Your first Umrah is much easier if you split it into two parts: the practical journey and the acts of worship. This guide covers the practical side for UK travellers, namely the paperwork, the booking, the health requirements and what to expect on the ground. For how to perform the rites themselves, learn from a qualified teacher or an experienced guide, and practise before you go.
Many first-timers feel anxious because so much is unfamiliar. Most of that worry fades once you have a clear plan, so let’s build one.
What Umrah involves, in brief
Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage, which can be performed outside the Hajj season. In outline, it includes entering the state of ihram, performing tawaf around the Kaaba in Makkah, walking between Safa and Marwa (sa’i) and then completing the rites by shortening or shaving the hair. The details and conditions matter, so go through them with a knowledgeable person rather than relying on a summary.
Many pilgrims also visit Madinah and pray at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, though how you divide your time depends on your package.
Step 1: Choose how you will travel
Most first-timers book a package, because it combines flights, hotels, transfers and visa help into one arrangement. GOV.UK says you can apply for an e-visa or electronic visa waiver to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, so a DIY trip is possible, but it means you manage every piece yourself and may lose package protection.
If you book a package, GOV.UK’s travel advice tells UK pilgrims to make sure the travel agent or operator is ATOL protected. ATOL is the Civil Aviation Authority’s scheme for air packages. Check the licence number on the CAA website and ask for a certificate when you pay.
Step 2: Get the paperwork in order
- Passport. GOV.UK’s entry guidance says your passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the day you arrive. Check this first, because renewals take time.
- Visa. Ask who arranges it and what happens if there is a delay.
- Vaccination. GOV.UK says you must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis 10 days before arriving for Hajj and Umrah. Book your appointment early.
- Permits. Entry to the holy mosques is controlled by permits booked through the Nusuk app, so ask your operator how they handle this.
- Copies. Keep photocopies of your passport and other documents, and leave one set with someone at home.
Step 3: Pick accommodation that fits your needs
Your hotel is where you rest between long, tiring days, so it deserves some thought. First-timers often ask how much comfort they really need. Many UK pilgrims who want a more comfortable base than a basic room, without paying for the very top category, look at 4 star Umrah Packages and compare them with other options.
Whichever level you consider, ask about:
- Walking distance. How many minutes to the mosque, and to which gate?
- The route. Whether it is flat, has steps or crosses busy roads.
- Facilities. Lifts and air conditioning in particular.
- Meals. What is included and what you will need to buy.
For older relatives or young children, a shorter walk may be worth more than extra facilities.
Step 4: Look after your health
GOV.UK’s health advice suggests checking TravelHealthPro’s recommendations at least eight weeks before you travel, and that is good advice for anyone new to the region. A few points stand out:
- Heat and fluids. GOV.UK warns that summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia can be extreme. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid long periods in direct sun.
- Crowds and illness. GOV.UK notes that contagious diseases spread quickly, especially around Hajj and Ramadan. Flu, colds and respiratory problems are common.
- Medicines. Take enough for the whole trip, including a possible delay. Some medicines are controlled in Saudi Arabia, and GOV.UK advises carrying a GP letter showing the drug, dose and amount. UK prescriptions are not accepted there.
- Insurance. Check that your policy covers local treatment and medical evacuation, especially if you have an existing health condition.
Step 5: Pack light and practical
Think comfort first. Useful items include:
- Well-fitting, broken-in footwear that is easy to slip on and off
- Light, modest clothing for warm weather
- A small bag for essentials while you perform the rites
- Unscented toiletries, if you are in ihram
- A reusable water bottle and any medicines, with documentation
- A power adaptor and a portable charger
Ask your operator or teacher for a fuller list, since needs vary by person and by season.
What to expect when you arrive
Plan for a slow first day. Flights, transfers and check-in take longer than expected, and many pilgrims arrive tired. Rest before you start, and do not feel pressured to do everything at once.
At the mosques, expect crowds at peak times. Going at quieter times, when possible, can help. Keep a note of your hotel’s name and address in case you get separated from your group, and agree a meeting point with your family.
Staying safe and avoiding scams
GOV.UK warns that organised criminals target people planning Hajj or Umrah. Research the company even if family or friends recommended it, pay by credit card where possible, keep records and get everything in writing. Be wary of offers that look too good to be true.
Planning your time between Makkah and Madinah
Most packages divide your nights between the two cities, but the order and the split differ. Ask which city you visit first, how many nights you spend in each and how you travel between them. Transfers are usually arranged as part of the package, so confirm the timing and the pick-up point in writing.
Leave some slack in the schedule. Check-in times, luggage and transport can all run late, and you will want energy for worship rather than a rushed timetable. If you are travelling with older relatives, ask about rest periods and whether the route between hotel and mosque has seating or shaded areas.
Money, phone and everyday details
Small practical choices make the days smoother.
- Money. Tell your bank you are travelling. Carry a bank card and a modest amount of cash, and keep them in separate places.
- Phone. Check roaming charges with your provider before you leave, and ask whether your package includes any data or Wi-Fi.
- Contact details. Save your operator’s emergency number, your hotel’s address and your embassy or consulate details in your phone and on paper.
- Valuables. Keep your passport and important documents in the hotel safe when you are at the mosque, if the room has one, and carry a copy.
Questions to ask your operator before you pay
- Who meets us at the airport, and what happens if our flight is late?
- Which hotels are included, and how far are they from the mosques on foot?
- What is included in the price, and what is not?
- Who is our contact in Saudi Arabia, and can we reach them at any hour?
- What are the cancellation and amendment terms in writing?
FAQs
Do I need to be part of a group on my first Umrah? No, but many first-timers find a guided group reassuring because someone can answer questions. Choose what suits your confidence and mobility.
Can I take children? Many families do. Check the requirements with your operator and GP or travel clinic, including vaccination, and plan for rest and a shorter walk to the mosque.
How early should I start preparing? Aim for several months. Passport renewals, vaccination appointments and good hotel choices all take time.
