Planning Umrah from the UK cities has never been more accessible, yet the choices can feel endless: which month, which airport, which visa, which hotel and in which order to visit Makkah and Madinah. This guide walks British Muslims through every decision in a calm, practical order, so that by the end you know exactly what to book, what to check and what to leave to a trusted travel partner.
Whether you are travelling alone from London, as a family from Birmingham or with elderly parents from Manchester, the principles are the same. Take your time, read each section and use the free tools linked along the way.
When to go: choosing the best time for Umrah from the UK
Umrah can be performed at any time of year, but the experience changes a great deal with the season. Crowds, temperatures, flight availability and hotel demand all rise and fall together, so the month you choose shapes almost every other decision.
UK school holidays
For families, school holidays are often the only realistic option. The busiest periods for Umrah from the UK families are the December holidays, the February and October half-terms, Easter and the long summer break. Expect fuller flights, busier hotels close to the Haram and the need to book well ahead.
Summer deserves a special word. Daytime temperatures in Makkah and Madinah are extremely high in July and August, so plan your tawaf and sa‘i for the night and early morning, and keep children and older relatives well hydrated.
Ramadan 2027
Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, subject to the sighting of the moon. That means the February half-term may fall inside Ramadan, and the last ten nights are expected in late February and early March. Demand for Umrah from the UK peaks sharply at this time, especially for the last ten nights.
The Prophet ﷺ said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj in reward, as reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim, which is why so many families aim for it. If Ramadan is your goal, read our dedicated Ramadan Umrah page and start planning months, not weeks, in advance.
Quieter months
If you have flexibility, the calmer months outside school holidays and Ramadan usually offer easier tawaf, more relaxed hotels and better availability. Late autumn and the weeks after the winter holidays are popular with retired couples and those who can take leave in term time.
Many experienced pilgrims say their most peaceful Umrah from the UK was in a quiet month, when they could pray close to the Kaaba and walk to the Haram without rushing. If your employer allows leave outside the peaks, it is well worth considering.
Remember also that the weeks around Hajj (expected in May 2027) are usually closed to Umrah for visitors on tourist visas. Always check the current Umrah calendar before fixing your dates.
From United KingdomUmrah from the UK, planned end to endFlights from London and more, visas, hotels and transfers — request a tailored proposal.Umrah from the UK →Flights for Umrah from the UK
The main departure points for Umrah from the UK cities are London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN) and Birmingham (BHX), with good connections from Leeds, Glasgow and other regional airports. Most pilgrims fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED) or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah (MED).
Direct or connecting?
Direct flights to Jeddah operate from London and, on some schedules, from Manchester, with a flying time of roughly six hours. Direct services change by season, so always confirm the current timetable.
Connecting flights through Gulf or Turkish hubs are common from every major UK airport and are often the simplest way to reach Madinah. A connection adds time but can give better departure times, more baggage or a smoother route for families.
| Option | Best for | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Direct to Jeddah | Makkah first, shorter trips, elderly travellers | Enter ihram on board before the Miqat; fewer schedules from regional airports |
| Connecting to Jeddah | Regional departures, flexible dates | Plan where you will change into ihram during the connection |
| Flying into Madinah | Madinah first, a calmer start | No ihram needed on the flight; you enter ihram later at Dhul Hulayfah |
| Open jaw (in Madinah, out of Jeddah) | Visiting both cities without backtracking | Arrange the Madinah to Makkah transfer by train or road |
Ihram on the plane
If you fly to Jeddah and go straight to Makkah, you must be in ihram before your flight crosses the Miqat. On most routes for Umrah from the UK this is the Miqat of al-Juhfah near Rabigh, and the crew usually announce it in advance. Many pilgrims change at home or at the departure airport and make the intention on board.
Our Miqat finder and the full Miqat guide explain where to enter ihram on each route, and the ihram rules guide covers what is and is not permitted.
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ
Subhana-lladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila rabbina lamunqalibun.
Glory be to the One who has placed this at our service, for we could not have done it ourselves, and to our Lord we will surely return.
Source: Qur’an 43:13–14; MuslimVisas, Nusuk and official permissions
British citizens are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which permits Umrah outside the Hajj season. You apply online through the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal, and approval is usually quick for most applicants travelling for Umrah from the UK addresses. Some pilgrims instead travel on an Umrah visa arranged through an authorised provider.
Alongside your visa, Umrah dates are booked through the official Nusuk app, which is also used for permits such as a visit to the Rawdah in Madinah. Rules, time slots and requirements are updated regularly, so always confirm the current position on the official Nusuk website before you travel.
Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity, keep digital and paper copies of every document, and check whether any vaccinations, such as the meningitis ACWY vaccine commonly required for pilgrims, apply to your trip. Your GP or a travel clinic can advise.
ATOL protection and booking Umrah from the UK safely
Sadly, every year some British pilgrims lose money to unlicensed sellers or fake packages. The single most important safeguard when booking Umrah from the UK companies is ATOL protection.
Under UK rules, packages that include a flight and are sold in the UK should be ATOL protected. That means if the company fails, you are not stranded abroad and you can claim a refund. You should receive an ATOL certificate when you pay.
Beyond ATOL, choose a company with a real address, clear terms and a written list of inclusions: flights, hotels, transfers, visa support and any guided ziyarat. Pay by a traceable method, and take out travel insurance that covers medical care and cancellation.
A trustworthy provider of Umrah from the UK packages will happily answer questions before you commit, explain exactly what happens if flights change and put everything in writing. If anything feels rushed or unclear, pause and ask more questions.
Choosing hotels for Umrah from the UK trips
For most pilgrims, the biggest decision after dates is hotel distance from the Haram. A hotel a few minutes’ walk away lets you return between prayers, rest in the heat of the day and pray in congregation without exhausting yourself.
Makkah
Hotels around the clock tower and Ajyad areas sit right beside Masjid al-Haram, while hotels further out often rely on shuttle buses. For families with young children or elderly parents, closeness usually matters more than room size or extras.
Madinah
In Madinah, the central area around Masjid an-Nabawi has many hotels within a short walk of the gates. Ask which gate your hotel is nearest to, especially if women in your group want easy access to their prayer sections.
When comparing options for Umrah from the UK agents, ask for the hotel name in writing rather than a vague description such as “near the Haram”, and check walking distance on a map. Small details, such as whether there is a hill between the hotel and the gate, matter more than you might expect on an Umrah from the UK itinerary with older travellers.
Free toolBuild your Umrah itinerary in one minutePick your nights in Makkah and Madinah and get a day-by-day outline you can bring to us.Open planner →Makkah first or Madinah first?
There is no religious requirement to visit Madinah as part of Umrah; the visit to Masjid an-Nabawi is a separate, highly recommended act. The order you choose depends on your flights, your energy and your group.
Fly into Jeddah in ihram, perform Umrah on arrival and then relax into your stay. This suits pilgrims who want to complete Umrah while fresh and spend the calmer second half of the trip in Madinah. You will need to be ready for ihram on the plane.
Fly into Madinah without ihram, settle in, visit Masjid an-Nabawi and then travel to Makkah, entering ihram at Dhul Hulayfah. Many families prefer this gentler start, especially with children or elderly parents, and it gives you time to adjust.
A common pattern for Umrah from the UK families is more nights in Makkah than in Madinah, but some prefer an even split. Use our planner to try different combinations before you request a quote.
Travelling as a family
Families planning Umrah from the UK cities often find that fewer hotel changes and a slower pace make the biggest difference. Children cope better with one long stay in each city, connecting rooms and a hotel close enough to return for naps between prayers.
If you are travelling with grandparents, ask about wheelchair assistance at the airport and at the Haram, and plan tawaf at quieter hours. A calm itinerary leaves room for worship rather than logistics.
The high-speed Haramain train links Madinah, Jeddah and Makkah and is a comfortable option between the cities, while private cars and coaches remain popular for groups. For the Madinah side of your trip, our Madinah ziyarat guide lists the key sites.
If this is your first time, read how to perform Umrah step by step before you travel, so the rites feel familiar when you arrive.
What affects the cost of Umrah from the UK
We deliberately do not quote fixed figures here, because the cost of Umrah from the UK changes every week. What matters is understanding the factors, so you can compare proposals fairly.
- Season: Ramadan, especially the last ten nights, and school holidays are the most in demand.
- Flights: direct or connecting, departure airport, baggage and how early you book.
- Hotel distance and grade: a few minutes’ walk to the Haram is valued highly; Haram-view rooms more so.
- Room sharing: quad, triple and double occupancy differ considerably.
- Length of stay: the split of nights between Makkah and Madinah.
- Transfers: shared coach, private car or the Haramain train.
- Extras: guided ziyarat, a scholar or group leader, meals and wheelchair assistance.
The best way to understand your own budget for Umrah from the UK cities is to share your preferred dates, airport and hotel distance and ask for a tailored proposal. You can also browse our Umrah packages and family Umrah options for ideas.
Umrah from the UK: step-by-step booking checklist
Follow these steps in order and you will avoid most of the stress that first-time pilgrims describe. This is the same sequence our advisers use when arranging Umrah from the UK for individuals, couples and large family groups.
Choose your dates
Decide on your month, check school holidays, Ramadan and the Hajj closure period, and agree the number of nights with everyone travelling.
Check passports
Make sure every traveller has a passport valid for at least six months and that names match exactly across bookings.
Pick your route
Decide Makkah first or Madinah first, then your departure airport and whether direct or connecting flights suit you.
Shortlist hotels
Agree how close to the Haram you need to be in each city, especially for children, elderly relatives or anyone with limited mobility.
Request written quotes
Ask two or three providers for written proposals with hotel names, flights and inclusions, and confirm ATOL protection for flight-inclusive packages.
Apply for your visa
Apply for the tourist eVisa on the official portal, or confirm the visa your provider arranges.
Book in Nusuk
Register in the Nusuk app and book your Umrah permit and any Rawdah visit as required.
Prepare health and insurance
Check vaccinations, pack regular medicines with prescriptions and buy travel insurance.
Learn and pack
Study the rites and duas, then pack with our checklist so nothing important is left behind.
Umrah trip planner
Choose your nights and order of cities to get a day-by-day outline.
Before you leave, read the Umrah duas for each stage and tick off your bag with the interactive Umrah checklist. Sisters may also find our Umrah for women guide helpful.
بِسْمِ اللهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ
Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘ala-llah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.
In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might and no power except with Allah.
Source: Abu Dawud and at-TirmidhiA final word for British pilgrims
An Umrah from the UK homes is a journey of the heart as much as a trip on a plane. Book carefully, check every official source, then let the practicalities fade into the background so you can focus on worship. For general safety and entry information, keep an eye on the UK government travel advice for Saudi Arabia, which is updated whenever conditions change.
Tailored quoteTell us your dates, city and hotel preferencesOne short form, a personalised Umrah or Hajj proposal from our travel team — no obligation.Request my quote →Umrah from the UK: frequently asked questions
Can British citizens perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Yes. British citizens are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which permits Umrah outside the Hajj season. You also need to book your Umrah through the Nusuk app. Always confirm the current rules on the official visa and Nusuk websites before travelling.
What is the best month for Umrah from the UK?
It depends on your priorities. Ramadan brings the greatest reward and the biggest crowds, school holidays suit families, and quieter months outside both offer calmer worship and easier availability.
Which UK airports have flights to Jeddah or Madinah?
London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham are the main departure airports, with connections from Leeds, Glasgow and others. Direct services to Jeddah run from London and on some schedules from Manchester; most other routes connect via a hub.
Where do I enter ihram when flying from the UK?
If you fly to Jeddah and go straight to Makkah, enter ihram before the plane crosses the Miqat, usually al-Juhfah near Rabigh on routes from the UK. If you fly to Madinah first, you enter ihram later at Dhul Hulayfah on your way to Makkah.
Do Umrah packages from the UK need ATOL protection?
Packages that include a flight and are sold in the UK should be ATOL protected. Ask for the ATOL number and check it on the Civil Aviation Authority website before you pay.
Should I visit Makkah or Madinah first?
Either order is fine. Makkah first lets you complete Umrah straight away, while Madinah first offers a gentler start and means you do not need ihram on the flight.
How far in advance should I book Umrah from the UK?
For Ramadan and school holidays, start planning several months ahead, as hotels near the Haram fill early. For quieter months, a few weeks to two months is often enough, though earlier booking gives more choice.
Plan your Umrah from the UK with care
Tell us your dates, departure airport and hotel preferences, and our team will send a tailored, ATOL-aware proposal.
