Cheap Umrah Packages vs DIY Umrah: Cost Breakdown [Ulitmate Guide 2025]

Cheap Umrah Packages vs. DIY Umrah: Which is More Affordable?

A cheap Umrah package from the UK can often be more affordable than DIY(Do It Yourself) Umrah, as it typically comes with heavy seasonal discounts, cheap flights, economical hotels, and convenient transport options. However, a DIY Umrah package can also be cheap by strategic planning and an in-depth understanding of the Umrah cost and all the logistics involved.

Can I do Umrah by myself? This is the commonest query most would-be Umrah pilgrims have when planning their journey to the sacred land of Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia. Before attempting to arrange an Umrah trip by yourself, it's important to understand the difference between and significance of cheap Umrah packages and DIY Umrah.

The following guide explains both of these in detail, allowing you to ascertain the best option for your travel to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to complete this blessed Islamic act of worship.

Cheap Umrah Packages vs. Do It Yourself (DIY) Umrah: Key Differences

Factor	Cheap Umrah Package	DIY Umrah
Cost	Fixed price, often heavily discounted	Flexible, but costs may add up
Flights	Included in the package	Self-booked, fluctuating air fares
Hotels	Pre-arranged near the Haram	Must search for & compare star rating, price, location, services, etc.
Transport	Private or shared transfers	Taxi, bus, or self-arranged
Visa Processing	Handled by travel agency, greater chance of quicker processing	Self-applied, extra steps, higher risk of delays or rejections
Ease & Support	Hassle-free, full support 24/7	Requires extensive personal research and preparation

 

Cost Breakdown: Which Option is More Affordable?

1. Flight Costs: Pre-Booked vs. Self-Booked

• Cheap Umrah packages from the UK include flights with heavy discounts, and it can be even cheaper when you book in advance.
• Many Umrah booking agencies offer the chance to customise packages, allowing pilgrims to pick whichever airlines they're most comfortable to fly with, matching their budget requirements as well.
• DIY flights may be cheap if you invest the time to compare fares between various airlines, but this requires a fair bit of hard work and patience.
• Last-minute bookings can be expensive if you're securing the flights yourself, and there's also potential for hidden charges.

2. Accommodation: Package Deals vs. Self-Booked Hotels

• Umrah packages can be tailored to include all kinds of accommodations, from 3 to 4-star hotels, budget accommodations, and family hotels near the Haram.
• Pre-booked hotels often feature excellent services and amenities, such as laundry, kids' meals, wheelchairs for hire, gym, etc.
• Pilgrims can plan for Umrah with a full-board option available in many tailored Umrah packages, making meal planning easier.
• Self-booked hotels can be cheap if you use the flexibility well and find accommodation at a good price after comparing deals.
• Sometimes, self-booked hotels can be costlier, as you may have to go with the available choice instead of the one you want, especially if you're booking at the last minute.
• There is less potential for discounts on hotels when you book them yourself, since you do not have a professional tie-up with them.

3. Umrah Visa Costs: Included vs. Self-Processing

• Most Umrah packages for family, group, and individuals include visa services in the price.
• Pre-booked visa through an agency can save you time and mitigate the risk of delays or rejections.
• DIY visas can be cheaper if you're comfortable with the entire application process, which can seem cumbersome to many.
• There is a risk of delays and potential denials when applying for the visa yourself, especially if you make a mistake with the documentation.
• If your Umrah visa is rejected after self-application, you may need to apply again, which can add up to the overall cost.

4. Transport & Ziyarat Tours: Pre-Arranged vs. Pay-As-You-Go

• Agencies that custom-create cheap Umrah deals include airport transfers and guided Ziyarat to Makkah and Madinah (Medina) with the pilgrims' needs in mind.
• This can be cheaper as it's included in the final price, and there are no hidden costs involved in trustworthy packages.
• Umrah tour booking experts have a large network of service providers, ensuring the tours and transport services are offered by reliable experts.
• You can book transport and Ziyarat to Madinah and Makkah by yourself with cheaper service providers after comparing costs.
• However, this may turn out to be costlier, as you may not be aware of the current rates, unknowingly allowing service providers to overcharge.
• There is a risk involved when booking transfers and Ziyarats in a DIY manner, as you cannot be assured of quality service and reliability.

Pros & Cons of Cheap Umrah Packages

Pros:

• There is no Umrah planning stress involved, as everything is pre-arranged and travel-ready.
• The cost of Umrah can be quite low with such deals, as they factor in huge discounts for off-peak travel, group Umrah trips, and more.
• All-included Umrah packages are great for first-time pilgrims, families, and others who may have a hard time organising the tour themselves.
• They are available year-round, and you can book as early as you want to enjoy the best price guarantee.
• You can enjoy special offers if you book ahead to perform Umrah during Ramadan and other peak seasons, typically a costly time for pilgrimage.

Cons:

• You will have less flexibility in hotel and flight choices in non-customisable Umrah deals.
• Group travel may not suit solo travellers to Makkah, as it may involve several other pilgrims and complex logistics.
• The service may be subpar if you book via an unreliable Umrah agency.

Pros & Cons of DIY Umrah

Pros:

• You retain absolute control over flights, accommodation, meal planning, transport, and the best time to go for Umrah.
• You have the freedom to tailor your Umrah itinerary per your specific needs, including Ziyarat tours, shopping trips, and other activities.
• You may save some money if you book everything well in advance of your journey.

Cons:

• It requires a lot more research and comprehensive, fool-proof planning to ensure a smooth Umrah experience.
• DIY Umrah does not come with ATOL protection or the 24/7 support of a dependable agency.
• If you book last-minute, Umrah prices will be much higher, leading to steeper overall expenses.
• The chances of your Umrah visa being rejected or delayed are higher, as you may make mistakes with the documentation or fail to submit the application on time.
• There is added stress when arranging for all Umrah trip aspects individually, without a knowledgeable guide to walk you through the process.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cheap Umrah Packages and DIY Umrah Trips

• Is DIY Umrah always cheaper than a package?

While the DIY Umrah cost may seem to be potentially cheaper than package deals, there is no guarantee that it will be so. Costs for DIY Umrah may be affected by the absence of discounts available in cheap Umrah packages and sudden changes in flight prices, visa fees, hotel rates, and other unforeseen circumstances.

• Can I customise an Umrah package like a DIY trip?

Yes, you can. In fact, the cheapest way to go to Umrah is to find a reliable booking agency offering tailor-made trips at low costs. Pilgrims are allowed the freedom to add hotels, airlines, Ziyarat tours, transport, and other Umrah travel elements of their preference from a wide range of top-quality options.

• Which option is best for first-time Umrah pilgrims?

Pre-arranged Umrah packages at super-cheap prices are ideal for first-time pilgrims, as they offer a seamless, guided experience without the hassle of travel planning. You will also have a more enjoyable and fulfilling spiritual journey to the Holy Land, as you focus on the rituals instead of making arrangements for your journey, stay, and return.

• Do Umrah packages include Ziyarat tours?

Yes, several cheap Umrah packages offered to UK Muslims feature guided Ziyarat tours to the holiest sites in Makkah and Madinah as part of the deal. Additionally, some packages allow you to personalise the tours to include sacred places of your choice.

• What’s the best time to book a cheap Umrah package?

Book during the off-peak seasons of Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, and Dhul-Qi'dah for the cheapest Umrah packages. The months of April, May, and September offer cheap Umrah deals, too, and you can also consider booking much ahead in advance for super-low Umrah prices.

To Summarise

So, can you do Umrah without a package with everything already arranged for? Yes, you can. But it may not be easier or cheaper as some may erroneously assume so. DIY Umrah from UK take a lot more effort, time, and careful planning to ensure a good experience. Everything can quickly go haywire if even one aspect of the trip is mismanaged.

In contrast, economical Umrah packages can be a better option when planning a pilgrimage to the House of Allah (SWT), as they include everything from flights to accommodation, transfers, visa, Ziyarats, and more - all under one affordable price tag.

Therefore, the answer to which is better when it comes to cheap Umrah packages vs DIY Umrah London or other UK cities will depend on your personal travel preference and how much time and effort you're willing to invest in planning an Umrah trip all by yourself.

If you're seeking a reliable expert to book cheap packages for Umrah from the UK at unbeatable prices, contact our Umrah specialists today. Pick from a range of available cheap Umrah deals throughout the year or allow us to customise one just for you. Have a blessed journey to the Holy Land and return triumphant from your Umrah!