How Much Does Umrah Cost If You Are a UK Citizen?

Umrah Cost If You Are a UK Citizen?

Umrah is often referred to as the ‘lesser’ or ‘minor’ pilgrimage. It is an act of worship much loved by Muslims that includes a visit to the holy city of Makkah. At its centre lies the Ka’aba at the heart of Islamic belief and the focus of worship. Pilgrims perform a set of sanctified rites within this act of worship. This indeed is a sacred act of great importance to Muslims around the world. It is a beloved Sunnah that replenishes faith and purifies the soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness, make heartfelt dua, and strive to strengthen their bond with Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him urged all Muslims to perform at least one ‘Umrah in their lifetimes. He performed this sacred journey four times. With Umrah Tickets 2025 now on sale, plan your journey to experience this life-changing act of worship in Islam. This is a chance to renew faith and find peace with God.

Visa and Documentation Fees

An Umrah trip to Saudi Arabia requires a visa. It has made the process of applying for an Umrah visa relatively easy for citizens of the UK. An Umrah visa costs approximately £90-£120. Most traveling agencies include the fee for processing the visa in their packages; thus it is good to establish this in advance.

  • Passport: It should be valid for a minimum of six months from the entry date into Saudi Arabia. For a new passport, on the application, the fee will be £85 for a standard adult.
  • Travel Insurance: Although not mandatory, this is important in case one is faced with any unexplained medical or travelling emergency. The cost for good travel insurance that covers Umrah will cost from £20 to £50 depending on your coverage.

Flights to Saudi Arabia

The cost of flights is one of the major determinants of the overall cost of your Umrah trip. The cost of a direct flight from the UK to Jeddah or Madinah can be anywhere from £500 to £800 for economy class, based on the time of year. Fares tend to be higher during peak seasons like Ramadan and school holidays and can sometimes go as high as £1,000. One can also save on flight costs by booking in advance to get cheaper deals. One may also take connecting flights that may be cheaper but take longer to reach the destination.

Cost of Accommodation

The accommodation in Makkah and Madinah varies from budget hotels to five-star luxury hotels. The cost also depends on the distance from the Haram (Masjid al-Haram in Makkah or Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah).

  • Budget Hotels: Ranges from £30 to £50 per night.
  • Mid-Range Hotels: £60-£100 average per night
  • Luxury Hotel: Price ranges up to £150 for a night. These would be on the same streets as the Haram.

The cost of 7-night stay accommodation will come to anywhere between £210 – £1,050 depending on your choice.

Ground Transport

Transport between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah is another mandatory expense. Possible choices are

  • Taxi services: A round-trip taxi from Jeddah to Makkah would go for around £50 to £70.
  • Haramain High-Speed Train: This is a cheaper and faster option; it is a one-way journey from Makkah to Madinah for £20-£40.
  • Private Transfers: These are included in many travel packages or are available at an additional cost of £100-£150 for round-trip services.

Food and Daily Expenses

Food in Makkah and Madinah is affordable. Most pilgrims prefer to dine at local restaurants or food courts near the Haram. The estimated cost of food for a day will be:

  • Budget Meals: £10 to £15 per day.
  • Mid-Range Meals: £20 to £30 per day.

For 7 day trip, you will need to plan for £100 to £200 for food and snacks. Breakfast is complimentary with some hotels that will save money.

Package Deals

Many UK-based travel agencies have elaborate Umrah packages. Flights, accommodation, visa processing, and ground transport are typically included in most Umrah packages, although their costs vary enormously as follows:

  • Budget Packages: Begin at around £700 per head.
  • Mid-range Packages: range from £1,000 to £1,500 per head
  • Luxury Packages: £2,000 for the ultimate facilities and service on offer for most of those using these packages
  • Laundry Services: Most hotels offer laundry facilities and charge between £5 to £10 per load.
  • Internet and Mobile Services: Data on a Saudi SIM card costs between £20 to £40, depending on the package.

Best Time to Perform Umrah

The timing of your Umrah can significantly impact costs. Off-peak seasons, such as after Ramadan and during non-holiday months, offer lower prices for flights and accommodations. Conversely, peak seasons, including Ramadan and December holidays, see a sharp rise in costs due to high demand.

Conclusion

A low-cost Umrah tour can range between £1,200 and £1,500, whereas the luxurious Umrah tour exceeds more than £2,500. Preparing beforehand, comparing different packages, and being flexible about travel dates would help cut costs. All of this money would be worth the spiritual benefits and blessings one could gain from the journey.

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