Understanding Umrah Packages from UK
Umrah packages represent comprehensive travel solutions designed specifically for UK Muslims seeking to perform the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. These carefully curated packages combine essential services including flights, accommodation, visa processing, ground transportation, and spiritual guidance to create a seamless religious journey.
Unlike Hajj, which occurs at specific times of the year, Umrah can be performed throughout the year, making umrah packages particularly flexible for UK pilgrims. The spiritual significance of this lesser pilgrimage cannot be overstated, as it offers Muslims the opportunity to cleanse their souls, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their connection with Allah Almighty.
Modern umrah packages from the UK have evolved to cater to diverse needs, budgets, and preferences. Whether you're seeking economy packages starting from £599, deluxe options with premium amenities, or luxury experiences with five-star accommodations, there's an umrah package designed to facilitate your spiritual journey.
UK Umrah Package Market Overview 2025
Market Statistics
Popular Package Types
Types of Umrah Packages Available
Economy Umrah Packages
Economy umrah packages are designed for budget-conscious pilgrims who want to perform their spiritual journey without compromising on essential services. These packages typically include 3-star accommodation, economy flights, basic transportation, and visa processing services.
Inclusions:
- 3-star hotel accommodation
- Economy class flights
- Airport transfers
- Umrah visa processing
- Basic tour guidance
Price Range:
£599 - £899
per person (7 nights)
Deluxe Umrah Packages
Deluxe umrah packages offer enhanced comfort and convenience with 4-star accommodations closer to the Haram, better flight options, and additional services. These packages strike a perfect balance between comfort and affordability.
Inclusions:
- 4-star hotel near Haram
- Premium economy flights
- Private transportation
- Ziyarat tours included
- 24/7 customer support
Price Range:
£1,199 - £1,799
per person (10 nights)
Luxury Umrah Packages
Luxury umrah packages provide the ultimate pilgrimage experience with 5-star accommodations, business class flights, premium services, and exclusive amenities. These packages are perfect for those seeking comfort and exclusivity during their spiritual journey.
Inclusions:
- 5-star luxury hotels
- Business class flights
- VIP transportation
- Personal guide services
- Exclusive dining options
Price Range:
£2,499 - £4,999
per person (14 nights)
Seasonal Umrah Packages
Ramadan Packages
Experience the blessed month in the holy cities
£1,899 - £3,999
December Packages
Perfect for Christmas holidays
£899 - £2,499
School Holiday Packages
Family-friendly options
£1,299 - £2,899
Umrah Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
Visa Types Available
Processing Timeline
eVisa Application
24-72 hours processing
Traditional Visa
5-10 working days
Tourist Visa with Umrah
3-5 working days
Required Documents for Umrah Visa
Essential Documents:
- Valid UK passport (6 months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation booking
- Return flight tickets
Health Requirements:
- Meningitis vaccination certificate
- Polio vaccination (if required)
- Yellow fever vaccination (if applicable)
- Health insurance coverage
Visa Type | Validity | Multiple Entry | Cost | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Umrah eVisa | 1 Year | Yes | £80 | Regular pilgrims |
Tourist Visa | 1 Year | Yes | £120 | Tourism + Umrah |
Transit Visa | 96 Hours | No | Free | Short visits |
Accommodation Options in Makkah & Madinah
Makkah Hotels by Category
Distance from Haram
Top Hotels in Makkah
5-Star Luxury
- Pullman Zamzam Makkah
- Swissotel Al Maqam
- Hilton Suites Makkah
- Doubletree by Hilton
- Al Marwa Rayhaan
From £299/night
4-Star Premium
- Elaf Ajyad Hotel
- Emaar Al Khalil
- Shaza Makkah
- Anjum Makkah Hotel
- Al Kiswa Towers
From £149/night
3-Star Economy
- Dar Al Eiman Ajyad
- Al Eiman Al Andalus
- Emaar Grand Hotel
- Nawaz Watheer Hotel
- Elaf Kinda Hotel
From £79/night
Top Hotels in Madinah
Premium Options
- Pullman Zamzam Madinah 5⭐
- Madinah Movenpick 5⭐
- Crowne Plaza Madinah 4⭐
- Anwar Al Madinah 4⭐
Budget-Friendly Options
- Al Eiman Ohud 3⭐
- Emaar Taiba 3⭐
- Zowar International 3⭐
- Frontel Al Harithia 3⭐
Flight Options for Umrah from UK
Popular Airlines
Departure Airports in UK
Direct Flights
London to Jeddah
Flight time: 6h 45m
Saudia, British Airways
London to Riyadh
Flight time: 6h 30m
Saudia, Virgin Atlantic
Connecting Flights
Via Dubai (Emirates)
Total time: 9-12 hours
Multiple daily flights
Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
Total time: 8-11 hours
Competitive pricing
Airline | Route Type | Baggage | Price Range | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Direct | 23kg + 7kg | £450-£750 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Direct | 23kg + 7kg | £550-£850 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
1 Stop | 30kg + 7kg | £400-£700 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
1 Stop | 23kg + 8kg | £350-£650 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Umrah Package Pricing Analysis 2025
Average Package Prices by Month
Package Components Cost Breakdown
Comprehensive Price Comparison
Package Type | Duration | Hotel Category | Price Range | Best Season |
---|---|---|---|---|
Economy Package | 7 Nights | 3-Star | £599 - £899 | Off-peak months |
Standard Package | 10 Nights | 3-4 Star | £899 - £1,399 | Year-round |
Deluxe Package | 12 Nights | 4-Star | £1,399 - £2,199 | Non-Ramadan |
Luxury Package | 14 Nights | 5-Star | £2,499 - £4,999 | Premium periods |
Ramadan Special | 15 Nights | 4-5 Star | £1,899 - £3,999 | Ramadan only |
Money-Saving Tips for Umrah Packages
Best Booking Strategies:
- Book 3-6 months in advance
- Travel during off-peak seasons
- Consider group booking discounts
- Choose connecting flights over direct
- Stay slightly further from Haram
Peak vs Off-Peak Savings:
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah Packages
General Umrah Package Questions
Q: What is included in a typical Umrah package from the UK?
A: Standard Umrah packages include return flights from UK airports, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, airport transfers, Umrah visa processing, and basic ground transportation. Premium packages may include meals, guided tours, and additional services.
Q: How much do Umrah packages cost from the UK in 2025?
A: Umrah packages range from £599 for economy options to £4,999 for luxury experiences. The average cost is around £1,200-£1,800 per person for a 10-day package with 4-star accommodation.
Q: When is the best time to book Umrah packages?
A: The best time to book is 3-6 months in advance. Avoid peak seasons like Ramadan and school holidays for better prices. Off-peak months (January-March, September-November) offer the most affordable rates.
Q: Can I customize my Umrah package?
A: Yes, most reputable travel agencies offer customizable packages. You can choose your preferred hotels, flight times, duration, and additional services like private transfers or extended stays.
Visa Requirements & Processing
Q: What are the visa requirements for UK citizens?
A: UK citizens need a valid passport (6 months minimum validity), completed visa application, passport photos, vaccination certificates (especially meningitis), and proof of accommodation and return flights.
Q: How long does Umrah visa processing take?
A: eVisa applications typically process within 24-72 hours. Traditional visa processing takes 5-10 working days. Tourist visas with Umrah permission take 3-5 working days.
Q: What's the difference between Umrah visa and tourist visa?
A: Umrah visas are specifically for pilgrimage and restrict travel to Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Tourist visas allow broader travel within Saudi Arabia and can include Umrah permissions.
Q: Which vaccinations are required for Umrah?
A: Meningitis ACWY vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at least 10 days before travel. Other recommended vaccines include polio, hepatitis A&B, and seasonal flu.
Flights & Transportation
Q: Which airlines offer direct flights from UK to Saudi Arabia?
A: Saudia and British Airways offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Jeddah and Riyadh. Virgin Atlantic also operates direct services to Riyadh. Most other destinations require connecting flights.
Q: How long is the flight from UK to Saudi Arabia?
A: Direct flights from London to Jeddah take approximately 6 hours 45 minutes. Connecting flights via Dubai, Istanbul, or other hubs typically take 8-12 hours total travel time.
Q: Can I fly from regional UK airports?
A: Yes, packages are available from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and other regional airports, typically with one connection. London Heathrow offers the most direct flight options.
Q: What's included in airport transfers?
A: Most packages include transfers from Jeddah airport to Makkah hotels, Makkah to Madinah, and final transfer back to the airport. Premium packages offer private transfers while economy packages typically use shared coaches.
Hotels & Accommodation
Q: How close are hotels to the Haram in Makkah?
A: 5-star hotels are typically within 100-500 meters walking distance. 4-star hotels are usually 300-800 meters away. 3-star budget hotels can be 500-1500 meters from the Haram, often requiring shuttle services.
Q: Are meals included in Umrah packages?
A: Most packages include breakfast only. Some 4-5 star packages may include half-board (breakfast + dinner). Full board options are available in premium packages but are less common due to the variety of local dining options.
Q: Can I request specific hotels?
A: Yes, most travel agents allow hotel preferences, though availability depends on your travel dates and booking time. Popular hotels like Pullman Zamzam or Swissotel fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Q: What facilities do hotels typically offer?
A: Standard facilities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and prayer facilities. Higher-category hotels offer restaurants, shopping centers, spa services, and sometimes Haram views.
Package Specifics & Services
Q: What is the difference between economy and luxury Umrah packages?
A: Economy packages offer 3-star hotels, economy flights, and basic services starting from £599. Luxury packages feature 5-star accommodation, business class flights, private transfers, and premium services, ranging from £2,499-£4,999.
Q: Are Ziyarat tours included in packages?
A: Basic packages may not include Ziyarat tours. Deluxe and luxury packages often include guided tours to historical Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah. Additional tours can usually be purchased separately.
Q: How long should my Umrah package be?
A: Most packages range from 7-14 nights. First-time pilgrims often prefer 10-12 nights to allow time for spiritual reflection and visiting important sites. Shorter 7-night packages are suitable for repeat visitors.
Q: Can I extend my stay independently?
A: Yes, with appropriate visas (tourist or multiple-entry Umrah visa), you can extend your stay. Many pilgrims choose to explore other parts of Saudi Arabia or visit Dubai during extended trips.
Special Circumstances & Requirements
Q: Are there age restrictions for Umrah?
A: There are no official age restrictions, but children under 18 need parental consent. Elderly pilgrims should consider their physical capabilities as Umrah involves significant walking. Wheelchair accessibility is available at holy sites.
Q: Can women travel for Umrah without a male guardian (Mahram)?
A: Yes, women over 45 can travel without a Mahram if they're in an organized group. Younger women still require a Mahram to accompany them, though regulations may evolve.
Q: What if I have special dietary requirements?
A: Most hotels can accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice. Saudi Arabia offers diverse halal food options, and many international cuisines are available in both holy cities.
Q: Is travel insurance included in Umrah packages?
A: Basic travel insurance is sometimes included, but comprehensive coverage is recommended separately. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.
Booking & Payment
Q: How far in advance should I book my Umrah package?
A: For best prices and availability, book 3-6 months ahead. Ramadan packages should be booked 6-12 months in advance. Last-minute bookings are possible but with limited options and higher prices.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Most agencies accept credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and cash payments. Many offer installment payment plans, especially for premium packages. Secure online booking systems are standard.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for Umrah packages?
A: Cancellation policies vary by operator, typically ranging from 30-90 days before travel. Earlier cancellations usually receive higher refunds. Travel insurance can protect against unforeseen cancellation circumstances.
Q: Are there group discounts available?
A: Yes, most operators offer group discounts for 10+ people, typically 5-15% off individual prices. Family packages and group organizer benefits are commonly available for larger bookings.
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