Complete Umrah Guide for UK Muslims 2027

Everything you need to know about performing Umrah from the UK in 2027 — from preparation and visa to what happens at the holy sites step by step.

Umrah is one of the most spiritually profound journeys a Muslim can undertake. Unlike Hajj, it can be performed at any time of year and carries immense reward — the Prophet ﷺ said: "Umrah to Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between them." This guide covers everything UK Muslims need to know about performing Umrah in 2027.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is sometimes called the "lesser pilgrimage" to distinguish it from Hajj, but it is no less spiritually significant. Umrah consists of four main rituals: entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba seven times), performing Sa'i (walking seven times between Safa and Marwa), and shaving or cutting the hair.

Step-by-Step: The Rituals of Umrah

1. 1Ihram — Before crossing the Miqat boundary, you make the intention for Umrah and wear two white unsewn cloths (for men) or modest clothing (for women). You recite the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk."
2. 2Tawaf — Upon reaching Masjid al-Haram, you perform 7 circuits around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
3. 3Prayer at Maqam Ibrahim — After Tawaf, you pray 2 rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, then drink Zamzam water.
4. 4Sa'i — You walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, completing 7 laps (starting at Safa, ending at Marwa).
5. 5Halq or Taqsir — Men shave their heads (halq) or shorten their hair (taqsir); women cut a small amount of hair (taqsir only). This completes Umrah and releases you from Ihram.

Preparing for Umrah from the UK

Documents you will need

• Valid UK passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your travel date)
• Saudi Umrah e-Visa (arranged by your travel agent — we handle this for all Alharmain packages)
• Return flight tickets
• Hotel booking confirmation for Makkah and Madinah
• Proof of vaccination (meningitis ACWY — mandatory for entry)
• Mahram documentation if required (for women under 45 travelling without a male guardian)

Physical preparation

Umrah involves significant walking — typically 5–8km per day between the holy sites. Begin walking regularly 4–6 weeks before your trip. If you can manage 5km walks without fatigue, you'll be comfortable at the Haram. Also speak to your GP if you have any health conditions, as the heat in Makkah can be intense (reaching 43°C in summer).

How Long Should You Stay?

Most UK pilgrims stay between 7 and 14 nights. A 7-night trip (4N Makkah + 3N Madinah) allows time to perform Umrah once and visit the key sites. A 10–14 night trip gives you the opportunity to perform multiple Umrahs and spend more time in worship. Our packages are designed for 7N, 10N, and 14N durations.

What Does an All-Inclusive Package Include?

• Return flights from your nearest UK airport (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford, Leeds, Edinburgh)
• Saudi Umrah visa processing
• Hotel accommodation in Makkah (Haram-facing or close-to-Haram)
• Hotel accommodation in Madinah (near Masjid an-Nabawi)
• Airport transfers in Saudi Arabia
• Transport between Makkah and Madinah
• ATOL financial protection
• 24/7 UK support team

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to perform Umrah?

Umrah can be performed any time of year. October–April offers the most comfortable temperatures (20–30°C) and is popular with UK pilgrims. Ramadan is the most spiritually rewarding time but also the busiest and most expensive. See our detailed guide to the best time for Umrah.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance to secure the best hotel availability and flight prices. For Ramadan packages, book 5–6 months ahead as these sell out the fastest.