Skip to main content

Umrah Blog – Guides & Tips for UK Pilgrims

Explore our expert Umrah guides written for UK Muslims, covering everything from packages and pricing to visa requirements, step-by-step rituals, duas for Tawaf and Sa'i, Ziyarat sites in Makkah and Madinah, and essential packing tips. All guides are regularly updated and reviewed by our experienced travel team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Umrah costs from the UK typically range from £679 to £4,200+ per person depending on hotel category, travel dates, and package duration. A standard 10-night, 4-star package costs approximately £949–£1,500 during off-peak months. Ramadan packages are 30–60% more expensive.
Most UK Umrah packages include return flights, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, Umrah visa processing via the Nusuk platform, airport transfers in Saudi Arabia, and ground transport between Makkah and Madinah. Some packages also include Ziyarat tours and religious guidance.
Yes. UK passport holders can obtain an Umrah visa through their travel agency via the Nusuk platform (usually included in the package), apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa online for approximately £120, or obtain a visa on arrival at Saudi airports. A meningitis ACWY vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at least 10 days before travel.
Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage performed during specific days of Dhul Hijjah and includes rituals at Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year and involves Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir. Hajj costs £5,000–£12,000+ from the UK while Umrah costs £679–£4,200+.
The cheapest months for Umrah from the UK are typically during off-peak Islamic months such as Safar (August–September 2026) and Rabi al-Thani (October–November 2026), when packages can be 30–40% cheaper than Ramadan or school holiday periods.
Umrah packages are available from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton), Manchester, and Birmingham airports. London offers the most flight options including year-round direct flights to Jeddah, while Manchester and Birmingham offer seasonal direct flights and are more convenient for Northern England and Midlands residents.
The Umrah rituals themselves (Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq/Taqsir) can be completed in 3–6 hours. However, most UK pilgrims travel for 7–14 nights to include time for worship at Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, Ziyarat visits, and travel between Makkah and Madinah.
In Makkah, key Ziyarat sites include Masjid al-Haram, Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira), Jabal Thawr, Jannat al-Mualla cemetery, and the Zamzam Well. In Madinah, important sites include Masjid an-Nabawi, Rawdah Sharif, Jannat al-Baqi, Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud, and Masjid Qiblatain.

Our Umrah blog covers the topics UK Muslims search for most, from finding affordable Umrah packages and understanding Saudi visa requirements through the Nusuk platform, to learning the duas for each round of Tawaf and Sa'i, discovering the best Ziyarat places in Makkah and Madinah, and preparing with our complete packing checklist. New guides are published regularly.

Ready to Book Your Umrah?

Explore ATOL-protected Umrah packages from £679 with flights, hotels, and visa included.