Every pilgrim asks the same thing before booking: how much does Umrah cost from UK cities, and what will the price really cover? AL Islam Travels, a London agency for Umrah and Hajj packages, hears this question from families, couples and solo travellers all the time. The honest answer is that costs change with season, hotel and trip length, so one single number rarely helps.
This guide breaks the price into flights, visa, hotels, transfers and extras. You will see which packages suit which budgets, how to spot missing costs in a quote and when to book to save money.
Can you still find a fair price when demand is high? Yes, if you know what to check before you pay a deposit.
What your Umrah price actually pays for
A package price is a bundle of smaller bills. Your money pays for return flights from London, Birmingham or Manchester to Jeddah or Madinah, a Saudi visa with the required health insurance, hotels in Makkah and Madinah and ground transport between them. Many packages add Ziyarah tours and breakfast.
So how much does Umrah cost from UK airports once you add it all up? The answer swings with three things: travel dates, hotel distance and trip length. A ten-night stay in a quiet month costs far less than the same stay in the last ten days of Ramadan.
Why do pilgrims buy bundled packages instead of booking each part? Mostly for control and timing. An agent matches your flights to your hotel check-in, files your visa and gives you one contact if plans change. Booking separately can save money for experienced travellers, but one missed hotel night can wipe out the saving.
Saudi Vision 2030 (2016) aims to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims a year by 2030. Demand keeps rising, so popular dates sell out earlier each year.
Package types and who each one suits
Your hotel tier changes the bill more than any other choice. Most UK agencies sell economy, three star, four star and five star packages. Each tier trades walking distance, comfort and cost.
Economy hotels sit furthest from the Haram, so you rely on shuttle buses or longer walks. Three star hotels balance price and comfort. Four star hotels often sit within a short walk and include richer breakfasts. Five star hotels, such as the towers beside Masjid al-Haram, put you minutes from prayer at the highest rates.
Do you need to be next to the Haram? Not always. Fit pilgrims with a reliable shuttle often do well in a four star hotel. Elderly parents or families with young children usually value a short walk more than a lower price.
Ramadan and school holidays raise rates on every tier. Book at least four months ahead for those dates. The table shows how the tiers compare.
| Package tier | Hotel distance | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Longer walk or shuttle | Solo travellers, tight budgets | Less time near the Haram |
| 3 star | Short shuttle or mid-length walk | First-timers, small groups | Limited room choice |
| 4 star | Often a short walk | Families, older parents | Fills fast in Ramadan |
| 5 star | Next to or very near the Haram | Elderly pilgrims, comfort seekers | Highest rates, early booking |
Distances vary by hotel, so ask your agent for the exact walking time from each property.
How booking works and where the money goes
Good planning starts before any payment. The steps below show what a careful agency does for you.
The booking process step by step
- You share your dates, group size and hotel preference.
- The agent sends a written quote that lists flights, visa, hotels, transfers and nights.
- You check that every passport is valid for at least six months and matches the booking name.
- You pay the deposit and sign the booking terms.
- The agent files the visa and confirms flights and hotels.
- You receive your tickets, hotel vouchers and a pre-departure briefing.
Take a couple from Manchester who compared two quotes for ten nights. The cheaper quote left out the visa and airport transfers. Once they added those costs, the quote that listed everything came out lower.
What moves the price from London
Six things drive the final figure for most pilgrims.
- Travel dates, especially Ramadan, Eid and school holidays
- Hotel star rating and distance from the Haram
- Number of nights in Makkah and Madinah
- Direct or connecting flights
- Room type, from shared quad rooms to private doubles
- Meal plan and group size
Some costs sit outside the package. Lunches and dinners, extra Ziyarah tours, a local SIM card, luggage fees and spending money all come on top, so plan for them early.
Listed prices show the spread. AL Islam Travels, a London agency with an office in East Ham, advertises four star packages from £625 for ten nights up to £810 for fourteen. Its five star packages run from £600 for seven nights up to £845 for fourteen. Confirm whether a listed price is per person and check current rates before you plan.
UK law limits nasty surprises. Under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations (2018), an organiser can raise a package price by up to 8 per cent, and only if the contract allows it. You must hear about any rise at least 20 days before departure.
How to compare quotes and choose an agent
A low price means little without the details behind it. Ask each agency for an itemised written quote with the same hotels, nights and dates, then compare line by line. A licensed travel consultant in London says the cheapest quote is often the one that leaves out transfers or names no hotel.
Start with licensing. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (2024) runs the ATOL scheme, which has protected UK travellers who buy flight packages since 1972. Ask for the agency’s ATOL number and check it on the CAA website before you pay.
Use this short list when you speak to each agency:
- Do you hold an ATOL licence, and what is the number?
- Which hotels are in the quote, and how far are they from the Haram?
- Are flights, visa and transfers included?
- Which costs sit outside the package?
- What happens if my dates or flight change?
- Who do I call during the trip, and at what hours?
Experience matters too. A specialist that handles only Umrah and Hajj, like AL Islam Travels, deals with Saudi hotel contracts, visa timing and Ramadan demand every season. A general high street agent may arrange one pilgrim trip a year. That gap shows when a flight changes or a visa runs late.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Umrah cost from UK in 2026?
Cost depends on travel dates, hotel star rating, distance from the Haram and number of nights. Ramadan and school holidays cost the most. Ask for an itemised quote and compare agencies using the same hotels, nights and dates.
Does the Umrah package price include flights and visa?
Most UK packages include return flights, a Saudi visa and transfers, but not all do. Read the quote line by line. If a price looks low, check whether flights, visa fees or airport transfers are missing.
Are there hidden costs in Umrah packages?
Meals outside breakfast, extra Ziyarah tours, luggage fees, a local SIM card and spending money often sit outside the price. Ask your agent for a written list of what is and is not included before you pay a deposit.
Does ATOL cover Umrah packages from the UK?
ATOL protects flight packages sold by licensed UK companies. If your agency sells flights and hotels together, it normally needs a licence. Ask for the number and check it with the Civil Aviation Authority before paying.
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Umrah?
Most UK travellers need a Saudi visa. Your agent can arrange it, or you can apply online if you are eligible. Visa fees and insurance rules change, so confirm the latest costs. Your passport needs six months of validity.
What is the cheapest time to book Umrah from Birmingham?
Quieter months outside Ramadan, Eid and UK school holidays usually cost less. Book three to four months ahead for better flights and hotel rooms. Prices for Birmingham departures rise as seats sell, so early quotes save money.
Is Umrah cheaper from Manchester than from London?
Not always. Fares depend on airline, date and whether the flight is direct. Ask your agent to price both airports for your dates. A cheaper Manchester fare can vanish if you pay for a long train ride.
How hot is Makkah in summer, and does it change the price?
Summer temperatures in Makkah often pass 40°C. Packages outside school holidays can cost less then, but you need an air-conditioned hotel and a reliable shuttle. Elderly pilgrims may prefer winter or spring dates.
Can I pay for Umrah in instalments?
Many UK agencies accept a deposit followed by instalments. Ask for the payment schedule, the final payment date and the refund terms in writing. A clear plan helps you save for the trip without paying everything at once.
How much spending money should I take for Umrah?
Budget for meals outside your hotel, Ziyarah visits, local transport, gifts and small extras. Pilgrims on a tight budget can reduce costs by choosing a breakfast-included hotel. Keep a small reserve for surprises.
Your next step is simple. Write down your dates, group size and hotel preference, then ask two or three agencies for itemised written quotes. Check each ATOL number and compare what the price includes, not just the headline figure. If you would like a London team to walk through the numbers with you, reach out to AL Islam Travels for a quote and ask which costs sit outside the package. Take your time, ask every question, and book only when the figures make sense to you.
