To perform Umrah from the UK in 2026, you need a valid visa (either the traditional Umrah visa through a licensed agent or the Saudi tourist eVisa), registration on the mandatory Nusuk platform for your Umrah permits, a passport with at least six months' validity, and the MenACWY meningitis vaccination. This guide explains each requirement and how the routes differ.
Saudi rules can change at short notice — always confirm the latest requirements with your travel agent before booking.
Which visa do UK pilgrims need?
British passport holders have two main routes:
1. Traditional Umrah visa. Issued specifically for pilgrimage through travel agencies authorised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, or via official platforms. It is typically single-entry and valid for up to 90 days from issuance. Preferred by many UK Muslims for a traditional pilgrimage.
2. Saudi tourist eVisa. British citizens are eligible for the tourist eVisa, which now permits Umrah outside the Hajj season. It's a multiple-entry visa valid for a year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit, and also lets you visit cities like Jeddah, Riyadh and AlUla.
Either way, you must still complete the Nusuk requirements below.
Nusuk permits are now mandatory
This is the most important change in recent years. Nusuk is the official Saudi platform, and registration is mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims regardless of visa type. Your Umrah and Rawdah permits are issued through Nusuk, and without them, you cannot access the Mataf around the Kaaba or the Rawdah in Madinah, even with a valid visa.
A recent rule also requires confirmed accommodation (and often transport) bookings through the Nusuk system before your visa is processed. Booking an all-inclusive Umrah package handles this compliance for you.
Documents you'll need
- A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages for stamps
- A recent passport-style photograph
- Confirmed hotel and transport bookings (handled by your package provider)
- Your MenACWY vaccination certificate
- Travel and contact details
Vaccinations
Saudi Arabia requires the meningococcal MenACWY vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims aged one and over. Have it at least ten days before arrival and carry the certificate — it's valid for three to five years depending on the vaccine type. The vaccine is often available free on the NHS for pilgrims; check with your GP or pharmacy.
Fees and processing times
Tourist eVisa: roughly £100–£130 including the mandatory health insurance; usually issued within 24–72 hours.
Traditional Umrah visa: processed through your agent, typically in 3–7 working days, though this can stretch to 10–14 days during Ramadan.
Most packages include visa and Nusuk permit fees in the overall price. See how much Umrah costs from the UK for the full breakdown.
Avoiding visa fraud
The UK FCDO warns that Umrah fraud targets British Muslims every year. Protect yourself by booking only through Ministry-certified, ATOL-protected providers, keeping written confirmations of all bookings, and never travelling on open-ended plans without confirmed dates. Our Umrah visa service handles the process for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Umrah?
Yes. UK citizens need either a traditional Umrah visa (through a licensed agent) or the Saudi tourist eVisa, plus mandatory Nusuk permits. A passport valid for at least six months and the MenACWY vaccination are also required.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes. British passport holders can perform Umrah on the Saudi tourist eVisa outside the Hajj season. You must still register on the Nusuk platform to obtain your Umrah permit — the visa grants entry to the country, while Nusuk grants pilgrimage access.
What is Nusuk, and is it mandatory?
Nusuk is the official Saudi government platform for Umrah planning, bookings and permits. It is mandatory for all pilgrims in 2026, regardless of visa type — your Umrah and Rawdah permits are issued through it.
How long does an Umrah visa take to process?
The tourist eVisa is usually issued within 24–72 hours. A traditional Umrah visa through an agent typically takes 3–7 working days, rising to 10–14 days during the busy Ramadan period.
What vaccinations do I need for Umrah?
The meningococcal MenACWY vaccine is required for all pilgrims aged one and over. Get it at least ten days before arrival and carry the certificate, which is valid for three to five years.
Let us handle the paperwork. Explore our Umrah packages from the UK with visa and Nusuk permits included, or get a personalised quote.
