Planning your Umrah journey from the UK is one of the most spiritually rewarding decisions you’ll ever make — but it requires careful financial planning. Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or returning to the holy cities, understanding the full cost of Umrah from the UK in 2026 helps you budget wisely and avoid unexpected expenses.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down every cost involved in performing Umrah from the United Kingdom — from flights and visa fees to hotels, transport, food, and shopping. We’ll cover economy, standard, and luxury options, compare 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day trip durations, and share practical tips to save money without compromising your spiritual experience.
How Much Does Umrah Cost from UK in 2026? An Overview
The total cost of Umrah from the UK in 2026 typically ranges from £1,200 to £5,500+ per person, depending on your travel style, trip duration, time of year, and package inclusions. Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Budget Level | 7 Days | 14 Days | 21 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | £1,200 – £1,800 | £1,800 – £2,600 | £2,400 – £3,400 |
| Standard | £2,000 – £3,000 | £3,000 – £4,200 | £4,000 – £5,200 |
| Luxury | £3,500 – £5,500+ | £5,000 – £8,000+ | £7,000 – £11,000+ |
These figures include flights, visa, accommodation, local transport, and meals. Shopping and miscellaneous expenses are additional. Let’s break each category down in detail.
Umrah Visa Cost from UK (2026)
The Saudi government requires all UK pilgrims to obtain an Umrah visa. The cost structure for 2026 is as follows:
| Visa Component | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Umrah e-Visa fee | £100 – £130 (SAR 480–630) |
| Visa processing / service fee (via agent) | £30 – £80 |
| Travel insurance (mandatory) | £15 – £40 |
| Total visa cost | £145 – £250 |
Key Visa Notes for UK Pilgrims
- UK passport holders can apply for the Saudi e-Visa online through the official portal or via an approved Umrah travel agent.
- The e-Visa is valid for one year with multiple entries and allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit.
- Women over 45 can travel without a mahram (male guardian) as part of an organised group, per updated Saudi regulations.
- Travel insurance covering COVID-19 and medical emergencies is mandatory and usually bundled with the visa fee.
Flight Costs from UK to Saudi Arabia (2026)
Flights are typically the single largest expense. Prices vary significantly based on departure city, airline, booking time, and season.
| Route | Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| London → Jeddah (direct) | £350 – £600 | £600 – £1,000 | £1,200 – £2,500 |
| London → Madinah (direct) | £400 – £700 | £700 – £1,100 | £1,400 – £2,800 |
| Manchester → Jeddah (1-stop) | £400 – £700 | £700 – £1,200 | £1,500 – £3,000 |
| Birmingham → Jeddah (1-stop) | £450 – £750 | £750 – £1,300 | £1,500 – £3,000 |
Popular Airlines for Umrah from UK
- Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) – Direct flights from London Heathrow to Jeddah and Madinah. Often the best value for direct routes.
- British Airways – Direct London to Jeddah service. Premium experience, higher price point.
- Turkish Airlines – Via Istanbul from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. Competitive pricing with good service.
- Emirates / Qatar Airways / Etihad – Via Gulf hubs. Excellent service, often competitive pricing with 1-stop routing.
- Flynas / Flyadeal – Saudi budget carriers. Occasionally offer low fares but limited UK departure points.
Flight Booking Tips
- Book at least 8–12 weeks in advance for the best fares.
- Avoid peak Umrah seasons (Ramadan, school holidays, December) if budget is a concern.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekend flights.
- Consider flying into Jeddah and out of Madinah (open-jaw ticket) to save on internal transport.
Hotel / Accommodation Costs in Makkah & Madinah
Hotel costs vary enormously based on proximity to the Haram, star rating, and season. Prices below are per person per night based on double/twin occupancy.
Makkah Hotels
| Category | Distance from Haram | Per Night (pp) | 7-Night Total (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (3-star) | 1–3 km (shuttle bus) | £25 – £50 | £175 – £350 |
| Standard (4-star) | 500m – 1 km | £60 – £120 | £420 – £840 |
| Luxury (5-star) | Directly facing / adjacent | £150 – £400+ | £1,050 – £2,800+ |
Madinah Hotels
| Category | Distance from Masjid al-Nabawi | Per Night (pp) | 7-Night Total (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (3-star) | 1–3 km | £20 – £40 | £140 – £280 |
| Standard (4-star) | 300m – 800m | £45 – £90 | £315 – £630 |
| Luxury (5-star) | Adjacent to Haram | £120 – £300+ | £840 – £2,100+ |
Hotel Tips for UK Pilgrims
- Prices can double or triple during Ramadan and peak school holiday periods.
- Hotels further from the Haram offer free shuttle services — a good budget option.
- Room-only rates save money if you plan to eat out. Half-board and full-board add £10–£25 per day per person.
- Many Umrah packages include hotels, so compare package pricing against booking independently.
Internal Transport Costs (Makkah ↔ Madinah & Local)
Inter-City Transport
| Option | Makkah ↔ Madinah Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Haramain High-Speed Train | £25 – £60 | ~2.5 hours |
| SAPTCO Bus | £10 – £20 | ~5–6 hours |
| Private taxi | £60 – £120 | ~4–5 hours |
| Domestic flight | £40 – £80 | ~1 hour |
Local Transport
| Service | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Haramain train (single journey within city) | £5 – £15 |
| Hotel shuttle (if provided) | Free – £5 per trip |
| Local taxi / Uber / Careem | £3 – £10 per trip |
| Airport transfer (Jeddah/Madinah) | £15 – £40 |
Total transport budget: Expect to spend £80 – £250 on transport for a typical 7–14 day Umrah trip, depending on your choices.
Food & Dining Costs During Umrah
Food in Saudi Arabia is generally affordable, especially if you eat at local restaurants rather than hotel buffets.
| Dining Style | Daily Cost (per person) | 7-Day Total | 14-Day Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (street food, local restaurants) | £8 – £15 | £56 – £105 | £112 – £210 |
| Standard (mid-range restaurants) | £15 – £30 | £105 – £210 | £210 – £420 |
| Luxury (hotel dining, fine restaurants) | £30 – £60+ | £210 – £420 | £420 – £840+ |
Food Tips
- Many hotels include breakfast — factor this into your package comparison.
- Local restaurants near the Haram offer excellent Middle Eastern and South Asian meals for £3–£8 per plate.
- Bottled water is essential. Budget £1–£2 per day or buy in bulk from supermarkets.
- Fast food chains (Al Baik, KFC, McDonald’s) are available and affordable at £4–£7 per meal.
Shopping & Gifts Budget
Most UK pilgrims want to bring back gifts, dates, prayer beads, attar (perfume), and souvenirs.
| Shopping Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Dates & sweets | £15 – £50 |
| Attar / perfume | £10 – £80 |
| Prayer beads, mats, religious items | £10 – £40 |
| Clothes / abayas / thobes | £20 – £100 |
| Miscellaneous gifts & souvenirs | £20 – £60 |
| Total shopping budget | £75 – £330 |
Miscellaneous Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| SIM card / data plan (Saudi) | £10 – £25 |
| Ihram garments (if not already owned) | £10 – £30 |
| Zamzam water (to take home) | £5 – £15 |
| Tips & gratuities | £10 – £30 |
| Laundry services | £10 – £25 |
| Total miscellaneous | £45 – £125 |
Complete Cost Comparison: 7 Days vs 14 Days vs 21 Days from UK
Here’s the full picture, combining all categories for a solo traveller departing from London:
| Cost Category | Economy (7d) | Standard (7d) | Luxury (7d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa & Insurance | £150 | £180 | £250 |
| Flights (return) | £400 | £550 | £1,500 |
| Hotels (Makkah + Madinah) | £350 | £750 | £2,500 |
| Transport | £100 | £150 | £250 |
| Food | £80 | £150 | £350 |
| Shopping & Gifts | £80 | £150 | £300 |
| Miscellaneous | £50 | £80 | £120 |
| TOTAL | £1,210 | £2,010 | £5,270 |
| Cost Category | Economy (14d) | Standard (14d) | Luxury (14d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa & Insurance | £150 | £180 | £250 |
| Flights (return) | £400 | £550 | £1,500 |
| Hotels (Makkah + Madinah) | £600 | £1,300 | £4,200 |
| Transport | £130 | £200 | £350 |
| Food | £160 | £300 | £700 |
| Shopping & Gifts | £100 | £200 | £400 |
| Miscellaneous | £60 | £100 | £150 |
| TOTAL | £1,600 | £2,830 | £7,550 |
| Cost Category | Economy (21d) | Standard (21d) | Luxury (21d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa & Insurance | £150 | £180 | £250 |
| Flights (return) | £400 | £550 | £1,500 |
| Hotels (Makkah + Madinah) | £850 | £1,900 | £6,000 |
| Transport | £160 | £250 | £450 |
| Food | £240 | £450 | £1,050 |
| Shopping & Gifts | £120 | £250 | £500 |
| Miscellaneous | £80 | £120 | £180 |
| TOTAL | £2,000 | £3,700 | £9,930 |
10 Practical Tips to Save Money on Umrah from UK
- Travel off-peak. Avoid Ramadan, December holidays, and UK school half-terms. The cheapest months are typically Muharram, Safar, and Rajab (check the Islamic calendar for 2026).
- Book flights early. Aim for 8–12 weeks ahead. Use fare alerts and be flexible with dates.
- Consider a package deal. Reputable ATOL-protected Umrah packages often work out cheaper than booking flights, hotels, and visa separately. Contact HP Travel Tours for a tailored quote.
- Stay slightly further from the Haram. Hotels 1–2 km away can be 40–60% cheaper than those directly facing the Haram, and many offer free shuttle buses.
- Eat like a local. Skip hotel buffets and explore local restaurants. You’ll get better food at a fraction of the price.
- Travel as a group. Group bookings often unlock discounts on flights and hotels. Family packages can also reduce per-person costs.
- Use the Haramain train. It’s faster, more comfortable, and often cheaper than a private taxi between Makkah and Madinah.
- Buy Zamzam water locally. Don’t carry heavy bottles — buy sealed Zamzam at the airport or local shops for much less than UK prices.
- Get a local SIM card. Saudi SIM cards with data cost £10–£25 and save you from expensive roaming charges.
- Set a shopping budget in advance. The souks are tempting. Decide your limit before you go and stick to it.
ATOL Protection: Why It Matters for Your Umrah Booking
When booking your Umrah trip from the UK, always choose an ATOL-protected travel agent. ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) is a UK government-backed scheme that protects you if your travel company goes out of business.
What ATOL Protection Covers
- Full refund if your travel company ceases trading before your trip.
- Repatriation assistance if you’re abroad when the company fails.
- Alternative arrangements or a refund if your holiday is disrupted.
How to Check ATOL Protection
- Ask for the ATOL certificate at the time of booking.
- Verify the ATOL number on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website.
- Be wary of agents who cannot provide ATOL documentation — this is a legal requirement for flight-inclusive packages.
HP Travel Tours is ATOL protected, giving you complete peace of mind when booking your Umrah journey. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.
Best Time to Perform Umrah from UK (Cost Perspective)
| Period | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Muharram – Safar | Lowest | Off-peak. Best value. Cooler weather. |
| Rabi al-Awwal – Jumada | Moderate | Good weather, reasonable prices. |
| Rajab – Shaban | Moderate – High | Prices start rising as Ramadan approaches. |
| Ramadan | Highest | 3x–5x normal prices. Book 6+ months ahead. |
| Summer holidays (Jul–Aug) | High | UK school holidays drive demand. Very hot in Saudi. |
| December holidays | High | Christmas/New Year period. Moderate Saudi weather. |
Umrah Packages vs DIY Booking: Which Is Cheaper?
Many UK pilgrims wonder whether to book an all-inclusive Umrah package or arrange everything independently. Here’s a comparison:
| Factor | Package (via Agent) | DIY Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High — everything arranged | Requires significant research |
| Cost (economy) | Often cheaper (bulk rates) | Can be cheaper if you hunt deals |
| Cost (luxury) | Competitive | Similar or higher |
| ATOL protection | Yes (if agent is ATOL-protected) | Only flights covered by ATOL |
| Support on ground | Agent rep available | Self-managed |
| Visa processing | Handled by agent | DIY via Saudi e-Visa portal |
| Flexibility | Fixed itinerary | Full control |
For most UK pilgrims — especially first-timers — a package from a reputable, ATOL-protected agent offers the best balance of cost, convenience, and security. Request a free quote from HP Travel Tours to compare.
Return Ticket Prices — UK to Jeddah/Madinah (2026)
Return flight ticket prices from UK airports to Saudi Arabia:
| Route | Airline | Return Price (GBP) | Flight Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) → Jeddah → London | Saudia (Direct) | £380 – £550 | Economy |
| London (LHR) → Jeddah → London | British Airways (Direct) | £420 – £650 | Economy |
| London (LGW) → Jeddah → London | Flynas (Direct) | £320 – £480 | Economy |
| Manchester → Jeddah → Manchester | Saudia / Flynas | £350 – £520 | Economy |
| Birmingham → Jeddah → Birmingham | Saudia (1-stop) | £380 – £560 | Economy |
Note:
- At HP Travel & Tours, ticket prices are INCLUDED in our UK Umrah packages
- Prices increase during Ramadan and UK school holidays
- ATOL protection covers your flights if booked as a package
Contact us for latest UK ticket prices!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a basic Umrah cost from the UK in 2026?
A basic economy Umrah package from the UK in 2026 costs approximately £1,200 – £1,800 per person for a 7-day trip. This includes return flights, visa, 3-star accommodation, and basic transport. The exact price depends on your departure city, travel dates, and whether you book as part of a group.
Is Umrah cheaper during Ramadan from the UK?
No — Ramadan is the most expensive time to perform Umrah from the UK. Prices can be 3x to 5x higher than off-peak periods due to massive demand. A Ramadan Umrah from the UK can cost £3,000 – £7,000+ per person for a 7–14 day trip. If budget is a concern, consider travelling in Muharram, Safar, or Rabi al-Awwal instead.
Can I do Umrah from the UK on a budget for under £1,500?
Yes, it’s possible to perform Umrah from the UK for under £1,500 per person on a 7-day economy trip. To achieve this, book flights well in advance, choose a 3-star hotel further from the Haram, eat at local restaurants, and travel during off-peak months. An ATOL-protected economy package can often deliver the best value within this budget.
Do I need a mahram to travel for Umrah from the UK?
Under current Saudi regulations, women over 45 can perform Umrah without a mahram as part of an organised group with other women. Women under 45 are generally required to travel with a mahram. However, regulations can change, so check the latest rules with your travel agent or the Saudi embassy before booking.
What is the cheapest month to do Umrah from the UK?
The cheapest months for Umrah from the UK are typically Muharram and Safar (the first two months of the Islamic calendar). During these months, flights and hotel prices are at their lowest, and the holy cities are less crowded. The exact dates shift each year relative to the Gregorian calendar, so check the Islamic calendar for 2026.
How far in advance should I book my Umrah from the UK?
For the best prices, book your Umrah trip at least 8–12 weeks in advance. For Ramadan travel, book 6 months or more ahead to secure reasonable prices and availability. Last-minute bookings are possible but typically cost significantly more, especially for flights.
Are Umrah packages from the UK ATOL protected?
Not all Umrah packages are ATOL protected — it depends on the travel agent. Always verify that your agent holds a valid ATOL licence and request your ATOL certificate at the time of booking. ATOL protection ensures you get a refund or repatriation if your travel company fails. HP Travel Tours is fully ATOL protected for your peace of mind.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa from the UK?
Yes. Saudi Arabia’s e-Visa (tourist visa) now permits Umrah for UK passport holders. This means you don’t necessarily need a specific Umrah visa — the tourist e-Visa covers both tourism and Umrah. However, during peak Umrah seasons, a dedicated Umrah visa through an approved agent may be more practical.
Ready to Plan Your Umrah from the UK?
Understanding how much Umrah costs from the UK in 2026 is the first step towards making your sacred journey a reality. Whether you’re looking for an economy package or a luxury 5-star experience, careful planning and the right travel partner make all the difference.
At HP Travel Tours, we specialise in crafting personalised Umrah packages for UK pilgrims — with ATOL protection, competitive pricing, and dedicated support from booking to return.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us help you plan the Umrah journey of a lifetime.
