Planning your spiritual journey for Umrah 2026? This Saudi Umrah Visa 2026 guide explains everything you need to know, whether you’re applying from the UK or abroad. It walks you through visa requirements, application steps, processing times, costs, essential documents, travel rules, and a practical checklist to help you prepare from Jeddah to Madinah. Don’t forget to set up your Saudi Arabia eSIM so you stay connected throughout your trip.
We’ve also included official resources to help you get started with your Saudi Umrah Visa and travel planning:
👉 Official Umrah & Nusuk platform: https://www.nusuk.sa/umrah
👉 Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah: https://www.haj.gov.sa/Umrah
👉 Visit Saudi travel guide: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/travel-guide
👉 Saudi events calendar: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/saudi-calendar
👉 Mecca travel inspiration: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293993-Mecca_Makkah_Province-Vacations.html
🇸🇦 What Is an Umrah Visa and Why It’s Required?
An Umrah visa is an official entry permit issued by the government of Saudi Arabia that allows Muslim visitors from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to enter the country specifically to perform Umrah.
Unlike the Hajj visa, which is limited to a specific season, the Umrah visa (or Saudi tourist eVisa used for Umrah) is available throughout the year. Most visas allow pilgrims to stay in the country for up to 90 days, giving flexibility to visit Mecca and Madinah comfortably.
If you are not a GCC citizen, you must hold a valid visa before boarding your flight—either a traditional Umrah visa or an approved Saudi eVisa.KSAvisa.org
Non‑GCC nationals must have a valid visa—either a traditional Umrah visa or an eVisa (tourist visa) that allows performing Umrah. GOV.UK
🔎 Saudi Umrah Visa 2026 Requirements
Basic Eligibility
To be eligible for an Umrah visa in 2026, pilgrims must meet several basic requirements designed to ensure safe, organised travel.
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity upon entry.
- applicants must be Muslims intending to perform Umrah, as access to the holy cities is restricted to Muslim visitors.
- You will also need to show confirmed travel arrangements, including return flight tickets and accommodation bookings in Mecca and Madinah. These details demonstrate that your visit is planned and time‑
- Finally, travel and health insurance is mandatory. For eVisa applicants, this is usually included automatically during the application process, providing coverage for medical emergencies during your stay. com
📄 Documents Needed for Umrah Visa
Whether you’re applying online or through an agent, the following are typically required:
(When applying for your Saudi Umrah Visa 2026, ensure all documents match your passport details exactly to avoid processing delays.)
- Valid passport – The Saudi Umrah Visa 2026 requires a passport with six months validity.
- Passport‑style photo (recent, colour, white background)
- Completed visa application form for saudi umrah visa 2026 – must be filled out accurately, matching your passport details exactly. Errors or mismatched information can delay approval.
- In addition, Saudi authorities often require proof of flights and accommodation, especially when applying via Nusuk or authorised travel partners. A meningitis vaccination certificate may also be requested, as health safety remains a priority for pilgrims.
- Hotel reservations in Makkah & Madinah (especially if using Nusuk or travel agent)
- Mandatory vaccinations (e.g., meningitis certificate) — health passport may be required UK
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies (often included in eVisa) com
Note: UK pilgrims may be asked for additional documents, like proof of residency or biometric details, depending on the visa type. cheapumrah-packages.co.uk
🌐 How to Get an Umrah Visa Online
Saudi eVisa (eVisa is the quickest way to obtain your Saudi Umrah Visa 2026 from the UK or abroad.)
For pilgrims from the UK and many other countries, the Saudi eVisa is the fastest and most convenient option.
The process begins on the official Saudi eVisa platform, where you complete an online form with your personal, passport, and travel details. Once submitted, you upload a digital copy of your passport and photo.
After this, you pay the visa fee securely online. If everything is correct, approvals are often issued within minutes or up to a few days. Your eVisa is then emailed to you directly.
One major advantage of the Saudi eVisa is flexibility—it is usually valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit, making it ideal for Umrah travellers. Saudi eVisa
Steps to apply:
- Visit the official eVisa portal (search visitsaudi.com). Saudi eVisa
- Fill in your personal and travel details.
- Upload required documents (passport photo, passport).
- Pay the fee online.
- Receive your approved visa by email.
👉 Once approved, your eVisa is valid for multiple entries over one year, with each stay up to 90 days. GOV.UK
⏱️ Umrah Visa Processing Time:
Processing times can vary but generally:
- eVisa applications: Approved within minutes to 3 days if all details are correct. com
- Traditional Umrah visa (non‑eVisa countries): May take 5‑10 business days via agents or Nusuk service. cheapumrah-packages.co.uk
Tip: Apply early during peak seasons or Ramadan to avoid delays.
💰 Umrah Visa Price & Fees
Visa costs vary depending on how you apply.
The Saudi eVisa, commonly used for Umrah, typically costs between US$175 and US$199, and this price often includes mandatory travel insurance. Traditional Umrah visas arranged through agents may range from £120 to £180, depending on service fees and package inclusions.
Since visa fees can change, pilgrims should always verify pricing through official government platforms or licensed agents before applying. Prices are subject to change, so always confirm via official platforms or authorised travel agents. cheapumrah-packages.co.uk
📍 Saudi Arabia Travel Requirements 2026
While planning your Umrah trip, keep in mind:
Health & Vaccination
Saudi authorities require certificates for certain vaccines (notably meningitis for pilgrims). GOV.UK.
Entry Rules Even with a visa, you must:
- Enter within the visa’s validity period.
- Have proof of accommodation, return ticket, and insurance.
- Abide by Saudi health and travel advisories. UK
🛫 Visiting Mecca & Madinah: Rules Pilgrims Must Know
Saudi authorities place great importance on safety, crowd management, and respect for local customs in the holy cities.
Pilgrims are expected to follow organised entry systems, respect prayer timings, and adhere to dress and behaviour guidelines. During high‑density periods, movement may be regulated to ensure everyone’s safety.
Checking the Saudi events calendar before booking your trip helps you avoid overcrowded periods and plan your Umrah experience more comfortably. GOV.UK
Check the Saudi calendar & travel guide before you plan specific dates:
👉 https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/saudi-calendar
🧳 Essentials Travel Checklist
✔ Passport (valid at least 6 months)
✔ Approved visa (eVisa or traditional visa approved for saudi umrah visa 2026)
✔ Printed/eVisa confirmation
✔ Travel insurance documentation
✔ Flight tickets (to/from Saudi Arabia)
✔ Hotel confirmations (Makkah & Madinah)
✔ Vaccination certificates
✔ Ihram clothing (for men and women)
✔ Prayer essentials (mat, compass, water bottle)
✔ Local currency + payment cards
✔ Electrical adapters + power bank
✔ Saudi Arabia eSIM — stay connected from Jeddah to Madinah
✔ Health & hygiene supplies
✔ Emergency contact list – important phone numbers + embassy contacts
✔ Copy of important documents (printed & digital)
| 👕 Clothing & Comfort | 🧕 Ihram clothing (special white garments for pilgrims)
👚 Lightweight, modest clothes for everyday wear 🧦 Comfortable socks & underwear 👟 Comfortable walking shoes — Mecca can involve a lot of walking 🧢 Sun hat or cap 🧣 Light shawl/scarf (especially during cooler early mornings and evenings) |
| 🛁 Hygiene & Personal Care | 🪥 Toothbrush, toothpaste, travel toiletries
🧼 Unscented soap (often required during Ihram) 🧴 Hand sanitizer & wipes 🫧 Quick dry towel 💊 Basic first aid kit — pain relievers, stomach remedies, blister plasters |
| 📱 Electronics & Connectivity | 📱 Saudi Arabia eSIM — essential to stay connected from Jeddah to Madinah
🔋 Power bank 🔌 Plug adapter (Saudi uses Type G plugs) 🎧 Earphones 💻 Tablet or phone for maps & dua apps |
| 💰 Money & Payments | 💳 Debit/credit cards
💵 Local currency (Saudi Riyals) 📍 Small cash for local purchases, taxis, tips, small vendors |
|
📿 Spiritual Essentials |
📿 Prayer mat
📖 Pocket Qur’an or digital Qur’an app 🕋 Dua cards or guidebook 🧕 Comfortable bag to carry essentials during Tawaf & Sa’i |
🧠 Further Travel Tips Checklist
📌 Always keep documents close when travelling and applying for saudi umrah visa 2026.
📌 Stay hydrated — carry a refillable water bottle
📌 Respect local customs and dress codes
📌 Use trusted transport services
📌 Share your itinerary with family/friends
💡 Ensures your Saudi Umrah Visa 2026 process is stress-free.
- Always use official platforms like Nusuk or Ministry portals to avoid scams.
- Early visa applications reduce stress and guarantee smoother processing.
- Check travel advisories and health requirements before departure.
- If applying from the UK, take advantage of the online eVisa option for faster approvals.
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