Can You Perform Umrah on a Saudi Tourist Visa? 2026 Rules

The short answer: Yes, you can perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa. Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has officially permitted Umrah on both the tourist e-visa and the visit visa. This policy change has made Umrah dramatically more accessible for UK Muslims. Here is everything you need to know.

Tourist Visa vs. Umrah Visa: Cost Comparison

For most UK pilgrims, the tourist e-visa is the superior option. It is cheaper, valid for an entire year, allows multiple entries, and gives you the freedom to explore Saudi Arabia beyond the holy cities. The only real benefit of the traditional Umrah visa is that some package agents include it as part of a bundle and handle the paperwork for you.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist E-Visa

1. Visit the official Saudi visa portal at visitsaudi.com and click “Apply for e-Visa.” Avoid third-party sites that charge additional fees.
2. Create an account with your email address and set a password.
3. Fill in personal details — name exactly as it appears on your passport, nationality (British), date of birth, and passport number.
4. Upload a passport-style photo with a white background. Most smartphones can produce an acceptable photo against a white wall in good light.
5. Answer health and security questions honestly; there are no trick questions.
6. Pay the fee (approximately SAR 500, which is around £106) using a credit or debit card.
7. Receive your e-visa by email within 24-72 hours. Print a copy and save a screenshot on your phone.

Using the Nusuk App

Whether you enter on a tourist visa or an Umrah visa, you must use the Nusuk app to book an Umrah permit. This applies to everyone — there are no walk-in slots. Download Nusuk before you travel, register with your visa number, and reserve your preferred time slot. The app shows real-time availability and is especially important during Ramadan and peak periods when slots fill quickly.

What You CAN Do on a Tourist Visa

• Perform Umrah at any time of year
• Visit Madinah and pray in Masjid Nabawi (no permit needed for Rawdah access through Nusuk)
• Travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia — Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah Corniche, the Red Sea coast
• Enter and exit multiple times within the one-year validity window
• Stay for up to 90 days per visit

What You CANNOT Do on a Tourist Visa

• Perform Hajj — Hajj requires a specific Hajj visa issued through the official quota system. Tourist visa holders found performing Hajj face severe penalties, including deportation and a ban.
• Work or conduct business — the tourist visa is strictly for tourism and religious visitation
• Overstay — fines for overstaying are substantial, and you may be barred from future entry

Key Benefits of the Tourist Visa for UK Pilgrims

The one-year multiple-entry feature is a game-changer. You could, for example, perform a short Umrah in November, return for a family holiday to Jeddah in March, and visit again the following October — all on a single visa. Combined with the included medical insurance and straightforward online application, the tourist e-visa is now the default recommendation for any UK Muslim planning Umrah.