Pilgrims travelling from the UK can use Nusuk Umrah, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s platform for people outside Saudi Arabia, to apply directly for an Umrah visa and book related services. Accredited agents remain another route. Your nationality and circumstances may also make a different Saudi entry visa available, but entry permission and permission to perform Umrah are separate checks.
Visa, package and permit: three different things
- Entry visa: permission to travel to and enter Saudi Arabia, subject to border checks.
- Travel package: accommodation, flights, transfers or other services, with or without an included visa depending on the product.
- Umrah permit: the booking obtained through the Nusuk app before proceeding to perform Umrah, as required by the Ministry.
Having a visa does not remove the need for the Umrah permit. Likewise, a hotel or flight booking is not a visa approval.
Choose your entry route
On Nusuk Umrah, compare visa-included and visa-excluded options. A visa-excluded package is only suitable if you already hold or will independently obtain an entry permission that currently allows Umrah. British citizens should check Saudi visa eligibility and the UK government’s Saudi entry guidance before paying.
If you use an accredited agent, confirm its details through the official Nusuk Umrah platform. Ask for a written breakdown of what is included, cancellation terms and which party is responsible for the visa application. Do not assume a company is authorised because it uses a religious logo or advertises on social media.
Prepare the application
- The passport you will travel on, with validity meeting the live visa rules.
- A recent photograph that meets the specification shown by the application.
- Accurate contact, nationality and travel details.
- Evidence or bookings requested for the selected route.
- A payment method accepted by the official platform or accredited provider.
Use the passport spelling throughout. If you hold more than one nationality, apply and travel using the same passport unless the authorities instruct otherwise. Requirements for children, guardianship and group travel must be checked in the current application; do not rely on old universal mahram or age rules.
Apply through Nusuk Umrah
- Open the official Nusuk Umrah site and create an account.
- Enter the traveller’s passport and contact details accurately.
- Review the services or packages available for the traveller’s nationality and dates.
- Check whether the selected option includes visa processing and read the provider’s terms.
- Upload the requested documents and review the full price before payment.
- Submit the application and monitor the official account and email for decisions or further requests.
- When issued, inspect the visa for the correct name, passport number, entry conditions and validity.
No provider can guarantee approval. Avoid non-refundable bookings until the visa is issued, unless you knowingly accept the cancellation risk.
Book the Umrah permit
After you have valid entry permission and the trip is organised, use the official Nusuk mobile app to obtain the Umrah permit for an available slot. Keep the app and permit accessible during the visit. Availability and crowd-control arrangements can change, so check again close to travel.
Umrah is not Hajj
An Umrah visa, tourist visa or Umrah permit does not authorise Hajj. During the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia applies separate Hajj permits, packages, entry controls and restrictions affecting Makkah. Travellers intending Hajj must use the officially authorised Hajj route for their country. Travellers intending Umrah near the seasonal cut-off must check the Ministry’s current Umrah calendar, their visa’s dates and any access restrictions before departure.
Final travel checks
Check health rules, travel insurance, airline conditions and the UK government’s Saudi entry requirements. Carry your passport, visa, accommodation details and Nusuk permit. Keep medicines in original packaging and verify any controlled-drug paperwork in advance.