Things UK Muslims Should Know Before Planning Umrah

The UK has a major Muslim community in its four different states, especially in England. Many Muslims from the United Kingdom travel for Umrah each year. They usually prefer holiday periods for the Umrah trip because families can spend quality time with each other. But they keep in mind that Umrah is not just about travelling or performing rituals in Makkah. There are some important things that every British Muslim should know before planning and departing for Umrah.

Whenever we plan trips and tours, every traveller gives priority to well-planning and packing. That’s appreciable, and planning must include significant factors and things that a trip requires. As Umrah is not a usual journey, it’s a religious pilgrimage that must be modest, which is its identity. You might be thinking that one should be in Ihram attire and remember Allah SWT. Yes, you have to be in, but here you will learn what necessary things you should take care of before planning Umrah from UK.

Make Sure to Check the Weather

You should know that the weather in Saudi Arabia is totally different from the weather in the UK. Saudi Arabia experiences almost hot weather throughout the year, except in the extreme cold months. You can expect summer there from the start of April to the mid October when temperature remains between 40°C and 50°C. However, October is a milder month, and most pilgrims find it a good period to perform Umrah.

In Makkah and Madinah, the winter months lie between November and February. During this period, the daytime weather is pleasant, which feels like UK heat. The temperature lies between 25°C and 30°C, and sometimes it drops to 12°C. Madinah faces more coldness than Makkah. So, before planning your Umrah journey, make sure you have checked the weather conditions of the specific month in which you intend to travel. It simply means choosing the best time for the Umrah trip.

Choose the Right Visa for Umrah Trip

UK passport holders have multiple options for a visa to Saudi Arabia. However, Umrah has a specific visa, which is also known as the Umrah Visa that most pilgrims prefer to book from a travel agency. Everyone can get this visa who plans their Umrah. This visa will be valid for one month after the date of issuance, and you must enter the Saudi Kingdom within 30 days. Before that, travellers have the option of 90 days validity period.

Another popular visa on which you can perform Umrah is the Saudi tourist e-visa. Tourist visa is becoming popular also for religious pilgrimages. This is an electronic visa that you can get online with the help of an Umrah agency or agent. A tourist visa will be valid for one year and allows you multiple entries. One stay can reach a maximum of 90 days, and you can perform Umrah easily. Additionally, UK citizens also have the option to get a visa waiver, which allows them to stay in the KSA up to six months (only single entry).

Download the Essential Mobile Apps for Umrah

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is digitalising the process of Umrah day by day. This is just for easiness of the pilgrims so they can book everything comfortably. Therefore, don’t leave the UK before installing the essential applications on your mobile phone. The well-known app which must be on your mobile is the Nusuk application.

The app itself is developed and promoted by the Saudi Ministry. Usually, this app is used to book an Umrah permit, which is a requirement. The second permit is to visit Rawdah that you must obtain from the Nusuk app. These permits allow you a time slot to pray and see inside the specific place. Remember that the app is mandatory to download on mobile because this is the way to get a permit.

There are also other mobile apps which can help you a lot during Umrah. This includes language translators, maps, time management, Haramain train app (to travel locally), weather forecasts, crowds checking apps, and prayer timers.

Have You Done the Financial Planning?

Before booking an Umrah package for your religious trip, you must finalise your financial planning. Do not fix your budget on exact prices and expenses; keep it flexible. Umrah packages can range from 3-star to 5-stars and the cost of each package is different. Final cost will depend on the total number of members who are going to travel, the service category you choose, direct or connecting flight, and whether the season is either peak or off-peak.

If you are expecting a 3-star package, you can imagine the cost between £800 and £1100 per person. Alternatively, for the 4-star package, you can expect between £1200 and £1800. For a 5-star Umrah package, the price can go up to £2000+ because of luxurious services. Aside from the package cost, you must have enough money for your daily expenses in Saudi Arabia. Do your money management in SAR by converting GBP.

Avoid airport exchange; the rates can be worst and more than the usual rates. Use the travel card strategy and let your UK bank handle the rate; it’s much cheaper when you choose “without conversion”, especially in ATMs. Remember that cash is still the king; keep at least 500 SAR in advance in case you face emergencies.

Check the Agency’s ATOL Protection Before Booking

ATOL, which means Air Travel Organisers’ License, is a financial protection scheme of the UK for travel packages. When you are taking quotations and about to book your Umrah package from a trusted Umrah travel agency, make sure their ATOL protection is first. You can confirm this with the 4 to 6-digit ATOL number on their online platforms or ask them.

ATOL will save your money and refund you in case you cancel your trip for any reason. It will also save you if any natural mishap occurs. You can get back your flight money as well. ATOL number will also compensate your Umrah ticket, in case the agency is closed or you get caught in scams. For more trustworthiness, check out the agency’s rating and reviews on Google and other platforms. Ensure what previous customers are saying about the agency/company.

Some other things that UK Muslims should know before going on Umrah:

• Do well packing for your religious journey and only include the essential items.
• Do not forget to pack electronic items such as a travel adapter and charger. Travelling nowadays without these items is difficult, as each and every system is becoming digital.
• Fulfil the health and vaccination requirements if it’s mandatory. Pilgrims suffering from chronic diseases must follow the health necessities.
• Travellers in the UK still prefer private transport. The Haramain bullet train is also a good option for travelling within cities. However, for Ziyarats, you can book private transport, especially if travelling with kids and older ones.
• The SIM card of the UK can charge expensive roaming in Saudi Arabia. Please buy a local Saudi SIM card, which will cost you less.

To glance up, Umrah from the UK is now becoming easy, but letting everything go itself is not a good practice. From planning to booking a package and travelling to reach Saudi Arabia, you should prioritise your personal preferences. The things or factors which are mentioned above will help you a lot when you plan your Umrah journey. Keep in mind that every journey involves a bit of testing, but with patience and preparation, it can prove to be the most memorable and relaxing journey of your life.