The process of planning and preparing for Umrah can be lengthy and tedious. It is too intense, as many first-time pilgrims suggest, but you should not worry about that. You will not need to worry about anything, provided that you do it step by step without getting stressed. We know everyone wants the smoothest, most memorable Umrah. Therefore, we are here to tell you everything about how to book Umrah from the UK and all the other things that you must know about Umrah planning and preparation.
British Muslims now have more Umrah facilities than ever. There are countless Umrah travel agencies all over the region that promise Umrah packages, Umrah visa services, and everything else you need for the pilgrimage. But it all starts with choosing the right agency from a big, crowded market. Don't worry, we have got you covered. We will talk about everything from how to choose the right Umrah travel agency to how to book an Umrah. So, let's not waste any time and get started.
Why is booking an Umrah from the UK different from booking any other holiday around the world? Well, we are here to tell you all about it. Umrah is a sacred journey. It is a pilgrimage that is performed to prove your devotion to the Almighty, and not to get pleasure from it. This journey is all about spirituality, and to ensure you make the most of it, planning an Umrah properly is very important.
You must take care of all the logistics beforehand, including the following;
There are many perks to handling logistics in advance. It saves you a lot of hassle and inconvenience at the pilgrimage sites. And given that, you have the chance to immerse yourself in various acts of worship without distractions or the worry of booking everything at the last minute.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to book an Umrah.
This is undoubtedly the first step of Umrah planning. You will need to ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure date for Umrah. It is a primary requirement for the Umrah visa in 2026. Also, if you are a UK resident and don't have a British passport, you will need to check the validity of your UK residency permit. It should cover the entire travel period of your Umrah trip.
Another thing that you must keep in mind is that Saudi Arabia doesn't allow children to travel on their parents' passports anymore. Therefore, all your children must have separate passports, valid for at least six months from the departure date, if you plan to travel with your family.
Very few people realise that the best time to perform Umrah may differ for different individuals. The pilgrimage has various requirements and expectations for everyone. Some would want to go on the trip during the most rewarding period. In contrast, others have a very limited budget and would prefer to undertake the pilgrimage during pleasant weather. On this note, it is up to you to determine the appropriate time for your Umrah.
If you want to perform your Umrah during the most rewarding time, Ramadan is the best time for you. This is the peak season for Umrah because of the immense rewards and endless blessings. However, if you want to escape the huge Umrah crowds, Muharram and Safar might be good options for you. If you want ideal weather, plan your Umrah for the winter months.
Decide what you want from your Umrah trip and decide the perfect time accordingly. No matter what time you choose to perform your Umrah, try to book it at least 4 to 6 months in advance, and even earlier if you plan your Umrah during the peak season.
Another crucial step in Umrah booking is deciding whether you want a DIY Umrah or an Umrah package.
The most popular choice among UK Muslims is the Umrah package. The many perks of these packages always intrigue pilgrims. Licensed Islamic travel agencies in the UK offer these packages.
A standard Umrah package includes everything from the Umrah visa and flight to accommodation and guided support. The prices of these packages can vary depending on services, including the hotel's distance from the Haram, luxury services, transportation, and meals. If you are planning ahead, booking early through the right Umrah Packages 2026 can also help you secure better hotel locations and more organised travel arrangements.
If you are planning to perform an Umrah in 2026, you can also have a DIY Umrah. Although it is less common, some UK Muslims prefer it. Now that UK Muslims can perform an Umrah with a tourist visa. You can plan and arrange everything independently without the help of travel agencies.
But keep in mind that it is only suitable for you if you have experience travelling and booking everything yourself. You must be aware of the local logistics, or else doing it all yourself might not be worth it.
As we mentioned earlier, choosing the right Umrah travel agency is crucial. The UK market is flooded with various Umrah travel agencies. But once you understand that you cannot trust all of them, your job will become a lot easier. Make sure to choose an ATOL-protected and IATA-licensed Umrah travel agency. This ensures that your money is safe with these agents and that they offer services that comply with UK travel regulations.
Here are some features of a trusted Umrah travel agency that can help you make a decision.
Avoid booking through unofficial social media sellers.
As a UK resident, you can make Umrah in 2026 with two visa options. Previously, only pilgrims with an Umrah visa were allowed in Saudi Arabia. However, the introduction of the Saudi tourist evisa has enabled the minor pilgrimage to be made available to citizens of certain countries who hold this visa. Fortunately, the UK is among the mentioned nations, and its residents are permitted to do Umrah using a tourist visa. Thus, you will be left with two choices;
For an Umrah visa, you must contact a licensed Umrah travel agency. They will take your necessary documents and apply for the visa on your behalf. On the other hand, the tourist evisa can be applied for online by yourself. Just apply online and register for the permit on the Nusuk app.
When you are going to book an Umrah package, you will not need to worry about the procedure of booking the flights. However, you have to be familiar with the flight options so you can ask your travel agent to book the flight you want.
The UK airports from which most flights to Umrah depart are London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. There are direct flights from the UK to Jeddah or Madinah with airlines such as Saudi Airlines, British Airways, and others.
Here are some things to keep in mind when booking a flight.
Many pilgrims fly to Madinah, visit the Prophet's Mosque first, and then travel to Makkah for the pilgrimage. If you are flying to Jeddah, you can go to Makkah first.
In most travel cases, you prioritise the hotel rating over the location. However, the same cannot be said about Makkah and Madinah. Whenever you are on Umrah visiting these holy cities, the most important thing that you should do is to be as near the pilgrimage sites as possible. The closer your hotel is to Haram, the less time you will spend getting there on various occasions throughout the day. Hotels are much easier to find in Madina near Masjid an-Nabawi.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing hotels in Makkah and Madinah for your pilgrimage.
Make sure the Umrah package you choose clearly states the hotel name, not just its star rating.
Once you have taken care of all the bookings, you can start preparing for your Ihram and pack your essentials. Make sure that you are familiar with the Umrah rituals and rules before you depart for your pilgrimage.
Be wise while packing. Try to pack as light as possible and carry only the essentials. Some things that you must pack include the Ihram garment, comfortable slippers and shoes, unscented toiletries, and necessary medications.
Also, check the health requirements as you prepare for your Umrah. Make sure you get all the required vaccinations for Umrah in 2026. It is also recommended that you get a thorough health checkup and consult your doctor if you have any health issues or are on any medication, to ensure a smoother experience at the pilgrimage sites.
Check everything once again before your departure. Here is an Umrah departure checklist for your convenience.
Most UK travel agents offer WhatsApp numbers for guided assistance through the Umrah trip. Save your travel agent's number and contact them if you have any queries or issues.
Even though it might seem like booking an Umrah can be complicated, it doesn't have to be. Just take one step at a time, and you will be fine. Don't get overwhelmed by the amount of things to do; be patient and calm. Hiring a reliable Umrah travel agency in the UK will solve most of your problems and resolve your concerns. So, take your time choosing the perfect travel agency and start planning your Umrah with them.
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