Thousands of British Muslims are preparing for Hajj 2026, with the Day of Arafah expected on May 26 and Eid Al Adha on May 27. Here is a comprehensive guide for UK-based pilgrims covering flights, documentation, health requirements, costs, and what the FCDO advises for travel to Saudi Arabia this season.
How to Book: Nusuk is the Only Official Platform
Since 2023, UK pilgrims have been required to book their Hajj through the official Saudi Nusuk Hajj platform - the only platform approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The Council of British Hajjis (CBHUK) has issued a public warning urging pilgrims to book exclusively through Nusuk, cautioning against unofficial agents who may offer packages without legitimate access to Hajj permits.
Through Nusuk, pilgrims select from licensed Saudi operators offering a range of packages from standard to premium. Packages typically include accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, Mina tent allocation, transport between sites, meals, and the sacrificial animal (hady). The Hajj visa is single-entry, valid for 30 days, and non-extendable.
Flights from the UK
Direct scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia are available from two UK airports:
- London Heathrow: Saudia operates daily flights to Jeddah, with British Airways running four flights per week. During Hajj season, frequency typically increases.
- Manchester: Saudia operates three flights per week, increasing to daily service during the Hajj period.
Flight times from the UK to Jeddah are approximately 6-7 hours. Pilgrims whose packages start in Madinah will fly to Madinah's Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, either direct or via Jeddah. The Haramain high-speed train connects the two cities in approximately 2 hours for those who need to transfer.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Your UK passport must be valid until at least January 2027 - a full six months after the Hajj period. The Hajj visa is processed digitally through the Nusuk platform as part of your package booking. You do not apply separately. Ensure your passport details on Nusuk exactly match your physical passport, as discrepancies can cause delays or entry refusal at Saudi immigration.
Health Requirements
The following are mandatory for UK pilgrims:
- Meningitis ACWY vaccine: The quadrivalent vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. Book this with your GP or a travel health clinic well in advance - do not leave it to the last week.
- COVID-19: Vaccination records may still be checked. While not strictly mandatory for 2026, having an up-to-date record is advisable.
- Routine vaccinations: Ensure your standard immunisations are current. The NHS Travel Health service (NaTHNaC) recommends reviewing your hepatitis A, typhoid, and influenza status.
NaTHNaC also advises consulting a travel health professional at least six weeks before departure to discuss malaria prophylaxis (low risk but present), MERS awareness, and personal health considerations.
FCDO Travel Advice
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to advise against all travel to within 10 kilometres of the border with Yemen due to the ongoing risk of cross-border conflict and drone or missile activity. However, there is no blanket advisory against travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
The FCDO notes that Saudi authorities are "highly effective at maintaining internal security" but advises travellers to remain alert in public places. Given the ongoing US-Iran situation, pilgrims should monitor the FCDO page for Saudi Arabia regularly in the weeks before departure for any changes.
What It Costs
Hajj 2026 packages from the UK vary enormously depending on the level of accommodation and services:
- Economy packages: from approximately GBP 5,000-7,000 per person. Expect hotels 15-20 minutes walk from the Haram, standard Mina tents, and group transport.
- Standard packages: GBP 7,000-12,000. Hotels closer to the Haram (5-10 minute walk), better Mina accommodation, and improved meals.
- Premium and VIP packages: GBP 12,000-25,000+. Five-star hotels within sight of the Haram, VIP Mina tents with private facilities, dedicated transport, and personal guides.
These prices typically include flights, accommodation, transport, visa processing, meals, and the sacrificial animal. They do not usually include travel insurance, personal spending, or the Haramain train if not part of the itinerary.
Essential Checklist Before You Go
- Passport valid until January 2027 minimum
- Hajj package booked through Nusuk
- Meningitis ACYW vaccine at least 10 days before departure
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip disruption
- Nusuk app downloaded and registration completed
- Register with the British Embassy in Riyadh via the FCDO's "Brits Abroad" service
- Print copies of all documents (do not rely solely on your phone)
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- An umbrella for sun protection