Your first Umrah will be an emotional, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s natural to feel nervous about getting the details right. What documentation do you need? How do you get into the state of ihram? What’s going on inside the Haram exactly? This guide will take you through the whole process from the preparation in the UK to the final act of worship in Makkah.
If you haven’t booked, then it is a good idea to compare Umrah packages from UK providers first. Your travel dates and the location of your hotel will shape much of your planning.
Step 1: Understand What Umrah Is
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah at any time of the year, as opposed to Hajj, which is performed on specific dates. It is divided into four major acts:
- Miqat: Entering the state of ihram from miqat
- Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba seven times
- Sa’i: Seven trips to and from the hills of Safa and Marwa.
- Halq or taqsir: Shaving or cutting the hair
Many pilgrims also travel to Madinah, which is not part of the Umrah but is spiritually significant, and most packages include time there.
Step 2: Choose When and How to Travel
When you travel will affect prices, crowds and weather. A 7-night 3-star trip now starts from around £615 per person, a 4-star from around £685 and a 5-star from around £710 for packages from the UK. Ramadan, Easter and the summer holidays are more expensive than quieter times such as October, September and non-Ramadan weeks.
Ramadan 2027 is likely to begin on or around 8 February (depending on moon sighting), so check if this clashes with any winter travel dates. If this is your first time, 10 to 14 nights will give you plenty of time to get settled and do Umrah without rushing, but a 7-night trip is more suitable for those with limited annual leave.
A guided package is often the easiest option for beginners, as it includes flights, visas, hotels, transfers and Ziyarat with a team to help you out on the ground.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents and Visa
The fee for visa assistance with Cheap Umrah Deals is £49 per person, and the processing time is typically 3 to 7 working days. You will usually need:
- UK passport, valid for at least six months, with two blank pages
- Two recent passport-size photographs against a white background.
- Proof of accommodation and return flight
- Visa application form completed
- Certificate of meningitis ACWY vaccination, given not less than 10 days before travel
- Certificate of No Objection for women below the age of 45 travelling without a male guardian
Visa rules and health requirements can change. Check the latest entry requirements and any official steps for booking or permits before you travel. Your travel agent should be able to help you through this.
Step 4: Plan Your Budget and Protect Your Money
The budget, excluding the package price, is:
- Men’s ihram clothing and appropriate modest clothing for women
- Extra food, containers of Zamzam, gifts bought with cash
- Travel insurance
- UK airport transfers
Always check you have ATOL protection before paying. Cheap Umrah Deals is licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL licence number 11375. You can check this on the Civil Aviation Authority website, and you will receive an ATOL certificate when you book with us. Always only pay via official payment links and never to a personal bank account.
Step 5: Pack Smart
Here’s a useful packing list for your first Umrah:
- Two sets of ihrams for men and an ihram belt.
- Easy to take off and comfortable loafers
- Cotton or linen clothes, light and airy
- Toiletries without fragrance (fragrance is not allowed while in ihram)
- A small bag to carry your shoes in the Haram
- Reusable water bottle
- Any prescription drug and a doctor’s note
- Pocket dua book and portable charger
Step 6: Enter Ihram and Make Your Intention
Ihram is made at the miqat, a predetermined boundary before Makkah. Many pilgrims travelling from the UK will wear their ihram before or during the flight and will make their niyyah (intention) at the miqat point, which will be announced by the crew or your group leader. Once in Ihram, you begin reciting the Talbiyah and refrain from the prohibited acts like cutting nails or hair, using perfume and wearing stitched clothes for men.
If you are unsure of where or when to make your intention, ask your group leader before you leave so that you are not rushing mid-flight.
Step 7: Perform Tawaf
You do Tawaf at the Masjid al-Haram, walking seven times around the Kaaba counterclockwise, starting and finishing at the line of the Black Stone. In this Tawaf, men generally uncover the right shoulder and may walk briskly in the first three circuits; women do not. If you are able, do seven rounds of Tawaf, then pray two rak’ahs behind the Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere in the Haram if it is crowded, then drink Zamzam water.
Tips for beginners:
- If crowds are a problem, go at quieter times, such as after Fajr or in the middle of the night.
- Stay with your party or have a meeting place arranged
- From afar, a sign suffices; do not push and shove your way to the Black Stone
- If you or a relative requires a wheelchair, this can be requested through your package
Step 8: Perform Sa’i
Then do seven rounds between Safa and Marwa, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. The course is indoors, air-conditioned and well-marked with a separate lane for wheelchairs. Take your time, remember the story of Hajar, and use the walk for your personal dua.
Step 9: Shave or Trim Your Hair
Men have to shave their heads (halq) or cut their hair (taqsir) to complete the Umrah. Shaving is usually considered better. Women cut off a little bit of hair, about the length of a fingertip, from the ends. You will find barbers near the Haram, and your group leader can direct you to them. Once completed, your Umrah is complete, and the restrictions of ihram are lifted.
Step 10: Visit Madinah and Ziyarat Sites
Most UK itineraries include a couple of nights in Madinah. The Prophet’s Mosque is open 24 hours a day. Access to the Rawdah is managed by the current booking arrangements; ask your agent how to arrange it.
Guided Ziyarat usually includes sites such as the Cave of Hira, Masjid al-Jinn, Quba Mosque and Masjid al-Qiblatain. Cheap Umrah Deals packages include Guided Ziyarat, so check to see what is included in your package.
Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking on price alone: A very low price may not include transport, meals or transfers. Ask for a list of inclusions in writing.
- Too far from the Haram to stay in a hotel: You may have to put more time and money into getting to prayer.
- Delaying visa and vaccination to the last minute: Allow yourself plenty of time, especially for the Meningitis ACWY vaccine.
- Overpacking: You’ll be carrying your bags through busy areas, so keep it light.
- Overreaching on the first day: Then rest after your journey and perform Umrah when you feel alert.
- Ignoring their health: Carry basic medicines, wear comfortable shoes and drink plenty of water.
Final Thoughts
Your first Umrah doesn’t have to be scary. Learn the steps, prepare your documents early, choose a package that suits your needs and select a safe, transparent agent. If you need any more help with planning, the resources provided by Hajj and Umrah experts in the UK can help you prepare in a calm and organised way.
May Allah make your trip easy and accept your Umrah.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need for your first Umrah trip?
Most packages require a minimum of seven nights, but 10 to 14 nights gives first-timers more breathing space.
Can women perform ‘Umrah without a mahram?
Rules depend on current Saudi regulations, your age and your group. Women under 45 travelling without a male guardian need a no-objection certificate, Cheap Umrah Deals said. Check with your agent for the latest rules.
Do you need a guide?
Not legally, but a guided package will make it easier for first-timers, especially in terms of transfers, hotel check-ins and Ziyarat.
How much is the cost of the first Umrah from the UK?
Packages start from around £615 per person for 7 nights in 3-star hotels, whilst the Platinum Haram View starts from around £875.
Can I bring senior parents?
Yes. Wheelchairs and baby cots are available on request, and older pilgrims may find it useful to select a hotel close to the Haram.
