Umrah Visa UK 2026/2027: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply from the UK
Last updated: September 2026
UK citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah generally use one of two official routes: an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or an Electronic Visa Waiver, both of which cover Umrah outside the Hajj season. Superior Travel arranges visa assistance as part of every Umrah package rather than as a standalone service — this guide explains how the process actually works so you know what to expect.
Who Needs an Umrah Visa?
Any UK passport holder travelling to Saudi Arabia specifically to perform Umrah needs one of the official Umrah entry routes below. If you are travelling for Hajj instead, a separate Hajj visa is required — the two are not interchangeable, and Hajj-season flight restrictions can apply even if you hold a valid Umrah authorisation.
UK Passport Situation: Your Two Official Options
According to UK Government (GOV.UK) foreign travel advice for Saudi Arabia, UK citizens performing Umrah outside the Hajj season currently have two routes:
| Route | Entries | Validity | Health Insurance Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Multiple entries | Valid 730 days from issue, but only 180 days’ total stay across that period | No |
| Electronic Visa Waiver | Single entry | Up to 180 days | No |
Neither route includes health insurance, so make sure you arrange your own travel insurance separately. If you have any doubt about which route applies to you, GOV.UK’s advice is to apply online in advance and contact the Saudi Embassy directly if you need clarification.
The Umrah Visa Application Process
Umrah visa and entry processing for international pilgrims runs through Nusuk Umrah, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official platform. In practice, most UK pilgrims experience this as part of booking a package: your operator handles the Nusuk-linked visa paperwork alongside your flights and hotel booking, rather than you applying for a visa independently and then separately booking your trip.
Superior Travel’s Umrah packages include visa processing as one of the core inclusions alongside flights, hotel accommodation, transport and Ziyarat — see our Umrah Packages page for current pricing across all tiers.
Documents Typically Required
- A passport valid well beyond your travel dates, with blank pages for entry stamps
- A recent passport-style photo meeting the platform’s stated specifications
- Confirmed travel insurance, since neither the ETA nor the Electronic Visa Waiver includes it
- Any vaccination documentation requested for entry — check GOV.UK’s current Saudi Arabia travel advice and the NaTHNaC/TravelHealthPro Hajj and Umrah factsheet before you travel, as health requirements can change
Requirements can be updated by the Saudi authorities at any time, so always check the current official guidance rather than relying solely on this article.
Typical Cost Factors
Umrah visa/entry authorisation cost is one part of your overall trip cost, alongside flights, accommodation and transport. Because Superior Travel includes visa processing within the package price rather than charging for it separately, our published package prices already reflect this — see our Umrah Packages and 3 Star Umrah Packages pages for current per-person pricing, or our Umrah cost guide for a full breakdown of what makes up the total price.
Processing Considerations
Saudi authorities publish an annual Umrah season calendar covering when visa issuance opens and closes. For the current 1448 AH Umrah season, the officially announced calendar covers visa issuance and pilgrim arrivals from 31 May 2026, with a visa issuance deadline of 9 March 2027, a final entry date of 23 March 2027, and a final departure deadline of 7 April 2027 for Umrah performers. Booking well within this window, rather than right at the edges, gives you more flexibility if anything needs to be adjusted.
The Role of Nusuk
Nusuk is the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official digital platform. Nusuk Umrah specifically handles international Umrah visa applications and pilgrim verification, separate from the Nusuk Hajj registration system used for Hajj. Operators supporting your Umrah booking work within this system rather than issuing visas independently of it — be cautious of anyone claiming to bypass it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming your visa route includes health insurance — neither the ETA nor the Electronic Visa Waiver does
- Leaving your application until close to the visa issuance deadline for the season
- Confusing an Umrah visa/entry route with a Hajj visa — they are separate, and Hajj-season flight restrictions can affect Umrah travel too
- Booking flights before your documentation is confirmed
Package vs Independent Arrangements
You can, in principle, arrange an ETA or Electronic Visa Waiver independently and book flights and hotels separately. In practice, most UK pilgrims book through a package because it bundles visa processing, flights, accommodation, transport and Ziyarat into one confirmed price, with an operator on hand if anything needs adjusting. Superior Travel offers visa assistance as part of every Umrah package rather than as a standalone visa-only service — if you specifically need independent visa processing without a package, a Saudi Embassy-approved visa service or the Nusuk Umrah platform directly would be the appropriate route.
Umrah Visa UK FAQs
Do I need a visa for Umrah as a UK citizen?
Yes. UK citizens use either an Electronic Travel Authorisation or an Electronic Visa Waiver for Umrah outside the Hajj season, per current GOV.UK travel advice.
Does the Umrah visa include health insurance?
No. Neither the ETA nor the Electronic Visa Waiver includes health insurance, so you need to arrange your own separately.
Can I use my Umrah visa for Hajj?
No. Hajj requires a separate Hajj visa, and Hajj-season flight restrictions can apply even to Umrah travellers.
Does Superior Travel process Umrah visas on its own, without a package?
No. Superior Travel includes visa assistance as part of its Umrah packages, alongside flights, hotels, transport and Ziyarat, rather than offering standalone visa processing.
What is Nusuk Umrah?
Nusuk Umrah is the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official platform for international Umrah visa applications and pilgrim verification, separate from the Nusuk Hajj registration system.
Get Visa Assistance With Your Umrah Package
For visa assistance included as standard, browse our Umrah Packages or Luxury Umrah Packages, or get in touch and our team will talk you through the current process.