Saudi Arabia Umrah Entry Rules

For Muslims in the UK planning an Umrah journey this year, understanding Saudi Arabia's current entry requirements is an important part of preparing for the pilgrimage.

The UK government's current Saudi Arabia travel guidance states that eligible travelers can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah outside the Hajj season. The same guidance confirms that travelers must obtain the appropriate authorization before travelling and that Hajj requires a separate Hajj visa.

This development is particularly relevant for people researching Umrah packages from the UK, including travelers departing from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other major UK cities.

What is the Saudi ETA for UK Citizens?

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its Electronic Travel Authorisation service for UK citizens on 25 June 2026. The service came into effect on 1 July 2026.

The current UK government guidance says an ETA can be used for several purposes, including:

• Tourism
• Business
• Study
• Medical treatment
• Umrah outside the Hajj season

The guidance currently states that the ETA is valid for 730 days from the date of issue and permits multiple entries, subject to a total stay limit of 180 days across the validity period.

Can UK Pilgrims Use an ETA for Umrah?

According to the current UK government guidance, an eligible traveler can use the ETA for Umrah outside the Hajj season.

However, travelers should not assume that every UK resident automatically qualifies.

The relevant requirements depend on the traveler's passport and circumstances. UK residents who do not hold a full British citizen passport may have different Saudi entry requirements.

This distinction is important when planning an Umrah journey through a UK travel provider.

ETA Does Not Mean "No Travel Requirements"

An ETA is an electronic travel authorization; it does not remove the need to satisfy Saudi Arabia's other entry conditions.

The current UK government guidance states that a passport should have an expiry date of at least six months after the planned arrival date. Travelers should also check the requirements that apply specifically to their passport and journey.

Pilgrims should therefore check:

1. Passport validity.
2. Whether their passport qualifies for the ETA route.
3. Whether their journey falls outside the Hajj season.
4. Current Saudi entry requirements.
5. Current Umrah-related requirements.
6. Flight and accommodation arrangements.
7. Applicable health and vaccination requirements.

Umrah and Hajj Have Different Visa Requirements

One of the most important points for travelers is that Umrah and Hajj are not interchangeable for entry purposes.

The UK government's pilgrimage guidance states that travelers can use an e-visa or electronic visa waiver for Umrah outside the Hajj season, while a separate Hajj visa is required for Hajj.

Therefore, travelers should not interpret an ETA or other Umrah authorization as permission to perform Hajj.

Health Requirements for UK Umrah Travelers

Visa and entry planning is only one part of preparing for Umrah.

The current UK government pilgrimage guidance states that Umrah pilgrims must have a valid ACWY meningococcal vaccination certificate, with vaccination required at least 10 days before arrival. Travelers should also check the latest Saudi health requirements before departure because requirements can change.

For families, elderly travelers and people with existing travel considerations, arranging documentation early can help reduce last-minute problems.

Why This Matters When Booking an Umrah Package from the UK

For UK pilgrims, an Umrah journey normally involves more than obtaining travel authorization.

A complete trip can require coordination of:

• Return flights from the UK
• Saudi accommodation
• Makkah and Madinah stays
• Ground transportation
• Visa or travel authorization
• Travel documentation
• Umrah planning
• Family travel arrangements

UmrahOne.co.uk currently offers UK Umrah packages that combine flights, hotels, visa and transport, while its London package service specifically provides customized arrangements for travelers departing from London.

Umrah Packages from London

For Muslims planning to travel from London, the latest entry rules make it particularly important to establish the correct travel authorization before finalizing the rest of the journey.

UmrahOne.co.uk currently lists London packages covering different durations and accommodation categories, including packages with flights, hotels, visa assistance and transportation.

Travelers should confirm the exact inclusions, current availability and applicable visa arrangements before making payment.

What Should UK Pilgrims Do Before Booking?

A practical preparation checklist is:

Step 1 — Check your passport

Make sure your passport meets Saudi Arabia's current validity requirements.

Step 2 — Confirm your eligibility

Determine whether your nationality and passport qualify for the ETA or another Saudi visa route.

Step 3 — Check the travel dates

Umrah authorization is subject to the Saudi pilgrimage calendar and Hajj-season restrictions.

Step 4 — Confirm the required documentation

Check visa/ETA requirements, vaccination documentation and other current entry conditions.

Step 5 — Plan flights and hotels

Once the appropriate travel route is established, coordinate flights, Makkah accommodation, Madinah accommodation and transportation.

Step 6 — Keep documentation accessible

Keep copies of passports, travel authorizations, booking confirmations and other important documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can British citizens use a Saudi ETA for Umrah?

The current UK government guidance says eligible travelers can apply for an ETA when travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah outside the Hajj season. Eligibility should be checked against the traveler's passport and current Saudi requirements.

How long is the Saudi ETA valid?

The current UK government guidance states that the ETA is valid for 730 days from its date of issue and allows multiple entries, with a total stay limit of 180 days across that period.

Can an ETA be used for Hajj?

No. The UK government's current guidance states that travelers performing Hajj must obtain a separate Hajj visa.

Does every UK resident qualify for the Saudi ETA?

Not necessarily. The relevant requirements depend on the traveler's passport and nationality. UK residents should verify the rules applicable to their specific passport before booking.

How much passport validity is required?

The current UK government guidance states that the passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Do Umrah pilgrims need vaccination documentation?

The current UK pilgrimage guidance states that Umrah pilgrims must have a valid ACWY meningococcal vaccination certificate, with vaccination required at least 10 days before arrival.

Can I arrange an Umrah package from London?

Yes. UmrahOne.co.uk currently offers Umrah packages from London and customized UK Umrah arrangements that can include flights, accommodation, visa assistance and transportation.

Should I check the rules again before travelling?

Yes. Saudi entry and pilgrimage requirements can change. Travelers should check the latest official Saudi and UK government guidance before departure.