Umrah visa 2026 UK guide from Global Stay — complete Nusuk app instructions, permit costs, requirements for British pilgrims, Rawdah booking, and how to apply from the UK without overpaying for agency fees.

Information based on official Nusuk platform as of May 2026. App features and permit availability change seasonally. Always verify current status inside the app before travel. Full disclaimers below ↓

Editorial note: This guide was produced by the Global Stay editorial team to help UK pilgrims navigate the Umrah visa and Nusuk permit process independently. Global Stay is a hotel-only sourcing service — we do not sell Umrah packages, flights, visas, or Nusuk permits. We help you book hotels near Haram Makkah and hotels in Madinah near Nabawi once your permit is confirmed.

Umrah visa requirements UK 2026 have changed. The official Saudi Nusuk platform now controls how British pilgrims apply for permits. You do not need to pay a third-party agency £50 for something you can do yourself in ten minutes. This is the step-by-step guide for 2026 — visa costs, permit trickiness, Rawdah booking secrets, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that catch British families off guard.

Nusuk (نُسُك) means ritual or act of worship. The app is the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s single digital gateway for pilgrims. Before Nusuk, tour operators managed permits manually. Now you control your own permits directly from your phone. You need Nusuk to apply for your Umrah permit (mandatory to enter Makkah for Umrah), book your Rawdah visit in Madinah (timed slots that sell out weeks in advance), access your digital pilgrim ID, and receive official Saudi government updates about your travel.

The app replaced the older Eatmarna platform in 2023. All UK pilgrims must use Nusuk as of 2026. The app is available in English, Arabic, Urdu, French, and several other languages. Your tour operator cannot do this for you — even if you book a full package, you still need the app on your own phone.

Do UK Passport Holders Need a Visa for Umrah 2026?

Yes. UK passport holders require an Umrah visa. This visa is processed via the Nusuk platform or through an approved travel agency.

Cost: The Umrah visa fee is approximately £100 to £120 per person including service and administrative charges.

Validity: The visa is typically valid for 30 days from entry.

Entry Restriction: Under Saudi law, entry to Makkah and Madinah is restricted to Muslims only. This is strictly enforced at checkpoints.

⚠️ Important Umrah Update — May 2026: Umrah permits were suspended until the end of May 2026 due to Hajj season preparation. Umrah is expected to reopen from the first week of June 2026. Always check nusuk.sa for current status before planning your travel dates.

How to Apply for Umrah Visa from the UK — Step by Step

You have two options. Option one (a tour operator) is simpler but costs more. Option two is DIY via the Nusuk app.

Option 1: Applying Through a UK Tour Operator (Traditional Route)

Most UK travel agencies offer an “agent-assisted” service for about £50 to £80. They will ask for:

• Your passport (scanned copy, at least six months validity remaining)
• Passport photos (white background, recent)
• Your return flight booking confirmation to Saudi Arabia
• Your confirmed hotel booking in Makkah and Madinah (proximity to Haram matters for the application)
• Travel insurance (recommended, approximately £20 to £40)

The agent submits the application through their trade portal. You receive your e-visa via email within 24 to 72 hours.

Why you might still need a human: If you are travelling in a large group or are unsure about the self-service process, paying a UK-registered agent is not a waste of money.

Option 2: DIY via the Nusuk App (Recommended for Most UK Pilgrims)

Saudi Arabia encourages self-service. Here is how to do it from your phone.

Step 1 – Download Nusuk
iPhone: App Store. Search “Nusuk”. Look for the green and white logo published by “Ministry of Hajj and Umrah”.
Android: Google Play Store. Same search. Same logo.
Warning: Do not download fake apps. The real publisher is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Step 2 – Create an Account
Tap “Create New Account”.
Mobile number: Use your UK mobile number with +44. Drop the first zero. For example, 07712 345678 becomes +447712345678.
Email: Use the email address you plan to use for your flight booking.
Verification: The app sends a one-time password (OTP) to your mobile. If you do not receive the code, restart your phone. UK networks sometimes block automated international texts.

Step 3 – Add Your Personal and Passport Details
Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your passport. Any mismatch between your passport, visa, and Nusuk profile will delay your entry at Jeddah immigration.
You will need your: Passport number, expiry date, date of birth, nationality, and Umrah visa number (if you already have one from an agent).

Step 4 – Pay for the Visa
Visa fee is approximately £100 to £120. Payment is made securely through the app.

Step 5 – Book Your Rawdah Permit (Madinah)
The Rawdah — the blessed area between the Prophet’s pulpit and his tomb — requires a separate Nusuk permit. Slots open approximately 3 to 7 days before your visit date. For peak periods (Ramadan, school holidays), book as soon as the window opens. If you are staying at a hotel in Madinah near Nabawi, choose a time that gives you a short walking margin.

Approval time: Once your verification is approved (usually within 1 to 24 hours), your pilgrim ID appears in the app.

Pro Tip: Do not wait until the last minute to book your hotel. The Nusuk visa application platform now expects confirmed accommodation details as part of the application. Booking a refundable hotel early makes the visa process smoother.

What If My Nusuk Permit Says “Pending Approval”?

Most Umrah permits are approved instantly. If yours is pending:

• Check for mismatches: Your full name includes a middle name on your passport but not on Nusuk? Correct it. A typo in your passport number? Fix it.
• Resubmit. If still pending after 48 hours, contact Nusuk support through the app’s help section.

How to Book Rawdah Permit on Nusuk

The Rawdah — the area between the Prophet’s pulpit and his tomb — requires a separate Nusuk permit. Slots are limited and book out weeks in advance, especially during Ramadan and UK school holidays.

Steps:

1. Open Nusuk and log in.
2. Tap “Rawdah” or “Ziyarah” on the home screen. Look for the Green Dome icon.
3. Select Madinah as the city.
4. Choose a date and time slot. Slots for women and men are separate. Women’s slots are often available for longer.
5. Add your group members and confirm. Each person needs their own visa and registered profile.
6. Screenshot the permit. Keep your phone brightness high for the QR scan at the entrance.

How distance affects your slot: A hotel 250 metres from Bab As-Salam gives you a 3 to 5 minute margin. A hotel 900 metres away requires 12 to 15 minutes. Miss your Rawdah slot and you may wait days for another. Millennium Taiba Hotel is the closest Madinah hotel to Al Rawdah Al Sharefah at 250 metres.

Umrah Visa Requirements for UK Residents 2026 — Complete Table

• Passport validity: At least six months from your date of arrival in Saudi Arabia
• Passport type: Ordinary, diplomatic, or service passport
• Visa fee: Approximately £100 to £120
• Validity period: Usually 30 days from entry
• Entry restriction: Muslims only (strictly enforced)
• Application method: Nusuk app OR approved UK travel agent
• Processing time: 24 to 72 hours (often faster)
• Proof of accommodation: Expected as part of application – have your Makkah and Madinah hotel bookings ready
• Return flight: Required to show you will leave Saudi Arabia
• Travel insurance: Strongly recommended (approximately £20 to £40)
• Saudi VAT: 15% on hotel stays – may not be included in quoted prices

What Is an Umrah Visa? Key Details UK Pilgrims Need

An Umrah visa is a single-entry permit that allows you to enter Saudi Arabia specifically to perform Umrah.

• It is not a tourist visa. You cannot use it for Hajj.
• You cannot work on it.
• Women: Women of all ages can travel for Umrah without a male guardian (mahram) provided they travel with a registered group of other women. For solo female travellers, check the current Nusuk rules as they occasionally change.
• Children: Children require their own visa. No additional fee applies for infants under one year in some cases, but you must still register them.

Nusuk App Not Sending OTP? Try These Fixes

UK mobile networks occasionally block automated international SMS messages. This is the most common technical error.

• Fix #1: Restart your phone.
• Fix #2: Remove any call-blocking apps temporarily.
• Fix #3: Use a different UK mobile number (a family member’s phone if yours is not receiving the code).
• Fix #4: Contact Nusuk support through the app’s help section.

Do I Need a Mahram for Umrah? 2026 Update

Women: Women of all ages can travel for Umrah without a male guardian (mahram) provided they travel with a registered group of other women. This policy has been in effect for several years. For solo female travellers, check the current Nusuk rules as they occasionally change.

Men: No restrictions.

What Is the Cheapest Time for Umrah from UK in 2026?

Umrah permit availability is highest and easiest to book during off-peak months. September to November offers the best combination of lower hotel prices, manageable temperatures, and good permit availability.

Check your Nusuk app frequently during these months. Saudi authorities release permit slots in batches. If you see no availability today, check back tomorrow.

For a complete breakdown of optimal timing, see our cheapest month for Umrah UK guide.

Frequently Asked Questions — Umrah Visa and Nusuk

Do I need Nusuk if I booked a package with a UK tour operator?

Yes. Even if your tour operator arranged your visa and transport, you still need the Nusuk app on your own phone. Your Umrah permit is digital and tied to your pilgrim ID. Tour operators cannot walk through the Rawdah gate for you — each pilgrim books their own slot.

Can I download Nusuk before I get my Umrah visa?

You can download the app at any time, but you cannot complete registration without a valid Umrah visa number. Start the download before your visa arrives, but wait until you have your visa documents to finish the identity verification step.

I am staying longer than 30 days. Do I need multiple permits?

Your Umrah permit is valid for a single entry to Makkah for the purpose of performing Umrah. Some pilgrims require a second permit if they intend to leave Makkah and return later. Check your permit validity inside the app.

Can I book my Makkah hotel before I get my Nusuk permit?

Yes. We recommend it. The Nusuk visa application expects confirmed accommodation details. Submitting a hotel quote request as soon as your travel dates are confirmed means you are not scrambling for a room while waiting for your visa.

What is the difference between an Umrah visa and a tourist visa?

A tourist visa (e-visa) allows you to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism. You can perform Umrah on a tourist visa during non-Hajj seasons. However, the Umrah visa is specifically designed for pilgrims and may have different validity periods and fees. Check Nusuk for the most current comparison.

🕋 Planning your Umrah? Compare UK to Jeddah flights on Aviasales — search flexible dates. Book a private transfer from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. Get a Saudi Arabia eSIM on Airalo before you fly.

Written by the Global Stay Editorial Team. Global Stay is a UK registered hotel booking service operated by Ya-Fatahoo Solutions Limited (Company No: 16175087). We source hotels in Makkah, Madinah, Japan, and worldwide destinations for UK pilgrims, tour operators, and individual travellers. We are a hotel-only sourcing service and do not sell Umrah packages, flights, visas, or Nusuk permits.