Question 1

What is included in an all-inclusive Umrah package?

Accepted Answer

An all-inclusive Umrah package covers everything you need for the pilgrimage in one booking: return flights from the UK, hotel stays in both Makkah and Madinah, Umrah visa processing, and airport transfers. Most packages also include guided Ziyarat tours and 24/7 support.

Question 2

How much do Umrah packages from the UK cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Umrah packages from the UK start at £679 per person and rise with hotel star rating, trip length, flight class and travel season. Budget 3-star packages cost £679–£900, standard 4-star packages £758–£1,200, and premium 5-star packages £1,000–£2,500 per person. Prices peak during Ramadan and school holidays.

Question 3

What is the cheapest time to book Umrah from the UK?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest time is during off-peak months — Shawwal, Safar and Rabi al-Awwal — and on midweek departures. Avoid Ramadan and UK school holidays, when flights and hotels cost the most. Booking 3–6 months in advance also lowers the price.

Question 4

Are Umrah packages ATOL-protected?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any Umrah package that includes flights is ATOL-protected. Our packages carry ATOL 12192, a financial protection scheme run by the UK Civil Aviation Authority that refunds you or brings you home if the operator fails.

Question 5

What are the Umrah visa requirements for UK pilgrims?

Accepted Answer

British pilgrims need a passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages, 2–3 white-background passport photos, confirmed return flights and hotel bookings, and a Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination certificate. We process the visa as part of your package, usually within 24 hours to 5 working days.

Question 6

How many days are ideal for Umrah?

Accepted Answer

Most pilgrims spend 7–10 days, which balances worship, rest and reflection. A short 3–5 day trip suits repeat or business travellers, while 12–14 days suits those wanting a deeper, unhurried experience.

Question 7

Can I pay for my Umrah package in instalments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can confirm your booking with a small deposit and pay the balance in monthly instalments, with the final payment due before departure.

Question 8

Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Saudi Arabia no longer requires a mahram (male guardian) for women to obtain an Umrah or tourist visa. Women aged 18 and over can now apply and travel either solo or as part of a group, and we offer women-only and family group options. This is a visa rule rather than a religious ruling, so you may wish to consult a scholar from your school of thought.

Question 9

Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Saudi tourist eVisa can be used to perform Umrah, in addition to the dedicated Umrah visa. The tourist eVisa allows multiple entries and travel around Saudi Arabia, while a dedicated Umrah visa is limited to the pilgrimage cities. We will advise which visa best suits your trip.

Question 10

Is Umrah open all year round?

Accepted Answer

Umrah can be performed throughout most of the year. Saudi Arabia usually pauses new Umrah visa issuance for several weeks around the Hajj season and resumes shortly after Hajj ends. Outside that window you can travel at any time. We confirm the current entry dates before you book.

Question 11

What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Accepted Answer

Hajj is the obligatory annual pilgrimage performed on fixed dates in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, and every able Muslim must complete it once in their lifetime. Umrah is a shorter, non-obligatory pilgrimage that can be performed at almost any time of year and takes only a few hours to complete.

Question 12

Do I need vaccinations for Umrah from the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination certificate is mandatory for all UK pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia for Umrah. Other vaccinations may be recommended depending on your health and travel history. We advise confirming the current requirements with the Saudi Ministry of Health or your GP before you travel.

Question 13

How long does it take to perform Umrah?

Accepted Answer

The Umrah rituals themselves — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i and trimming the hair — usually take two to four hours to complete. Most pilgrims spend 7 to 10 days in Saudi Arabia overall to allow time for rest, repeated visits to the Haram, and Ziyarat tours.

Question 14

What should I pack for Umrah?

Accepted Answer

Pack light and bring your essentials: Ihram garments, comfortable footwear, any regular medication, your passport and travel documents, and a small amount of local currency. Most other items can be bought easily in Makkah and Madinah. Remember you can carry up to 5 litres of Zamzam water on the return flight.

Question 15

What is the difference between 3-star, 4-star and 5-star Umrah packages?

Accepted Answer

The difference is mainly hotel quality and distance from the Haram. 3-star packages offer budget hotels a short shuttle ride away. 4-star packages offer comfortable hotels around 200–800m from the Haram, often with breakfast. 5-star packages offer luxury hotels 0–300m from the Haram, often with Haram-view rooms, full-board meals and private transport.

Question 16

Are family Umrah packages available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our family Umrah packages include larger or interconnecting rooms, hotels close to the Haram, child-friendly facilities, and special assistance for elderly travellers. Group flights and transport can be arranged so families travel together throughout the trip.

Question 17

What is your cancellation policy for Umrah packages?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation terms depend on how far ahead of travel you cancel and which flights and hotels are booked. deposit non-refundable, partial refund if cancelled 30+ days before travel. Full details are in our Terms & Conditions, and our team can confirm the terms for your specific booking.

Al Shohada Makkah Hotel (Makkah)

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