Plan your 2025 Umrah from the UK—affordable, organised, and spiritually focused

Plan your 2025 Umrah from the UK—affordable, organised, and spiritually focused

Planning Umrah should feel uplifting, not overwhelming. If you’re travelling from London, Birmingham or Manchester, this guide brings together everything UK pilgrims need to compare affordable Umrah packages for 2025—from flight choices and near-Haram hotels to practical tips, visa guidance and what to expect with different durations.

Why book your Umrah early for 2025?

  • Price stability & choice: Booking 3–6 months ahead usually means better airfares, a wider range of Makkah and Madinah hotels near the Haram, and family-friendly room types (quad, triple, double).
  • Peak dates go fast: School holidays, February half-term, Easter, Ramadan, and late-December departures are in high demand from UK airports.
  • Smoother planning: Early confirmation helps with time off work, passports, travel insurance, and any special assistance.

Tip: Avoid packages that are “too good to be true.” Always check what’s included and verify the company’s ATOL protection number before paying.

Departure choices: London, Birmingham & Manchester

London (LHR/LGW/STN/LTN)

  • Best for: More flight options, potential direct routes, flexible dates.
  • Look for: Packages with Saudia, British Airways (route dependent), or reputable Middle Eastern carriers with short layovers.
  • Perks: Often the widest hotel selection and competitive fares for groups.

Birmingham (BHX)

  • Best for: Midland’s pilgrims seeking convenient departures.
  • Look for: Efficient one-stop connections; check layover duration and airport change policies.

Manchester (MAN)

  • Best for: North-West and Yorkshire travellers.
  • Look for: Direct or one-stop options with reasonable connection times; ensure late-night arrivals still include airport–hotel transfers.

What’s usually included in an “affordable” Umrah package?

Common inclusions

  • Return flights to Jeddah or Madinah
  • Hotel in Makkah and Madinah (3-star/4-star /5-star options) with specified board (RO/BB/HB)
  • Return airport transfers and Makkah–Madinah transport
  • Ziyarah guided tour (select packages)
  • 24/7 local support (English/Urdu/Arabic—check availability)

Often not included (check carefully)

  • Umrah visa/eVisa fee and processing
  • Travel insurance (medical cover for Saudi is recommended)
  • PCR/health requirements if applicable at time of travel
  • City taxes or hotel incidentals
  • Additional ziyarah beyond the scheduled tour

Checklist: Ask for a written inclusions list, hotel names with distance to the Masjid al-Haram/Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, meal plan, room type, and transfer details.

Package types by duration (choose what fits your time & budget)

7-night Umrah (value & convenience)

  • Who it suits: Working professionals, couples, small families.
  • Typical split: 4 nights in Makkah + 3 nights in Madinah (or vice versa).
  • Focus: Core rites with one ziyarah and minimal downtime.

10-night Umrah (balanced pace)

  • Who it suits: Families and first-timers wanting calmer days.
  • Typical split: 5 nights Makkah + 5 nights Madinah.
  • Focus: More time for ibadah, additional ziyarat, and recovery between flights.

12–14 nights (comfort & proximity)

  • Who it suits: Elderly travellers, larger groups, or those preferring near-Haram hotels.
  • Typical split: 6–7 nights in each city with flexible check-in/out.
  • Focus: Reduced rush, better sleep, and potential to secure Haram-view rooms (budget permitting).

How to compare hotels for Umrah (beyond star ratings)

  • Distance to the Haram: For Makkah, try to stay within a few hundred metres or in the Clock Tower complex for mobility ease (especially in peak times). In Madinah, properties along Markazia offer quick access to the Prophet’s Mosque.
  • Lifts & accessibility: Essential for seniors—confirm lift count, step-free access, and wheelchair support.
  • Meal plan: BB (breakfast) is popular; HB (half-board) adds predictability for families.
  • Room types: Quad is most economical, but triple/double offers comfort. Ask about interconnecting rooms.
  • Reviews & photos: Prioritise recent reviews mentioning cleanliness, prayer access, and lift wait times.

Smart ways to keep your Umrah package affordable

  • Be flexible with dates by a few days to catch flight savings.
  • Consider one-stop flights if the connection is short and same-terminal.
  • Travel light to avoid baggage add-ons; check the included allowance.
  • Share rooms (quad/triple) to reduce per-person cost.
  • Book as a group—many agents offer group rates or private ziyarah discounts.
  • Verify ATOL protection and pay by card for added consumer protection.

2026 timing notes for UK pilgrims

  • Ramadan Umrah 2026: Highly sought after—expect early sell-outs for near-Haram hotels and late-night iftar-friendly dining.
  • Off-peak value: Outside school holidays and Ramadan, you’ll usually find lower prices and calmer crowds.
  • School breaks: February and Easter half-term see strong demand from London, BHX, and MAN—book early for family rooms.

Example inclusions list you can request from your agent

  • Specific airline(s) and layover city with total journey time
  • Hotel names, star ratings, distance to Haram, and meal plan
  • Private/shared transfers and Makkah–Madinah coach or train (Haramain)
  • Ziyarah itinerary (sites in both cities)
  • 24/7 emergency contact phone/WhatsApp
  • ATOL number and booking terms (refunds, changes, name corrections)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the best time to book an affordable Umrah from the UK in 2025?
Aim to secure flights and hotels 3–6 months in advance, especially for Ramadan or school breaks. Off-peak months usually deliver the best value.

2) Is “Madinah first” better than “Makkah first”?
Both are valid. Madinah first can ease you into the journey with a calmer start and shorter airport transfer if you land in Madinah (MED). Makkah first suits those keen to perform Umrah immediately after arrival in Jeddah (JED).

3) How close should my hotel be to the Haram?
For comfort—particularly with elderly travellers—target within ~300–700m in Makkah and the Markazia area in Madinah. Closer hotels cost more but reduce walking time and lift queues.

4) What documents do I need?
A valid passport, visa/eVisa, and travel insurance with adequate medical cover. Carry printed copies of bookings, transfers, and emergency contacts.

5) Are transfers and ziyarah included in affordable packages?
Often, yes—but not always. Ask for written confirmation of airport–hotel transfers, Makkah–Madinah transport (coach or Haramain train), and guided ziyarah.

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