Planning Umrah from the UK no longer means one fixed way of booking. Some pilgrims buy a complete package. Others book their own flights and hotels and only need help with the visa. A few arrange everything themselves.
Each route has its own costs, risks and rules. This guide compares the three main options so you can choose the one that suits your budget, confidence and travel style.
There are three main ways to arrange Umrah from the UK. You can do it yourself with the Saudi tourist eVisa, use a visa-only service and book the rest yourself, or buy an all-inclusive package with flights, visa, hotels and transfers. First-timers and families usually find an all-inclusive package simplest, while experienced travellers often save money with a visa-only service.
The three routes at a glance
| Do it yourself | Visa-only service | All-inclusive package | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who books flights and hotels | You | You | The operator |
| Who arranges the visa | You | The operator | The operator |
| Nusuk permit | You | Help usually given | Help usually given |
| ATOL protection | Depends on how you book | Not for your own bookings | Yes, for packages with flights |
| Best for | Experienced, confident travellers | Travellers with their own bookings | First-timers, families, older pilgrims |
Route 1. Do it yourself
British passport holders can apply directly for the Saudi tourist eVisa on the official Visit Saudi portal. It is usually a one-year, multiple-entry visa, and it can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season. The fee is around SAR 535, including medical insurance.
You then book your own flights and hotels and register for your Umrah permit in Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk app.
Pros: maximum flexibility and potentially the lowest cost.
Cons: you handle every detail yourself, and flights and hotels booked separately are usually not ATOL-protected as a package.
Route 2. A visa-only service
Many pilgrims find their own flights and hotels online but prefer a specialist to arrange the visa. A visa-only service handles the application, checks your documents and helps you register on Nusuk.
This matters more than it used to. Since 2026, Saudi Arabia has required dedicated Umrah visa applications to be linked to verified hotel and transport bookings in Nusuk. A specialist can make sure everything is linked correctly, which avoids common rejections and delays. If you already have your bookings and only need an Umrah visa from the UK, this is often the simplest middle route.
Pros: less paperwork stress, while keeping control of flights and hotels.
Cons: you are still responsible for your own travel bookings and their protection.
Route 3. An all-inclusive package
With an all-inclusive package, the operator arranges everything: return flights, the visa, Nusuk permit support, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, and transfers. Some also include breakfast, the train between Madinah and Makkah, and guided ziyarat tours.
For most first-time pilgrims, families and older travellers, this is the easiest option. You deal with one company, and packages with flights are protected under the ATOL scheme. When comparing all-inclusive Umrah packages from the UK, check the hotel name and walking distance, what meals are included, and what is not covered.
Pros: one booking, one point of contact, financial protection.
Cons: less flexibility, and you may pay a little more for the convenience.
Which route is right for you?
- Choose do it yourself if you have travelled to Saudi Arabia before, are comfortable with online bookings and want maximum flexibility.
- Choose a visa-only service if you have found good flight and hotel deals but want peace of mind on the visa and Nusuk.
- Choose all-inclusive if this is your first Umrah, you are travelling with children or elderly relatives, or you want everything handled for you.
Documents you need, whichever route you choose
- a passport valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages
- a recent digital photo on a white background
- a meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate
- confirmed return flights and accommodation
The NHS-backed TravelHealthPro website has current vaccine advice, and the UK Foreign Office publishes travel advice for Saudi Arabia.
Final thoughts
There is no single best way to arrange Umrah. Confident travellers can save money by doing it themselves or using a visa-only service. For most first-timers and families, an all-inclusive package removes the stress, so you can focus on worship. Whichever you choose, use official websites and protected operators.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an Umrah visa from the UK without buying a package?
Yes. British passport holders can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa themselves, or use a visa-only service while booking their own flights and hotels.
How much does an Umrah visa from the UK cost?
The Saudi tourist eVisa costs around SAR 535, including medical insurance. A dedicated Umrah visa costs around SAR 300 plus insurance of roughly SAR 100 to SAR 180. Fees can change.
What do all-inclusive Umrah packages from the UK include?
They usually include return flights, the visa, Nusuk permit support, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, and transfers. Some also include breakfast, the train between the holy cities and ziyarat tours.
Is an all-inclusive Umrah package ATOL-protected?
Packages that include flights from a UK operator should be ATOL-protected. Flights and hotels you book separately yourself are usually not protected as a package.
Do I need a Nusuk permit if I only buy a visa?
Yes. Every pilgrim needs an Umrah permit through Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk app, whatever route they choose.
About the author: This article was written by the team at Islamic Travel, a London-based, ATOL-protected Umrah and Hajj specialist offering both full packages and visa-only services since 2017.
