Most trips to Makkah or Madinah begin with a quick search: Saudi Embassy London. Maybe that’s how you landed here. If so, My Umrah Trip, Inc wrote this guide to save you a pointless trip into Mayfair. The embassy still works from Charles Street, but these days most UK visitors apply online.
So where do you actually get a Saudi visa now? Rules shift often, and one wrong step can cost you days before you’ve even booked a flight. We checked the latest UK government travel advice in November 2026, so what follows is up to date. A small slip on a form can hold up approval, and nobody wants that.
We’ll start with what the embassy does and who still needs it. After that, we compare the main visa routes. Then we go through the Umrah visa UK process one step at a time. By the end, you’ll know which route fits your trip and how to choose a provider you can rely on.
The Operation of the Saudi Arabia visa regime for UK Residents
Many believe that obtaining a Saudi visa grants access to Charles Street in Mayfair. In practice, however, most requests are made using online government systems. The Saudi Embassy London continues to provide consular work and services to Saudi national and document legalisation. For tourism and Umrah, you can typically skip the embassy and apply online.
You are not the only one who finds the regulations regarding the Umrah visa for UK citizens complicated. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2021), there were an estimated 3.9 million Muslims (6.5% of the population) in England and Wales. According to Saudi Tourism Authority (2026), Saudi Arabia witnessed 61.2 million tourists in H1 2026. I can see why folks want some clarification.
Check your passport first because Saudi wants a six-month validity after the date you arrive. The British Government confirms this in its 2026 advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. A licensed travel consultant in London will tell you the same thing, the easiest mistake to avoid. The rule applies to every Saudi visa route below.
Use only three sources for the official answers: FCDO travel advice; Saudi visa portals; and, the telephone line of the embassy. It’s always best to check the date stamp of the third-party site. When two sources disagree, trust the one that is official.
Which route fits Saudi visa waiver or Saudi visa on arrival?
The table below summarises the main routes covered by most UK trips. The Saudi visa waiver allows you to make a single entry with a maximum stay of 180 days. Make an online application at least 48 hours before you take your flight; you will also need your flight details. As it does not have cover for health insurance. You will want your own cover.
e-visa functions in a different way The time expenditure in the country cannot exceed 90 days in total even though you get multiple entries. British citizens are eligible to apply for a Saudi visa online or get it upon arrival at any international airport. However, applying before you fly means you land with approval already in hand.
People who travel to Saudi Arabia often prefer the ETA route over the Saudi visa route. The document remains effective for 730 days although you can spend 180 days in the country during that period. It includes no health insurance unlike the e-visa. Which one should you choose?
All three permit Umrah outside Hajj
So choose by how often you go and how long you stay. It is different for Hajj, which needs its own Hajj visa – an Umrah visa won’t do. The official Nusuk Hajj platform only allows you to book a Hajj place. Regardless of which option you select, prepare your passport, a digital photo, an email address and a payment card first.
| Route | Where you apply | Validity and stay | Umrah outside Hajj season | Health insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) | Official Saudi visa portal, online | 730 days valid, 180 days in total | Yes | Not included |
| E-visa | Visit Saudi portal, online | 365 days valid, 90 days in total | Yes | Included |
| Visa on arrival | International airports in Saudi Arabia | Same terms as the e-visa | Yes | Included |
| Electronic visa waiver | Saudi foreign ministry portal, online | One entry, up to 180 days | Yes | Not included |
Umrah visa UK applications step by step
Once you select a path, the documentation follows a more or less clear order. Here’s how most people apply for Umrah visas from the UK and how you can do it.
- Before you go, make sure your passport will still be valid for at least six months.
- In the next step, you should book your meningitis ACWY vaccine for umrah, as your certificate must be valid 10 days prior to arrival.
- Choose one of the routes from the table above.
- Book your flights and hotels with a provider that has ATOL protection after you have selected your Umrah package.
- Subsequently, if you opted for the waiver, submit your flight details on the official government website.
- Before traveling, be sure to check Umrah permit rules on Nusuk platform.
A family of 4 from Birmingham is planning Umrah for the next school break. First, the parents check the passports and realize that one child has only four months left. They renew it before reserving, so the Saudi visa application doesn’t get stuck later.
Are you feeling trapped by a rule? If you are unsure how a requirement applies, the FCDO says to contact the Saudi Embassy London. It is better to call than to guess.
It is best to have photocopies of your passport and leave one copy at your family’s home. If you happen to misplace your passport while traveling, you will require an emergency travel document to return home (FCDO, 2026). Save a copy of your Saudi visa approval on your smartphone as well as print one.
As of early November 2026, the FCDO advises against travelling to Saudi Arabia except for essential purposes. It says your travel insurance may not be valid if you travel against that advice. You should read the latest FCDO page before applying for a Saudi visa or paying for flights.
What affects the Umrah Packaging and Service Provider Selection?
Cost factors that change your total
A Saudi visa fee is just a part of your total. Each route pricing is different, and the e-visa comes with a health insurance but the waiver and ETA don’t. A route that appears less expensive on paper may result in you purchasing additional coverage.
The rest of total is defined by dates and hotels. Demand for flights and rooms goes up during Ramadan, Easter and the school holidays, so book ahead for more choice. The final figure is also determined by hotel distance, the number of nights, your group size, and private transfers. You can refer to the complete quote section below to see how it looks like.
How to choose a reliable provider
According to FCDO, UK-based organized crime groups are targeting people who plan to go for Hajj or Umrah. Before making a purchase, always look for ATOL protection, use credit cards when possible, and ask for written confirmation. Prior to purchasing a Saudi Arabia visa service, regardless of family recommendations, do your research on the company.
The visa-only service does not proceed past the approval email stage. A specialist like My Umrah Trip, Inc, based in East Ham, London, organises flights, hotels and transfers around your Umrah visa, so one team handles the whole plan. This way you won’t have to chase multiple companies when plans change.
What questions should you ask before paying? Inquire as to which Saudi visa route they will be using, whether the quote lists every fee, and whether ATOL covers the booking. If you get distinct messages from all three, that is a good sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Saudi embassy in London?
The Royal Embassy is located at 30 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5DZ. Green Park is the closest Underground station to our property and it’s not far. If you do decide to visit in person, it’s worth giving them a call on 020 7917 3000.
Do I need to make an appointment for Saudi embassy London services?
Most likely no, as presently the majority of tourist and pilgrimage visas go online. For consular tasks, such as document legalisation, inquire in advance whether a booking is needed. Phone ahead to confirm as rules may alter before coming to central London.
Is the Saudi embassy in London open?
It opens on weekdays, usually from about 9am to 4pm. Hours run shorter on Fridays and during Ramadan, and the doors stay shut at weekends and on UK and Saudi public holidays. Times can change, so check with the embassy by phone before you set off.
What area is the Saudi embassy in London in?
It’s located in Mayfair, in the City of Westminster, in central London. Charles Street is located near Berkeley Square and Green Park in London. Because of this, shops and hotels are present right nearby. Due to the location, several Tube lines are also present at Charles Street. Make sure you plan an extra time for your journey as roads and stations in central London gets busy on a weekday.
What happened at the Saudi embassy in London yesterday?
By November 4, 2026, we were unable to locate any verified report of an incident at the embassy. News associated with embassies likely includes a public statement or related protests. If you are attending an event on the same day, check the Metropolitan Police, credible news sources and embassy notice.
Conclusion
Most UK travellers can apply for a Saudi visa online, so you probably won’t need to go to Charles Street. Your next step is straight-forward: check your passport; pick a route from the table and read the latest FCDO advice.
Let My Umrah Trip, Inc provide you with a no-obligation quote if you require assistance with an Umrah visa or a full plan around it. Take your time, ask a number of questions and put every confirmation in writing. A properly checked plan makes the entire trip smooth starting from the first booking.
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