Can You Do Umrah on the Saudi ETA? UK Travellers' Guide (2026)

One of the most common questions British Muslims ask when planning Umrah is which visa they need. Since July 2026, British citizens can apply for the new Saudi Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Saudi Arabia, or they can still apply for an electronic visa waiver (EVW).

The short answer: yes, you can perform Umrah on the ETA, outside the Hajj season. Here is what that means for your trip.

Can I Do Umrah on the ETA?

Yes. Saudi Arabia's official KSA Visa platform says a Muslim visitor can perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, after obtaining the necessary permit if required. GOV.UK also lists Umrah (outside the Hajj season) as one of the reasons you can use the ETA.

The ETA cannot be used for work or for Hajj, which needs its own separate visa.

The Saudi ETA at a Glance

• Who: citizens of the United Kingdom.
• Valid for: 2 years (730 days) from when it is issued.
• Entries: multiple - you can visit more than once while it is valid.
• You can stay for up to 180 days in total across the 730-day period.
• Processing: usually 1 to 3 working days.
• One per person: every traveller needs their own application, children included.
• Not for: work or Hajj.
• Insurance: not included - take out travel insurance.

Because it lasts two years and allows more than one visit, families who go for Umrah often - for example once in the year and again in Ramadan - may not need a new application for every trip, as long as each visit stays within the rules.

ETA or Tourist E-Visa?

A Saudi tourist e-visa also lets you perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. The main differences (GOV.UK):

ETA - valid for 2 years, multiple entries, with a total stay of up to 180 days across the 730-day period. Health insurance is not included.

Tourist e-visa - valid for 1 year, multiple entries, up to 90 days in total across the year. Basic health insurance is included.

Not sure which suits your trip? Tell us your dates and how often you travel, and we will advise.

What to Sort Before You Go

Passport: every passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Saudi Arabia. Check the children's passports too.

Meningitis vaccine: Umrah pilgrims must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis, at least 10 days before arriving. Book it with your GP or a travel clinic in good time. See the TravelHealthPro Hajj and Umrah guide for full health advice.

Travel insurance: the ETA does not include health insurance, and medical treatment in Saudi Arabia can be expensive.

Your Umrah permit: where a permit is needed, sort it before you travel.

Planning Your Umrah Trip

When to go: Ramadan is the most popular time for Umrah, and hotels close to the Haram fill up first for the last ten nights - send us your dates early. See our Umrah page for the expected Ramadan 2027 dates.

How long to stay: there is no set rule. Many of our customers choose around 4 or 5 nights each in Makkah and Madinah.

Where to stay: our Umrah hotels page lists hotels in Makkah and Madinah, nearest to the Haram first, with the approximate walk from each.

Family Travel for Umrah

Every family member needs their own ETA, including children and babies - there is no family ETA. Each one is linked to that person's passport.

If a child is travelling without both parents, carrying a consent letter from the absent parent is sensible.

Wheelchair services are available at both the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. Tell us who needs a wheelchair and we will take it into account when we arrange your travel.