Making your first Umrah from London can seem like a huge burden to bear, and you have to deal with the visa application process, booking flights, finding a place to stay and arranging for the rituals. London Umrah packages address this by offering all the elements of the pilgrimage flights, accommodation, travel, and visa processing in a single convenient package, which is something that first-time pilgrims don’t have to do on their own.
This article covers every aspect you will need to know before travelling, including package selection and the first rituals to be performed in Makkah and Madinah.
What is Included in a London Umrah Package?
It is a standard package comprising your visa, return flights from London airport, hotel in Makkah and close to the Haram in Madinah and ground transport between Makkah and Madinah. A lot of them will also provide a guided tour of the city and provide airport transfers.
In general, the packages of Umrah from London are offered in the following types:
- Budget hotel accommodation is a good value option and is also close to the Haram within walking or a short shuttle bus distance.
- On the other hand, the luxury packages include airfare, hotel accommodation in top-end hotels with views of the Haram, and a private airport transfer.
It is important that when you book, you know what is included and what is excluded. Some Umrah packages from London are promotional but have extra charges for visas, meals, or transfers, so don’t let your agent convince you otherwise
What to Look for When Choosing the Best London Umrah Travel Agency?
Therefore, when looking for the best agencies to help you with your Umrah, there are three main considerations: accreditation, costs, and reviews from past customers.
Ensure that IATA and ATOL Protection is offered
A London Umrah travel agency provider has to have ATOL protection, as it secures your cash in case the company or airline fails prior to your trip. One of the first things to be confirmed is this because one of the things which come with travelling for Umrah is the pre-payment for the flights, hotels and visas months in advance.
What time is the start of the meeting?
Some basic documents should be prepared beforehand for the agency to apply for a visa for everyone who is travelling from London for the Umrah Package.
Please check the requirements for Saudi Arabia and necessary vaccinations before making reservations, as they can change at any time.
Once You’ve arrived in Saudi Arabia, what?
For travellers who are making the trip for the first time, most of them will probably be travelling by air from Jeddah or Madinah (depending on their travel) to the holy place and then travel there. If one has already been to Madinah, as the first tour, one will spend a few days there before going to Makkah by train or road, as usual.
Entering Ihram
Ihram is the state that a pilgrim enters before performing the ritual of Umrah, which involves specific clothing and declaration of intent. A white unstitched sheet is worn by men, and women have loose and modest clothes in any colour. One normally enters Ihram at a specific Miqat area before crossing the boundary of the Haram.
Completing the Rituals
The end of Ihram is when the pilgrims cut and trim their hair in celebration of the completion of the tawaf during the ceremony of Umrah. Pilgrims are now at the end of the rituals, although some stay longer to visit Madinah and pray in the Prophet’s Mosque or visit the nearby historical sites.
What is the best period to buy cheap Umrah packages London agencies provide?
Hotel rates are usually higher during Ramadan and school holidays, and a booking of three to four months in advance will usually yield better rates and hotel availability. Off-peak months, such as early autumn or late winter, may see the sale of affordable Umrah packages London providers, but the weather in Saudi Arabia is not too extreme.
For first-time visitors to the Haram looking to learn the rituals, travelling outside of Ramadan and outside UK school holidays generally results in lower hotel costs and fewer crowds in the Haram.
What First-Time Pilgrims Should Know Before Booking
When it comes to planning your first Umrah from London, it’s all about choosing a licensed agency, understanding what is included in your package, and completing your paperwork well in advance. Saudi Tour designs London packages to give first-time pilgrims expert guidance and a stress-free experience, while also offering competitive Umrah deals from London to suit different budgets.
FAQs
Is the visa fee paid while booking a London Umrah package?
Most good packages will include the visa in the package, but check with the agency first, as some charge for a visa.
What is the ideal time to arrange for an Umrah Package from London?
You can expect to receive a better rate if you book 3-4 months ahead, particularly in the week-long school holiday periods in the UK and out of the weeks of Ramadan (when demand is reduced).
Are there any umrah packages for ladies to go to Saudi Arabia from London without a Mahram?
The requirements for women to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have changed over the years and are subject to the discretion of your Saudi agent (Saudi Tour) before you book.
