To visit Saudi Arabia from the UK in 2026, you need a valid UK passport with at least 6 months left. You also need the right entry permit. This can be a tourist e-visa or the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for sightseeing, or a separate Umrah e-visa for pilgrimage. You must also have the Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine, taken at least 10 days before you arrive, plus a hotel booking and return flights.
Saudi Arabia is a land of sand dunes, clear seas, wide deserts and old ruins. It is home to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and to the rock-carved sites of AlUla. There is a lot to see for both pilgrims and tourists. But before you fly, you need to get your paperwork right.
Ready to plan your trip? Islamic Travel Agency can help you at every step. Our UK Umrah Packages are made for British pilgrims. They give you clear prices, trusted hotels and full support, so you can travel with confidence. Whether you go to worship or to explore, here is what you need to know about the 2026 entry rules. Let’s get started.
Entry requirements at a glance
Here is what every UK traveller needs before they fly:
| Requirement | What UK travellers need in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Passport | A valid UK passport with at least 6 months left |
| Entry permit | A tourist e-visa, ETA (from 1 July 2026), or a separate Umrah e-visa |
| Vaccine | The MenACWY vaccine, at least 10 days before you arrive |
| Insurance | Included with the e-visa up to SAR 100,000; extra cover is a good idea |
| Bookings | A confirmed hotel and return flights |
Latest visa rules for Saudi Arabia (2026 update)
Everyone who visits Saudi Arabia needs a valid entry permit. The type you need depends on your nationality and why you are travelling. For UK travellers, the process is now quick and online. There is also one big change in 2026.
Tourist e-visa
UK citizens can apply online for a Saudi tourist e-visa. This is a one-year visa with multiple entries, and you can stay for up to 90 days. It is quick to get, and it includes health insurance of up to SAR 100,000 for your trip.
New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) — from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, Saudi Arabia started a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for UK passport holders. With the ETA, you can enter many times and stay for up to 180 days in one year. You can use it for tourism, business and short study trips. But you cannot use it for work, living there, or pilgrimage. So if you are going for Hajj or Umrah, you still need the permit below.
Umrah Visa for pilgrims
If you are travelling to worship, you need a separate Umrah Visa, not a tourist visa or ETA. The Umrah e-visa is only for pilgrimage, and it is the right one for Umrah in 2026. At Islamic Travel Agency, we sort out the Umrah Visa for you as part of our packages. That way your papers are correct and sent on time, so you have one less thing to worry about. If you only want to see the country’s history, a tourist visa or ETA is enough.
Documents you need
For both pilgrimage and tourism, you will usually need:
- A valid UK passport with at least 6 months left after your travel date
- Recent passport-style photos
- A complete and correct visa application
- Proof of your hotel booking and return flights
Do not overstay your visa. If you do, you can face large fines, be detained or deported, and you may be banned from coming back. Always check how long you are allowed to stay.
Health and vaccine rules
Saudi Arabia has clear health rules at the border. You must meet them to get your visa approved and to enter without trouble.
The vaccine you must have is the Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine. It is required for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. You need to get it at least 10 days before you arrive. The conjugate version lasts five years. The older polysaccharide version lasts three years. Always carry your vaccine certificate, because it is checked when you apply and when you arrive.
You only need a yellow fever certificate if you come from a country where it is a risk. The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer needed to enter, but it is wise to follow the latest Saudi health advice, mainly in crowded places. Clinics also often suggest the flu, polio (if it applies to you) and hepatitis A and B vaccines for extra safety in big crowds.
Tip: Book your MenACWY appointment 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. This gives you time for the certificate and any boosters.
Travel tips for UK visitors
UK travellers should sign up on the Saudi apps before or soon after they arrive. Use Nusuk for pilgrimage and Tawakkalna for daily services. Carry a little cash in Saudi Riyal (SAR) for taxis, tips and small shops. You can use contactless cards in most places.
Saudi Arabia has a modest, traditional dress code. Men and women should wear loose clothes that cover the body. Public shows of affection are not allowed. Always respect local laws and customs.
Culture and places to see
Saudi Arabia mixes old history and Islamic tradition with modern cities. Whether you are a pilgrim or a tourist, these places are worth a visit:
- Makkah and Madinah — the heart of Islamic worship
- AlUla — ancient tombs, rock art and amazing desert views
- Jeddah — a historic Red Sea city with a lovely old town
- Riyadh — the capital, with heritage sites like Diriyah and modern landmarks
- The Red Sea coast — clear water, diving and adventure
- Diriyah, Tabuk and Al Baha — and many more places to explore
Local manners and respect
Saudi Arabia gets very busy during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Whenever you visit, be kind to others and respect the locals:
- Do not criticise local people, the royal family (this is illegal), or Islamic traditions
- Respect religious practices and holy sites
- Remember that many places have separate areas for men and women
- During Ramadan, non-Muslims should not eat or drink in public during the day
- Always ask before you take photos of people, holy sites, military areas or officials
Best time to visit and weather
Most of Saudi Arabia is desert and gets very hot in summer. Winter (November to February) is the best time to see the cities and historic sites. It is also when events like Winter at Tantora in AlUla take place. Spring is mild and green. Summer is hot, but it is often the cheapest season, with lower hotel and tour prices that are good for families.
Checklist before you fly
You can fly from your nearest UK airport, such as Manchester, Birmingham or London, with the airline you like. Whether you book a full package or plan it yourself, it is best to plan early for a smooth trip:
- Confirm your visa or ETA and check how long you can stay
- Get your MenACWY vaccine and carry the certificate
- Book a hotel close to your destination, and confirm the services and costs in writing before you pay
- Get travel insurance to add to the SAR 100,000 e-visa cover
- Download a translation app — Arabic is the main language, but English is widely understood
- Check the latest SAR exchange rate so you do not get scammed
FAQs: Saudi Arabia travel requirements 2026
Q: Do UK citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia in 2026?
A: Yes. UK travellers need a tourist e-visa, the new ETA (from 1 July 2026) for tourism and business, or a separate Umrah e-visa for pilgrimage.
Q: What is the new Saudi ETA for UK travellers?
A: It started on 1 July 2026. UK passport holders can enter many times and stay up to 180 days per year for tourism, business and short study. It does not cover Hajj, Umrah, work or living there.
Q: Do I need a separate Umrah Visa?
A: Yes. The ETA and tourist visa do not allow pilgrimage. You need an Umrah e-visa to perform Umrah, which Islamic Travel Agency can arrange as part of your package.
Q: Which vaccine is required for Saudi Arabia?
A: The MenACWY vaccine is required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. You must take it at least 10 days before you arrive.
Q: How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia?
A: The tourist e-visa lets you stay up to 90 days per visit. The ETA lets you stay up to 180 days in total per year. Always check your own permit and do not overstay.
Q: What money is used in Saudi Arabia?
A: The Saudi Riyal (SAR). Check the exchange rate before you travel, and carry some cash for small things.
Final words
There is so much to see in Saudi Arabia, and it is about more than worship or history alone. To travel safely, check the latest entry, visa and health rules before you fly. Learn a few Arabic words, and check the SAR exchange rate. With Islamic Travel Agency by your side, you can enjoy your trip while we handle the details.
Start your trip of faith, discovery and adventure, and make memories that last a lifetime.
