Umrah entry requirements by passport

If you travel on a full British citizen passport

GOV.UK says you must get a visa to visit Saudi Arabia, and your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the day you arrive. There are three ways in for Umrah outside the Hajj season. Each person needs their own application, children included.

• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

  Visa fee listed as 50 Saudi riyals, non-refundable. Processing is listed as 1 to 3 working days.

  Apply on KSA Visa (official site, opens in a new tab)

• Tourist e-visa

  GOV.UK says you can also get it on arrival at Saudi Arabia's international airports.

  Apply on Visit Saudi (official site, opens in a new tab)

• Electronic visa waiver

  GOV.UK still lists this option. Apply 48 hours to 90 days before your flight, with your flight details.

  Apply on the MOFA platform (official site, opens in a new tab)

The official KSA Visa platform now offers UK citizens the ETA, while GOV.UK still lists the visa waiver as well. Use whichever option the official platform offers you when you apply. The ETA and the visa waiver do not include health cover, so arrange travel insurance separately.

Hajj is different. It needs a separate Hajj visa, and GOV.UK warns that around Hajj the Saudi authorities have stopped visitors who are not performing Hajj from flying to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif. If your dates are close to Hajj, check with your airline before you book.

GOV.UK also says you may not be allowed in if your passport shows you have travelled to, or were born in, Israel.

If you travel on another passport

The rules above are for full British citizen passports. They do not apply just because you live in the UK or fly from a UK airport. If you travel on another country's passport, or on a different type of British passport, your options depend on your nationality and sometimes on your UK residence status or visas.

• Check the visas open to you on the official KSA Visa platform (official site, opens in a new tab), which asks for your nationality first.
• Have your UK residence documents ready, as some visa types take them into account.
• If you are unsure, contact the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in London (official site, opens in a new tab).

If you hold two passports

GOV.UK says it is illegal to have two passports in your name in Saudi Arabia, that immigration officers will take additional passports, and that you must leave on the passport you entered on. British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to return to the UK.

We can talk you through your options on WhatsApp, but only the Saudi authorities can issue a visa. Be wary of anyone who claims otherwise.

Meningitis vaccination

GOV.UK says you must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis 10 days before arriving for Umrah. You also need a yellow fever certificate if you are coming from a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk.

Book the vaccine early with a travel clinic or pharmacy, and ask about the requirements for children. TravelHealthPro's Hajj and Umrah guide (official site, opens in a new tab) has the full health advice.

Umrah and Rawdah permits in the Nusuk app

Umrah permits are booked through Nusuk, the app and website run by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The Ministry lists the service as free and open to visitors: you sign in, choose a date and an available time slot, and the permit is issued straight away. Book yours once you have your visa and know your dates.

A visit to the Rawdah in Masjid an-Nabawi is booked through Nusuk too. See the Umrah permit service (official site, opens in a new tab) and the Rawdah permit service (official site, opens in a new tab) on the Ministry's site.

Booking safely

GOV.UK warns that UK-based criminal groups target people planning Umrah, and that many victims are over 65. Its advice:

• If you buy an Umrah package, check the travel agent or operator is ATOL protected (official site, opens in a new tab).
• Pay by credit card where possible, and keep a record of every payment.
• Get everything confirmed in writing, including the terms and conditions.
• Research the company before you book, even if friends or family recommended it.

When you plan it yourself with our planner, you book each part directly with the provider, on their website and on their terms, and each provider confirms your booking with you.