Yes, every foreign national traveling to Saudi Arabia from the UK must hold a valid entry permit or visa before embarking on the pilgrimage. You cannot board an international flight to Jeddah or Madinah without a recognized visa linked to your passport.
Visa Options for UK Pilgrims
Depending on your passport type and travel preferences, British pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia using one of three primary visa routes:
1. Saudi Tourist eVisa or UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
If you hold a full British passport, entering Saudi Arabia has become remarkably straightforward. The Saudi Ministry of Tourism allows UK citizens to obtain a multiple entry Tourist eVisa or ETA online. This visa is valid for up to 1 year and allows stays of up to 90 to 180 days. Crucially, Saudi Arabia permits holders of this visa to perform Umrah and visit Madinah throughout the year (except during the restricted Hajj pilgrimage dates).
2. Specific Umrah eVisa
Issued directly by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through authorized travel agents, the dedicated Umrah visa is designed exclusively for pilgrims. It is often bundled into complete travel arrangements including flights, ground transportation, and hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah. This visa is ideal for pilgrims who prefer having their entire trip handled under an official pilgrimage framework.
3. Traditional Visa for Non-British Passport Holders
If you live in the UK as a permanent resident or visa holder but carry a passport from another country (such as Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh), you may need a traditional Umrah visa processed through an accredited travel agency.
Before flying, all pilgrims must also register their Umrah slot on the official Nusuk app to obtain their permit for entry into the Mataf in Makkah and the Rawdah ash-Sharifah in Madinah.
To ensure you choose the correct entry method for your specific nationality, review our guide to all-inclusive Umrah packages or check our step-by-step Umrah preparation guide.
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