A UK Pilgrim’s Checklist Before Booking an Umrah Packages

Booking an Umrah packages from the UK should feel clear, not stressful. Yet many pilgrims only compare prices. They miss details that affect comfort, safety, and even whether the trip runs smoothly.

Use this practical checklist before you pay a deposit with any Umrah travel agent in the UK. It will help you compare like-for-like Umrah package deals, spot red flags early, and choose a package that fits your needs.

At Saudi Tours, we recommend you treat Umrah as both worship and travel logistics. When you plan both well, you protect your time in Makkah and Madinah.

A quick UK checklist

Before you book, confirm these points in writing:

Your passport validity and chosen visa route (eVisa/waiver/other).
Clear flight details (departure airport, baggage, transit time).
Exact hotel names, room type, and distance to Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi.
Ground transport (airport transfers + Makkah↔Madinah coach/private car).
Nusuk requirements for Umrah permits and Rawdah booking.
ATOL status (if flights form part of the package) and what protection covers.
Vaccination requirements for pilgrims, especially MenACWY proof.

1) Start with the right “type” of Umrah package

“Umrah package” can mean different things.

Common UK options include:

All-inclusive Umrah packages from the UK (flights + hotels + transfers).
Land-only Umrah packages (hotels + transfers, you arrange flights).
Group Umrah tours with a coordinator and set itinerary.
DIY-style packages with flexible dates and minimal extras.

Ask for a full itinerary. Request the inclusions list. Get it on the invoice. This prevents surprises later.

2) Verify booking protection and trading details

If your package includes flights, check whether it is ATOL protected and who the ATOL holder is. ATOL rules protect travellers if an ATOL holder collapses, with refunds or repatriation depending on circumstances.

Do this before you pay:

Ask: Who is the ATOL holder for this booking?
Ask for the ATOL Certificate after you pay (or as required).
Confirm the business identity, address, and payment terms.

Also remember: ATOL does not cover every travel sale, such as stand-alone flight tickets in some cases. ATOL

If you want extra confidence, pay by credit card where appropriate. Keep all emails and invoices.

3) Confirm your Umrah visa route and what it allows

Saudi rules can change, so you should always check official guidance close to travel.

For UK pilgrims, UK government travel advice notes that you can apply for an e-visa or electronic visa waiver to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Before booking, confirm:

Which visa route your package uses.
Whether the package price includes visa processing.
The “validity window” you must travel within.

If you feel unsure, build flexibility into your dates. Keep buffer days.

4) Check health requirements early, not last minute

Saudi entry rules include vaccination requirements for pilgrims. The UK government guidance states that Hajj or Umrah pilgrims must have proof of meningococcal quadrivalent (ACWY) vaccination.

Practical steps:

Book a travel health appointment early when possible. TravelHealthPro recommends planning ahead, but even a late appointment helps.
Carry your proof of vaccination with your travel documents.
Review the UK travel health advice for updated guidance before departure.

Health requirements shift, especially around peak seasons. Always re-check close to travel.

5) Choose dates with crowd levels and weather in mind

Your dates shape your whole experience.

When you compare Umrah packages from the UK, think about:

School holidays (higher demand and higher prices).
Ramadan Umrah (deep spiritual value, but intense crowds).
Winter vs summer travel (heat affects stamina and mobility).

If you travel with parents or children, prioritise convenience over “cheapest price”. A short walk to the Haram can matter more than a small saving.

6) Scrutinise flights like you would for any long trip

Flight details decide how you feel on arrival.

Ask these questions:

Which UK airport does it depart from (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow)?
Do you fly direct or with a stopover?
How long is the layover, and do you change terminals?
What baggage allowance applies, including Zamzam rules?

Also confirm arrival airport:

Jeddah often suits Makkah first.
Madinah suits pilgrims who start in Madinah.

Then match the airport to your itinerary. This saves hours on the road.

7) Demand clarity on hotels, rooms, and distance claims

Hotels can make or break your focus in worship.

Get specifics:

Exact hotel names in Makkah and Madinah.
Room type (quad/triple/double), bedding, and view claims.
Breakfast/dinner inclusion and meal times.
Walking distance vs shuttle distance.

Avoid vague labels like “5-star near Haram” with no hotel name. You need the exact property because standards vary.

For Madinah, check proximity to Masjid an-Nabawi and whether the hotel suits your group’s needs.

8) Understand transport between cities and during peak hours

Your package should state:

Airport transfers (private car, shared coach, or shuttle).
Makkah ↔ Madinah transport type and timing.
Luggage handling, meeting point, and support contact.

During busy periods, traffic can slow everything. Choose a plan with sensible buffers. A tight schedule creates stress and missed rest.

If you travel with elders, ask about wheelchair access and step-free entrances. Ask about lift wait times in high-rise hotels too.

9) Know the Nusuk “app reality” for permits and Rawdah

Saudi platforms play a big role in the pilgrim journey.

Official services point pilgrims to the Nusuk ecosystem for key steps and planning. The Nusuk Umrah platform describes “comprehensive packages” that can include visa issuance, flights, accommodation, transport, and more.

For permits, official portal guidance shows Umrah permit issuance steps through the Nusuk app.

Before you book, ask:

Will the agency help with Nusuk setup and guidance?
Who supports you if permits or bookings face issues?
How will you book Rawdah (where applicable) within the allowed system?

This matters most for first-time UK pilgrims.

10) Compare total cost, not headline price

Two cheap Umrah packages UK offers can differ by hundreds once you add essentials.

Ask for a full cost breakdown:

Visa fees and service charges.
Taxes and airline surcharges.
Transfers, ziyarah tours, and intercity travel.
Hotel city taxes (if any), meals, and late check-out.
Extra nights if flights do not align with hotel check-in.

Then compare packages on what you actually receive.

11) Check support, guidance, and group leadership

Many UK pilgrims value a guided experience, especially on the first Umrah.

If you want a group tour:

Ask who leads the group and what support they provide.
Ask if they cover Ihram, Miqat, Tawaf, Sa’i, and practical guidance.
Ask what happens if someone becomes unwell.

Strong support reduces confusion. It also helps you focus on ibadah.

12) If you’re also planning Hajj, do not mix up the booking route

Pilgrims often search Umrah and Hajj package together. The process differs.

UK government guidance states you can only book a Hajj place through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.

So, if someone sells you a “Hajj Package” outside the official route, treat it as a serious red flag. Keep your Umrah planning separate unless you fully understand the official Hajj pathway.

FAQ (UK-focused, AEO-friendly)

What should a UK Umrah package include?

Most pilgrims expect flights, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, and transfers. Many packages also include visa support and guidance. The Nusuk Umrah platform describes comprehensive packages that can include visa, flights, accommodation, transport, and guidance.

Do I need MenACWY vaccination for Umrah from the UK?

UK government entry requirements state Hajj or Umrah pilgrims must have proof of meningococcal quadrivalent vaccination.

Do I need the Nusuk app for Umrah?

You may need Nusuk for permits and key bookings. Official portal guidance outlines issuing an Umrah permit through Nusuk.

How do I know if my booking has ATOL protection?

Ask who the ATOL holder is and request the ATOL certificate. ATOL guidance explains when protection applies and what it covers.