ATOL Protected • UK Specialist • First Time Guidance

First Time Umrah
Guide & Packages
from the UK 2026

Your first Umrah is one of the most meaningful journeys you will ever take. We guide you through every single step β€” from your first question to the moment you stand in front of the Kaaba.

  • Complete step-by-step guidance for first time pilgrims
  • Hotels within 50–300m of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah
  • Experienced group leader β€” with you from departure to return
  • 100% ATOL protected β€” your money is safe from day one
2,400+ Pilgrims Guided
12+ Years Experience
4.9β˜… Review Score
100% ATOL Protected

Get Your Free Quote Today

We call you back within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure.

ATOL 12834 100% Secure No obligation

Prefer to call? 0203 504 1818 β€” Mon to Sat, 9am–7pm

Full Umrah Guidance Step-by-step support for first timers
Hotels Near the Haram 50–300m from Masjid al-Haram
Experienced Group Leader With you every step of the journey
ATOL Protected Your money is safe from day one
First time pilgrims performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram
12+ Years Guiding
First Timers

Your First Umrah

You Don't Need to Figure
This Out Alone

There is something quietly overwhelming about planning your first Umrah. You are not sure where to start. The visa, the rituals, what to pack, how close the hotel should be to the Haram β€” it all adds up. And the last thing you want is to arrive in Makkah feeling lost or underprepared.

That is exactly why we do what we do. Over the past twelve years, we have helped thousands of UK Muslims perform their first Umrah β€” and almost all of them said the same thing when they got back: they wished they had done it sooner.

We take care of every single logistical detail so that when you arrive in the holy cities, the only thing on your mind is your worship. No confusion at the airport. No rushing to find your hotel. No panic about the rituals. Just peace, focus, and the most powerful spiritual experience of your life.

  • Visa handled for you
  • Ritual guidance included
  • Hotels near the Haram
  • Return flights from UK
  • Experienced group leader
  • Ziyarah visits included
  • Full pre-departure briefing
  • 24/7 UK emergency support

The Umrah Rituals

How to Perform Umrah β€”
Step by Step

Understanding the four main rituals before you travel makes the whole experience far less daunting and far more spiritually present. Here is a clear, simple guide.

Ihram β€” Entering the Sacred State

Ihram is the state of spiritual purity you enter before beginning Umrah. For men, this means wearing two unstitched white cloths. For women, it means modest clothing covering the whole body except the face and hands. You make the intention (niyyah) and recite the Talbiyah β€” Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk β€” as you approach the Miqat (the boundary point). From this moment, certain actions become prohibited. Your group leader will brief you fully before you reach the Miqat.

Tawaf β€” Circling the Kaaba

Tawaf involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Each circuit is one Shawt. The experience of seeing the Kaaba for the first time is something no first time pilgrim ever forgets. You make dua throughout. After completing Tawaf, you pray two Rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim. The Masjid al-Haram is vast and well organised β€” your group leader will guide you through the process calmly.

Sa'i β€” Walking Between Safa and Marwah

Sa'i is the act of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail (AS). The route is entirely enclosed within the Masjid al-Haram and is air-conditioned. It begins at Safa and ends at Marwah. You walk briskly in the designated section between the green lights. The full Sa'i covers approximately 3.1 kilometres. It is manageable for most people and deeply moving when you understand its significance.

Halq or Taqsir β€” Cutting the Hair

The final ritual of Umrah is cutting the hair. Men either shave the head completely (Halq) or cut the hair to an equal length all over (Taqsir). Women cut approximately one finger length from the tips of their hair. This act symbolises humility, renewal, and the completion of Umrah. Once done, you exit the state of Ihram and Umrah is complete. Barbers are readily available within and near the Masjid al-Haram. Your group leader will take you through this process on the day.

Your Group Leader Guides You Through Every Ritual

You do not need to memorise all of this before you travel. Every pilgrim in our first time Umrah groups receives a full pre-departure briefing and a printed ritual guide. Your group leader will walk you through each step when you arrive in Makkah. You will never be left wondering what to do next.

Our Packages

First Time Umrah Packages for 2026

All our packages include return flights, visa processing, hotel accommodation near the Haram, all transfers, a full ritual guide, and a dedicated group leader. Everything is handled so you can focus entirely on your worship.

7-night first time Umrah package UK

07 Nights

7-Night First Time Umrah Package

A well-paced 7-night introduction to Umrah. Ideal for pilgrims who want a focused, complete first experience without extending their time away from home.

  • Return direct flights from UK
  • 4 nights Makkah + 3 nights Madinah
  • 4-star hotel, within 200m of Haram
  • All airport & inter-city transfers
  • Full pre-departure ritual briefing
  • Dedicated experienced group leader
From Β£1,299 per person (twin share)
Enquire Now
Most Popular
10-night first time Umrah 5-star package UK

10 Nights

10-Night First Time Umrah Package

Our most popular choice for first time pilgrims. The extra nights give you more time in both cities, more time in prayer, and a deeper, less rushed experience overall.

  • Return direct flights from UK
  • 6 nights Makkah + 4 nights Madinah
  • 5-star hotel, within 100m of Haram
  • All airport & inter-city transfers
  • Full ritual guide & pre-departure briefing
  • Dedicated group leader throughout
  • Guided Ziyarah visits in both cities
From Β£1,799 per person (twin share)
Enquire Now
14-night first time Umrah package Makkah Madinah

14 Nights

14-Night First Time Umrah Package

Two full weeks gives first time pilgrims the space to truly absorb both holy cities, perform multiple Umrahs, and return home feeling completely fulfilled.

  • Return direct or 1-stop flights
  • 8 nights Makkah + 6 nights Madinah
  • 5-star hotel, within 50–100m of Haram
  • All transfers included
  • Full ritual guide & briefing pack
  • Dedicated group leader
  • Extended Ziyarah programme
From Β£2,499 per person (twin share)
Enquire Now
21-night extended first time Umrah package UK

21 Nights

21-Night First Time Umrah Package

For pilgrims who want to take their time and fully immerse themselves in both holy cities. Three weeks in Makkah and Madinah for a truly life-changing first experience.

  • Return flights (best available routing)
  • 12 nights Makkah + 9 nights Madinah
  • Premium 5-star hotel near Haram
  • All transfers & porterage
  • Full ritual guidance & briefing pack
  • Group leader throughout
  • Multiple Umrah completions possible
From Β£3,299 per person (twin share)
Enquire Now

First Time Umrah Packages β€” Quick Comparison

Package Nights Stars Haram Dist. Guide Included From (pp)
7-Night First Time Umrah 7 4-Star ~200m Β£1,299
10-Night First Time (Popular) 10 5-Star ~100m Β£1,799
14-Night First Time Umrah 14 5-Star 50–100m Β£2,499
21-Night Extended Package 21 5-Star Premium < 100m Β£3,299

* Per person, twin-sharing. Solo supplement applies. Prices vary by travel date and airline availability.

Package Inclusions

Everything Handled,
Nothing Left to Chance

When you book your first Umrah with us, you are not booking a flight and a hotel and hoping the rest works out. Everything is arranged, confirmed, and in place before you leave the UK.

Return Flights from the UK Economy class with check-in baggage included. Direct routing where available to keep travel time short.
Hotel Accommodation Near the Haram 4 or 5-star hotels selected for their walking distance to Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi.
All Transfers Included Airport collection, hotel drop-off, Makkah to Madinah transport, and all Ziyarah travel.
Umrah Visa Processing We handle your Saudi Umrah visa application from start to finish. You just provide your documents.
Ritual Guide & Pre-Departure Briefing A detailed written guide explaining every ritual step, plus a group briefing call before you fly.
Dedicated Group Leader An experienced, knowledgeable leader who travels with your group throughout and is always available.
ATOL Financial Protection Your entire payment is ATOL protected under licence number 12834 from the moment you book.
Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah

Every package includes a stay in the City of the Prophet ο·Ί β€” giving you time to pray, reflect, and visit the sacred sites of Madinah at a comfortable pace.

Before You Travel

What to Prepare Before Your First Umrah

First time pilgrims often ask us what they should do before they fly. Here is an honest, practical guide to the things that matter most.

Sort Your Passport & Visa Early

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. Saudi Arabia is strict on this. We handle your Umrah visa application as part of every package β€” you just need to provide a clear copy of your passport, two passport photos, and your meningitis vaccination certificate. The sooner you send these to us after booking, the smoother the process.

Get Your Meningitis (ACWY) Vaccine

This vaccination is a mandatory requirement for all pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia for Umrah. You need the ACWY strain specifically. Book an appointment with your GP or a travel clinic as early as possible β€” appointments can fill up during busy booking periods. Keep the certificate safe as you will need it for your visa application.

Understand the Climate & Pack Wisely

Makkah and Madinah can be very hot, even outside peak summer. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Men need Ihram garments β€” two white unstitched cloths β€” which we advise buying before you travel. Women need loose, modest clothing. Both should bring comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, and basic medication for headaches and stomach issues.

Learn the Rituals Before You Fly

You do not need to be an expert before you travel β€” that is what your group leader is there for. But spending even a few hours reading about Tawaf, Sa'i, the Talbiyah, and the supplications (duas) will make your experience significantly more meaningful. We send every first time pilgrim a full written guide after booking, and we run a pre-departure briefing call where you can ask anything.

First Timer Reviews

What First Time Pilgrims Say About Us

First Time Umrah Packages UK 2026

I had wanted to perform Umrah for years but kept putting it off because I did not know where to start. Aqdas Travel made the whole process so simple. They handled everything. When I stood in front of the Kaaba for the first time, I just cried. It was the most incredible moment of my life. I cannot recommend them enough.

First Time Umrah Packages UK 2026

I was nervous about doing Umrah for the first time on my own. The group leader was brilliant β€” patient, knowledgeable, always available. The hotel was genuinely a two-minute walk from the Haram. I performed Tawaf five times during my stay. I will be going back next year, Inshallah.

First Time Umrah Packages UK 2026

I had so many questions before I booked and every single one was answered honestly. The pre-departure briefing was really helpful β€” by the time we landed in Jeddah I felt prepared and calm. The whole trip was organised so well. My first Umrah will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions First Time Pilgrims
Always Ask Us

These are the questions we hear most from people planning their first Umrah from the UK. We have answered them as honestly and thoroughly as we can.

Ready to Take That First Step?

Fill in the form at the top of this page and one of our specialists will call you back within 24 hours. We will answer every question you have and help you choose the right package for your first Umrah.

Get Your Free Quote