Flights to Saudi Arabia

The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to every Saudi airport except Madinah, and to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Taif, following attacks on Saudi airports in October 2026. Travelling against that advice can invalidate your travel insurance, so check GOV.UK and speak to your insurer before you book.

Yes. Saudia flies non-stop from Manchester to Jeddah several times a week, and also flies direct to Jeddah from Heathrow. From other UK airports, such as Birmingham, Glasgow or Leeds Bradford, you'll need a connecting flight, or you can travel to Manchester or Heathrow for the direct service.

For Makkah, fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and continue by road. Madinah has its own airport, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International, but there are no regular non-stop flights there from the UK, so you'll connect on the way. Many pilgrims land in Jeddah and travel between the two cities by coach.

Yes, outside the Hajj season. The tourist eVisa covers Umrah, but you'll still need to book your Umrah permit and Rawdah visit through the Nusuk app. Pilgrims must also show a certificate for the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, given at least 10 days before arrival, so book your jab early.

Yes. Women can apply for the tourist eVisa in their own right, travel without a male relative and check into hotels alone with their passport. Women over 18 can also perform Umrah without a mahram. Loose clothing that covers elbows and knees is expected, but an abaya and headscarf aren't required outside religious sites.

As early as you can. Ramadan is the busiest time of year for Umrah, and seats to Jeddah fill quickly, especially for the last ten nights. Booking several months ahead gives you more choice of dates and fares, and lets you line up your eVisa and Nusuk permits in good time.