Thinking about and planning Umrah from the UK in 2026? Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Rules has changed some Umrah visa regulations for foreign pilgrims, including those from the UK. Whether this is your first Umrah or you go every year, it’s important to know the latest requirements, fees, and application process to avoid any last-minute issues. Alfajar Travel UK helps UK Muslims travel to Umrah with ATOL-protected packages, visa assistance, and 24/7 guidance. Here’s the full 2026 update.
Saudi Umrah Visa Rules UK 2026: What’s New?
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it easier for UK pilgrims to perform Umrah. Key updates for 2026:
- Nusuk Platform: All individual Umrah visas are now being processed via “Nusuk.sa.” Agents may also apply on your behalf.
- Tourist e-Visa Also Covers Umrah: UK citizens can perform Umrah on a 1-year multiple-entry tourist e-visa.
- Flexible Travel: Now you can enter through any Saudi airport and visit Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Riyadh on the same visa.
- No Age Limit: Mahram women who are 18 years and above do not need to have a Mahram but must travel in a group.
Important Policy Rules in Brief:
- Your visa is valid for 365 days from the day of issue.
- You can go in and out of Saudi Arabia as many times as you want within that 12-month period.
- You are allowed up to 90 days in total for all your trips to the country during the year.
- You must buy an approved service package on Nusuk and issue your Umrah permit (tasreeh) for each visit before you arrive.
- The visa shall automatically be suspended during the season of Hajj (1st Dhu al-Qi’dah to 13th Dhu al-Hijjah) and shall not be used during this period.
Why has this changed?
Saudi Arabia adopted this policy to:
- Cut back on unused visas
- Enhance crowd management
- Improved management of pilgrim arrivals
- Better security and planning
Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Rules e-tourist visa:
The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa is the most popular way for UK travelers to do Umrah. It is valid for multiple entries for one year, with a max of 90 days in the country. This visa allows Muslim tourists to do Umrah, but it is not valid for Hajj, which requires a separate Hajj visa. UK citizens can apply for a tourist eVisa online through the official Visit Saudi portal visa.visitsaudi.com or through the Nusuk app. Usually it is the cheapest and least restrictive compared to the dedicated Umrah visa.

What is the new Umrah visa for 1 year multiple entry?
The multiple-entry umrah visa uk 2026 is valid for a period of 365 days from the date of issue during which the holder can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times. All visits combined are limited to 90 days. Note: The 90 days are cumulative, not per visit. So a pilgrim could spend three weeks in Makkah in one visit, and then a further two weeks later on in the year, with the days just adding up against the 90-day total.
Each entry will still require the purchase of a separate service package from an accredited Nusuk provider, and the package length cannot be longer than the remaining days on the visa. Your visa is canceled when you leave Saudi Arabia and reactivated when you visit next, if the appropriate conditions are met. This visa is not valid during the Hajj season itself (roughly from the 1st of Dhul Qadah to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah each year) and cannot replace a Hajj visa.
Documents Checklist:
| Document | Details |
| UK Passport | Minimum 6 months validity from travel date |
| Passport Photo | White background, recent |
| Return Flight Ticket | Confirmed booking |
| Hotel Booking | Confirmed in Makkah & Madinah |
| Travel Insurance | Mandatory. Must cover health in Saudi |

Vaccination and health regulations:
Umrah pilgrims are required to be vaccinated against meningitis ACWY The vaccine must have been taken at least 10 days before your arrival in Saudi Arabia and should have been taken within the last 3 years. You must have a valid vaccination certificate when you travel. In the UK, most pharmacies and travel clinics will be able to provide the meningitis vaccine. It’s a good idea to make your appointment early, especially if you’re traveling during a busy season when appointments fill up quickly.
Flu shots and COVID-19 boosters are recommended, too. In the crowd environment, contagious diseases are easy to spread, especially in the peak season of the pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia can get very hot during the summer months. Temperatures may hit 50°C. Keep well hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and bring any prescription medication and a doctor’s letter if requested by the Saudi authorities. If you are traveling with elderly relatives, you should plan in advance for rest periods and availability of help at the Haram.
Age & Mahram Rules:
| Men | No age restriction |
| Women | Can travel alone if 18+. Under 18 must travel with Mahram |
| Children | Need their own passport |
For UK Pilgrims’ Advice:
- Apply umrah visa from uk early.
- Double-check passport validity.
- Book flights only after you have confirmed visa requirements.
- Use a reputable UK Umrah travel agent.
- Carry printed and digital copies of all travel documents.
- Watch for any developments from the Saudi authorities before you go.
Avoid These Dangers:
Don’t make these mistakes that can delay or affect your trip:
- Applying with a passport that is about to expire.
- If we’re assuming the visa entry window is wider than that.
- No seasonal application deadlines.
- Booking travel without looking at the latest regulations.
- Last-minute application.

Why Book Your Umrah With Al Fajar Travel?
Al Fajar Travel is a UK-based travel agency with ATOL protection. We have seen so many updates to the Saudi visa process over the years and helped UK pilgrims through every single one of them, including this latest one. Here’s where we step in:
- The visa you need for your plans We help you choose a single-entry or multi-entry visa.
- All packages come with verified hotels in the holy cities.
- Transfers fixed. We will arrange your transportation via approved Nusuk channels.
- Day tracking: We track your 90-day allowance to ensure that return trips are compliant.
- Packages are adaptable. Choose group or private 3-, 4-, or 5-star options.
- We keep a close watch on any changes by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, so our pilgrims are never caught out by a change of rule.
FAQS:
What is the new rule for Umrah visa?
The new rule for Umrah visas in Saudi Arabia reduces the validity period from 90 days to 30 days from the date of issuance.
What is the Umrah policy for 2026?
Key Umrah rules for 2026 require that all pilgrims hold an approved visa (or tourist e-visa), book verified accommodation and transport, and use the Nusuk Platform to obtain mandatory permits for worship.
Can UK citizens perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
The visa must be either an Umrah visa or a standard Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa if one is a citizen of the United Kingdom.
Which is better, an Umrah visa or a tourist visa?
A Saudi Arabia tourist visa is usually easier to obtain and has less stringent entry requirements, while still allowing one to perform Umrah.







