FAQs
Umrah is a voluntary, minor Islamic pilgrimage to Masjid al-Haram in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, with its significance in following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), seeking Allah's (SWT) forgiveness, purifying the soul, and the opportunity to wipe away past sins. Umrah packages are available year-round as it can be performed multiple times, any time of the year.
Book Umrah packages from the UK with PlanMyUmrah as we provide ATOL protection, transparent pricing, low deposits, flexible payment plans, top hotels in Makkah and Madinah, guided Ziyarat tours, tailor-made itineraries, 24/7 customer support (on call and local), and direct flights to Jeddah and Madinah from major UK hubs like London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN).
Umrah holiday packages are all-in-one travel bundles that simplify your pilgrimage planning by including all trip essentials in a single, affordable deal. Typically, they include accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transfers, breakfast, inter-city travel, Ziyarat tours, and flights. The actual inclusions and price will depend on the Umrah package type and tier.
British Citizen Passport holders can perform Umrah by obtaining a tourist eVisa, a dedicated Umrah eVisa, or a transit visa. Our UK Umrah specialists can provide Umrah visa booking guidance and documentation assistance, and address any other related queries you may have.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah enforces no minimum or maximum age requirements to perform Umrah, but you must be at least 18 years old to enter the country independently or book cheap family Umrah packages and Umrah visa by yourself. The responsibility for Umrah rituals for children under the age of discernment (typically under 7) is taken by the accompanying guardian.
Yes, you can perform Umrah after Ramadan, as the pilgrimage remains open in the month of Shawwal, right after Ramadan. However, the timing is strictly regulated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and is usually completely paused in the weeks leading up to and during Hajj, so authorities can manage the massive influx of pilgrims.
The rewards for performing Umrah during Ramadan are manifold, so a vast number of devout Muslims book pilgrimage at this time and drive Umrah prices significantly higher, skyrocketing during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Book affordable Ramadan Umrah packages with PlanMyUmrah well in advance to save more and complete your pilgrimage in this blessed month of fasting.
UK Umrah packages are cheapest during the off-peak months of January, February, and the post-Hajj period of July to September. Low demand results in a significant price drop, and you can save anywhere from £150 to £300 per person on Umrah bookings, compared to peak seasons like Ramadan or December. Travel mid-week and book 3 to 4 months early to maximise savings.
Yes, you need the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, which is a mandatory, official requirement for all UK pilgrims. Other vaccines strongly recommended but not compulsory include Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19, and those like Yellow Fever, especially if you're travelling from a region at high risk of infection.
Umrah travel specialists at PlanMyUmrah can process Umrah tours from the UK within 3 to 10 days, ensuring you have a full package ready in hand before departure. The actual Umrah trip from the UK may take 7 to 14 days, splitting your time between performing the pilgrimage, Ziyarats in Makkah and Madinah, and some sightseeing.
Umrah holiday packages from the UK eliminate the hassle of DIY planning by bundling accommodation, flights, visas, transport, and meals. Additionally, they are cost-effective, guarantee financial protection (like ATOL and IATA), allow customisation, and offer extras like guided Ziyarat tours, Kaaba-view rooms, and bulk-rate discounts on group Umrah bookings.
Book with PlanMyUmrah, as we are ATOL-protected and approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Select from our extensive range of Umrah packages depending on your budget and package inclusions. Assess hotel distance to the haram and modify dates, room choices, transfers, and meal plan. Finally, pay for your Umrah package 2026 guided by our booking agent.
One of the five sacred pillars of Islam, Hajj is a mandatory, multi-day Islamic pilgrimage that occurs during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Every financially and physically competent Muslim must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. The “lesser” or "minor" Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah is voluntary, involves fewer rituals (a couple of hours), and can be performed any time of the year and multiple times in the same year.
Easter Umrah packages from the UK are typically priced around £540 to £795 per person for basic 3 to 4-star deals, and 5-star packages averaging approximately £900 to £1,100+ per person. The actual Umrah price is influenced by the duration of stay, package inclusions, and number of travellers, but you can book early to offset the overall costs.
Yes, all inclusive Umrah packages from the UK are very accessible, usually ranging from £395 to £700 per person for economy deals. While budget-friendly deals cover the basic trip essentials, you can pay a bit more to add flights, private transfers, Ziyarat tours, and room upgrades and make the all inclusive Umrah journey more seamless.
Yes, you can add your choice of 3 to 5-star hotels in Makkah and Madinah, subject to availability, as all Umrah packages from the UK by PlanMyUmrah are customisable. Select Kaaba and Haram-view rooms in Makkah, find rooms with views of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, and check other hotel amenities before finalising your Umrah stay.
Absolutely! Personalise your Umrah itinerary by adding as many stopovers as you desire to your UK Umrah package, including iconic destinations like Dubai, Morocco, Abu Dhabi, or Egypt, subject to availability and price change. Split your time and journey wisely between all places, ensuring the holiday does not affect your Umrah.
Yes, many of our premium and all inclusive Umrah packages include guided Ziyarats with transport in both Makkah and Madinah, offering tailored Umrah tours wherein you can visit Islamic holy sites of your choice. You can also select Mutawwif-led Ziyarat excursions as add-ons in other Umrah packages, managing costs and travel pace.
Yes, you can revise your Umrah package and itinerary to your specifications, as PlanMyUmrah offers flexible, tailor-made packages for UK Umrah pilgrims. Modify travel dates, hotel and room choices, meal plan, transfer type, and other travel components. Note that modifications to Umrah packages are subject to availability and price change.
Select any Umrah package by PlanMyUmrah and personalise it to a women-only tour, provided the pilgrims meet all requirements by the Saudi authorities (NOC for single women travellers without Mahram). Enjoy safe accommodation, shared transfers and Ziyarat tours, logistical handling, ritual guidance, and dedicated support throughout the Umrah trip.
The best time for Umrah in comfortable weather is during winter (November to February). The months following Ramadan and Hajj (such as Shawwal, Muharram, and Safar), September, and October are ideal for Umrah with fewer crowds and budget-friendly hotels. For higher spiritual rewards, book Umrah packages during Ramadan.
PlanMyUmrah provides cheap Umrah packages from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other major UK hubs year-round, with basic packages starting around £699 per person. Prices can vary depending on the departure airport, luxury level (3 to 5-star), Umrah season, duration, board basis, and group size.
Yes, you can visit other cities in Saudi Arabia while primarily arriving in the country for Umrah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially permits Umrah visa holders from the UK and other places to travel to any city or region, so you can effortlessly combine religious travel with sightseeing in destinations like Jeddah, Riyadh, AlUla, and Dammam.
A Rawdah Permit is a mandatory, official digital pass required to visit and pray inside the sacred Rawdah area (also known as Riyaz ul Jannah) within the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah. Access to the noble, highly-venerated Rawdah is strictly regulated to manage crowds and preserve the sanctity of the area.
The Rawdah (or Riyadh ul-Jannah) is an incredibly holy area inside the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, its significance stemming from being declared "a Garden from the Gardens of Paradise" by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The prayers pilgrims and visitors offer in this hallowed area are said to be intensely blessed and answered.
You can apply for the Rawdah permit on the official Nusuk Umrah Platform, navigating the steps, selecting the slot, and finalising the booking to generate the digital permit. PlanMyUmrah can help get your Rawdah permit processed as part of our complete Umrah services.
No, not just anyone can apply for a Rawdah permit to visit the sacred area inside the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. Access to Rawdah is strictly restricted to Muslims, and you must hold a valid Umrah visa, Hajj visa, or tourist visa to apply for the permit via the Nusuk App. We can process this for you easily.
Visiting the venerated Rawdah area between the Prophet's (PBUH) grave and his pulpit requires specific etiquette and rules. It demands deep humility, modest dressing, absolutely no photography, and refraining from loud noises, obnoxious conversations, and other disruptions. It is customary to keep prayers short to respect the flow of other pilgrims.
The best time to apply for a Rawdah permit is typically 7 to 10 days in advance on Friday afternoons, particularly after the Jummah prayer when batches of slots for visits during the following week are uploaded. You can apply via the Nusuk App or our experts can do it on your behalf as soon as your visa is issued.
Assistance with Rawdah permits may involve a small service charge, depending on the travel agency or another arrangement through which you decide to obtain the vital permit. The exact amount will vary and usually covers administrative costs and services.
The specific documents required to book a Rawdah permit include valid passport details, a Saudi entry visa (Umrah or tourist eVisa), nationality, date of birth, valid health status, and active contact information (phone number and email) for OTPs. Requirements are subject to change based on Saudi authorities’ directives, so review the latest guidelines beforehand.
No, you cannot access the noble Rawdah (Riyadh ul Jannah) area without a valid permit, although you can visit the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi). It is crucial to respect these rules and obtain a Rawdah permit to maintain the piety of the area during your visit.