Frequently Asked Questions

A HalalTrek Umrah package typically includes return flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia, hotel accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah, airport transfers, and Umrah visa processing. Depending on the package tier you choose, you may also receive guided Ziyarah tours to historical Islamic sites, meals at your hotel, and access to a dedicated HalalTrek support representative throughout your journey.

Our packages range from economy (3-star hotels) to premium (5-star hotels near the Haram). All packages are ATOL protected, meaning your money is financially secure. We work with verified travel agents who have been reviewed by thousands of pilgrims, ensuring you receive reliable and trustworthy service from booking to return.

You can compare packages side by side on our website, filtering by departure city, budget, star rating, and travel dates to find the option that best suits your needs and spiritual aspirations.

Umrah packages from the UK in 2026 typically range from £1,375 to £5,000 per person, depending on the time of year, hotel star rating, proximity to the Haram, and duration of stay. Economy packages with 3-star hotels generally start around £1,375, while premium 5-star packages close to Masjid al-Haram can cost £3,000 to £5,000 per person.

Peak season prices (during Ramadan and school holidays) are significantly higher than off-peak periods. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance typically secures the best rates. HalalTrek allows you to compare prices from multiple verified agents on a single platform, making it easy to find competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

All prices displayed on HalalTrek include flights, accommodation, and visa fees unless otherwise stated. Group bookings of 4 or more passengers often qualify for discounted rates. For a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements and budget, use our custom package builder.

Hajj and Umrah are both Islamic pilgrimages to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, but they differ in their religious obligation, timing, rituals, and duration. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. It takes place during specific dates in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and involves a set sequence of rituals over five to six days.

Umrah, often called the “lesser pilgrimage,” is a recommended act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year. It involves fewer rituals than Hajj — primarily Tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times) and Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah). Umrah typically takes 2 to 4 hours to complete, though most pilgrims spend 7 to 14 days in Saudi Arabia to also visit Madinah and other Islamic sites.

From a practical standpoint, Hajj packages are significantly more expensive (typically £4,500 to £12,000 from the UK) due to the limited Saudi government quota system and longer duration. Umrah packages are more affordable and available year-round, making them accessible to a wider range of pilgrims.

Yes, the travel agents listed on HalalTrek hold ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protection issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). ATOL protection means that if a travel company ceases trading before or during your holiday, you are financially protected and will either receive a full refund or be brought home if you are already abroad.

ATOL protection is one of the most important safeguards when booking a pilgrimage package from the UK. HalalTrek verifies each agent’s ATOL status before listing them on our platform. You can check any agent’s ATOL certificate number on the CAA website for additional peace of mind.

In addition to ATOL, many agents on HalalTrek are also ABTA members and IATA accredited, providing multiple layers of consumer protection. We recommend always verifying these credentials before making a booking, and our platform displays each agent’s certification status prominently on their profile.

Booking an Umrah package through HalalTrek is straightforward. Start by browsing our Umrah packages page, where you can filter by departure city, travel dates, budget, and hotel star rating. Each package listing shows the price per person, hotel details with distance from the Haram, included services, and the agent’s customer rating based on verified reviews.

Once you find a package that suits your requirements, click “View Details” to see the full itinerary and inclusions. From there, you can click “Book Now” which connects you directly with the verified travel agent handling that package. The agent will confirm availability, answer any questions, and guide you through the payment and visa process.

If none of the listed packages match your exact needs, use our Custom Package builder to submit your specific requirements including preferred dates, hotels, group size, and budget. Our team will match you with agents who can create a tailored itinerary. All communications and bookings are between you and the verified agent, with HalalTrek providing the comparison platform and agent verification.

UK passport holders can obtain an Umrah visa through Saudi Arabia’s electronic visa system. Since September 2019, British citizens have been eligible for the Saudi eVisa, which allows entry for tourism and Umrah. The eVisa costs approximately 535 SAR (around £110) and is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit.

To apply, you need a valid UK passport with at least six months’ remaining validity, a recent passport-style photograph, and proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia. Most HalalTrek package agents include visa processing as part of the package, handling the application on your behalf to ensure a smooth process.

Women of all ages can now perform Umrah without a male guardian (mahram), following rule changes implemented by Saudi authorities. However, travel regulations can change, so we recommend checking the latest Saudi embassy guidance before your trip. Your booking agent will advise on the most current requirements at the time of your departure.

Yes, performing Umrah during Ramadan is highly recommended in Islam and carries immense spiritual reward. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Umrah performed during Ramadan is equivalent in reward to performing Hajj. This makes Ramadan one of the most popular times for Umrah, particularly during the last ten nights when Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is sought.

However, Ramadan Umrah packages are significantly more expensive than off-peak packages due to extremely high demand. Hotels near the Haram in Makkah can cost two to three times their normal rates. Packages during the last ten nights of Ramadan command the highest prices, often ranging from £2,500 to £5,000 per person from the UK.

We recommend booking Ramadan Umrah packages at least 4 to 6 months in advance, as availability is limited and prices increase as the month approaches. HalalTrek lists Ramadan-specific packages with clear pricing and availability so you can compare options and secure your spot early.

A 5-star Umrah package from the UK typically includes premium hotel accommodation within walking distance of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. Hotels in this category include well-known brands such as Hilton Suites, Pullman ZamZam, Swissotel, and the Fairmont Clock Tower, offering rooms with Haram views, luxury amenities, and buffet dining.

Beyond accommodation, 5-star packages generally include direct return flights from major UK airports, private airport transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, full Umrah visa processing, and guided Ziyarah tours to significant Islamic historical sites in both cities. Some premium packages also include a dedicated group leader, 24/7 on-ground support, and complimentary laundry services.

Prices for 5-star Umrah packages from the UK typically range from £2,500 to £5,000 per person depending on the season and specific hotels chosen. The primary advantage is convenience and proximity — staying steps from the Haram means you can pray all five daily prayers in the mosque without long walks or shuttle rides, which is particularly valuable for elderly pilgrims or families with young children.

We recommend booking your Umrah package at least 2 to 3 months in advance for off-peak travel, and 4 to 6 months in advance for peak periods such as Ramadan, school holidays, and the months of Rajab and Shaban. Early booking secures better hotel availability, lower prices, and preferred flight times from your chosen UK departure airport.

Last-minute Umrah bookings are possible but come with limitations. You may find fewer hotel options, higher prices, and less convenient flight schedules. Some agents on HalalTrek do offer last-minute deals when they have unsold inventory, which can occasionally be bargains, but this is not guaranteed.

For group bookings of 10 or more passengers, we strongly recommend booking 6 to 12 months ahead. Group allocations at popular hotels near the Haram are limited and fill quickly. Your travel agent will need sufficient time to coordinate flights, accommodation, and ground logistics for larger parties.

Most Umrah packages from the UK depart from London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted), Manchester, and Birmingham — the three cities with the highest demand for pilgrimage travel. Some agents also offer departures from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, and Leeds Bradford, though availability is more limited.

London Heathrow offers the widest choice of direct flights to Jeddah and Madinah, operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), British Airways, and other carriers. Manchester and Birmingham also have direct services during peak season. Indirect flights via Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai are available year-round and are often less expensive, though they add travel time.

On HalalTrek, you can filter packages by departure city to see only the options available from your nearest airport. If your preferred departure city is not listed for a particular package, contact the agent directly — they can often arrange alternative departure arrangements or connect you with a suitable flight.

Essential items for Umrah include your Ihram garments (two white unstitched cloths for men; modest clothing for women), comfortable walking sandals or slip-on shoes that are easy to remove at mosque entrances, a money belt or secure bag for valuables, and any prescribed medications you may need. Your passport, visa documentation, and travel insurance details should be carried with you at all times.

For practical comfort, pack a small prayer mat, a portable Quran or Quran app on your phone, sunscreen (temperatures in Makkah can exceed 40°C), a refillable water bottle, and basic toiletries. Many pilgrims also bring an unscented soap as perfumed products are not permitted during the state of Ihram. A compact umbrella provides shade during Tawaf in hot weather.

We recommend packing light as you will need to navigate busy airports and hotel lobbies. Most 4 and 5-star hotels in Makkah and Madinah provide laundry services. Leave space in your luggage for Zamzam water, dates, and any gifts you wish to bring home from Saudi Arabia.

Yes, the reviews displayed on HalalTrek are from verified customers who have completed their pilgrimage through agents listed on our platform. We take review authenticity seriously and have systems in place to detect and remove fake or incentivised reviews. Our current aggregate rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars is based on over 3,300 independently submitted reviews.

Each review is linked to a specific booking and travel agent, ensuring accountability and transparency. Reviewers rate their experience across multiple criteria including hotel quality, transport reliability, guide knowledge, and overall value for money. This multi-dimensional rating system helps future pilgrims make informed decisions beyond a single star rating.

We do not engage in review gating — all customers are invited to leave reviews regardless of their experience. Negative reviews are published alongside positive ones to maintain credibility. Travel agents can respond to reviews publicly, creating a transparent dialogue that benefits the entire community of pilgrims.

Yes, children of all ages can perform Umrah and it is a wonderful way to introduce young Muslims to the sacred sites of Islam. There is no minimum age requirement for Umrah. Many families from the UK travel with children, and agents on HalalTrek can accommodate family-specific needs including adjoining rooms, child-friendly meal options, and pushchair accessibility advice.

For practical planning, choose hotels close to the Haram to minimise walking distances. Children under 7 are not obligated to perform the rituals of Umrah but may participate if they are able. The reward for their Umrah is credited to the parents. Children aged 7 and above who are capable of understanding the rituals are encouraged to participate fully.

Be aware that Masjid al-Haram can be very crowded, especially during peak seasons. Consider performing Tawaf during less busy times (early morning or late night) when travelling with young children. Most premium packages include family-friendly ground transport and dedicated support for families.

If your Umrah travel agent ceases trading before your departure, ATOL protection ensures you receive a full refund for the package you paid for. ATOL is administered by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and covers all package holidays that include flights. This is why HalalTrek only lists agents who hold valid ATOL licences — it is the most important financial safeguard for UK travellers.

If the agent goes out of business while you are already in Saudi Arabia, ATOL protection will arrange for you to complete your trip and return home as planned, or provide an alternative arrangement. The CAA maintains a dedicated helpline and support service for affected travellers.

To maximise your protection, always pay by credit card for bookings over £100. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, your credit card provider is jointly liable with the travel agent, giving you an additional layer of financial protection beyond ATOL. Keep all booking confirmations, receipts, and correspondence as documentation.

Choosing the right Umrah package depends on balancing your budget with your priorities for comfort, convenience, and spiritual experience. Start by setting a realistic per-person budget. Economy packages (£1,375 to £1,800) offer 3-star hotels that may be a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Haram. Standard packages (£1,800 to £2,500) provide 4-star hotels within 5 to 10 minutes walking distance. Premium packages (£2,500 and above) place you in 5-star hotels steps from the Haram entrance.

Consider what matters most to you: proximity to the Haram is the single biggest price factor. A 5-star hotel 500 metres from the mosque may cost less than a 4-star hotel 100 metres away. If you are physically fit and comfortable walking, staying slightly further away can save significant money without diminishing the spiritual experience.

Use HalalTrek’s comparison tools to filter packages by your specific criteria. Read reviews from previous pilgrims who booked similar packages to understand the real experience. And remember that the most expensive package is not necessarily the best — some of our highest-rated agents offer mid-range packages with exceptional service and personal attention.

A typical Umrah package from the UK includes return flights, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, an Umrah visa, and airport transfers. Many packages also include ground transportation between the two holy cities. Packages are generally offered as either guided (with a group leader or scholar who assists with rituals) or unguided (where you perform Umrah independently). Some premium packages may also include meals, ziyarah (religious site visits), and travel insurance. Always check exactly what is included before booking, as inclusions can vary significantly between providers.

The Umrah rituals themselves — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and shaving or trimming the hair — can be completed in as little as 3 to 4 hours. However, most pilgrims travel for longer to spend time in worship at the Haram in Makkah and visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. A minimum trip is typically 3 to 4 days, but the most common Umrah packages from the UK are 7, 10, or 14 days. Longer stays allow you to perform multiple Umrahs, explore historical sites, and enjoy a more spiritually fulfilling experience without feeling rushed.

Hajj and Umrah are both pilgrimages to Makkah, but they differ in several important ways. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory (Fard) once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. It takes place during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah (8th to 13th). Umrah, often called the "lesser pilgrimage," can be performed at any time of the year and is considered a highly recommended Sunnah by most scholars. Hajj includes additional rituals such as standing at Arafat, staying in Muzdalifah, and the stoning of the Jamarat in Mina, whereas Umrah consists of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and shaving or cutting the hair.

Yes, UK citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah. The process has been significantly simplified in recent years. You can now apply for an e-visa online through the official Saudi Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) or the Visit Saudi portal. The e-visa is typically processed within minutes to a few days and allows multiple entries. You will need a valid passport with at least six months' validity, a recent passport photo, and proof of vaccination (including meningitis ACWY). If you book through a licensed travel agent, they will usually handle the visa application on your behalf as part of your Umrah package.

Yes, it is now possible to arrange Umrah independently (DIY) thanks to Saudi Arabia's e-visa system and the availability of online hotel and flight bookings. A DIY Umrah can be more flexible and sometimes cheaper, as you choose your own flights, hotels, and schedule. However, a package through a licensed travel agent offers convenience, group support, guided assistance with rituals, pre-arranged transfers, and financial protection (such as ATOL). For first-time pilgrims, families, or the elderly, a managed package is generally recommended. Experienced travellers who are comfortable navigating airports and hotels in Saudi Arabia may prefer the DIY approach.

These terms refer to your accommodation arrangements during the days of Hajj. In a non-shifting package, you stay in the same hotel in Makkah throughout your trip and travel to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah for the Hajj rites before returning to your hotel each time. In a shifting package, you check out of your Makkah hotel before the Hajj days and stay in tented camps in Mina and Arafat during the rituals, then check into a new (or the same) hotel afterwards. Shifting packages are generally more affordable because you are not paying for an empty hotel room during the days you are in the camps. Non-shifting packages offer more comfort and convenience, especially for elderly pilgrims or those who prefer a fixed base.

Umrah can be performed year-round, so the best time depends on your priorities. Ramadan is the most spiritually rewarding time — the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to Hajj — but it is also the busiest and most expensive period. For milder weather, the months from November to February offer cooler temperatures in Makkah and Madinah. UK families with children often travel during school holidays (half-term, Easter, or Christmas breaks) for convenience. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the months just after Hajj season or between January and March (outside Ramadan) tend to be quieter. We can help you find the ideal dates to match your schedule and budget.

The obligation of Umrah is a matter of scholarly discussion. According to the Hanbali and Shafi'i schools of thought, Umrah is obligatory (Wajib) once in a lifetime for every Muslim who has the means. The Hanafi and Maliki schools consider Umrah to be a highly recommended Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) but not obligatory. Regardless of the scholarly view followed, all scholars agree that performing Umrah is a deeply virtuous act of worship that brings immense spiritual reward. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The performers of Hajj and Umrah are guests of Allah" (Ibn Majah).

Choosing a trustworthy Umrah travel agent is essential for a smooth pilgrimage. Look for the following: ATOL protection — this ensures your money is protected if the company ceases trading; check their ATOL certificate number on the CAA website. Look for membership of recognised trade bodies such as ABTA or IATA. Read genuine customer reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews. Ask whether they have dedicated ground staff in Saudi Arabia. Check how long they have been operating and whether they specialise in Hajj and Umrah rather than general travel. A good agent will be transparent about what is included in the price, provide a clear itinerary, and be responsive to your questions before and during the trip.

Yes, many pilgrims from the UK choose to extend their Umrah trip with a leisure stopover. Popular combinations include a visit to Turkey (especially Istanbul for its rich Islamic heritage and history), Jordan (Petra, the Dead Sea, and Amman), and Dubai or Abu Dhabi (for shopping, family attractions, and warm weather). Some airlines offer convenient routing that makes a stopover easy to arrange. Combining Umrah with a holiday can be a wonderful way to make the most of your time off work, especially during school holidays, and it allows the whole family to enjoy both a spiritual and cultural experience. Ask us about our Umrah-plus-holiday itineraries for tailored options.