Planning Umrah from the UK has become more digital in recent years. Instead of relying on one traditional visa route, eligible pilgrims can now have different options depending on their nationality, travel plans and the type of visit they want to make.
In 2026, one of the most important developments is the introduction of a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for one year, alongside the existing Saudi tourist eVisa and digital Umrah visa services.
But which option is right for you?
This guide explains the current Saudi e-Visa and Umrah visa options in simple terms, including what they allow, who they may suit, how the application process works and what UK pilgrims should check before travelling.
Important: Saudi visa rules can change, particularly around the Hajj season. Always check the current requirements before booking flights or making non-refundable arrangements.
What Are the New Saudi Visa Options for Umrah?
Saudi Arabia now provides several digital routes for people travelling for Umrah.
For eligible travelers, the main options to understand are:
Saudi tourist eVisa, which can also be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Umrah visa, obtained through the official Umrah visa process and approved service channels.
New multiple-entry Umrah visa, launched in 2026 and valid for one year.
Nusuk Umrah packages, including options where an Umrah visa may not be required because the traveler already has another valid Saudi visa.
These options are not identical. Your best route depends on your passport, how often you want to visit Saudi Arabia and whether your trip is purely for Umrah or includes tourism as well.
What Is the Saudi Tourist eVisa?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that allows eligible international visitors to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Importantly for Muslim travellers, the official Saudi eVisa terms allow the visa to be used for Umrah, except during the Hajj season. The standard eVisa is generally valid for one year and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of up to three months under the published terms.
This can make the tourist eVisa a practical choice for an eligible UK passport holder who wants to combine Umrah with other activities in Saudi Arabia.
For example, someone might plan:
UK → Madinah → Makkah for Umrah → Riyadh or Jeddah → UK
The tourist eVisa can be useful when the trip includes both pilgrimage and tourism.
Can UK Citizens Apply for the Saudi eVisa?
Yes. The United Kingdom is currently included on Saudi Arabia’s official list of nationalities eligible to apply for the tourist eVisa see our full breakdown on whether UK residents can apply for a Saudi Umrah visa online.
However, eligibility is based on the passport being used, not simply where you live.
This distinction is particularly important for UK residents who hold passports from other countries.
A person living in London, Birmingham, Manchester or another UK city does not automatically become eligible for the Saudi eVisa simply because they have UK residence.
You should check your actual passport nationality against the current Saudi eligibility list.
What Is the New Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa in 2026?
This is one of the most important new developments for Umrah pilgrims.
In July 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days from the date of issue.
The visa allows multiple visits to Saudi Arabia, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days.
This is different from simply having a tourist visa that happens to permit Umrah.
The new visa has been designed specifically around repeated Umrah travel and gives eligible pilgrims greater flexibility useful if you’re considering performing Umrah more than once during the same trip or across the year.
Who Could Benefit From the Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa?
It may be particularly useful for people who:
Want to perform Umrah more than once during the year.
Travel regularly to Saudi Arabia.
Want flexibility over when they visit.
Prefer an Umrah-specific visa route.
Want to make separate trips rather than one long pilgrimage holiday.
For example, a pilgrim could potentially make one Umrah trip in one part of the year and another later, subject to the visa’s conditions and the applicable seasonal restrictions.
How Long Is the New Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa Valid?
The new multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for 365 days from the date it is issued.
However, this does not mean you can remain in Saudi Arabia continuously for the entire year.
The total permitted stay is up to 90 days cumulatively under the announced visa rules.
This is an important difference between:
Visa validity: how long the visa remains available for use.
and
Permitted stay: how long you are allowed to remain in the Kingdom.
Never confuse the two.
Is the Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa Available During Hajj Season?
There are seasonal restrictions.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that the new multiple-entry Umrah visa is not activated during the Hajj season, from 1 Dhul-Qi’dah to 13 Dhul-Hijjah.
Saudi Arabia also introduces additional restrictions around access to Makkah during the Hajj period.
This means you should never assume that holding a valid Saudi visa automatically gives you unrestricted access to Makkah throughout the year.
If you are travelling close to Hajj, check the latest official announcement before making arrangements.
What Is the Standard Umrah Visa?
Saudi Arabia continues to provide an electronic Umrah visa service for pilgrims travelling specifically for Umrah.
The Saudi government describes an online process where applicants can access the KSA Visa Platform, select the Umrah visa service, provide their personal and passport information, upload required documents, add travel and accommodation details, arrange medical insurance where required, pay the applicable fees and track the application.
Once the visa is approved, it is issued electronically.
This route can be particularly relevant for pilgrims booking an Umrah programe through an approved Umrah service provider.
What Is Nusuk Umrah?
Nusuk Umrah is part of Saudi Arabia’s digital system for organizing Umrah travel and related services.
The platform provides access to Umrah packages through approved service providers.
Saudi Arabia’s government has also introduced a non-visa package service through Nusuk Umrah. This allows eligible people who already have an appropriate Saudi visa to select an Umrah package without applying for a separate Umrah visa.
This is an important development because it means that not every pilgrim necessarily needs to apply for a separate Umrah visa.
The correct route depends on the visa you already hold and the current Saudi regulations.
Do I Need a Separate Umrah Visa If I Have a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
Not necessarily.
For eligible travellers, the official Saudi tourist eVisa permits Umrah outside the Hajj season.
This means an eligible UK passport holder may be able to travel using a tourist eVisa and perform Umrah during the permitted period without obtaining a separate traditional Umrah visa.
However, having a visa and having permission to perform the ritual are not always the same thing.
Saudi Arabia also uses the Nusuk platform for Umrah permits. The government service page explains that visitors can use Nusuk to select an available date and time and issue an Umrah permit.
Always check the current permit requirements before travelling.
What Is the Difference Between a Tourist eVisa and an Umrah Visa?
The simplest way to understand the difference is to look at the purpose of the trip.
| Visa option | Main purpose | Umrah allowed? | Multiple entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi tourist eVisa | Tourism, visits and leisure | Yes, outside Hajj season | Yes, under standard eVisa terms |
| Umrah visa | Umrah pilgrimage | Yes | Depends on the visa issued |
| New multiple-entry Umrah visa | Repeated Umrah visits | Yes, subject to restrictions | Yes |
| Existing eligible Saudi visa + Nusuk package | Umrah services for eligible visa holders | Yes, subject to requirements | Depends on existing visa |
The exact conditions can vary, so do not choose a visa based only on the name.
Check the conditions attached to the visa you are actually applying for.
Which Saudi Visa Is Best for a UK Umrah Pilgrim?
There is no single answer for everyone.
Tourist eVisa May Suit You If:
You hold an eligible UK passport and want to combine Umrah with tourism or other travel in Saudi Arabia.
For example, you may want to visit Madinah, perform Umrah in Makkah and spend some additional time exploring the Kingdom.
Umrah Visa May Suit You If:
Your main purpose is pilgrimage and you are arranging your trip through an approved Umrah service route.
This can be useful when your package includes accommodation, transport and other pilgrimage services.
Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa May Suit You If:
You expect to make several Umrah visits during the visa’s validity period.
The new 365-day multiple-entry option is particularly relevant to frequent pilgrims, subject to its 90-day cumulative stay limit and seasonal restrictions.
An Existing Saudi Visa May Be Enough If:
You already hold a suitable Saudi visa and meet the current requirements for performing Umrah.
In that situation, you may be able to use a visa-free Umrah package through Nusuk rather than obtaining another visa.
Saudi eVisa Requirements for UK Travelers
If you are applying for the Saudi tourist eVisa, make sure your passport meets the current requirements.
The official eVisa terms state that the passport must have at least six months of validity remaining at the time of entry into Saudi Arabia the same rule that applies if you’re travelling with an expiring passport.
You should also make sure:
Your personal details match your passport.
Your passport information is entered correctly.
Your email address is active.
Your travel plans comply with the visa conditions.
You understand the permitted length of stay.
You check Hajj-season restrictions before travelling.
You keep a copy of your approved eVisa.
The application fee does not guarantee approval, and holding an eVisa does not by itself guarantee admission to Saudi Arabia; final entry remains subject to Saudi immigration requirements.
How Do You Apply for a Saudi eVisa?
The tourist eVisa application is completed online through the official Saudi eVisa portal.
The basic process is:
Check Your Eligibility
First, check whether the nationality of your passport is currently eligible for the Saudi eVisa.
The UK is included in the current eligible-country list.
Prepare Your Passport Details
Make sure your passport is valid for the required period.
Enter your name, passport number and other details exactly as they appear on the passport.
Complete the Online Application
Provide the requested personal and travel information.
Check every detail carefully before submitting.
Pay the Applicable Fee
The fee is shown during the application process and can change, so check the official portal rather than relying on an old price found online.
Receive Your eVisa
If approved, the electronic visa is sent to the email address provided during the application.
Keep a copy available when travelling.
How Do You Apply for an Umrah Visa?
The official Saudi government describes an online Umrah visa process through the KSA Visa Platform.
The process includes:
Accessing the KSA Visa Platform.
Selecting the Umrah visa service.
Creating an account or logging in.
Entering personal and passport information.
Uploading required documents see our guide on what documents you need for Umrah to prepare in advance.
Providing travel and accommodation details.
Arranging medical insurance where required check whether travel insurance is required for Umrah.
Reviewing the information.
Paying the applicable fees.
Submitting the application.
Tracking the application. This is worth planning around, since Umrah visas can take some time to process.
Receiving the electronic visa after approval.
Depending on the route used, an approved Umrah service provider may also be involved in arranging the pilgrimage package.
Do You Still Need Nusuk for Umrah?
You should be familiar with Nusuk even if you already have your visa.
Saudi Arabia’s government provides an electronic Umrah permit service through the Nusuk platform. Visitors can use the platform or app to select an available date and time and issue an Umrah permit.
So there are two separate things to understand:
Visa: permission to enter Saudi Arabia under specific conditions.
Umrah permit: authorization connected with performing Umrah.
Do not assume that obtaining one automatically replaces the other.
Can You Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa?
Yes, eligible tourist visa holders can perform Umrah on a tourist visa outside the Hajj season, according to the official Saudi eVisa terms.
This is one of the most useful developments for eligible international travelers.
However, the tourist visa does not allow you to perform Hajj.
Hajj requires the appropriate Hajj visa and authorization.
It is also important to pay attention to seasonal restrictions on entry to Makkah.
Can You Perform Hajj With a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
No.
A tourist eVisa should not be treated as a Hajj visa.
The Saudi tourist eVisa permits Umrah outside the Hajj season, but Hajj has its own visa and authorization requirements.
This distinction is extremely important for anyone planning travel around the Hajj period.
What About Pilgrims With Non-UK Passports Living in the UK?
This is particularly relevant to UK-based travel agencies, and it’s a question we cover in more detail in our guide on performing Umrah with a non-UK passport while living in the UK.
Living in the UK does not automatically mean that you can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa as a British traveler.
The Saudi eVisa system checks nationality and passport eligibility.
For example, someone living permanently in Manchester but travelling on a passport from a country that is not currently eligible for the tourist eVisa may need to use another visa route.
Before booking your package, check the visa options available for your actual passport.
What Should You Check Before Applying?
Saudi visa rules can change, so avoid relying on an old blog post, social media video or a friend’s experience from a previous year.
Before submitting your application, check:
Your passport nationality.
Passport validity.
Current visa type or whether you need a visa for Umrah at all, depending on your route.
Visa validity period.
Maximum permitted stay.
Whether Umrah is allowed on that visa.
Current Hajj-season restrictions.
Umrah permit requirements.
Insurance requirements.
Any vaccination requirements currently in force.
Whether your visa needs to be linked to an approved Umrah package.
This is particularly important in 2026 because Saudi Arabia has introduced new digital options and the rules around Umrah are becoming increasingly integrated with online platforms.
What Is the Biggest Change for Umrah Pilgrims in 2026?
The biggest change is the introduction of the one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa.
Under the new arrangement announced in July 2026, the visa is valid for 365 days, permits multiple entries and allows a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. Each visit also requires the purchase of a service package from an approved provider through Nusuk, and an Umrah permit must be issued before arrival.
This gives frequent pilgrims a new option that was not available in the same form before.
For someone who regularly travels to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, this could be much more convenient than arranging a completely new visa for every trip.
Is the Saudi Visa Process Easier Now?
For many pilgrims, yes.
A large part of the process can now be completed digitally.
Saudi Arabia’s government provides online visa services, electronic Umrah visa issuance and Nusuk-based permit services.
But easier does not mean that you should rush. It’s still worth booking as early as your package allows to give yourself room for any visa issues.
The most common visa problems still come from simple mistakes such as:
Entering incorrect passport information.
Choosing the wrong visa type.
Ignoring the expiry date.
Confusing visa validity with permitted stay.
Travelling during restricted Hajj periods.
Assuming a tourist visa permits Hajj.
Leaving Umrah permit arrangements until the last minute.
Taking a little time to check the requirements can prevent major problems later.
A Simple Example for a UK Pilgrim
Imagine you are a British passport holder living in Birmingham.
You want to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and also spend some time visiting other parts of the Kingdom.
The tourist eVisa may be suitable because the UK is an eligible nationality and the visa permits Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Now imagine you regularly perform Umrah and expect to make several visits during the year.
The new multiple-entry Umrah visa may be worth considering because it is designed for repeated Umrah travel and is valid for 365 days, subject to its conditions and seasonal restrictions.
The important lesson is that the cheapest or easiest-looking visa is not necessarily the right one.
Choose according to your passport, travel pattern and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s visa system for Umrah has become more flexible and digital, giving pilgrims more ways to organise their journey.
For eligible UK travellers, the tourist eVisa remains an important option because it can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season. At the same time, the introduction of the 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa in 2026 gives frequent pilgrims another route to consider.
There are also digital Umrah visa services and Nusuk packages for travellers who already hold an eligible Saudi visa.
The most important thing is not simply finding a visa online. It is choosing the correct visa for your passport and travel plans, understanding its restrictions and checking the latest official requirements before departure.
If you are booking an Umrah package from the UK, your travel agency should also be able to explain which visa route applies to your particular circumstances and what is included in your package.
Not sure which visa route applies to you? Get a tailored quote through Beat a Quote, or contact us and our team will confirm the right visa option for your passport and travel plans before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Saudi visa for Umrah in 2026?
Saudi Arabia introduced a new multiple-entry Umrah visa in July 2026. It is valid for 365 days from the date of issue, allows multiple entries and permits a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, subject to the visa’s conditions and Hajj-season restrictions.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa?Â
Yes. Eligible Saudi tourist eVisa holders can perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. The tourist eVisa is separate from a Hajj visa and cannot be used to perform Hajj.
Can UK passport holders apply for the Saudi eVisa?Â
Yes. The United Kingdom is currently included among the nationalities eligible for Saudi Arabia’s tourist eVisa. Applicants must still meet the current visa conditions and passport requirements.
Do I need a separate Umrah visa if I already have a Saudi tourist visa?Â
Not necessarily. An eligible tourist eVisa can permit Umrah outside the Hajj season. Other eligible Saudi visa holders may also be able to use Nusuk Umrah services without obtaining a separate Umrah visa, depending on the current rules.
How long is the new multiple-entry Umrah visa valid?Â
The new multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. It allows multiple visits but has a cumulative stay limit of up to 90 days. It is also subject to seasonal restrictions around Hajj.
Do I need a Nusuk Umrah permit after getting my visa?Â
Visa and permit requirements should be treated separately. Saudi government guidance provides an Umrah permit service through Nusuk, where visitors can select an available date and time and issue the permit. Check the current Nusuk requirements before travelling.
