Umrah from London
What pilgrims leaving from London need to know: the flight, the visa route for Britons, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from London
London is home to Britain's largest and most diverse Muslim community, and Heathrow runs frequent nonstop flights to Jeddah and Madinah on Saudia and British Airways, alongside a dense schedule of one-stop options through Gulf and Turkish hubs. London's Umrah travel trade is the UK's biggest and most competitive, with agents serving South Asian, Arab, Somali, and other communities across the city, so it pays to check ATOL protection and ask for a recent traveller's recommendation rather than choosing on advertising alone. British pounds are used locally. Book several months ahead of Ramadan and summer school holidays, when demand from the UK's large Muslim population pushes fares and hotel rates near the Haram up sharply. Given Heathrow's size, allow extra time for check-in and security, especially during peak Umrah season when flights to Jeddah run consistently full.
Umrah visa for Britons
British passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most Britons can apply directly through Nusuk or Visit Saudi rather than use an agent. The eVisa is multiple-entry, valid a year, covers Umrah as well as tourism, and allows up to 90 days per entry. It must still be used to enter within 30 days of issue, and hotel and transport now have to be booked inside Nusuk before it is issued. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), book early, since rooms and Rawdah or Mataf permit slots fill fast around Ramadan. Britons who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.
When to go
Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.
What it costs from London
Your biggest variables are the flight from LHR, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in GBP, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.
Before you book
- Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
- Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
- Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
- Install the offline companion before you fly.