Important Update: Saudi ETA Replaces EVW (1 July 2026)
The Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) has been discontinued as of 1 July 2026. British passport holders should now use the new Saudi Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) — offering multiple entries, 2-year validity, and up to 180 days cumulative stay for only ~£19.
Learn About the Saudi ETA & Apply →Which Visa Do You Need?
British passport holders now enjoy three streamlined pathways into Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
| Feature | Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | Tourist eVisa (Multiple) | Umrah Package Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Single 1-off Umrah trips | Frequent travelers / 1-yr multi-entry | Full agency package pilgrims |
| Government Fee | ~£30 (150 SAR) | ~£110 - £125 (Incl. Insurance) | Included in TTG Package |
| Validity | Single entry, up to 6 months | 1 Year, Multiple entries (90 days max/stay) | 90 Days single entry |
| Processing Speed | Minutes to 24 Hours | Instant to 48 Hours | 3 to 5 business days |
| Allowed Cities | All Saudi cities (Makkah, Madinah, etc.) | All Saudi cities | All Saudi cities |
| Zamzam Allowance | 1x 5L bottle at airport | 1x 5L bottle at airport | 1x 5L bottle at airport |
Option 1: Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)
Fastest & Most Affordable for British CitizensIntroduced specifically for UK and select European passport holders, the EVW replaces the lengthy visa application with a 5-minute online form. It allows a single entry into the Kingdom for up to 6 months.
- British Citizen Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Flight booking reference & hotel address
- Debit/credit card for £30 waiver fee
Single entry only. If you leave Saudi Arabia (for example, on a stopover in Dubai or Istanbul), the waiver expires and cannot be reused.
Option 2: 1-Year Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa
Best for pilgrims planning multiple trips or stopoversThe 1-year multiple entry eVisa gives you 365 days of flexibility, allowing stays up to 90 days per visit. It includes mandatory health insurance covering emergency medical costs inside Saudi Arabia.
Option 3: Umrah Package Visa (All Nationalities)
For UK Residents with Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, or other PassportsIf you are a UK resident on an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), spouse visa, or work permit holding a foreign passport that does not qualify for instant eVisa, you can still perform Umrah through our direct Ministry portal:
- UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If your UK BRP has more than 3 months validity, you may qualify for Visa on Arrival or Tourist eVisa under updated Ministry regulations.
- Dedicated Umrah Visa: We issue full agency electronic Umrah visas directly linked to our contracted Makkah and Madinah hotels.
Crucial: Visa Alone Does NOT Guarantee Rawdah Entry
Once your visa is issued, you must download the official Saudi Nusuk App to book your permit for Al-Rawdah ash-Sharifah (The Prophet's Garden in Madinah). Slots for men and women are strictly enforced by digital QR code scanning.
Read our step-by-step Nusuk App Guide →Want Us to Handle Your Visas Completely?
Avoid rejection risks and photo dimension errors. When you book a package with Travel Time Global, our Ealing travel consultants process all visas, hotel vouchers, and Nusuk linking on your behalf.