Umrah guides and travel tips
Practical guides for pilgrims travelling from the UK: preparing for Umrah, what to pack, visa rules, the best time to travel and how to choose hotels in Makkah and Madinah.
Umrah Gateway Blog
Umrah Guides & Travel Tips
Clear, practical advice from our UK team to help you prepare for Umrah with confidence, from ihram and tawaf to packing, visas and hotels.
LatestTravel TipsUmrah in a Wheelchair: Guide for Disabled PilgrimsHow wheelchair users and pilgrims with limited mobility can perform Umrah: wheelchairs and carts at the Haram, hotels, airline help and companions.Read the guide 
Travel TipsUmrah Shopping Guide: What to Buy in Makkah and MadinahWhat to buy in Makkah and Madinah, the best Umrah gifts, where to shop, how to bargain, spotting fakes and staying within your luggage allowance.Read more 
Travel TipsUmrah Plus Trips: Adding Dubai, Turkey or Al-AqsaHow to combine Umrah with Dubai, Istanbul, Al-Aqsa, Egypt or a family visit: stopovers or separate trips, Ihram timing and planning tips.Read more 
Travel TipsUmrah Package vs DIY Umrah from the UK: Pros and ConsShould you book an Umrah package or arrange flights, visa and hotels yourself? An honest look at both, and what to check before paying any agent.Read more 
Travel TipsUmrah on a Budget from the UK: How to Save MoneyPractical ways to do Umrah on a budget from the UK: when to travel, 3 star packages, room sharing, cheaper flights, food and low-cost Ziyarat.Read more 
Travel TipsUmrah Health Tips: Heat, Feet, Cough and VaccinationsHow to stay healthy on Umrah: coping with heat, looking after your feet, avoiding the Umrah cough, medicines, vaccinations and care for elderly pilgrims.Read more Travel TipsUmrah Flights from the UK: Direct, Ihram & Baggage TipsA practical guide to Umrah flights from the UK: direct vs one-stop, Jeddah or Madinah first, Ihram on the plane, baggage, Zamzam and when to book.Read more Travel TipsBest Apps for Umrah: What to Download Before You FlyThe apps that make Umrah easier: Nusuk for permits, train booking, Careem and Uber, maps, prayer times, Qur'an and translation, plus tips for data.Read more Travel TipsPerforming Umrah Alone from the UK: Solo Travel GuidePlanning Umrah alone from the UK? Safety tips, planning steps, rules for women travelling without a mahram, joining a group and staying connected.Read more 
Travel TipsRawdah Permit: How to Book a Rawdah Visit on NusukHow to book a Rawdah permit in the Nusuk app, what to expect on the day in Masjid an-Nabawi, and tips for women, families and elderly pilgrims.Read more 
Travel TipsMoney for Umrah: Currency, Cards and Cash GuideHow to handle money on Umrah: Saudi riyals, cards and contactless, how much cash to carry, ATMs, exchange tips, daily spending and tipping.Read more Travel TipsMakkah Clock Tower Hotels: Are They Worth It?Staying in the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower complex: location, Kaaba-view rooms, lifts at prayer times, prices and alternatives in Jabal Omar and Ajyad.Read more Travel TipsJeddah Airport to Makkah: Transfer, Train or TaxiHow to get from Jeddah airport to Makkah by private transfer, Haramain train or taxi, with journey times and tips on Ihram and arriving tired.Read more Travel TipsIs 5 Star Umrah Worth It? 3, 4 and 5 Star ComparedIs a 5 star Umrah worth the extra cost? An honest comparison of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels in Makkah and Madinah, with prices and who should pay more.Read more Travel TipsHow Many Days Do You Need for Umrah from the UK?How many days you need for Umrah from the UK: 7, 10, 14 or 21+ nights compared, the Makkah and Madinah split, who each length suits, and rest.Read more Travel TipsGroup vs Private Umrah: Which Package Suits You?Group Umrah or a private tailor-made package? An honest comparison of cost, flexibility and guidance, who each suits, and what to ask before booking.Read more Travel TipsHow to Choose Umrah Hotels in Makkah and MadinahHow to pick Umrah hotels in Makkah and Madinah: walking times, star ratings, the best areas, Haram views, rooms for families and elderly, and budget.Read more Ready to plan your Umrah?
Tell us your dates and budget. Our UK team will put together flights, visa, hotels and transfers for you.
Written by the Umrah Gateway team
