Yes — British passport holders need a visa, or an electronic authorisation, to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah. GOV.UK lists three routes that allow Umrah outside the Hajj season: the Saudi Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), the Saudi tourist e-visa and the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). This guide explains each route, the documents and vaccination you need, and the dates before Hajj 2027, using the UK government's published rules.
Do UK pilgrims need a visa for Umrah?
Yes. GOV.UK says that you must get a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. For Umrah outside the Hajj season, British citizens can use one of three routes:
- Saudi Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — for tourism, business, study, medical treatment and Umrah outside the Hajj season.
- Saudi tourist e-visa — for tourists, applied for online or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia's international airports.
- Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) — for tourism, business, medical treatment, study and Umrah outside the Hajj season.
None of them covers Hajj: GOV.UK says that pilgrims travelling for Hajj must obtain a separate Hajj visa. Rules change, so check GOV.UK Saudi Arabia entry requirements before you travel.
The Saudi Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Validity: 730 days from the date of issue.
- Entries: multiple, but only 180 days in total across the 730-day period.
- Umrah: allowed outside the Hajj season.
- Health insurance: not included.
The Saudi tourist e-visa
- Validity: 365 days from the date of issue.
- Entries: multiple, but only 90 days in total across the 365-day period.
- Where to apply: online through the official Saudi visa portal, or when you arrive at any of Saudi Arabia's international airports.
- Health insurance: included, up to 100,000 Saudi riyals.
- Hajj: not covered; Hajj needs its own visa.
The Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)
- Entry: one entry, with a stay of up to 180 days.
- When to apply: online at least 48 hours before your flight, and up to 90 days in advance.
- Health insurance: not included.
What documents do you need?
- Passport: its expiry date must be at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
- Vaccination: a certificate for the meningococcal quadrivalent (ACWY) vaccine, required for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
- The visa or authorisation for your route, and your travel documents.
Travelling on a passport other than a British one? The rules depend on your nationality; check the official Saudi visa portal. Pilgrims with other passports are welcome too: the requirements for your nationality are confirmed in your quote.
Vaccinations for Umrah
Umrah pilgrims need a meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate. GOV.UK lists the meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine certificate as an entry requirement for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and a yellow fever certificate for travellers coming from a country with a transmission risk. Ask your GP or a travel clinic early, and carry the certificate with you.
Who can perform Umrah, and the rules on age and Mahram
Women aged 18 and over do not need a Mahram for Umrah. Women can travel alone or in a group; see our Umrah packages for women and Umrah packages for families.
Umrah visa or Hajj visa?
The ETA, the tourist e-visa and the EVW allow Umrah outside the Hajj season. Hajj, in the month of Dhul Hijjah, needs a separate Hajj visa. If you plan to perform Hajj, do not rely on a tourist visa; see Hajj 2027 packages from the UK.
When do Umrah visas stop before Hajj 2027?
According to Saudi Arabia's published Umrah calendar for 1448, new Umrah visas for the 1448 season are issued until 9 March 2027, 23 March 2027 is the last day to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, and pilgrims must leave by 7 April 2027. No date has been announced yet for Umrah to reopen after Hajj 2027; our estimate is early June 2027.
Do UK residents with a UK eVisa (formerly a BRP) need a Saudi visa?
Yes. The UK eVisa, which replaced the biometric residence permit (BRP) and is viewed in your UKVI account, proves your status in the UK. It is not a Saudi visa: you still need the Saudi visa or authorisation for your nationality.
Official application channels and eligibility
- Check your route and eligibility on GOV.UK and the official Saudi visa portal.
- Check your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
- Have the meningococcal ACWY vaccine and keep the certificate.
- Apply only through the official Saudi channels — never through unofficial resellers.
- Travel with your visa or authorisation, vaccination certificate and travel documents to hand.
Conduct and customs rules in Saudi Arabia
Saudi law applies to every visitor and is stricter than UK law. Following these rules keeps your pilgrimage trouble-free:
- Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees in public; women need not wear an abaya, though many choose loose, modest clothing, and ihram applies once you begin Umrah.
- Alcohol and drugs are banned. Bringing in or using alcohol, pork or narcotics is illegal, and drug offences carry severe penalties — leave all of it at home.
- Photography. Do not photograph people without permission or take pictures of government and military sites; photography inside the Haram is restricted.
- Prayer times. Some shops and restaurants pause briefly for each of the five daily prayers, so plan your day around them.
- Ramadan etiquette. If you travel in Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.
Compare Umrah packages from the UK
Our Umrah packages from the UK combine return flights, hotels in Makkah and Madinah and transfers in one ATOL-protected price, on a budget or for a group. The Saudi visa cost is included in your Umrah package price. We do not sell visas separately, and visa approval is decided by the Saudi authorities.