Applying for an Umrah visa has changed considerably over the past couple of years, with Saudi Arabia moving almost everything onto its official Nusuk platform. If you’re wondering how to get an Umrah visa, the good news is that the process is now largely digital, but there are a few nationality-specific rules worth understanding before you start, particularly if you’re applying from the UK.

What Is an Umrah Visa?

An Umrah visa is the official permission granted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allowing Muslims to travel to Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Depending on your nationality, you may apply for a dedicated Umrah visa, use an eVisa, or rely on a Saudi tourist visa, all of which can now be used to perform Umrah.

Crucially, holding a visa alone is not enough. The visa grants entry to the country, while a separate Nusuk permit grants access to perform the pilgrimage itself, so both are required.

Who Is Eligible?

Any Muslim aged 18 or older can apply for an Umrah visa, and women may travel independently without a male guardian (mahram). Minors need an adult guardian to apply on their behalf.

Two Main Routes to Apply

The correct route depends on your passport.

1. eVisa-eligible countries
If you hold a passport from one of the eVisa-eligible countries, you can apply online through the official Saudi visa portal and use that tourist eVisa to perform Umrah. The UK is among the eligible countries, so British passport holders generally fall into this category.

2. Non-eVisa-eligible countries
If your country is not on the eVisa list, you will need to apply through an authorised Umrah service provider licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, who will submit your application alongside a verified Nusuk booking on your behalf.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Umrah Visa

1. Check your eligibility route: confirm whether you can apply directly as an eVisa-eligible national or need a licensed agent.
2. Gather your documents: a valid passport (at least six months’ validity from your application date) and a recent colour photograph with a white background.
3. Book accommodation and transport first. Saudi authorities now require verified Makkah and Madinah hotel bookings and ground transport, confirmed through Nusuk-compliant providers, before an Umrah visa can be approved.
4. Register on Nusuk: visit umrah.nusuk.sa, select your country of residence, and create an account with a personal email address, verified by code via email and SMS.
5. Submit your visa application, either directly (eVisa-eligible nationals) or through your licensed agent.
6. Arrange your vaccination certificate. Proof of meningitis (ACWY) vaccination is compulsory, taken at least ten days before travel.
7. Book your Umrah and Rawdah permits through the Nusuk app once your visa is confirmed; these control your entry to the Grand Mosque and Al Rawdah in Madinah.
8. Keep documents and QR codes accessible for entry checks in Saudi Arabia.

How to Get an Umrah Visa from the UK

British Muslims have a comparatively straightforward path, but recent changes matter:

• UK citizens can typically use a Saudi eVisa or Electronic Visa Waiver to travel for Umrah, rather than needing a separate agent-issued visa.
• Booking order has reversed. Previously, many UK pilgrims booked their visa first and hotels afterwards. Under rules introduced from late 2025, accommodation and transport must now be confirmed through Nusuk-verified providers before your visa application can be approved.
• Use one trusted provider for everything. Visa, hotel, and transport booked through separate, unlinked providers can fail Nusuk verification, so booking through a single reputable, licensed agency reduces the risk of delays or rejection.
• Check operator credentials carefully. Saudi authorities have suspended a number of foreign travel agencies for service violations, so it’s worth confirming any agent’s licensing before paying a deposit.
• A new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa was introduced in mid-2026, allowing multiple trips within 365 days, subject to a shared 90-day cumulative stay limit worth asking about if you plan to travel more than once a year.

For exact current fees, processing times, and any Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, always check gov.uk and the official Nusuk platform close to your travel dates, as requirements can be updated with little notice.

Common Questions

How long does an Umrah visa take to process?
This varies by season and provider, and can change with demand; always confirm current timeframes with your agent or the Nusuk platform rather than assuming a fixed number of days.

Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes, a Saudi tourist visa can be used to perform Umrah, provided you also book your Umrah permit through Nusuk.

Do I need a visa at all if I’m transiting through Saudi Arabia?
Certain transit arrangements with Saudi carriers may permit Umrah during a stopover, but this depends on your specific booking; check with your airline or agent.

Getting the Right Support

Because the rules now hinge on verified, linked bookings, the safest approach for most UK pilgrims is working with one experienced, licensed provider such as Umrah Al-Amanah, who handles the visa, accommodation and transport together.