Quick Summary
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is a non-mandatory pilgrimage to Makkah that may be done at any time of the year. This complete guide to Umrah will cover everything UK Muslims should know. It includes the four main rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq/Taqsir. You will also find visa details, spiritual guidance, and common mistakes to avoid. From how to book Umrah Packages, pray your last prayer and more- we’ve got you covered from Scratch with realistic tips that real pilgrims can relate to.
Umrah is one of the most spiritually satisfying pilgrimages you will ever be on. Whether this is your first time or you’ve been fortunate enough to have gone before, knowing how all the ceremonies work transforms the experience from one of being “farmed” through to a life-altering change. Aqdas Travel has been the chosen travel agent for thousands of UK pilgrims on this blessed journey, and we’re sharing all you need to know right here.
What Is Umrah, and Why Is It Important?
Umrah, sometimes referred to as the “minor pilgrimage” is a momentous act of worship in Islam that comprises visiting the holy city of Makkah and doing particular rituals. Unlike Hajj, Umrah has no specific date of opportunity and may be performed at any time throughout the year (except for the five days of Hajj).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for what (sins) come between them.” This is evidence of the radiation of spiritual purification and forgiveness connected with that most blessed journey.
Umrah has become that much easier for UK Muslims to perform, with convenient direct flights from the likes of London, Manchester and Birmingham making travel a breeze, easy visa processing systems and ATOL protected Umrah packages guaranteeing you complete peace of mind.
The 4 Essential Rites of Umrah (Step by Step)
| Step | Ritual | What You Do | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihram | Enter a state of purity and don special attire | 5 to 10 minutes |
| 2 | Tawaf | Circumambulate around the Kaaba seven times (counterclockwise) | 1 hour or so |
| 3 | Sa’i | Walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times | 30 – 45 minutes |
| 4 | Halq/Taqsir | Cut hair, breaking Ihram state | 5-15 min |
Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is not just an article of clothing — it’s a spiritual state of purity and intention. This is the correct way to enter it:
Before Your Flight:
- Perform Ghusl (full ritual bath)
- Cut your nails and shave unwanted body hair
- Form intention (Niyyah) of Umrah
On the Plane:
The majority of flights from UK to Jeddah or Madinah will call Miqat perimiters (approx 1-1.5 hours before landing). At this point:
- Men: Wear 2 unstitched white sheets (Izar and Rida)
- Women: Dress modestly in loose-fitting clothes, which cover the whole body, excluding face and hands
- Recite the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”
Critical Error to Avoid: Whatever you do, don’t wait until you land in Jeddah! You either have to proceed to the Miqat (boundaries) and enter Ihram there or perform Dam (penalty sacrifice).
Step 2: Performing Tawaf
Your heart will stop when you walk into Masjid al-Haram and gaze upon the Kaaba for the first time. Just let that sink in for a minute—this is the House of Allah.
How to Perform Tawaf:
- Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): Kiss it or touch it, if you can. If the crowd doesn’t allow, then point towards it saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”
- Walk Counterclockwise: Walk anti-clockwise 7 times around the Kaaba, keeping the Kaaba on your left
- Recite Duas: There are no set duas for each circuit—speak from your heart in any language
- Men Only – Raml: In the first 3 rounds, men walk fast with shoulders raised up
- From Yemeni Corner to Black Stone: Recite the Quranic dua “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan…”
After Completing 7 Rounds:
- Pray 2 Rak’ah behind Maqam Ibrahim (if possible) or in any place in the mosque
- Supplicate (make dua) when drinking Zamzam water
Common Mistakes During Tawaf:
- ❌ Following group leaders who are saying duas loudly (that distracts others)
- ❌ Touching and wiping the walls of the Kaaba (not from Sunnah)
- ❌ Assuming particular duas need to be read at every circuit (untrue — you can make your own duas)
- ❌ Doing supererogatory Tawaf “for the sake” of family members (not allowed in Sunnah)
Step 3: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
After performing Tawaf and drinking Zamzam, proceed to the hill of Safa to start Sa’i.
How to Perform Sa’i:
- Climb the hill of Safa, face the Kaaba and raise your hands in dua
- Walk down towards Marwah (This is round 1)
- Between the green lights, men run; women walk normally
- Continue until Marwah, turn around, supplicate
- Return to Safa (round 2)
- Complete 7 rounds in total, ending at Marwah
Pro Tip: Sa’i can be tough, especially in the heat of a Saudi summer. Take it easy, keep drinking and don’t stress. With each step you wipe away sins — there’s no bonus for finishing fastest!
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Hair Cutting)
The last step frees you from the limitations of Ihram.
- Men: Shaving the head completely (Halq) is better than trimming part of it off (Taqsir)
- Women: Trim ends of the hair approximately 1cm
Barbers surround the Haram area. Decide the price in advance (around 10-20 SAR is standard). When you have done this, it is permissible for you to change into ordinary wear, all the restrictions of the Ihram are now lifted.
Congratulations! Your Umrah is complete!
How to Prepare for Umrah From the UK
Visa Requirements (2025 Update)
UK nationals can apply for Umrah eVisa via the official Nusuk platform:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Saudi eVisa (tourism + Umrah) |
| Cost | £110 approx (includes insurance) |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entries, max 90 days per entry |
| Processing Time | 24-72 hours |
| Mandatory Vaccination | Meningitis ACWY (at least 10 days before travel) |
Critical: As soon as you get your visa, download the Nusuk app. You will need the app to reserve prayer slots, including visiting Rawdah in Madinah.
Physical Preparation
Umrah requires a lot of walking – sometimes between 10 to 15 kilometers per day. Begin your preparation at least one month prior to your departure:
- Daily walks of 30-45 minutes
- Practice climbing stairs (like Safa and Marwah)
- Stay hydrated
- Eat well-balanced meals to build immunity
Spiritual Preparation
- Learn the steps of the rituals (watch videos, read guides)
- Prepare a written dua list for specific times during Tawaf, between Safa and Marwah & at Multazam
- Seek forgiveness from your family and friends
- Settle any debts before departure
- Set pure intentions – this journey is only for Allah
Essential Packing List
Must-Bring Items:
- Ihram clothing (men: 2-3 sets; women: modest abayas)
- Comfortable walking shoes (well broken-in)
- Small dua book or phone app with duas
- Portable charger for phone & UK to Saudi adapter
- Unscented toiletry items (no perfume in Ihram)
- Basic medications (paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, plasters)
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- Money belt/secure pouch for passport/cash
Don’t Overpack: Space is precious in the bag. Avoid unnecessary stuff, as most things are available in Makkah and Madinah.
10 Common Mistakes During the Performance of Umrah
1. Not Booking with ATOL-Protected Agencies
Make sure your money is safe with an ATOL-licensed operator like Aqdas Travel (ATOL 12834).
2. Entering Ihram Too Late
Too many first-timers hold off until they get to Jeddah — big mistake! Assume Ihram before passing Miqat (announced on board).
3. Rushing Through Rituals
Umrah isn’t a race. Take your time, think about it and make sincere duas during Tawaf and Sa’i.
4. Following Loud Group Leaders
Tawaf and Sa’i are private conversations with Allah. Don’t participate in groups that do duas in chorus — it distracts others.
5. Neglecting Physical Fitness
Poor stamina makes rituals exhausting. Build your fitness before departure.
6. Not Downloading Nusuk App Early
Time slots for prayer and visits to the Rawdah are quickly filled. Download and register as soon as you obtain your visa.
7. Thinking Duas Are Accepted At First Sight Of Kaaba
This is a myth and there is no basis for it in Hadith. Make duas all the way through your journey, not just at first sight.
8. Excessive Shopping
Focus on worship first. You can shop after completing your rituals.
9. Ignoring Local Customs
Show consideration for Saudi culture: dress modestly, refrain from public displays of affection, and follow gender-segregated areas.
10. Not Spending Enough Time In Madinah
Many rush through Madinah. 2-3 days should be devoted to Masjid an-Nabawi, Quba Mosque and Uhud.
The Best Time to Perform Umrah From the UK
| Month | Weather | Crowd Level | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November–February | Cool (15-25°C) | Moderate | Medium | Families, first-timers |
| Ramadan | Warm | Very High | High | Spiritual blessings |
| July–August | Very hot (40-50°C) | Low | Low | Budget travellers |
| December | Pleasant | High | High | UK school holidays |
Check our December Umrah packages and January Umrah packages for winter season deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to perform Umrah?
The principal rituals take 4-6 hours, but the majority of people book packages of 7 to 14 days to allow for other prayers, Ziyarat tours and Madinah visits.
Can I perform Umrah while menstruating?
During their period, women may not enter Masjid al-Haram and are not allowed to perform Tawaf. Plan your travel dates or consult a scholar if circumstances change.
As a woman, do I need to be accompanied by a mahram?
As of 2025, women are no longer required to travel with a mahram for Umrah in Saudi Arabia but it is still recommended by Islamic tradition.
How is Umrah different from Hajj?
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a pilgrimage which must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by every Muslim who can afford to do so. Umrah is optional and can be performed at any time of the year with fewer rites.
Can I perform Umrah more than once in a single journey?
Yes, but experts recommend you prioritize quality over quantity. You may perform multiple Tawaf instead of repeating Ihram for new Umrahs.
How much does Umrah cost from UK?
Budget prices start from £600 per person and luxury 5-star packages from £1,500+. See our full Umrah packages guide for more information.
After Umrah: What Comes Next?
Completing Umrah doesn’t mean you’re done with your spiritual journey—through it, a new one has started:
- Maintain consistency: Keep the spiritual momentum by continuing regular prayers and Quran reading
- Express gratitude: Thank Allah continuously for this blessing
- Share your experience: Share wisdom and inspiration instead of photos of yourself
- Plan Ziyarat: Visit historical Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah
- Prepare for Madinah: If you’re staying longer, visit the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque and Baqi cemetery
Making Umrah is a blessing from Allah—a process that purifies the soul, removes sins and brings you nearer to your Creator. If you are well prepared, follow the right instructions and do it with a pure heart, your Umrah will be an experience of a lifetime!
Are you ready to embark upon this sacred journey? Check out our ATOL-protected Umrah packages tailored for UK Muslims, with departures from London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
May Allah accept your Umrah and may He give you a safe, blessed journey. Ameen.