Everything you need to know before, during and after Umrah — from planning your trip in the UK to completing your pilgrimage in Makkah and Madinah.
Rapid, accurate answers to the questions UK pilgrims ask most.
01.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can perform at any time of the year. It includes Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir, offering a spiritually rewarding journey outside the Hajj season.
02.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage The Umrah rituals usually take 3–6 hours, while most UK Umrah packages last 7–10 days or 10–14 days, depending on your itinerary and whether you also visit Madinah.
03.
The best time for Umrah depends on your priorities. October to April offers cooler weather, while off-peak months are generally quieter and more affordable for UK travellers.
04.
Most UK Umrah packages range between £900 and £2,500 per person, depending on the season, hotel category, airline, and length of stay.
05.
Yes. Most UK passport holders require a valid Saudi eVisa or Umrah visa before travelling. Always check the latest Saudi entry requirements before booking.
06.
Nusuk is the official Saudi platform for managing Umrah services, including permits, Rawdah bookings, and helpful travel information for pilgrims.
07.
Yes. Women can perform Umrah and should follow the current Saudi travel regulations. Requirements may vary based on nationality and age, so it’s important to review the latest guidance before travelling.
08.
Yes. Children can perform Umrah with their parents or guardians. Planning ahead with suitable accommodation, rest breaks, and essential travel items helps make the journey more comfortable.
Seventeen key steps from your first search to your return flight home.
Documentation
Check passport validity, required documents and UK travel requirements.
Visa
Learn visa types, processing time, fees and application requirements.
Digital
How to register, book Rawdah, manage permits and use Nusuk.
Health
Required and recommended vaccinations before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Insurance
What insurance covers, why it’s important and how to choose a policy.
Flights
Find the best routes, airlines and departure airports from the UK.
Accommodation
Choose the right hotel near Haram based on budget and walking distance.
Packing
Everything you should pack for a comfortable and stress-free Umrah.
Money
Exchange rates, cash, cards and spending tips for UK pilgrims.
Connectivity
Compare SIM cards, eSIMs and mobile internet options in Saudi Arabia.
Weather
Monthly temperatures, clothing advice and the best travel season.
Travel Tips
Practical advice to avoid common mistakes before and during Umrah.
Learn when and where to enter Ihram, what to wear, your intentions (Niyyah), prohibited acts, and common mistakes to avoid before beginning Umrah
Recite “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” continuously after making Ihram until you begin Tawaf at the Kaaba.
Begin at the Black Stone and complete seven anti-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba while remembering Allah and following the Sunnah.
Walking Between Safa & Marwah
Walk seven times between Safa and Marwah while remembering Hajar’s patience and trusting in Allah’s mercy.
Crossing the Miqat
Do not cross the Miqat without entering Ihram. UK pilgrims travelling by air usually make their intention before the flight reaches Miqat.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
Enter with your right foot, recite the Sunnah dua, remain humble, and prepare your heart before seeing the Kaaba.
Begin at the Black Stone and complete seven anti-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba while remembering Allah and following the Sunnah.
Completing Your Umrah
Men shave or trim their hair, while women trim a small portion to complete the Umrah pilgrimage.
Keep the essential Umrah duas with Arabic, English transliteration and English translation for every stage of your pilgrimage. Read them on your phone or download the complete Umrah Dua PDF for offline use in Makkah and Madinah.
Before Leaving Home
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى
“O Allah, we ask You during this journey for righteousness, piety and deeds that please You.”
Entering the Sacred Mosque
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
“In the Name of Allah. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.”
Between Safa & Marwah
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَمُ
“My Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, for You are the Most Mighty and Most Generous.”
Leaving the Mosque
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
“O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty.”
Recited in Ihram
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner. Truly all praise, every blessing and all sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
Between the Yemeni Corner & Black Stone
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Our Lord, grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
After Drinking Zamzam
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
“O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision and healing from every illness.”
Daily Protection
حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ
“Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god except Him. Upon Him I place my trust, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”
Tailored advice for every type of UK pilgrim.
Performing Umrah is a deeply rewarding spiritual journey that requires both practical preparation and an understanding of the rituals. Whether you are travelling from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bradford or anywhere else in the UK, planning ahead helps you focus on worship once you arrive in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
This complete Umrah guide has been created to help first-time and returning pilgrims understand every stage of the journey. From choosing the right Umrah package and obtaining a Saudi visa to entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf, completing Sa’i and finishing your pilgrimage, each step is explained in a clear and easy-to-follow format.
Alongside the religious rituals, this guide also covers practical travel advice for UK pilgrims, including passport requirements, vaccinations, the Nusuk app, travel insurance, packing essentials, Saudi currency, weather, transport and useful duas. Our aim is to provide one trusted resource that answers the most common questions before you travel.
Every pilgrim’s journey is unique, but good preparation allows you to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time concentrating on your worship. Whether you are travelling alone, with family, as an elderly pilgrim or as part of a group, this guide is designed to help you perform Umrah with confidence.
Good preparation begins several weeks before your departure. Check that your passport is valid, apply for the appropriate Saudi visa, and ensure you understand the latest entry requirements before confirming your travel plans. UK pilgrims should also install the official Nusuk app, which is used for services such as Rawdah bookings and other pilgrimage-related features.
Packing carefully can make your journey much more comfortable. Ihram clothing, comfortable walking shoes, essential medications, travel adapters, copies of important documents and weather-appropriate clothing should all be included in your luggage. Keeping digital and printed copies of your passport, visa and travel insurance can also provide peace of mind.
Physical preparation is equally important. Many pilgrims walk several kilometres during Umrah, so regular walking before your trip can help improve stamina. Staying hydrated, getting enough rest and preparing mentally for busy crowds will also make the experience easier.
Finally, prepare spiritually. Learn the basic duas, understand the meaning of the rituals and make sincere intentions before you leave home. Umrah is not only a journey of travel but also an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with Allah through worship, patience and gratitude.
The rituals of Umrah follow a clear sequence that begins before arriving in Makkah. Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram at the designated Miqat, make their intention for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah. This marks the beginning of the pilgrimage and reminds every Muslim of complete submission to Allah.
After entering Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims perform Tawaf by walking seven times around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction. Following Tawaf, two Rak’ahs of prayer are offered when possible, and pilgrims drink Zamzam water while making personal supplications.
The next ritual is Sa’i, which consists of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah in remembrance of Hajar’s trust in Allah. Finally, men shave or trim their hair while women trim a small portion, marking the completion of Umrah.
Understanding the purpose behind each ritual helps pilgrims perform their worship with greater confidence and sincerity. While the practical steps are important, the true essence of Umrah lies in devotion, humility, remembrance of Allah and seeking His forgiveness.
If this is your first Umrah, planning ahead can make your experience more comfortable and less stressful. Familiarise yourself with the sequence of the rituals before travelling so that you understand what to expect when you arrive in Makkah.
Carry a small bag containing water, tissues, comfortable footwear and any essential medication during your pilgrimage. Keep your passport and important documents in a secure place, and save digital copies on your phone as a backup.
Crowds around the Haram can become very busy, particularly during peak seasons. Remain patient, avoid rushing between rituals and allow extra time to move around safely. If you are travelling with family or a group, agree on meeting points in case anyone becomes separated.
Most importantly, remember that Umrah is an act of worship rather than a race to complete the rituals. Focus on sincerity, make abundant dua, show kindness to other pilgrims and use every opportunity to remember Allah throughout your journey.
Planning Umrah should be straightforward, transparent and supported by experienced travel professionals. At Peace Umrah, we combine practical travel expertise with a commitment to helping British Muslims prepare confidently for their pilgrimage. From choosing the right package to providing guidance before departure, our team is here to support you throughout your journey.
Our Commitment
Whether you’re planning your first Umrah or returning with family, our experienced UK travel specialists are here to help you choose the right package for your budget, preferred travel dates and accommodation needs.
Every package is designed to provide peace of mind from the moment you book until you return home, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your worship.
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed throughout the year. It includes Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and the trimming or shaving of the hair.
The rituals themselves usually take between three and six hours, depending on crowd levels. Most UK pilgrims spend seven to fourteen days in Saudi Arabia.
Yes. UK passport holders normally require a valid Saudi visa before travelling. Requirements can change, so always check the latest official guidance before booking.
Umrah can be performed throughout the year. Many UK pilgrims prefer travelling between October and April because temperatures are generally cooler.
Saudi travel regulations have changed in recent years. Always check the latest official requirements before making travel arrangements.
Essential items include Ihram clothing, comfortable footwear, travel documents, medication, toiletries, a reusable water bottle, chargers and weather-appropriate clothing.
The Nusuk app is the official Saudi platform used for several pilgrimage services, including Rawdah bookings and other visitor services.
Most pilgrims walk several kilometres while performing Tawaf, Sa’i and travelling around the Haram, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Yes. Many families travel with children, although parents should plan for busy crowds, warm weather and regular rest breaks.
Prices vary depending on travel dates, hotel category, airline and length of stay. Travelling outside peak seasons often provides more affordable options.
Peace Umrah is more than just a travel agency — it’s a trusted companion for your sacred journey. From visa assistance, flights, and hotels to tailored packages for families, couples, and groups, everything is carefully planned to ensure peace of mind.