If you are searching for an Umrah visa UK, you are likely at the very beginning of your Umrah planning journey. For many UK Muslims, especially those performing Umrah for the first time, the visa feels like the most intimidating step. Not because it is technically difficult, but because it feels high-risk. A small mistake can delay approval, affect flights, or create uncertainty just days before departure.
Many first-time pilgrims also worry about whether they are applying for the “right” thing. You might hear people talk about an Umrah visa, a tourist visa, or an agent-issued visa and assume they are different products. In reality, what matters is using the official route that matches your passport and travel dates, then keeping your details consistent across the whole trip. The goal is not just getting a visa approval email. It is avoiding problems later at airline check-in, during arrival in Saudi Arabia, or when you try to use Nusuk to book your Umrah slot. A calm, careful application now saves a lot of stress later.
This guide is written specifically for UK residents planning Umrah in 2026. It explains how the Umrah visa UK process works today, how to complete the Umrah visa application UK step by step through the official Saudi portal, the exact requirements you need to prepare, the Umrah visa cost uk in pounds, realistic processing times, how Nusuk and hotel booking references fit into the process, and what to do if your application is rejected.
Zamzam does not handle visa applications. This article is educational only, designed to help you apply independently, confidently, and correctly.
What Is the Umrah Visa for UK Residents in 2026?
One of the most common points of confusion around applying for an Umrah visa is the belief that there is a special Umrah-only visa that everyone must apply for. For most UK residents, this is no longer true.
The Saudi Tourist eVisa and Umrah
In 2026, many UK pilgrims perform Umrah using the Saudi Tourist eVisa. This visa allows Umrah outside the Hajj season and also permits general travel within Saudi Arabia.
For most UK passport holders, this visa is:
- Applied fully online
- Multiple entry
- Valid for up to one year
- Limited to stays of up to 90 days per visit
This means you do not need a licensed Umrah agent to submit your visa. You apply yourself directly, receive the visa by email, and travel independently.
Why This Matters for First-Time Pilgrims
While the Tourist eVisa allows Umrah, it does not organise Umrah for you. It does not book hotels, arrange transport, or reserve Umrah slots. Many first-time pilgrims assume the visa is the final step, only to realise later that other systems, such as Nusuk, must also be completed.
Understanding this early helps you plan calmly and avoid last-minute stress.
Who Can Apply for an Umrah Visa UK?
You can apply for an Umrah visa UK if you are:
- A British passport holder, or
- A UK resident with an eligible passport nationality
Eligible nationalities include most EU countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and several others. During the online Umrah visa application in the UK, the system automatically checks whether your passport nationality is eligible.
Passport Validity Rules
Your passport must:
- Be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia
- Be in good physical condition
- Have at least one blank page
Applying with a passport that expires within six months is one of the most common reasons for visa rejection. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before applying for the Umrah visa.
Applying for an Umrah Visa UK as a Non-British Passport Holder
Many people searching for an Umrah visa UK are UK residents but not British passport holders. This confuses because residency and nationality are treated differently in the Saudi visa system.
When applying for an Umrah visa, what matters most is passport nationality, not UK residency status. Your BRP, visa vignette, or settled status in the UK does not determine eligibility for the Saudi Tourist eVisa.
If you are a UK resident holding an eligible passport, such as an EU, US, Canadian, Australian, or other approved nationality, you apply through the same online process as a British citizen. The application steps, cost, and processing time are the same.
However, non-British passport holders should pay close attention to the following points.
First, ensure your passport nationality is on the eligible list before booking flights. The Visit Saudi system will confirm eligibility during the Umrah visa application in the UK, but it is better to check early to avoid wasted bookings.
Second, airline staff may ask additional questions at check-in if your passport is not British. This is normal and not a problem as long as:
- Your passport is eligible
- Your visa is approved
- Your return flight and accommodation are confirmed
Third, your UK residence permit does not need to be uploaded during the Saudi visa application. However, you should carry it when travelling, especially when returning to the UK.
Finally, if you hold a refugee travel document or a temporary travel document, you may not be eligible for the Tourist eVisa. In these cases, the online system will usually block the application. You should confirm eligibility before making any bookings.
Where to Apply for Umrah Visa UK
UK residents should only apply through the official Saudi government platform, the Visit Saudi eVisa portal.
You do not need:
- A visa agent
- A travel agency
- A third-party Umrah operator
Be cautious of websites or individuals promising guaranteed approval or faster processing. For UK residents, these services are unnecessary and often introduce errors, especially incorrect spellings or invalid hotel confirmations.
A simple rule is this: if a website asks you to “message on WhatsApp” to apply, or promises a guaranteed approval, treat it as a red flag. Another red flag is any service that asks you to hand over your email password or apply using their personal account. Your visa is linked to your identity and travel plans, so you want full control over what is submitted and what confirmation you receive. Applying directly through the official portal also makes it easier to spot mistakes early and keep a clean record of your application and approval.
When Should You Apply for an Umrah Visa UK?
Timing plays a major role in a smooth visa experience.
Recommended Timeline for UK Pilgrims
- Book international flights first
- Confirm accommodation
- Submit your Umrah visa application UK three to six weeks before travel
Although many applications are approved within hours, relying on last-minute approval creates unnecessary stress. This is especially true if you are travelling with family members, elderly parents, or children.
Planning your Umrah dates from the UK
UK demand spikes around predictable travel windows, which can affect appointment availability, hotel rates, and flight prices. If you can, avoid the busiest weeks or apply earlier when travelling in peak periods.
Common UK peak periods to plan around:
- Half-terms: October, February, May
- Easter break
- Summer holidays: late July to early September
Typical UK departure airports: Most UK residents fly via Heathrow (LHR) or Manchester (MAN), depending on route and price.
Step-by-Step Umrah Visa Application UK Guide
This section explains applying for the Umrah visa in clear, practical steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents Before You Start
Before opening the application form, gather everything you need. This prevents errors and avoids session timeouts.
If travelling as a family, create one folder per traveller so photos and passport scans do not get mixed up.
You will need:
- A clear scan or photo of your passport
- A passport-style photo with a white background
- A confirmed return or onward flight booking
- A confirmed hotel booking
- Vaccination certificate if required
- An active email address
Make sure all documents are clear, readable, and saved as PDF or JPG files.
Step 2: Start the Online Umrah Visa Application UK
On the Visit Saudi portal, select the Tourist eVisa option. You will be asked to enter personal information exactly as it appears on your passport.
This includes:
- Full name, including middle names
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport expiry date
Name accuracy is critical. Even small differences, such as missing a middle name or spacing issues, can cause problems later when your visa is checked against airline and hotel systems.
Step 3: Upload Passport and Photo Correctly
You will upload:
- A passport scan
- A passport-style photograph
The most common photo issues include shadows, cropped faces, and non-white backgrounds. Even if the system accepts the photo, it may still be reviewed manually, so quality matters.
Step 4: Enter Travel and Hotel Details
You will be asked to provide:
- Intended arrival city
- Planned travel dates
- Accommodation details
When you enter accommodation details, remember that “near Haram” is not a precise standard. For first-timers, a practical planning range many people aim for is 0.2 to 0.6 miles (about 300 to 1,000 meters), depending on mobility, heat tolerance, and whether you are travelling with elderly family.
Your hotel booking must be real and confirmed. Avoid temporary reservations, editable PDFs, or placeholder bookings. The hotel name and dates must match your stay exactly.
Incorrect or suspicious hotel confirmations are a common reason for Umrah visa UK delays and later Nusuk issues.
Step 5: Review and Pay the Umrah Visa Cost UK
Before submitting, review every detail carefully. Once payment is made, you cannot edit the application.
The Umrah visa cost uk in 2026 is typically £80 to £100. This usually includes:
- The visa fee
- Mandatory medical insurance
Payment is made online by debit or credit card.
Step 6: Processing Time and Approval
Most UK applicants receive a decision within 24 to 48 hours. Many receive approval on the same day.
Even if processing is usually quick, plan as if it may take longer. Technical delays can happen if the portal is busy, if your uploaded photo is unclear, or if your accommodation information looks inconsistent. Once your visa arrives, check it immediately for errors, especially your name spelling, passport number, and dates. If anything is wrong, do not ignore it and hope it will be fine. Airline check-in staff and border systems rely on these exact details.
Once approved, the visa is sent to your email as a PDF. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone.
Umrah Visa Requirements Checklist for UK Residents
Before travelling, make sure all requirements are met.
Passport
- Valid for at least six months
- Name spelled consistently across passport, visa, flights, and hotels
Flights
- Confirmed return or onward ticket
- Dates aligned with visa validity
Accommodation
- Confirmed hotel booking in Makkah and or Madinah
- Correct dates and recognised property
Vaccination Certificate
- Meningitis ACWY may be required
- Other requirements depend on current health guidance
For vaccination proof, many UK travellers use their NHS vaccination record (NHS App or printed summary). Keep a digital copy and a printed copy ready for airline check-in and entry checks.
Insurance
- Basic insurance is included with the visa
- Additional cover is recommended for elderly travellers or families
Nusuk App Integration and BRN Explained
After your visa is approved, you must complete Nusuk registration.
What Is the Nusuk App?
Nusuk is the official Saudi platform used to manage Umrah permits and access to certain religious sites. You must use it to:
- Book Umrah time slots
- Book Rawdah visits in Madinah
- Access checkpoints within the Haram
Even with a valid Umrah visa UK, you may be prevented from performing Umrah if Nusuk is not set up correctly.
What Is a BRN?
A BRN, or Booking Reference Number, is generated from your hotel booking. It links your accommodation to the Nusuk system. If your hotel booking is not registered correctly, Nusuk may not recognise it, and you may not be able to book Umrah slots.
This is one of the most common issues faced by first-time pilgrims. The problem is usually not the visa itself, but the accommodation data not syncing properly.
Common Umrah Visa Application UK Mistakes to Avoid
Many visa problems are avoidable.
Name Mismatches
Your name must match exactly across your passport, visa application, flight booking, and hotel confirmation.
Invalid Hotel Confirmations
Editable PDFs, temporary bookings, or hotels outside recognised zones can cause rejection or Nusuk issues.
Passport Expiry Problems
Applying with less than six months’ validity almost always leads to rejection.
Applying Too Late
Late applications leave no buffer to fix errors calmly.
Assuming Someone Else Will Fix Errors
Airlines, hotels, and immigration officers cannot correct visa errors once submitted.
What to Do If Your Umrah Visa UK Is Rejected
Visa rejections for UK residents are uncommon, but they do happen.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Incorrect personal details
- Invalid accommodation information
- Upload errors
- Previous overstays or immigration issues
How to Respond to a Rejection
- Read the rejection message carefully
- Identify the specific issue
- Correct the problem
- Submit a new application
There is no appeal process. Reapplying correctly is the standard approach.
Travelling for Umrah with Family, Elderly Parents, or Children
If you are travelling with others, preparation becomes even more important.
If surnames differ, carry marriage certificates or proof of relationship. For children, carry birth certificates, especially if travelling with one parent. For elderly travellers, ensure insurance coverage is appropriate and keep printed copies of all documents.
These documents are not always requested, but when they are, having them prevents delays.
Key Points to Remember About Umrah Visa UK
- Most UK residents use the Saudi Tourist eVisa for Umrah
- Apply online through the official portal only
- Umrah visa cost uk is typically £80 to £100
- Processing time is usually 24 to 48 hours
- Accuracy matters more than speed
- Nusuk registration and a valid BRN are essential
After Your Umrah Visa Is Approved
Once your visa is approved, the most complex parts of Umrah planning are still ahead. These include choosing accommodation close enough to Haram for your physical needs, arranging reliable ground transport, understanding how to move between Makkah and Madinah, navigating Umrah rituals confidently, and knowing who to turn to if something goes wrong on the ground.
Once your visa is approved, Zamzam can help you plan everything on the ground, from verified hotels near Haram to ground transport.
If you need a hotel booking confirmation for your application, Zamzam can provide a verified booking confirmation.
