Planning Your Umrah From London? Here’s What You Need to Know
Muslims can perform Umrah by travelling to Makkah from any corner of the world. London is one of the famous destinations in the United Kingdom where a lot of the Muslim community lives. From there, Muslims frequently plan Umrah and depart for Saudi Arabia. Are you also planning Umrah from London? If yes, that’s your perfect decision upon Allah’s SWT call to you.
Umrah is also known as the lesser pilgrimage of Islam that can only be done in Makkah. It has only four rituals or steps that you must perform. But it’s not just about performing rituals; you also have to take care of necessary pre-steps. And this is what you need to know when planning your Umrah from London.
The first and most important step that you must know is choosing the right departure point. Actually, this is the airport from where you will take off and reach Saudi Arabia. If you are a London resident, you can choose option of these famous airports:
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Stansted Airport (STN)
- Luton Airport (LTN)
The most popular and busy airport in the UK is London Heathrow Airport. From this airport, you can easily book any direct or connecting flight to Jeddah or Madinah airport.
Have You Chosen the Best Time for Umrah?
You know that Muslims can perform Umrah at any time of the year. There is no restriction except Hajj days or other regulations solely set by the Saudi Ministry. So, what’s the best time of the year for Umrah from London?
Well, the best times depend on your personal preferences, but the recommended times are in December, October, and February. These months are comfortable in terms of weather, also the cost is affordable. Ramadan is also a good time to perform Umrah, but it’s a crowded month, which means the peak season of pilgrimage.
The weather in Saudi Arabia is almost hot, except in the winter months. During winter, you won’t expect a very cold or snowy season like in Europe, as it’s located in the Middle East.
Choose a Trusted and ATOL-protected Travel Agency
Umrah packages in London can only be booked via a trusted and ATOL-protected Umrah Travel agency. Travel agencies are specialized entities in booking travel packages. So they ensure every essential service in one package, which is most suitable for you. This includes your flight, accommodation, visa, transportation, and guided tours.
Choose an agency that is based in London, as this will grab their trust in you. You can compare agencies on the services they provide and choose the one that offers the cheapest options. Make sure that there are no hidden fees on booking.
When booking a flight through a travel agency, the cheapest option will be best for you. However, you have control over which airline you want to fly, such as Qatar Airways, British Airways, Saudia Airlines, etc. Besides this, book accommodation that is near to Haram boundaries. This will reduce the walking distance and you can prayers during Umrah easily.
Pack Only Light Items for Umrah Trip from London
Packing is necessary no matter which trip or tour you are going on. Hence, an Umrah trip also requires packing. But what should you pack? As you are flying from London to Makkah for a spiritual journey, your packing should also be modest and according to the nature of the trip. Your main focus is on Umrah, not any other worldly gain. Pack only the essentials and some optional items that are required. You can include these items in your Umrah packing checklist:
- Ihram attire
- Lightweight dresses for daily wear
- Abayas or Hijab for women
- Shoes or sandals
- Toiletries (optional)
- Electronics
- Travel essentials
Do You Have Enough Budget?
You will go on Umrah if you have enough money. Many Muslims do early savings for this purpose. Well, the Umrah budget depends on which type of package you want to book. It’s either an economy, standard, or luxury one. For luxurious services, you may have to pay extra money. So, make a budget accordingly.
A basic 10 to 14-day Umrah package from London can cost £900-1500. Remember that the cost is approximately; the actual price depends on season, hotel class, and flight type.
| Factor | Approx. cost |
| Flight | £600 |
| Umrah visa | £150 |
| Accommodation | £400-500 |
| Transport | £120 |
| Tour guides | £150 |
| Travel essentials | £100 |
Note: A simple budget plan for the Umrah package based on the estimated cost
Prepare Yourself Physically and Spiritually
Preparing yourself physically and spiritually for Umrah is necessary, as you are going for Umrah from London, which will be a long journey. So, you must have enough stamina to bear the difficulties of the journey. Start preparing yourself as earliest as you can. If you have some health issues, consult with your doctor before traveling. Make sure to follow vaccination requirements if it is necessary by the Saudi Ministry.
Spiritual preparation is also necessary, as this is what you will engage in during Umrah. Learn the basic steps of Umrah and how to perform them easily. Also, start prayers in daily routines and do some spiritual practices. These practices will not only prepare you for your Umrah but also benefit you in Akhirah.
So, these are the essential guidelines that you should follow when planning your Umrah from London. May your journey go well!
