How to Plan Your First Umrah: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

You want your first Umrah to feel organised, not overwhelming. If you’re travelling from the UK or the US, start 3-6 months ahead, earlier if you’re aiming for Ramadan or school holidays. Plan around £2,500–£4,000 / $3,000–$5,500 per person for 10 days, with straightforward routes from Heathrow or Manchester to Jeddah (about 6–7 hours) and from JFK or Dulles (about 12–13 hours). Many first-time UK/US pilgrims tell us clear plans ease the journey, while the tranquillity at the Ka’bah is from Allah alone. This guide gives you clear steps on visas, flights, and hotels within walking distance of the Haram, and a lean packing list, so you arrive calm, prepared, and ready for worship.

When to Start Planning (3-6 Months Timeline)

6 Months Out (or as early as you can)

• Align with family, school, and work calendars.
  • UK: Half-terms (late Oct, mid-Feb, late May), Easter (Mar/Apr), summer (late Jul-Aug).
  • US: Spring Break (Mar/Apr), Thanksgiving (late Nov), winter holidays (late Dec/early Jan), summer (mid-Jun-Aug).
• Choose your season: Saudi summers are very hot; winters are milder and easier for walking.
• Set a budget range per person and a trip length (common: 7-12 days).

4-5 Months Out

• Fix target dates and routing. Compare UK routes (LHR/MAN → JED/MED) and US routes (JFK/IAD → JED/MED).
• Consider an open-jaw ticket (arrive JED, depart MED) to avoid backtracking.
• Shortlist hotels in both cities. Proximity matters more in Makkah due to crowds and elevation changes.
• Begin fitness prep to handle daily steps for Tawaf, Sa’i, and walking to and from the mosques.

3 Months Out

• Apply for your visa (Tourist eVisa or Umrah visa). For very short stays, research whether a Stopover visa fits your itinerary.
• Book flights and hotels, especially for Ramadan, school holidays, and long weekends.
• Reserve ground services: airport transfers, Makkah↔Madinah transport, and any wheelchair or special assistance.

1-2 Months Out

• Finalise itinerary (nights in Makkah vs. Madinah).
• Order Ihram garments, unscented toiletries, and comfortable footwear.
• Arrange mobile data (eSIM/physical SIM). Notify your bank; enable international usage on your cards.

2 Weeks Out

• Print or save offline visas, permits, hotel vouchers, and transfer details.
• Pack systematically (see list below). Share travel details with a family member.
• Re-read Umrah steps, du’ās, and etiquette. Create a simple ‘ibādah plan to keep focus.

Budget Breakdown (GBP/USD Examples)

ZamZam.com offers packages across all budget ranges, with transparent pricing and UK/US specialist support. Treat these figures as guide rails, not rules, shifting dates by a day or booking early can trim costs more than you’d expect.

Assumptions: 10 days, economy flights, mid-range hotels (Makkah + Madinah), standard transfers. Prices swing with the season, distance to the Haram, room type, and how early you book.

Typical Range Per Person

• Flights:
  • UK departures: £500-£900
  • US East Coast: $700-$1,200
  • US West Coast: $900-$1,500+
• Hotels (per room/night):
  • Makkah: Value £60-£120 / $80-$150; Mid-range £120-£220 / $150-$280; Premium near Haram £250-£450+ / $320-$600+.
  • Madinah: Often slightly cheaper, Value £50-£100 / $65-$130; Mid-range £100-£180 / $130-$240; Premium £220-£350+ / $280-$460+.
• Visas & Insurance: £100-£200 / $120-$250 (type, processing, and mandatory medical cover affect cost).
• Transfers & Intercity Travel: £60-£150 / $75-$200 (private car more; shared shuttles less).
• Meals & Incidentals: £20-£35 / $25-$45 per day (buffets/room service cost more).
• Extras: £30-£120 / $40-$150 (Zamzam water shipping, gifts, wheelchair hire, etc.).

Rule of thumb (10 days):

• UK departures: £2,500-£4,000 per person
• US departures: $3,000-$5,500 per person
  Peak times, Ramadan, school holidays, and long weekends can push above these ranges.

Money Savers

• Book early for Ramadan and school breaks.
• Use a fee-free travel card for better exchange rates and carry some SAR cash for small purchases.
• Families can consider interconnecting rooms or apartment-style hotels in areas like Aziziyah (Makkah) for value, just factor in transport time.

Visa Options for UK/US Passport Holders

Always verify the latest rules before applying. Requirements can change.

1) Tourist eVisa (Multiple Entry)

• A common choice for Umrah outside the Hajj season.
• Typically allows up to 90 days per visit within its validity window.
• Usually includes mandatory health insurance at purchase.
• Apply online; approvals can be quick, but avoid nonrefundable bookings until you’re approved.

2) Umrah Visa

• Purpose-built for pilgrimage.
• In some cases, you need to prebook hotels and transport through approved channels may be required.
• Preferably, if you want a visa explicitly tied to Umrah.

Permits & Bookings

• During peak times, some worship areas and services use time-windowed access.
• Keep QR codes and confirmations saved offline and carry a power bank.

Choosing Travel Dates (Weather, Crowds, School Calendars)

• Weather:
  • Nov-Mar: Pleasant, cooler evenings, ideal for walking.
  • Apr-May & Oct: Warm to hot; manageable with hydration and shade.
  • Jun-Sep: Very hot; schedule indoor rest midday and aim for Tawaf/Sa’i at cooler hours.
• Crowds: Ramadan is the busiest (especially the last 10 nights). Post-Hajj Umrah typically resumes soon after Hajj concludes.
• School Holidays: UK half-terms, US Spring Break, and December holidays drive up fares and hotel rates. If you must travel, then plan 3-6 months ahead.

Flight Options from the UK & US

From the UK

• Nonstop or one-stop to Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED) from London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN).
• One-stop options via Istanbul, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Amman are common.
• Typical flight time: ~6-7 hours nonstop to Jeddah; add time for connections and transfers.

From the US

• Nonstop schedules to Jeddah (JED) operate at various times of year from New York (JFK) and Washington Dulles (IAD).
• One-stop routes via Doha, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Amman are frequent choices from both East and West Coasts.
• Typical flight time: ~12-13 hours nonstop from the East Coast; longer with connections or from the West Coast.

Smart Routing Tips

• Consider open-jaw (arrive JED, depart MED) to reduce overland travel.
• The high-speed rail links Jeddah-Makkah-Madinah can be faster and more comfortable than the road during busy periods.
• Build buffer time on arrival day to enter Ihram (if arriving in Jeddah en route to Makkah) and to rest before performing Umrah.

Miqāt Reminder

• Enter Ihram before crossing your route’s miqāt. Cabin crews often announce it; ask if unsure. Many travellers make niyyah and change into Ihram before boarding to avoid rushing.

What to Look For in Packages & Hotels

ZamZam.com lets you sort by Haram walking distance, view verified listings, and compare options side-by-side. If you’re travelling with elders or little ones, prioritise walking distance over room size; you’ll thank yourself at Fajr.

Hotel Priorities (Makkah)

• Distance to Masjid al-Haram: Being within 300-600 m saves energy and time, especially for Fajr and ‘Isha. Prices rise the closer you get.
• Elevators & crowd flow: High-rise towers can have long lift queues near prayer times; allow extra time.
• Room details: Confirm bed configuration, kettle, and any view preferences (Haram views are premium).

Hotel Priorities (Madinah)

• Proximity to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi: North/Central zones often give easier access to the men’s and women’s gates.
• Rawdah planning: Check your access window (when applicable) and stay close enough to reach the gates early.

Meals & Amenities

• Breakfast included can be a good value, especially with families. Nearby food courts and local eateries help control costs.
• Laundry: On-site or nearby services are handy for longer stays.
• Mobility: Request wheelchair-friendly rooms if needed; ask hotels about routes that avoid steep gradients at prayer time.

Ground Services

• Airport transfers: A Private car is simpler with luggage and elderly relatives. Shared shuttles are cheaper but make multiple stops.
• Makkah↔Madinah: Choose between private car/van, high-speed train, or licensed coaches. Plan a rest window after travel.

Packing Essentials (Respecting Ihram and Local Norms)

Ihram & Clothing

• Men: Two white, unstitched Ihram cloths and a secure Ihram belt. Pack a spare set in case of spills.
• Women: Modest, loose clothing meeting hijab requirements; colour is not prescribed.
• Footwear: Soft, breathable sandals or walking shoes. Men’s footwear should align with the Ihram guidelines.
• Unscented toiletries: Soap, shampoo, wipes, deodorant, and moisturiser. Read labels carefully.

Documents & Tech

• Passport with 6+ months validity. Printed and digital copies of visa, flights, hotels, transfers, and any QR codes.
• Power: Saudi Arabia uses Type G sockets and 220V. UK travellers usually need no adaptor; US travellers do.
• Mobile: eSIM or local SIM; keep WhatsApp active for drivers and hotel communication. Carry a power bank.

Health & Comfort

• Refillable water bottle; hydrate frequently.
• Electrolyte sachets, basic first-aid, blister plasters.
• Lightweight prayer mat, small daypack, and face masks if you prefer them in crowded spaces.
• Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat/umbrella, and high-SPF sunscreen (unscented in Ihram).

Physical & Spiritual Preparation

Physical

• Aim for 6,000-10,000 steps/day in the month before travel.
• Break in your Umrah footwear to prevent blisters.
• Pace yourself: choose cooler hours for Tawaf/Sa’i and rest between prayers.

Spiritual

• Study the rites from a reliable guide; learn intentions and key du’ā’s.
• In Madinah, visit the Prophet’s Mosque with humility, sending salutations upon Prophet Muhammad , observing etiquette, and local guidance.
• Keep a simple worship plan (daily Qur’an, adhkār, and sadaqah) to stay focused.

Step-by-Step: Performing Umrah (Brief Overview)

Follow the fiqh school you trust for detailed rulings.

1. Enter Ihram at or before the miqāt (boundary point for your route). Airlines usually announce it; if flying direct to Jeddah, many UK/US travellers enter Ihram before boarding to avoid rushing. Make niyyah for Umrah and recite the Talbiyah. Men wear the Ihram cloths; women maintain modest dress. Keep a small pouch with your Ihram belt, safety pins, and unscented wipes so you’re not scrambling on the plane.
2. Tawaf around the Ka’bah seven times, starting at the Black Stone line. Keep the Ka’bah on your left. Maintain calm and give space to others.
3. Pray two rak’ahs behind Maqām Ibrāhīm if possible, otherwise anywhere in the mosque.
4. Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah: seven laps (Safa→Marwah is one lap).
5. Tahallul: Men trim or shave hair; women trim a fingertip’s length. Ihram restrictions end.

Etiquette Notes

• Be gentle in crowds; avoid pushing.
• Keep the masjid clean; avoid strong scents while in Ihram.
• Prioritise the vulnerable; offer help where you can.

Practical Safety & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keep valuables secure (neck pouch or money belt) and use hotel safes where available.
• Hydration matters: Heat and walking add up quickly. Sip water often, and rest.
• Don’t over-schedule: Leave room for rest and prayer; sightseeing can wait.
• Footwear errors: New shoes on day one cause blisters; break them in at home.
• Paperwork gaps: Keep printed and offline copies of key documents in case your phone dies.
• Late bookings in peak seasons: Prices jump, and good hotels near the Haram sell out early.

Sample 9-Day Itinerary (London/NYC)

• Day 1: Fly to Jeddah (JED). Enter the Ihram before crossing the miqāt (many travellers do this before boarding). Arrive, transfer to Makkah, rest.
• Days 2-4 (Makkah): Perform Umrah, pace yourself, and pray in Masjid al-Haram. Optional ziyarah (e.g., Jabal al-Noor, Arafat) if you have energy.
• Day 5: Travel to Madinah (high-speed rail or private transfer). Check in and rest.
• Days 6-8 (Madinah): Prayers in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi; plan Rawdah (also called Riyad al-Jannah, the Garden of Paradise) visit within your access window. Optional ziyarah (Quba, Uhud) if time allows.
• Day 9: Fly home from MED or return to JED for departure.

How ZamZam.com Supports Your Plan (Trust, Not Hype)

You want planning to feel calm and organised. ZamZam.com is owned by United Experts (KSA), a certified and licensed online travel agency, with a joint venture with TBO.COM, a leading global travel distribution platform. Our platform is advanced, user-friendly, and reliable for both B2B and B2C bookings.

Here’s how that helps UK/US travellers, without the hard sell:

• One place for essentials: Search and book hotels, transfers, and ground services together, so every piece fits.
• Clarity on location and value: Filter by walking time to the Haram or the Prophet’s Mosque to match budget with comfort.
• Transparent pricing: Understand what affects cost, season, distance, and room type, before you commit.
• Real support: We prioritise integrity, reliability, and transparency, the values behind our promise: Umrah Simplified.
• UK/US aware: We factor in typical GBP/USD budgets, common flight routes, and school-holiday surges when shaping plans.

When you’re ready to book, bring this guide and your dates. A specialist can turn it into a pre-booked plan in one conversation.

Final Checklist

Before you leave, take a quiet minute to set your niyyah and breathe. This journey is about ibadah, not a packed itinerary

• Visa sorted (Tourist/Umrah/Stopover), and any required permits are active.
• Flights and hotels booked (consider open-jaw).
• Airport transfers and Makkah↔Madinah transport are pre-booked.
• Ihram, footwear, and unscented toiletries are packed.
• Mobile data plan arranged; Type-G adaptor packed (US travellers).
• Worship plan and du’ā list ready; documents printed/offline.

Wrapping Up

Lock in dates, pick proximity, and budget with clarity so you arrive rested and ready for ‘ibādah. Follow the steps above to avoid peak-season stress and last-minute scrambles. When you’re ready to plan, ZamZam.com can help you turn this checklist into pre-booked bookings.