Yes, UK citizens can perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa in 2026, provided the visit falls outside the Hajj season. The eVisa costs around £107 and permits both Umrah rituals and standard tourism. All visitors must book mosque time slots via the Nusuk App before travelling. Last updated: September 2026 for the 2026 Umrah season.
The Saudi tourist eVisa is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit.
However, the eVisa excludes participation in Hajj and cannot be used during the Hajj season (late May to mid-June 2026).
Can UK Citizens Perform Umrah on a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
The Saudi tourist eVisa allows UK passport holders to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, functioning as a dual-purpose document for pilgrimage and tourism.
The eVisa permits Umrah acts (Tawaf and Sa’i) and non-religious activities (historical sites, beaches), but excludes Hajj, employment, and studying. During the Hajj season 2026 (approximately June 6-11, with Eid al-Adha around June 13), the eVisa restricts all Umrah performance. The embargo period runs approximately late May to mid-June 2026. Violations carry deportation, fines, and a future travel ban (source: Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah).
Women aged 18 and over may perform Umrah without a male guardian (mahram), as confirmed by GOV.UK travel advice. The United Kingdom is among the 66 eligible countries for the Saudi tourist eVisa.
Saudi Tourist eVisa Costs and Application Process
The Saudi tourist eVisa costs approximately £107 total and is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit.
| Fee Component | SAR Amount | GBP Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Government eVisa fee | SAR 300 | ~£65 |
| Mandatory health insurance | Bundled (up to SAR 100,000) | Included |
| Processing/service fee | ~SAR 40-50 | ~£9-11 |
| Estimated total | ~SAR 340-350 | ~£107 |
GBP figures depend on the SAR/GBP exchange rate (1 SAR ≈ £0.21) at payment. The eVisa accepts payment via Visa, Mastercard, and Mada (no Amex or PayPal) and is non-refundable once issued. The bundled health insurance covers emergency medical treatment only up to SAR 100,000, excluding elective procedures and pre-existing conditions.
UK applicants complete a 3-step process through the external Saudi eVisa portal:
Fill the application
Enter your details on the Saudi eVisa portal
Pay the fee
~£107 via Visa, Mastercard, or Mada
Receive the eVisa by email
Within 24-72 hours of submission
A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended entry date is required. Only apply through; third-party agents claiming to “fast-track” approval often charge inflated fees and may submit incorrect data.
Nusuk App: Mandatory Booking for Umrah on an eVisa
The Saudi tourist eVisa requires all holders to reserve Tawaf and Rawdah time slots through the Nusuk platform before entering the holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah. Without a confirmed booking, entry to the Haramain may be denied.
Download the app
Available on the iOS App Store and Google Play
Register an account
Provide your eVisa number, passport details, and a valid phone number
Book Tawaf in Makkah
Select your preferred date and time slot at the Grand Mosque
Book Rawdah in Madinah
Separate reservation required for the Prophet’s Mosque
For peak periods (Ramadan, weekends), book slots 7-14 days in advance. A mismatch in passport data or eVisa number can invalidate the reservation. Always screenshot your booking confirmation and keep a copy offline.
Umrah Visa vs Tourist eVisa Comparison for UK Travellers
The Saudi tourist eVisa offers multiple-entry flexibility for Umrah and tourism, while a traditional Umrah package bundles flights and a single-entry visa restricted to pilgrimage.
| Feature | Tourist eVisa | Umrah Visa | Hajj Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~£107 (incl. insurance) | From £699 (package) | Via Hajj operator |
| Processing time | 24-72 hours | Days-weeks (via operator) | 14-30 days |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Single entry | Single entry |
| Validity | 1 year, 90 days per stay | Short-stay | Hajj season only |
| Permitted activities | Umrah + tourism | Umrah only | Hajj only |
| Entry airports | JED, MED, RUH | JED, MED | As designated |
| Nusuk booking | Required | Required | Required |
| Best for | Solo budget traveller | First family Umrah | Hajj pilgrims |
UK-based operators such as Ibadah Tours (trading as MK Holidays Ltd, ATOL 9741, established 2013) offer Umrah packages from £699, bundling flights and hotel with a single-entry visa. The Saudi tourist eVisa, by contrast, permits repeated Umrah visits throughout its one-year validity outside the Hajj season, and is obtained online rather than as a visa on arrival.
FAQ: Saudi Tourist eVisa for Umrah
1. Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa in 2026?
Yes, but only outside the Hajj season (approximately late May to mid-June 2026). The eVisa permits Umrah rituals (Tawaf, Sa’i) at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, provided you book through the Nusuk App.
2. How much does a Saudi tourist eVisa cost for UK residents in 2026?
The total cost is approximately £107, comprising the SAR 300 government fee, bundled health insurance (up to SAR 100,000), and processing charges. The exact GBP equivalent depends on the SAR/GBP exchange rate at payment. The fee is non-refundable.
3. Do I need to book Umrah slots through the Nusuk App?
Yes. All visitors to the holy mosques, including tourist eVisa holders, must reserve Tawaf and Rawdah time slots via the Nusuk platform. Without a confirmed booking, entry to the Haramain may be denied.
4. What happens if I try to perform Umrah during Hajj season on a tourist eVisa?
Denied entry to Makkah; violations of the Hajj embargo (approx. June 6-11, 2026) carry deportation, fines and a future travel ban.
5. Can women travel alone to perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Yes, female pilgrims aged 18 and over may travel independently on a Saudi tourist eVisa without a male guardian (mahram). Women under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
6. How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist eVisa?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries. Each visit is limited to a maximum stay of up to 90 days. The eVisa cannot be extended in-country.
7. Which airports can I fly into on a tourist eVisa for Umrah?
You can fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED), Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah (MED), or King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (RUH).
8. Is health insurance included with the Saudi tourist eVisa?
Yes, emergency cover up to SAR 100,000 is bundled into the fee; elective and pre-existing conditions are excluded.
9. Can I visit non-religious tourist sites on the same eVisa?
Yes, the eVisa permits tourism alongside Umrah: beaches, museums, AlUla, Diriyah, restaurants and shopping.
10. Can I extend my Saudi tourist eVisa stay beyond 90 days?
The tourist eVisa cannot be extended directly while in the country. To stay longer, exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter within the one-year validity window, respecting the 90-day per-stay limit.
11. Do I need any vaccinations to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah?
Yes, a valid Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate is typically required for pilgrimage entry. Check the latest requirements on the GOV.UK travel advice page and the Saudi eVisa portal before travelling.
12. Can I bring Zamzam water back to the UK?
Most airlines permit one sealed 5-litre container of Zamzam water per passenger in checked luggage. Zamzam water is also available for purchase at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah.
