Quick Summary
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is a non-mandatory pilgrimage to Makkah that may be performed at any time of the year. This complete guide covers everything UK Muslims should know, including the four main rituals of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and Halq or Taqsir. You will also find entry requirements, spiritual guidance and common mistakes to avoid. From how to book Umrah packages through to your final prayer, we have covered the journey from scratch with realistic tips that real pilgrims will recognise.
Umrah is one of the most spiritually satisfying journeys you will ever undertake. Whether this is your first time or you have been fortunate enough to go before, understanding how each ritual works transforms the experience from being processed through a schedule into something genuinely life-altering. Aqdas Travel has been the chosen travel agent for thousands of UK pilgrims on this blessed journey, and we are sharing everything you need to know here.
What Is Umrah, and Why Is It Important?
Umrah, sometimes called the minor pilgrimage, is an important act of worship in Islam. It involves visiting the holy city of Makkah and performing specific rituals. Unlike Hajj, Umrah has no set date. It can be performed at any time during the year, other than during the days of Hajj.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for what comes between them.” This points to the spiritual purification and forgiveness connected with this blessed journey.
Umrah is now considerably easier for UK Muslims to perform. Direct flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham make travel simple, the Nusuk permit system has streamlined the application process, and ATOL protected packages give you complete financial 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 wear the prescribed attire | 5 to 10 minutes |
| 2 | Tawaf | Circle the Kaaba seven times, anticlockwise | Around 1 hour |
| 3 | Sa’i | Walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times | 30 to 45 minutes |
| 4 | Halq or Taqsir | Cut the hair, ending the state of Ihram | 5 to 15 minutes |
Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is not simply an article of clothing. It is a spiritual state of purity and intention. This is how to enter it correctly.
Before your flight:
- Perform Ghusl, the full ritual bath
- Cut your nails and remove unwanted body hair
- Form the intention, or Niyyah, for Umrah
On the plane:
Most flights from the UK to Jeddah or Madinah announce the Miqat boundary roughly one to one and a half hours before landing. At this point:
- Men wear two unstitched white sheets, the Izar and the Rida
- Women dress modestly in loose fitting clothing that covers the whole body, excluding the face and hands
- Recite the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”
Critical error to avoid: Do not wait until you land in Jeddah. You must either enter Ihram at or before the Miqat, or return to the Miqat to do so. Failing to do either requires Dam, a penalty sacrifice.
Step 2: Performing Tawaf
Your heart will stop when you walk into Masjid al-Haram and see the Kaaba for the first time. Let that moment settle before you begin. This is the House of Allah.
How to perform Tawaf:
- Begin at the Black Stone, or Hajar al-Aswad. Kiss or touch it if you can. If the crowd does not allow it, point towards it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”
- Walk anticlockwise seven times around the Kaaba, keeping the Kaaba on your left
- There are no fixed duas for each circuit. Speak from your heart, in any language
- Men only, Raml: during the first three circuits, walk briskly with the shoulders raised
- Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite the Quranic dua “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan…”
After completing seven circuits:
- Pray two Rak’ah behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere else in the mosque
- Make dua while drinking Zamzam water
Common mistakes during Tawaf:
- Following group leaders who recite duas loudly, which distracts other worshippers
- Touching and wiping the walls of the Kaaba, which is not from the Sunnah
- Assuming a specific dua must be recited for each circuit, which is not the case
- Performing voluntary Tawaf on behalf of living family members
Step 3: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
After completing Tawaf and drinking Zamzam, proceed to the hill of Safa to begin 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 circuit one
- Between the green lights, men jog and women walk normally
- Continue to Marwah, turn to face the Kaaba and make dua
- Return to Safa. This is circuit two
- Complete seven circuits in total, finishing at Marwah
Practical tip: Sa’i can be demanding, particularly in the heat of a Saudi summer. Pace yourself, keep drinking water and do not rush. There is no additional reward for finishing quickly.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Hair Cutting)
The final step releases you from the restrictions of Ihram.
- Men: shaving the head completely, Halq, is preferred over trimming, Taqsir
- Women: trim roughly one centimetre from the ends of the hair
Barbers operate throughout the area surrounding the Haram. Agree the price in advance, as 10 to 20 SAR is standard. Once this is done you may change into ordinary clothing, as all Ihram restrictions are now lifted.
Your Umrah is complete.
How to Prepare for Umrah From the UK
Entry Requirements
UK nationals apply for Umrah travel authorisation through the official Nusuk platform. Requirements are set by the Saudi authorities and can change, so confirm the current position with our team before you book.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit type | Saudi travel authorisation covering tourism and Umrah |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entries, maximum 90 days per entry |
| Processing time | 24 to 72 hours |
| Mandatory vaccination | Meningitis ACWY, at least 10 days before travel |
Important: As soon as your travel authorisation is issued, download the Nusuk app. You will need it to reserve prayer slots, including visits to the Rawdah in Madinah.
Physical Preparation
Umrah involves a great deal of walking, often 10 to 15 kilometres a day. Begin preparing at least one month before departure.
- Daily walks of 30 to 45 minutes
- Practise climbing stairs, which mirrors Safa and Marwah
- Stay well hydrated
- Eat balanced meals in the weeks before you travel
If you are managing a long term health condition, speak to your GP before booking and let our team know so we can make appropriate arrangements. Our guide to performing Umrah with chronic health conditions covers this in detail.
Spiritual Preparation
- Learn the rituals thoroughly before you travel, through videos and written guides
- Prepare a written dua list for Tawaf, Sa’i and Multazam
- Seek forgiveness from family and friends
- Settle any outstanding debts before departure
- Set a pure intention, as this journey is for Allah alone
Essential Packing List
Items to bring:
- Ihram clothing: two to three sets for men, modest abayas for women
- Comfortable walking shoes, well broken in before you fly
- A small dua book, or a phone app with duas
- Portable charger and a UK to Saudi plug adapter
- Unscented toiletries, as perfume is not permitted in Ihram
- Basic medication such as paracetamol, anti-diarrhoeal tablets and plasters
- A small backpack for daily essentials
- A money belt or secure pouch for your passport and cash
Do not overpack: Luggage space is limited and almost everything is available to buy in Makkah and Madinah.
10 Common Mistakes During Umrah
1. Not Booking with an ATOL Protected Agency
Make sure your money is protected by booking with an ATOL licensed operator. Aqdas Travel holds ATOL licence 12834.
2. Entering Ihram Too Late
Many first-timers wait until they reach Jeddah. Enter Ihram before passing the Miqat, which is announced on board.
3. Rushing Through the Rituals
Umrah is not a race. Take your time, reflect, and make sincere duas throughout Tawaf and Sa’i.
4. Following Loud Group Leaders
Tawaf and Sa’i are private conversations with Allah. Avoid groups that recite duas in chorus, as it distracts others.
5. Neglecting Physical Fitness
Poor stamina makes the rituals exhausting. Build your fitness in the weeks before departure.
6. Not Downloading the Nusuk App Early
Prayer slots and Rawdah visit times fill quickly. Download and register as soon as your travel authorisation is issued.
7. Believing Duas Are Only Accepted at First Sight of the Kaaba
This is a widely repeated myth with no established basis. Make dua throughout your journey, not only at that first moment.
8. Excessive Shopping
Focus on worship first. There will be time to shop once your rituals are complete.
9. Ignoring Local Customs
Show consideration for Saudi norms: dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection and respect gender-segregated areas.
10. Not Spending Enough Time in Madinah
Many pilgrims rush through Madinah. Set aside two to three days for Masjid an-Nabawi, Masjid Quba and Uhud. Our guide on how to visit Masjid Quba explains the timings and the reward attached to praying there.
The Best Time to Perform Umrah From the UK
| Period | Weather | Crowd Level | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November to February | Cool, 15 to 25°C | Moderate | Medium | Families and first-timers |
| Ramadan | Warm | Very high | High | Maximum spiritual reward |
| June to August | Extreme, 40°C and above | Low | Low | Heat-experienced budget travellers only |
| December | Pleasant | High | High | UK school holidays |
For winter departures, compare our December Umrah packages and January Umrah packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Perform Umrah?
The core rituals take four to six hours. Most pilgrims book packages of 7 to 14 nights to allow time for additional prayers, Ziyarat tours and a stay in Madinah.
Can I Perform Umrah While Menstruating?
Tawaf cannot be performed during menstruation, which means Umrah cannot be completed until the period ends. Scholars differ on whether entering the mosque itself is permitted. Plan your travel dates around this where possible, and consult a qualified scholar if your circumstances change once you have arrived.
As a Woman, Do I Need to Be Accompanied by a Mahram?
Saudi Arabia has removed the mahram requirement for Umrah, so women may travel without a male guardian. The authorities still recommend joining an organised group, particularly for a first pilgrimage, and we can arrange this for you.
How Is Umrah Different From Hajj?
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by every Muslim who is able. Umrah is voluntary, can be performed at almost any time of year, and involves fewer rites.
Can I Perform Umrah More Than Once in a Single Journey?
Yes, although quality matters more than quantity. Many scholars advise performing additional voluntary Tawaf rather than repeatedly re-entering Ihram for further Umrahs.
How Much Does Umrah Cost From the UK?
Budget packages start from around £765 per person, with 5-star options from £975. See our cheap Umrah packages guide for a full cost breakdown.
After Umrah: What Comes Next?
Completing Umrah does not end your spiritual journey. It begins a new one.
- Maintain consistency: keep the momentum going through regular prayer and Quran reading
- Express gratitude: thank Allah continuously for this blessing
- Share your experience: share wisdom and encouragement rather than photographs of yourself
- Plan Ziyarat: visit the historical Islamic sites across Makkah and Madinah
- Make time for Madinah: if you are staying longer, visit the Prophet’s Mosque, Masjid Quba and Jannat al-Baqi
Umrah purifies the soul, removes sins and brings you closer to your Creator. If you prepare well, follow the correct method and travel with a sincere heart, it will be an experience you carry for the rest of your life.
Ready to begin? Aqdas Travel is ATOL 12834 protected, with departures from London, Birmingham, Manchester and other major UK airports. Call our team on 0203 504 1818 to talk through your dates.
May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you a safe, blessed journey. Ameen.