Top 10 umrah visa rule changes and restrictions 2025

Preparing for Umrah Under New Rules | Top 10 Changes Including Visa Restrictions

For UK muslims, securing an umrah visa has become smoother under Saudi Arabia's new travel rules. The updated systems connect visa approval, hotel reservation, and transport on official platforms. These changes ensure a transparent, faster, and safer process for pilgrims. It helps them to focus more on their spiritual journey and less on confusing travel arrangements.

Why step-by-step guide mandatory for the Umrah Visa Rules?

With new umrah regulations, a clear step-by-step guide helps UK pilgrims avoid confusion, fines, and delays. At each stage, the umrah visa, reservation, and transport must match the official rules and regulations. Following verified policies ensures smooth travel with safety and a peaceful pilgrimage focused on faith rather than stressful paperwork or last minute issues.

1: Umrah Visa Requires Confirmed Hotel Booking

UK pilgrims must now confirm accommodation during the visa process for umrah. Reservations must be made through the official platform that is linked to the NUSUK app. Even taxis are approved via the portal by ensuring that pilgrims use licensed hotels and transport for a secure and well-managed pilgrimage experience.

2: Saudi ID details needed to stay with the Family 

UK residents applying for an Umrah trip and planning to stay with relatives in Saudi Arabia must now register their hosts' unified Saudi ID. This ID links directly to the visa and must be updated if travel dates or accommodation plans change, ensuring full transparency and verified residency details.

3: Entry Rules under Saudi Travel Restrictions 

Under the new Saudi travel restrictions, UK visitors using tourist visas may face entry refusal for the sacred sites. To ensure smooth access to Makkah and Madinah, pilgrims are strongly encouraged to apply through the official visa process of Umrah from the UK 

4: Applying through the Official Umrah Application

UK pilgrims can now apply for their pilgrimage via the official umrah processing app, which is Nusuk. The process offers both an eVisa and an approved Umrah package from the UK. It ensures authenticity, easier entry, and full compliance with Saudi Arabia's updated travel framework.

5: Following the approved Umrah travel Schedules

Pilgrims must now upload their full umrah travel schedule during visa application. Any changes or delays are not permitted, and overstaying may result in penalties or fines, restrictions for both travellers and registered tour operators.

6: Visa on Arrival Under the New Saudi Entry Policy

UK residents holding a valid UK or Schengen visa can now receive a Saudi visa on arrival. However, travellers must have visited those regions at least once before applying for a UK passport. 

7: Airport Verification for Registered Bookings

Under the new Saudi travel regulations, airport officials now verify all hotel, transport, and return flight bookings through the Nusuk or Masar systems. Missing details may lead to immediate fines, travel delays, or entry denial for unregistered UK pilgrims and their travel agents.

8: Mandatory Use of Authorised Transport Services 

Under the updated Saudi transport policy, UK pilgrims must pre-book authorised taxis or buses via the official app. Using unregistered vehicles from airports or hotels is strictly prohibited. It ensures safer, regulated and fully verified travel between the holy cities.

9: Updated Haramain Train Timings and Rules

The Haramian high-speed train serves as a key travel link between Makkah and Madinah but operates only until 9 pm. UK travellers arriving later must pre-book authorised transport to avoid delays, penalties, or difficulties reaching their accommodations safely. 

10: Penalties for Violation of Saudi Umrah Regulation

Under the new Saudi umrah enforcement laws, strict penalties apply for rule violations. UK pilgrims and agents face fines starting from SAR 750 for overstaying, unauthorised transport, or missing bookings. It highlights the importance of following the official pilgrimage rules carefully.

Conclusion | Preparing for Umrah Under New Rules

With Saudi Arabia's new umrah regulation, proper planning and compliance are key to a smooth pilgrimage. From visa updates to transport checks and every detail for Umrah Packages matters. For reliable guidance and an approved package for Umrah from the UK, choose Royal Travels. They are the trusted UK-based partner for a seamless, worry-free spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah.