Can I perform Umrah with the Saudi electronic visa waiver?

Yes, when Saudi Arabia issues you a valid waiver and you follow their rules — including Umrah outside the official Hajj season unless you hold the correct Hajj permit. After approval you book Umrah and Rawdah permits in the Nusuk app. The waiver is not a Hajj visa and is not for work in Saudi Arabia.

What is the Saudi electronic visa waiver for British passport holders?

The Saudi electronic visa waiver (often called the Saudi eVisa Waiver) is an online entry authorisation from the Saudi authorities for eligible British passport holders applying from the United Kingdom when Saudi rules allow. When issued, it is usually single entry, with up to six months validity and up to six months permitted stay as printed on your PDF. It can cover Umrah outside Hajj season, tourism, business, medical treatment, and study when Saudi rules allow — not Hajj or work on this route. The government waiver fee does not bundle travel or medical insurance; that is separate from our £49 Standard or £65 Priority assistance, which also does not include insurance. It is not the Saudi tourist eVisa — we do not sell assistance for that product.

Do you only help British passport holders?

Yes. Assisted applications on this website are only for people who hold a British passport and are applying from the United Kingdom. Pricing is in pounds: the Saudi waiver fee is usually about £30–£35, plus £49 Standard or £65 Priority per person for our help; medical or travel insurance is not included in those amounts.

Do I need the Nusuk app for Umrah?

Yes. After your entry authorisation is approved, Nusuk is the official Saudi app to book Umrah and Rawdah permits. Our Nusuk guide walks British passport holders through setup.

How long does my passport need to be valid?

Usually at least six months from entry into Saudi Arabia, with two blank pages. Damaged or emergency documents may be refused.

What are the photo requirements for the Saudi eVisa Waiver?

A recent passport-style colour photo (last six months), plain white background, face the camera, neutral expression, head and shoulders only. No glasses unless medically required; religious covering is allowed if the face is fully visible. We check quality before submit.

How do I apply for the Saudi eVisa Waiver from the UK?

As a British passport holder you apply through Saudi Arabia’s official online process (visa.mofa.gov.sa): passport and scans, any supporting items their form asks for, a compliant photo, itinerary and flight details as required, and payment in pounds. There is no embassy visit. With our help you upload here and we review your file before you pay our £49 Standard or £65 Priority assistance fee on top of the usual ~£30–£35 official waiver fee — neither includes medical or travel insurance.

Do children need their own Saudi eVisa Waiver?

Yes. Every traveller, including infants, needs their own authorisation. Each child needs their own application, photo, and British passport scan. The same official fee and assistance pricing apply per person; insurance is not included in either.

How long does the Saudi eVisa Waiver take for British passport holders?

Saudi guidance is to apply online at least 48 hours before your flight and up to 90 days in advance, with flight details as required — check visa.mofa.gov.sa for the latest. Many decisions then arrive within 24–72 hours; in busy periods (Ramadan, school holidays, or before Hajj) allow up to about a week. Our Priority assistance aims for a quicker queue than Standard on our side; the final decision is always with the Saudi authorities.

Can I perform Hajj on the Saudi eVisa Waiver?

No. Hajj needs an official Hajj visa or permit through your country’s quota. The electronic visa waiver is for Umrah outside Hajj season (when rules allow), tourism, business, medical treatment, and study — not Hajj and not employment in Saudi Arabia.

Umrah Travel Checklist (UK) — Documents, eVisa Waiver & Packing (2026)

Umrah Travel Checklist for UK Pilgrims: What to Pack and Prepare

A printable, no-fluff Umrah checklist designed for UK pilgrims — visa documents, Ihram, money, prayer essentials, and what to sort in the final 72 hours.

Last reviewed: 11 May 2026 · Written by the Saudi eVisa Waiver team. British passport holders only — independent waiver assistance, not affiliated with the Saudi government.

Documents (the must-haves)

Printed Saudi electronic visa waiver approval — keep two copies.
Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages).
Return flight tickets.
Makkah hotel confirmation.
Optional Madinah hotel confirmation.
Vaccination certificates if requested (meningococcal recommended).
Nusuk app installed and signed in.

Clothing and Ihram

Men: two sets of Ihram, comfortable sandals without stitching across the toes.
Women: 2–3 abayas, long-sleeved tops, loose trousers, scarves.
Lightweight cotton clothing for outside Haram.
Lightweight pyjamas — hotels can be warm.
Foldable shoe bag for Haram entry.

Toiletries (unscented in Ihram)

Unscented soap, shampoo, and deodorant for Ihram days.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, Miswak.
Plasters, paracetamol, ibuprofen, hydration salts.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+).
Personal medications with original UK packaging and prescription if controlled.

Money and phone

Debit or credit card with no foreign-exchange fees (Wise, Revolut, Starling, Monzo).
Small amount of Saudi Riyals (around 200–300 SAR) for taxis and tips.
Pre-load an e-SIM (Airalo, Holafly) or buy a local Stc/Mobily SIM at the airport.
Battery pack — Haram days are long and you'll use Nusuk QR codes a lot.

Spiritual essentials

Pocket Quran and a small Du'a book for Tawaf, Sa'i, and Multazam.
Tasbih.
Notes of intentions for yourself and loved ones.

Final 72 hours before flying

Confirm your waiver approval is in your inbox; print two copies.
Open Nusuk; pre-book your Umrah permit slot.
Check passport validity once more — 6+ months from your return date.
Convert £100–£200 to SAR.
Tell your bank you're travelling, or use a multi-currency card.
Charge your phone, battery pack, and download Nusuk QR codes offline.
Pack medications and documents in your hand luggage.

Frequently asked questions

Umrah Travel Checklist for UK Pilgrims: What to Pack and Prepare

What should I pack for Umrah from the UK?

Key facts at a glance