Pilgrims gathered around the Holy Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah during a peaceful evening.
Cheap Umrah packages from the UK start from £490 for 7 nights in a 3-star hotel. That price should still cover your flights, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, visa, and transport between the two cities, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s inside before you pay a deposit.
What Should a Cheap Umrah Package Include?
Even at the lower end, a proper package covers the whole trip, not just the flight. If one of the items below is missing from the quote, you’ll likely be paying for it separately later.
- Return flights from a UK airport
- 7 nights in hotels split between Makkah and Madinah
- Umrah visa processing and your Nusuk permit registration
- Transport from the airport to your hotels and between the two holy cities
- Basic guidance for first-timers on the rituals
Some things are usually priced separately, and that’s normal as long as you know about them upfront:
- Meals not provided by the hotel
- Optional Ziyarat tours around Makkah and Madinah
- A single-room supplement if you’re travelling alone
- Travel insurance, unless it’s bundled into your visa cost
Why Does the Final Bill Sometimes Come Out Higher Than the Quote?
Usually because the first price only covered flights and a room. Visa fees, Nusuk permits, or the transfer between Makkah and Madinah were left out, then added later. Before you commit, ask for a single total per person in writing so you can compare like for like.
How Much Do Cheap Umrah Packages Cost?
For 7 nights, prices start from £490 for 3-star, £665 for 4-star, and £800 for 5-star. The star rating mostly changes how close you are to the Haram and how comfortable the rooms are, rather than what the package covers.
| Package | Starting price (7 nights) | What you can expect |
|---|---|---|
| 3-star | From £490 | Good value, usually a shuttle ride to the Haram |
| 4-star | From £665 | More comfort and a shorter walk |
| 5-star | From £800 | Closest hotels, some with Haram views |
These starting prices apply to quieter dates. If you’re travelling during Easter, the summer holidays, October half term, or Ramadan, expect to pay more than the “from” price. The last ten nights of Ramadan are usually the most expensive period of the year.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Go?
Outside Ramadan and the UK school holidays. Booking three to six months ahead also helps, because hotels close to the Haram tend to fill up before flights do. If your dates are flexible, moving a trip by a week to avoid a school holiday can save a noticeable amount.
Is a Cheap Umrah Package Still ATOL Protected?
It should be. ATOL protection is a legal requirement for UK agencies selling flight-inclusive holidays, and it means your money is protected if the agency or airline stops trading before or during your trip. A low price is never a good reason to go without it.
Before booking with any agency, check three things yourself:
- ATOL number: ask for it and verify it independently
- IATA certification: this covers how flights are booked and ticketed
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah approval: this shows the agency is authorised to arrange pilgrimage travel
For reference, Al Muslim Travel has held ATOL licence 74904 since 2012, is IATA certified, and is approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. You can read more about the company on the about us page.
Which UK Airports Can You Fly From?
Most pilgrims can find a departure point close to home. Cheap packages are available from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leicester, Bradford, and Blackburn.
A regional departure often works out cheaper overall, because you skip the cost and hassle of getting to London first. If you’re travelling with elderly parents or young children, a flight with fewer changes is usually worth more than a small difference in fare.
Will a Cheap Package Work for Families and Older Parents?
Yes, as long as you pick the hotel distance carefully. A 3-star package with a shuttle suits fit adults and many families, but it can become tiring for elderly parents or toddlers if you’re heading to the Haram several times a day.
A few things make a real difference:
- Ask for the hotel’s exact name and walking distance, not just “near the Haram”
- Request connecting or neighbouring rooms when you book, rather than assuming they’ll be available
- Ask about wheelchair assistance at both the UK and Saudi airports ahead of time
- Consider a 4-star package if a shorter walk matters more than the saving
If you’re comparing tiers, the 3-star Umrah packages page shows the budget end in more detail.
What Visa Do You Need for a Cheap Umrah Package?
Most UK pilgrims travel on either the Saudi Tourist e-Visa or an Umrah visa arranged through their agency. Whichever you use, every traveller, including children, needs to be registered on the Nusuk platform before performing Umrah.
A reputable agency handles both the visa and the Nusuk registration as part of your package. If a very cheap quote doesn’t mention visa processing at all, ask who is arranging it and when. It’s also sensible to read the UK Government’s FCDO travel advice for Saudi Arabia before you fly, as entry requirements and guidance can change.
A Quick Checklist Before You Pay a Deposit
None of this takes long, and it can save you a lot of stress later:
- Get the total price per person in writing, including visa and transport
- Confirm the hotel names and their distance from the Haram
- Check the ATOL number, and that the agency is IATA certified
- Ask what happens if you need to change dates or cancel
- Make sure the itinerary is written down before you pay in full
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cheap Umrah packages cost from the UK? They start from £490 per person for 7 nights in a 3-star hotel, with 4-star from £665 and 5-star from £800. Prices rise during Ramadan and UK school holidays, so travelling off-peak keeps you closer to the starting price.
How do I book a cheap Umrah package from the UK? Choose an ATOL-protected agency and ask for a written quote covering flights, hotels, visa, and transport. You can compare a couple of quotes for the same dates, then call or WhatsApp the agency to confirm availability and pay a deposit.
Are cheap Umrah packages ATOL protected? They should be. UK agencies selling flight-inclusive Umrah packages are legally required to hold ATOL protection. If an agency can’t give you its ATOL number when you ask, it’s best to look elsewhere.
What visa do I need for Umrah from the UK? Most travellers use the Saudi Tourist e-Visa or an Umrah visa arranged by their agency. Every traveller must also be registered on Nusuk before performing Umrah, and a good agency will take care of this for you.
Which UK airports offer cheap Umrah flights? Departures are available from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leicester, Bradford, and Blackburn. The closest airport with the fewest changes is usually the easiest option.
Is it worth paying more for 4-star or 5-star? It depends on who’s travelling. A 3-star package with a shuttle works well for many pilgrims, but 4-star or 5-star can be worth the extra cost if you’re travelling with elderly parents, small children, or simply want a shorter walk to the Haram.
What should I watch out for with very low prices? Be careful if there’s no ATOL number, no named hotel, or pressure to pay in full before you’ve seen an itinerary. A genuinely cheap package should still be clear about exactly what you’re getting.
