prepare your documentsMake sure your passport details, name spelling and dates are correct. Even a small difference between your passport and your application can cause problems.
- Apply through the right routeDepending on your case, this could be the official Saudi eVisa system, Nusuk or another authorised visa route.
- Register on NusukOnce you have your travel documents, make sure you understand the current Nusuk requirements for your Umrah journey.
- Check everything before departureSave your visa documents, booking confirmations and Nusuk information. Keep digital and offline copies.
Why use a UK Umrah travel agency?
You can research and arrange many parts of Umrah yourself. A specialist agency can make things easier when you need flights, hotels, transport and visa guidance planned together.
Tawaf Global Services describes itself as a UK-based Hajj and Umrah travel agency offering complete pilgrimage arrangements for individuals, families and groups. Its services include:
- UK Umrah packages and return flights from major UK airports
- Makkah and Madinah accommodation
- Saudi visa guidance and Nusuk support
- Airport transfers, Makkah–Madinah transport and Haramain train arrangements
- Private transport and Ziyarah arrangements
- Hajj and Umrah preparation support
The company also states that it has 25+ years of travel experience, offers ATOL-protected packages where applicable, and has IATA accreditation. Tawaf Global Services Limited is listed as an active UK private limited company, incorporated on 16 June 2024, with travel-agency activities. Please verify these points when you book. Read more about Tawaf Global.
What is included in a UK Umrah package?
A package can save you from arranging every part separately. Tawaf Global currently offers 3-star, 4-star and 5-star Umrah packages for different budgets and comfort levels. Its website lists flights, Makkah and Madinah hotels, transfers and visa support among the package arrangements. See our guide to an all-inclusive Umrah package.
- Exact hotel names and distance from the Haram
- Number of nights and room-sharing arrangement
- Airline, baggage allowance and departure airport
- Transfers
- Visa costs and visa processing
- Cancellation terms and financial protection
- Any additional charges
Never compare Umrah packages on price alone. A small price difference can matter less than hotel location, private transfers, baggage or extra support.
Final checklist before you travel
New to Umrah? Read our first-time Umrah guide and the longer Umrah visa requirements guide with documents and step-by-step process.
Official sources to verify
Always check these official sites for the latest rules:
Frequently asked questions about Umrah visa UK
Yes. The official Saudi eVisa system includes the United Kingdom among eligible nationalities, and the eVisa can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season, subject to the current conditions.
Yes, but the right visa route depends on the passport they hold and the current Saudi eligibility rules. UK residency alone does not automatically give every resident the same visa rights as a British passport holder.
Pilgrims should follow the current Nusuk requirements for Umrah permits and holy-site access. The Nusuk app is used for Umrah permit services and Rawdah bookings.
Tawaf Global's current guide states that the Umrah permit itself is free. Other parts of the pilgrimage, including visa, flights, accommodation and transport, still have costs.
There is no universal price for every UK traveller. The cost depends on the visa route, nationality and current Saudi fees.
The official Saudi eVisa terms state that the eVisa is valid for one year and generally allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of three months, subject to the visa issued.
Eligible travellers can use the Saudi tourist eVisa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, subject to current Saudi regulations.
Either can be possible depending on your circumstances. If your journey involves flights, hotels, transfers, visa processing and Nusuk support, a specialist UK Umrah agency can help coordinate the different parts of the trip.
Ready to Plan Your Umrah from the UK?
Understanding the visa is the first step. The next is making sure your flights, hotels, transport and pilgrimage arrangements are planned together. Whether you travel alone, with family or in a group, the team can help you compare options by dates, budget and comfort.
