Performing Umrah is a beautiful wish for every Muslim worldwide, regardless of language, nationality, colour, etc. However, it requires careful planning and preparation before leaving for Saudi Arabia. This rule is also applicable to UK Muslim travellers. UK travellers to Umrah should consider various critical factors when arranging the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca. These remarkable factors may include choosing the right time, packing essential items, booking travel arrangements in advance, etc.

If you're a first-time traveller, arranging an Umrah journey from the UK may be challenging. However, you can tackle this difficult task easily by considering a list of travel tips & tricks. Moreover, making a proper travel itinerary is essential when you perform Umrah from London, Manchester, or any other city in the UK.

How to go for Umrah from the UK?

Arranging an Umrah trip from the UK requires the consideration of various exceptional guidelines. Let's explore the remarkable guidelines below:

1.    Choosing the best time for Umrah

2.    Improving your physical health

3.    Know about visa requirements

4.    Book your flights and accommodations early

5.    Know all about Umrah

6.    Packing essential items

Choosing the best time for Umrah

Choosing the best time for Umrah is critical for UK Muslim travellers to make a successful pilgrimage to Mecca. Remember, the best time to travel to Saudi Arabia from UK for religious purposes depends on numerous factors. Some critical factors are school holidays, the weather in Mecca and Medina, and the cost of travel arrangements.

If you are going to Mecca with your family, selecting an appropriate time for family travel is crucial. The ideal time to travel with kids is thought to be around school holidays. In the UK, public institutions such as schools are closed on Christmas and Easter. So, if you are taking your family to Mecca for religious purposes, it is essential to keep school holidays in mind.

Additionally, it's critical to remember that Saudi Arabia's weather differs from the UK's. Compared to the UK, the weather in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is humid most of the year. However, the weather in Saudi Arabia is moderate during winter, from December to February. So, going to Mecca for Umrah in the winter would be advisable to avoid the extreme heat during the journey.

When travelling to Mecca on a tight budget, it is also advantageous to choose the off-peak season. During this time, travel arrangements (flights, hotels, and other travel facilities) are cheaper than during peak seasons such as Ramadan.

Improving your physical health

Improving physical health is another major factor in ensuring a successful Umrah trip from the UK. An individual should remember that Umrah involves a lot of walking and long rituals. Tackling this situation is only possible when he is physically healthy.

Travellers must also start an exercise routine before their departure to improve their physical health. Eating a healthy meal rich in vegetables, fruits, and nuts is also included in the physical preparation for Umrah.

Know about visa requirements

UK Muslim travellers should be aware that the Saudi government has different visa policies for various countries worldwide. In this case, UK Muslim travellers must know about the Saudi government's recent policy regarding Umrah visa UK.

For various reasons, the Saudi government introduced an electronic visa waiver (EVW) for UK residents to enter the Saudi Kingdom. Knowing about this visa is essential for individuals who want to find recent information regarding Saudi Arabia visa for UK residents. EVW enables UK travellers to stay in Saudi Arabia with the same entry for six months without hassle. To apply for Umrah visa online, consult any reliable travel agency or visit the website visitsaudi.com.

Book your flights and accommodations early

Planning your flights and lodging in advance for your Umrah is crucial. Early booking allows you to save a significant sum of money on your travel arrangements. Getting a more comprehensive range of airline tickets and hotel options is one of the main benefits of making early bookings.

Furthermore, it's crucial to choose your desired flight options. If you wish to take your children to Mecca, pick airlines that provide a child-friendly environment on their flights. If you want to offer five daily prayers in Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi with ease, selecting accommodations near Haram in Mecca and Medina is the best decision. However, considering this option is not a good decision for travellers who want to make the lesser pilgrimage with limited resources. For budget-conscious travellers, selecting lodging options that are a 5–10-minute walking distance from Haram is essential.

Know all about Umrah

UK Muslims should remember that Umrah is a religious trip, not leisure travel. They must learn about the rules & regulations that are essential for any religious trip.

Also, UK Muslim travellers must know about Umrah, its rituals, history, and significance before travelling to Mecca. They should understand that performing Umrah is a remarkable Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Before embarking on the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca, an individual should know about the four rituals of Umrah. These rituals include the following:

·       Entering the state of Ihram

·       Performing Tawaf (Circumambulating the Kaaba)

·       Performing Sa'i (Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa)

·       Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (trimming the hair)

Packing essential items

UK Muslim travellers should know the essential items for Umrah before leaving for Saudi Arabia. This consideration is not complex. Remember, the essential items for Umrah are those you will use throughout the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca.

Let's know about the essential items for Umrah below:

·       Ihram clothing

·       Comfortable and loose-fitting clothing]

·       Comfortable footwear

·       Travel documentation

·       Suggested medicines

·       Personal hygiene items

·       Emergency contact numbers

·       Snacks

·       Electrical items

·       Cash, debit cards or credit cards

To Summarize

Performing Umrah from the UK requires careful planning and preparation. Travelling to Mecca without proper planning will make your pilgrimage a hassle. However, you can tackle this situation easily by considering a list of travel hacks, such as choosing the best time for Umrah, booking your travel arrangements early, etc.