An Umrah packages covers everything you need for your pilgrimage, from the moment you leave the UK to the moment you return home. This includes your flight, hotel, visa, and transport, usually starting from £755 per person. Understanding what happens at each stage of the trip helps you see exactly what your package pays for.
- What Happens Before You Travel?
- What Does Your Package Cover During the Flight?
- What Happens When You Arrive in Saudi Arabia?
- What Does Your Hotel Stay Include?
- What Happens During Your Time in Makkah and Madinah?
- What Should I Ask About Extra Costs?
- What Happens When You Return to the UK?
- Is Your Payment Protected Throughout the Trip?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Happens Before You Travel?
Before you fly, your package covers the paperwork needed to get you into Saudi Arabia.
- Your Umrah visa is processed through the official Nusuk platform
- Your agency checks your passport and photo meet the requirements
- You may need a meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate
- Your flight and hotel booking confirmations are sent to you
This stage usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods like Ramadan.
What Does Your Package Cover During the Flight?
Your return flight from the UK to Saudi Arabia is one of the main parts of any Umrah package.
Which UK Airports Can I Fly From?
You can usually choose from several UK airports, not just London.
- London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Leeds Bradford
A direct flight to Jeddah takes around 6 hours and is more comfortable for elderly parents or young children. A connecting flight through cities like Doha or Istanbul takes longer but can cost £150 to £300 less per person.
What Happens When You Arrive in Saudi Arabia?
Once you land, your package should cover transport from the airport straight to your hotel.
- Airport pickup in Jeddah or Madinah
- Transport to your first hotel, whether in Makkah or Madinah
- Help with luggage and group coordination, depending on your agency
This part of the trip is where a reliable agency makes the biggest difference, since clear transport arrangements reduce stress after a long flight.
What Does Your Hotel Stay Include?
Your hotel is usually the biggest single cost inside an Umrah package.
| Hotel Tier | Distance from Haram | Breakfast Included |
|---|---|---|
| 3 star | 10 to 15 minute walk | Rarely |
| 4 star | 5 to 10 minute walk | Usually |
| 5 star | Short walk | Yes |
Prices for hotel tiers usually range from £785 for budget 3 star stays up to £1,700 or more for luxury 5 star packages, depending on how long you stay.
What Happens During Your Time in Makkah and Madinah?
This is the main part of your trip, where you complete the Umrah rituals and visit both holy cities.
Most packages split your stay between Makkah and Madinah, often spending slightly more time in Makkah. Ground transport between the two cities is included in your package, so you do not need to arrange this separately. Some packages also include guided Ziyarat visits to historical Islamic sites, though this is often offered as an optional extra rather than a standard inclusion.
What Should I Ask About Extra Costs?
A few things are commonly left out of the base package price, so it helps to ask before you book.
- Lunch and dinner, beyond breakfast on 4 star and 5 star hotels
- Private transfers, unless included in a premium package
- Ziyarat tours to historical sites
- Travel insurance
Asking your agency for a full written list of what is and is not included avoids any surprise costs once you are already travelling.
What Happens When You Return to the UK?
Your package should also cover your return journey home.
This includes transport back to the airport in Saudi Arabia and your return flight to the UK. Some pilgrims choose to extend their trip slightly or add extra nights, which your agency can usually arrange for an additional cost.
Is Your Payment Protected Throughout the Trip?
Yes, as long as your agency holds valid ATOL protection.
ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. This UK government scheme protects your payment if the agency stops trading before or during your trip. Always ask for the ATOL number and check it yourself at atol.org.uk before paying a deposit, since this protects your money for the entire journey, not just the flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an Umrah package from the UK? Contact an ATOL protected UK agency with your travel dates and preferred hotel tier, then ask for a written quote covering every stage of the trip before paying a deposit.
How much does an Umrah package cost? Prices usually start from £755 per person, with the total depending on hotel star rating, trip length, and travel dates.
Does an Umrah package include the visa? In most cases yes, though it is worth confirming directly with your agency, since the standalone visa fee is usually around £100 to £120 per person.
What is included in the hotel stay? Most packages include the room itself, with breakfast usually included on 4 star and 5 star hotels, though lunch and dinner are often separate.
Is transport between Makkah and Madinah included? Yes, ground transport between the two cities is a standard part of most Umrah packages.
What should I check before booking an Umrah package? Check the agency’s ATOL number, ask for a full written breakdown of costs, and confirm the hotel’s exact distance from the Haram before paying a deposit.
Conclusion
An Umrah package covers much more than just a flight. From visa processing before you travel to transport once you land, your hotel stay, and your journey home, each part of the trip is included in the price you pay. Understanding what happens at every stage makes it easier to compare packages properly and choose one that genuinely covers everything you need for a smooth, well organised pilgrimage.
