Group Umrah Packages from the UK : Pros, Cons & What to Expect

With more British Muslims planning Umrah every year, group Umrah packages from the UK have become one of the most common ways to travel. Travel agencies often present them as convenient, good value and especially suitable for first‑time pilgrims. But like any travel option, group Umrah has both strengths and limitations.

This guide walks you through:

What group Umrah packages usually include
The main pros and cons of travelling in a group
Who group Umrah is best suited for
What a typical itinerary looks like
Key points about costs, visas, packing and health

By the end, you should have a clear idea whether a group package or a more private Umrah is the right choice for you.

What Are Group Umrah Packages from the UK?

Group Umrah packages from the UK are organised trips where a travel agency puts together a set itinerary and takes a number of pilgrims together on the same schedule.

Typically:

The whole group flies on the same flight(s) from the UK
Everyone stays in the same hotels or hotel category in Makkah and Madinah
Airport transfers and local transport are shared
A group leader, usually an imam or experienced guide, supports pilgrims throughout

Most group packages run for around 7, 10 or 14 days, with fixed departure dates and limited flexibility to change the schedule.

What’s Usually Included?

While details vary from one agency to another, group Umrah packages commonly include:

Return flights from a UK airport to Jeddah and/or Madinah
Visa arrangements (Umrah visa or guidance for a Saudi tourist eVisa, depending on current rules)
Hotels in both Makkah and Madinah
Airport–hotel and inter‑city transfers
Group ziyarah to key historical sites
Ongoing support and advice from a group leader or scholar

Some agencies add extras such as:

Breakfast or half‑board
Hotels within a very short walking distance of the Haramain
Short talks, reminders and Q&A sessions during the trip

For anyone who has never travelled for Umrah before, these inclusions can make the experience much easier to manage.

Pros of Group Umrah Packages from the UK

1. Easier for First‑Time Pilgrims

For many people doing Umrah for the first time, everything feels new – from the airport experience to the rituals inside the Haramain. Group Umrah packages from the UK remove a lot of that uncertainty.

You can expect:

Step‑by‑step explanations of how to perform Umrah
Practical tips on when to do tawaf and sa’i, where to meet, and how to move in crowds
Someone you can ask whenever you’re unsure about a ruling or etiquette

This kind of guided support is especially reassuring if you have only read about Umrah in books or online and are worried about making mistakes.

2. Companionship and Emotional Support

Umrah is both a physical and emotional journey. Travelling as part of a group means you are surrounded by fellow Muslims from the UK who are on a similar journey.

Benefits include:

A built‑in support network if you feel overwhelmed or homesick
Companions for tawaf, prayers, ziyarah and meals
Extra motivation to attend congregational prayers and make the most of your time

People who are reverting to Islam, or those who do not have many practising family members, often find this sense of community particularly valuable.

3. Often Good Value for Money

Because agencies book flights and hotels in bulk, group Umrah packages from the UK can offer competitive pricing compared to arranging everything yourself.

This can show up as:

Lower flight prices than booking as an individual
Better hotel deals for larger groups
Shared transport costs for coaches and ziyarah

You still need to compare packages and check exactly what’s included, but group travel can be a cost‑effective way to secure flights, centrally located hotels and guided services in one bundle.

4. Reduced Planning and Admin

If you’re juggling work, studies and family life, planning Umrah from scratch can feel like a lot of work. Group packages reduce that burden significantly.

The agency usually:

Organises your flights and hotel bookings
Advises on visa requirements and handles paperwork where possible
Sets a clear itinerary for travel days, ziyarah and key activities

That means less time comparing dozens of options and more time preparing spiritually.

5. Structured Ziyarah and Learning

Many group trips include guided visits to sites around Makkah and Madinah, along with short talks on the history and significance of these places.

You might benefit from:

Guided tours to places like Uhud, Masjid Quba and other historical locations
Short reminders on the virtues of the Haramain and the fiqh of Umrah
Informal Q&A sessions in the hotel or after prayers

For younger pilgrims, students, or anyone keen to learn more, this can be one of the most enriching parts of a group journey.

Cons of Group Umrah Packages from the UK

While there are clear benefits, group Umrah packages from the UK are not ideal for everyone. It’s important to consider the drawbacks as well.

1. Limited Flexibility

Group travel inevitably comes with restrictions. With most packages, you’ll have less control over:

Exact departure dates and times
Choice of airline and route (direct vs indirect)
Hotel brand and room type
Timings of ziyarah and internal transfers

If you want to stay longer in one city, or you have very specific preferences for hotels and flights, a group package may feel too rigid.

2. Moving in a Group Can Be Slow

Travelling together as a group means:

Waiting while others check in or sort out their luggage
Standing around for coaches to be loaded and unloaded
Moving to and from the Haramain alongside many people at once

This can be tiring if you prefer to move quickly and quietly on your own schedule. Some people may find it frustrating when they are ready to go but have to wait for the wider group.

To keep costs down, many group Umrah packages from the UK are priced based on triple or quad rooms. That often means:

Sharing a room with other pilgrims of the same gender
Limited privacy for rest, calls home or personal ibadah
Extra charges if you request a single room

If you snore, have a medical condition, are a light sleeper, or simply like to unwind alone, shared rooms may be a significant downside.

4. Quality Depends on the Agency

Not all group packages are equal. Your experience will depend heavily on:

How organised the agency is
How experienced and approachable the guide or imam is
The size and mix of the group

Problems like poor communication, unclear schedules or rushed ziyarah can turn an otherwise well‑priced trip into a stressful experience. It’s important to research agencies properly, read recent reviews and speak to previous customers where possible.

Who Are Group Umrah Packages from the UK Best For?

1. First‑Time Umrah Pilgrims

If you’ve never performed Umrah before, travelling in a group is often the easiest way to start. You get:

Clear explanations of the rites
Practical help if you feel stuck or overwhelmed
People around you who are going through the same experience

For many, this first group trip also builds the confidence to plan more independent journeys in the future.

2. Solo Travellers Who Want Company

If you don’t have family or friends available to travel with you, a group can provide welcome companionship.

You benefit from:

Not having to navigate airports and transport alone
Ready‑made friends for meals, prayers and ziyarah
A sense of security in being part of a structured group

This is especially helpful if it’s your first time travelling to Saudi Arabia or your first time travelling abroad alone.

3. Elderly Pilgrims and Parents

Older pilgrims often feel more comfortable in a guided setting. In a group, they are more likely to receive:

Help with luggage and moving between locations
Assistance with wheelchairs and transport when needed
Clear instructions that reduce confusion or stress

Adult children taking their parents for Umrah sometimes prefer group packages for exactly these reasons.

4. Youth Groups and Community Trips

Mosques, Islamic societies and community organisations frequently arrange group Umrah packages from the UK for young people and students.

These trips often:

Combine worship with learning and mentoring
Help build friendships and strengthen faith
Give younger Muslims a positive, structured first experience of Umrah

For these groups, the educational programme and sense of togetherness can be just as important as the travel arrangements.

Who Might Prefer a Private or Custom Umrah?

Group Umrah is not the only option. Some pilgrims will be better suited to a private or customised package rather than standard group Umrah packages from the UK.

You might prefer arranging your own trip if you:

Are travelling as a couple and want more privacy and flexibility
Have very young children or a baby and need to work around their routine
Have specific preferences for airlines, flight times and hotels
Have already been for Umrah and feel confident managing on your own

In these situations, you can still use agencies for flights, hotels and visas, but you’re not tied to a fixed group itinerary.

What to Expect from a Typical Group Umrah Itinerary

Every agency designs its own schedule, but most group Umrah packages from the UK follow a similar pattern for a 7–10‑day trip.

Day 1 – Departing the UK

Meet the group and guide at the airport
Group check‑in and a short briefing
Flight to Jeddah or Madinah

Day 2 – Arrival and Check‑In

Land in Saudi Arabia and pass through immigration
Travel to the hotel in Makkah by coach
Rest, then a group meeting to go over the plan for Umrah

Day 3 – Performing Umrah

Travel together to Masjid al‑Haram
The guide reminds everyone about the steps of Umrah (niyyah, tawaf, sa’i and cutting or shaving the hair)
Pilgrims complete their Umrah, often in smaller sub‑groups

Days 4–5 – Worship and Ziyarah in Makkah

Focus on Salah, tawaf, Qur’an and dua in the Haram
Optional ziyarah to nearby historical sites, depending on the package
Short reminders or talks from the group leader

Days 6–8 – Journey to and Stay in Madinah

Travel to Madinah by coach or internal flight
Check‑in to a hotel near Masjid an‑Nabawi
Spend time in worship and reflection, with optional ziyarah to places like Quba and Uhud

Day 9–10 – Final Ibadah and Return

Final day of Salah and reflection in Madinah
Group dua and closing advice
Transfer to the airport and return flight to the UK

Exact details will differ by package, but this gives a realistic idea of what most group itineraries involve.

Cost Overview for Group Umrah Packages from the UK

Prices for group Umrah packages from the UK vary by time of year, hotel standard, departure city and flight route. However, you can give readers some rough guidance.

Approximate ranges might look like:

3‑star group packages (around 7 days)
- From about £800–£1,100 per person
4‑star group packages (7–10 days)
- Around £1,100–£1,500 per person
5‑star group packages (7–10+ days)
- Around £1,500–£2,200+ per person

Important factors that shift the price include:

Whether the trip overlaps with Ramadan or UK school holidays
The choice between direct and indirect flights
How early you book your place on the package

For the most accurate figures, it’s always best to check current offers and compare a few different agencies.

Visa fees can change, especially for tourist eVisas. The latest information is available on the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal:
https://visa.mofa.gov.sa

Visa and Entry Requirements for Group Umrah

Even if you’re travelling as part of a group, you still need to meet Saudi visa and entry rules.

Depending on current regulations and your chosen package, the agency may:

Apply for a dedicated Umrah visa for you
Guide you through applying for a Saudi tourist eVisa that allows Umrah outside the Hajj season

Because rules do change over time, it’s important to check up‑to‑date information before you travel. The UK government’s foreign travel advice page for Saudi Arabia is a useful official source for entry requirements, safety updates and health guidance:

Your travel agent should be able to clarify which visa type they use and what documents you need to provide.

Choosing the Right Group Umrah Package from the UK

When comparing group Umrah packages from the UK, it helps to look beyond the headline price.

Key points to check include:

1. Agency Reputation and Protection

Make sure the agency is ATOL‑protected
Look for recent reviews from UK pilgrims, not just old testimonials
Ask friends, family and local mosques if they have experience with that company

2. What’s Actually Included

Compare:

Flights (airline, route, baggage allowance)
Hotel names, star ratings and distance to the Haramain
Whether transfers, ziyarah tours and meals are included
Visa processing or support

The cheapest package is not always the best value if the hotels are far from the mosques or key services are missing.

3. Rooming and Group Size

Clarify:

How many people you’ll share your room with (double, triple, quad)
Whether single rooms are available and at what extra cost
Approximate number of people in the group overall

A very large group may feel less personal, while a smaller one might offer more direct attention from the guide.

4. Spiritual Programme

Ask about:

How often the guide delivers reminders or short talks
Whether ziyarah trips include explanations, not just quick photo stops
Opportunities for Q&A around fiqh, dua and spiritual preparation

A well‑planned spiritual programme can greatly increase the benefit you gain from the journey.

Packing and Health Tips for Group Umrah Travellers

Packing Essentials

Whether you choose a group or private package, being prepared with the right items makes a big difference.

Consider packing:

One or two sets of ihram (for men)
Comfortable, breathable abayas and hijabs (for women)
Modest everyday clothing suitable for warm weather
Walking shoes or sandals that you can use for long distances
A small backpack or cross‑body bag for essentials at the Haramain
Copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance and booking details

A detailed packing list tailored to UK travellers is helpful to avoid forgetting important items.

Health and Safety

Group travel environments can be crowded, so take simple steps to protect your health:

Drink plenty of bottled water, especially during and after tawaf and sa’i
Use hand sanitiser regularly in busy areas
Carry any necessary prescription medication in your hand luggage
Consider a small first‑aid kit with painkillers, plasters and basic remedies
Follow any current health guidance regarding vaccinations or masks

Reading a dedicated health guide for UK Umrah pilgrims can help you think through issues like jet lag, heat, hygiene and managing chronic conditions.

Final Thoughts: Are Group Umrah Packages from the UK Right for You?

Group Umrah packages from the UK offer a structured, supportive and often cost‑effective way to perform Umrah, particularly if:

You’re going for the first time
You prefer to have a guide and a ready‑made group for support
You’d like most of the logistics handled for you

They may be less suitable if you:

Want full control over dates, hotels and flight choices
Prefer maximum privacy and a quieter, more flexible schedule
Are already familiar with Umrah and confident travelling independently

To decide what fits you best, it helps to explore your other resources, including:

With sincere intention, careful research and the right choice of package, your Umrah – whether in a group or privately arranged – can be a deeply rewarding and life‑changing journey, in sha Allah.