First-Time Umrah Guide UK

Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Saudi Arabia) that can be performed at any time of year. It involves entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf (circling the Kaaba 7 times), walking Sa'i (between Safa and Marwa 7 times), and then cutting or shaving the hair. Hajj is the obligatory annual pilgrimage performed in Dhul Hijjah (one specific month) with additional rituals at Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam; Umrah is a Sunnah (recommended act) of great reward.

For a first-time pilgrim, we recommend 10–14 nights. This gives you time to acclimatise to the heat and time zone, complete all Umrah rituals without rushing, spend meaningful time in both Makkah (5–7 nights) and Madinah (3–5 nights), and absorb the spiritual experience fully. Many first-timers find that 7 nights feels too short. Our popular first-timer package is 10 nights (7 Makkah + 3 Madinah) from £749pp.

The four essential acts of Umrah are: 1) Ihram — entering the state of sacred consecration by wearing the Ihram garments (white unsewn cloth for men; modest covering for women) and making the intention (niyyah). 2) Tawaf — circling the Kaaba anti-clockwise seven times starting and ending at the Black Stone. 3) Sa'i — walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hagar's search for water. 4) Halq or Taqsir — men shave or cut their hair; women cut a fingertip length. This completes the Umrah and you exit Ihram.

Essentials: 2–3 sets of Ihram garments (men), modest abayas/scarves (women), comfortable walking sandals or shoes, a small backpack for daily Haram visits, sunscreen SPF50+, lip balm, electrolyte sachets, personal medications, prayer mat, small Quran or Quran app, reusable water bottle, belt pouch for valuables, and a photocopy of your passport. Pack light — you'll likely buy a few things there. Avoid overpacking as airline baggage rules apply.

For UK passport holders: a valid UK passport (minimum 6 months remaining), a completed Umrah visa application, passport photos (biometric style), proof of booking (flights and hotel), a vaccination certificate (meningitis ACWY vaccine is required; COVID vaccinations were required previously but rules change — check current requirements), and for women under 45 travelling without a Mahram, a group travel document. Our visa team handles all submissions.

Saudi Arabia updated its rules in 2021 to allow women over 45 to travel for Umrah without a Mahram (male guardian) as part of an organised group. Women under 45 may now also travel without a Mahram in certain organised group circumstances — requirements are updated regularly. We can advise on the current rules and arrange the appropriate documentation. Contact our team for the most up-to-date guidance.

As a rough guide, budget £30–50/day per person for food in Makkah and Madinah. Restaurant meals near the Haram range from £5–20. Ziyarat (historical sites) tours cost £20–40pp. Shopping (prayer beads, Zamzam water, gifts) could add another £100–200 depending on taste. Total spending money: £400–600pp for a 10-night trip is comfortable for most pilgrims.

Yes — we can arrange combination itineraries. Popular add-ons include a stop in Dubai or Abu Dhabi (transit), visiting Madinah separately from Makkah, or arranging a few days in Jeddah to see the old city (Al-Balad, a UNESCO heritage site). If you have family in Saudi Arabia, we can coordinate arrival/departure dates around your visit. WhatsApp us for bespoke itinerary options.