Umrah travel blog

Who can use it if they live in the UK

If you are a UK passport holder you can usually apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa
If you are not a UK passport holder your eligibility is based on your passport nationality
UK residency does not by itself make you eligible
Your BRP ILR or UK visa does not replace the nationality rule

Two routes UK travellers use for Umrah
Saudi tourist eVisa route
This is the main route for many eligible nationalities
It is commonly described as multiple entry with a longer validity period and a per visit stay limit
It allows Umrah but excludes Hajj

UK electronic visa waiver route
This is a separate route mentioned in UK travel guidance
It is often used for short trips and requires you to apply before you fly
It usually needs your flight information when you apply

What the tourist eVisa allows in plain English
You can visit Saudi Arabia for tourism and you can perform Umrah
You cannot use it for Hajj
You must follow any entry controls that apply at the time of travel including controls on entering Makkah during Hajj operations

The biggest gotcha for 2026 Makkah restrictions
Even with a valid visa authorities may restrict entry to Makkah during Hajj preparation and Hajj season operations
These windows can change year to year
Do not assume dates from a previous year will match your travel year
Always re check close to your travel dates before you lock non refundable bookings

How to choose between eVisa and UK electronic visa waiver
Choose the tourist eVisa if your passport nationality is eligible and you want flexibility
Choose the UK electronic visa waiver if you qualify for it and your travel dates are soon and you want a fast pre travel approval path
If you are unsure which one applies to you decide based on your passport nationality first and then confirm the route rules before booking flights

What to prepare before you apply
Your passport details
A phone number and email you can access reliably
A plan for your travel dates
Your flight details if you are using the UK electronic visa waiver route
A reminder to avoid the Hajj operational period if your goal is Umrah

Common mistakes and quick fixes
Mistake thinking UK residency makes you eligible
Fix check eligibility by passport nationality

Mistake booking flights before confirming the visa route
Fix confirm your route first then book travel

Mistake assuming Makkah entry is always open
Fix check the latest official guidance close to travel

Mistake mixing up Umrah and Hajj permissions
Fix remember tourist eVisa supports Umrah but not Hajj

Short checklist you can copy into notes
Check my passport nationality eligibility
Choose visa route tourist eVisa or UK electronic visa waiver
Confirm Umrah is outside Hajj operations
Re check Makkah entry restrictions close to travel
Apply with correct details and keep confirmations saved

• Request quote https://loveumrah.com/request-a-quote/ 

• Umrah packages https://loveumrah.com/umrah-packages/ 

• Ramadan packages https://loveumrah.com/umrah-packages/ramadan/

• Visa rules guide UK https://loveumrah.com/blog/umrah-visa-rules-2026-uk/