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Frequently Asked Questions About Your Umrah Journey

Everything you need to know before booking your Umrah package with Package Umrah Ltd — from ATOL protection and visa requirements to hotel proximity and payment plans.

Planning your pilgrimage can raise a lot of questions. Below, we’ve answered the ones our customers ask most often — covering ATOL-protected packages, flight and hotel arrangements, visa processing, group and family bookings, and what’s included in our 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star Umrah packages. Can’t find your answer? Our team in Oldham is just a call or WhatsApp away.

  • ATOL Protected
  • Registered UK Company
  • Trusted by UK Muslim Families
  • Based in Oldham, England

General Umrah Basics

1. What is Umrah?

Umrah is a shorter, non-obligatory pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah, involving Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and cutting or shaving the hair. Unlike Hajj, it can be performed at any time of the year.

Hajj is obligatory (for those who are able) and can only be performed during specific days in Dhul Hijjah, involving additional rites at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Umrah is shorter, voluntary, and can be performed year-round.

Scholars differ: the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider Umrah obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able, while the Hanafi and Maliki schools regard it as highly recommended (sunnah mu’akkadah) rather than compulsory.

Yes, Umrah can be performed at any time except during the days of Hajj itself, when pilgrims are focused on Hajj rites.

The core rituals (Tawaf and Sa’i) typically take 2–4 hours, though most pilgrims spend several days in Makkah and Madinah to worship, rest, and visit historic sites.

Entering Ihram at the Miqat, performing Tawaf (seven circuits of the Kaaba), performing Sa’i (seven passes between Safa and Marwa), and finally shaving or trimming the hair.

 

Yes. Women perform the same core rituals as men, wearing modest clothing rather than the white Ihram garments worn by men, and their faces must remain uncovered during Ihram.

Requirements vary by nationality and current Saudi regulations; some countries permit women to travel in an organised group without a Mahram, subject to age and group conditions. Always confirm current rules with your travel agent before booking.

Umrah is regarded as a means of purification, renewal of faith, and forgiveness of past sins, offering pilgrims the chance to reconnect spiritually away from daily routine.

There is no fixed limit — pilgrims may perform Umrah as many times as they are able, subject to visa validity and permit availability via the Nusuk app.

Outside Ramadan and school holidays tends to be quieter and more affordable. Ramadan offers heightened spiritual reward but comes with larger crowds and higher prices.

Yes, Umrah is referenced in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196), which instructs believers to complete Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.

Umrah is widely understood, based on hadith, to expiate sins committed between one Umrah and the next, and performing Umrah during Ramadan is considered especially rewarding.

No. Entry to Makkah and Madinah’s holy sites, and performance of Umrah rituals, is restricted to Muslims only.

There is no minimum age; children of any age can accompany parents, though very young children may need to be carried during Tawaf and Sa’i. Ihram rules apply once a child reaches an age of understanding, at parental discretion.

Ihram & Rituals

16. What is Ihram and why is it required?

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah, marked by specific clothing and a set of restrictions. It signifies purity, equality, and devotion before Allah.

 

Men wear two unstitched white cloths (izar and rida) with no stitched garments, underwear, or covered head. Women wear loose, modest, plain clothing that covers the body except the face and hands.

At one of the designated Miqat boundary points, which vary depending on the direction pilgrims are travelling from — for example, Dhul Hulayfah for those coming via Madinah, or the Jeddah airport zone for many international flights.

The pilgrim must return to the Miqat to enter Ihram properly, or if that is not possible, a fidyah (compensatory offering, typically an animal sacrifice) may be required — consult a scholar for your specific situation.

Yes, women wear their own modest, loose-fitting clothing rather than a specific uniform, provided it meets Ihram conditions (no perfume, no gloves, face uncovered).

 

Tawaf is walking seven times counter-clockwise around the Kaaba, starting and ending at the Black Stone corner, ideally while making dua and remembering Allah.

Sa’i is walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail, and is performed after Tawaf.

Yes. Men should shave their head completely or trim it evenly (shaving is considered more virtuous); women trim a small amount, roughly a fingertip’s length, from the ends of their hair.

These include applying perfume, cutting hair or nails, hunting, marital relations, using foul language, and arguing — the state calls for restraint and focus on worship.

Yes, applying perfume to the body before entering Ihram is permitted and traditionally recommended, but perfume must not be applied after Ihram has begun.

There is no single obligatory dua; pilgrims may recite the Tawaf-specific supplication between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, or make personal dua throughout, in Arabic or their own language.

Talbiyah is the declaration “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”, recited upon entering Ihram and repeated frequently until Tawaf begins.

No, the Ihram state and its restrictions remain in effect until Tawaf, Sa’i, and hair-cutting are completed.

Depending on the violation, a fidyah (compensation such as fasting, feeding the poor, or sacrifice) may be required. It’s best to consult a knowledgeable scholar or your group’s religious guide promptly.

Young boys typically wear simplified Ihram cloths once old enough to walk the rituals; there is no fixed requirement for infants, and parents use discretion based on the child’s age.

Umrah Packages & Booking

31. What is included in a typical Umrah package?

Most packages include return flights, visa processing, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and local transport. Meals, ziyarat tours, and airport transfers vary by provider and package tier.

Booking 1–3 months ahead is generally advisable, and earlier still for Ramadan or school holiday periods when demand and prices rise sharply.

The tiers primarily reflect hotel quality and proximity to the Haram: 3-star packages offer budget-friendly hotels a short transport ride away, 4-star offers improved comfort and closer walking distance, and 5-star offers premium hotels with Haram views or minimal walking distance.

Most standard packages include return flights from a major UK airport, but always confirm which departure airports are included, as regional airport options can affect price.

This varies — some packages include breakfast only, others offer half-board or full-board. Always check the package inclusions before booking.

Yes, reputable agencies typically allow adjustments to hotel category, duration, departure airport, and add-ons such as private transport or extended stays.

This depends on the package; many mid-to-premium packages include coach or private transfers between the two cities, while budget packages may charge this separately.

Outside Ramadan, school holidays, and winter peak season (November–February) tends to offer the lowest prices, as demand and hotel rates are lower.

Yes, significantly. Ramadan, particularly the final ten nights, sees the highest demand and prices due to limited hotel availability and visa quotas.

Look for ATOL and IATA certification, a registered Companies House number, transparent pricing, verifiable reviews (such as Trustpilot), and clear terms on cancellations and refunds.

Confirm ATOL protection, company registration, what’s included in the price, hotel names and star ratings, cancellation policy, and read independent customer reviews.

Yes, many agencies offer family room configurations and shared-room options for solo travellers to reduce costs, alongside private options for those who prefer more space.

It’s possible, though availability and price will depend heavily on the season. Visa processing time (usually 24–72 hours via Nusuk) can accommodate relatively short-notice bookings outside peak periods.

Many agencies offer reduced per-person rates for larger groups; ask your agent directly about current group pricing and minimum group size requirements.

Prices vary widely by season and hotel tier, roughly from £700–£1,200 for budget packages up to £2,000+ for premium 5-star packages during peak periods. Always request an up-to-date quote, as prices fluctuate.

Yes, flights from regional UK airports can be more expensive or have fewer direct options compared to major hubs like London Heathrow or Manchester.

Many UK agencies offer payment plans allowing a deposit followed by instalments before departure — ask your agent about available options and final payment deadlines.

Cancellation terms vary by agency and are usually detailed in your booking confirmation; ATOL-protected bookings offer additional consumer protection. Always review the cancellation policy before paying a deposit.

ATOL, Trust & Booking Protection

49. What does ATOL protection mean for my Umrah booking?

ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protection means that if the travel company fails, you’re financially protected and, if abroad, assisted in returning home — a legal requirement for UK agencies selling flight-inclusive packages

If your package is ATOL-protected, yes — you’re entitled to a refund or completion of your trip under the ATOL scheme, administered by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Ask for their ATOL number and check it directly on the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL register at caa.co.uk.

IATA accreditation indicates the agency meets international standards for issuing flight tickets, adding a further layer of credibility alongside ATOL protection.

Request written confirmation of ATOL/IATA status and Companies House registration, check independent reviews, and consider reporting concerns to Trading Standards or the CAA if something feels wrong.

Yes, UK agencies selling flight-inclusive Umrah packages must comply with ATOL regulations, and Saudi authorities also require agencies to be officially accredited to issue Umrah visas.

Prices significantly below market rate, no verifiable company registration, refusal to confirm ATOL/IATA status, pressure for cash-only payment, and no written contract are all warning signs.

Not always — some packages include basic cover, but many require travel insurance to be purchased separately. Check your package details and consider additional cover for medical costs and trip cancellation.

Under ATOL protection, your agency is responsible for arranging alternative flights or a refund; airline-specific cancellation policies may also apply, so check both your ATOL certificate and airline terms.

Search the company name or registration number on the free Companies House website (gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house) to confirm it’s an active, legitimately registered UK company.

Visa & Documentation

59. Do I need a visa to perform Umrah?

Yes, an Umrah visa (or eligible eVisa/tourist visa permitting Umrah) is required for all international pilgrims, typically arranged via your travel agent or directly through the Nusuk platform.

Processing is often completed within 24–72 hours via the Nusuk platform, though it’s wise to apply well ahead of travel, especially in busy periods.

A valid passport (usually with at least 6 months’ validity), a recent passport photograph, and in some cases proof of accommodation and return travel, submitted via Nusuk or your agent.

The Saudi government visa fee itself is modest, but agencies typically charge a service fee for processing, and mandatory health insurance is usually bundled into the total visa cost.

Current Umrah visas are generally valid for 90 days from issue, allowing for a single or multiple entries within that window, though pilgrims must complete Umrah within permitted timeframes.

Stays are generally limited to a maximum permitted duration within the visa’s validity window; overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans, so confirm exact limits with your agent before travel.

Yes, each traveller, including children, requires their own visa application, even if travelling as part of a family group.

Nusuk is the official Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah platform used to apply for Umrah visas, book Umrah permits (entry time slots for Tawaf), and access information on rituals and holy sites.

Both options exist: pilgrims can apply directly through the Nusuk Umrah platform (umrah.nusuk.sa), or via an accredited travel agent who handles the application on their behalf.

Rejections are usually due to incomplete documentation or passport issues; your agent can advise on resubmission, or you can reapply directly through Nusuk once the issue is resolved.

Yes, most guidance recommends your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates — check current requirements when applying, as rules can be updated.

Certain vaccinations, such as meningitis (ACWY), are commonly required, particularly during Hajj and Ramadan seasons; requirements can change, so confirm current health requirements with your GP or travel clinic before booking.

Health, Travel & Practical Tips

71. What vaccinations are required before performing Umrah?

The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is typically required, and seasonal flu or other vaccines may be recommended depending on current Saudi health regulations — check with a travel clinic or GP well ahead of departure.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is strongly recommended, even where basic cover is included in your Umrah visa.

Ihram garments (for men), comfortable modest clothing, sandals suitable for Tawaf, a small bag for the Haram, any prescribed medication, a phone charger/power bank, and a copy of key documents.

Book quieter time slots via the Nusuk app where possible, stay close to your group, move steadily rather than pushing through crowds, and consider performing rituals during off-peak hours like late night or early morning.

Wheelchair and mobility assistance services are available at the Haram; inform your travel agent in advance so appropriate hotel accommodation and support can be arranged.

Yes, wheelchairs and dedicated Tawaf/Sa’i lanes for people with reduced mobility are available, often with paid assistant services on-site.

Drink Zamzam water and bottled water regularly throughout the day, avoid excessive sun exposure during peak heat, and carry a refillable water bottle during rituals.

Generally yes, in reasonable personal-use quantities with a prescription or doctor’s letter, though certain controlled substances may be restricted — check current Saudi customs regulations before travelling.

These include booking through unverified agents, misunderstanding Ihram rules, not downloading the Nusuk app in advance, overpacking, and not resting adequately between rituals.

Many pilgrims recommend settling debts, seeking forgiveness from others, learning the rituals in advance, and setting sincere intentions before departure.

The Nusuk Card is a digital identification and services card linked to a pilgrim’s Nusuk profile, used to access certain services and verify permits during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

Makkah and Madinah are generally considered safe for pilgrims, with significant security infrastructure in place; check current UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before booking.

Agree a meeting point and time with your group leader in advance, keep your hotel details and agent’s contact number on you, and use the Nusuk app’s location features if needed.

Family & Group Travel

84. Can I perform Umrah with young children?

Yes, children can accompany parents on Umrah; very young children are often carried during Tawaf and Sa’i, and there’s no minimum age requirement.

Many agencies offer family packages with connecting or larger rooms, flexible pacing, and support suited to travelling with children or elderly relatives — ask your agent about family-specific options.

Requirements can vary by nationality and current Saudi policy; many women now travel in organised groups without a Mahram under specific conditions. Confirm the latest rules with your agent before booking.

Yes, most agencies can arrange adjoining or larger family rooms on request — specify your group’s needs when booking.

Agencies can often arrange ground-floor or lift-accessible rooms, wheelchair assistance, and a slower-paced itinerary — mention any mobility needs when booking.

Many group packages include a scholar or guide who leads rituals, answers questions, and helps manage logistics throughout the trip — confirm this is included before booking.

Yes, many agencies offer solo traveller options within organised groups, often with shared-room arrangements to keep costs down — ask about current Mahram requirements for your nationality.

This varies by agency; some group discounts start from as few as 4–6 travellers, while larger discounts may apply to groups of 10 or more. Ask your agent for current thresholds.

Hotels, Accommodation & Ziyarat

92. How close are the hotels to the Haram in Makkah and Madinah?

This depends on the package tier: 5-star hotels are often within a few minutes’ walk or offer Haram views, 4-star hotels are a short walk or shuttle ride away, and 3-star hotels are typically a longer walk or short transport ride.

Proximity reduces walking time and fatigue between prayers and rituals, allows more frequent visits to the mosque, and is especially valuable for elderly or less mobile pilgrims.

Common sites include Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatain, Mount Uhud, and Jannat al-Baqi in Madinah, and Jabal al-Noor, the Cave of Hira, and Jannat al-Mu’alla in Makkah — confirm inclusions with your package.

Yes, itineraries can typically be arranged either way; many pilgrims visit Madinah first for a calmer start, though this is a matter of personal or group preference.

Usually transport, a knowledgeable guide explaining the historical and religious significance of each site, and a structured itinerary covering the most important locations in Makkah and/or Madinah.

Most packages include airport-to-hotel transfers, but always confirm this is included, particularly for budget packages where it may be an optional extra.

Many agencies allow hotel or room-type requests, subject to availability, though this may affect the overall package price — ask your agent when booking.

 

This varies by agency; some group discounts start from as few as 4–6 travellers, while larger discounts may apply to groups of 10 or more. Ask your agent for current thresholds.

Check the actual hotel name (not just the star rating) and look it up independently on booking platforms or review sites, as star ratings can vary in how strictly they’re applied between markets.