Al Islam Travels, a UK travel agency for Umrah and Hajj, has published a clear breakdown of Umrah cost from the UK. The guide helps British pilgrims set a realistic budget and avoid surprise charges.

Many families ask the same question: how much does Umrah cost? The answer depends on four things. These are the hotel star rating, the distance from the Haram, the travel season and the type of flight.

Typical costs per person

Most standard Umrah packages from the UK cost roughly £700 to £1,500 per person. Budget 3-star packages sit at the lower end. Luxury 5-star packages close to the Haram cost more.

Return flights usually cost between £400 and £700. Flights in school holidays and Ramadan cost more. Connecting flights are often cheaper than direct ones.

Hotels make up a large part of the price. A hotel close to the Haram costs more than one with a shuttle bus. Sharing a room with family members lowers the cost per person.

The Umrah visa usually costs between £80 and £150 per person through a UK agent. Many mid-range and premium packages include it. Some budget deals list it separately.

What to check before you pay

Ask whether the price includes flights, hotels, visa, insurance and transfers between Makkah and Madinah. Check the number of nights in each city. Confirm the distance from each hotel to the mosque. Ask about the airport you will fly from, because flights from Manchester or Birmingham can cost a little more than flights from London.

Other costs to plan for

Budget for meals, local travel, ziyarat tours and gifts. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is also required before travel. Many pilgrims pay for it privately, so add it to the budget.

Ways to save

Travel outside school holidays and Ramadan. Book early for better flight and hotel prices. Compare packages with the same hotel level and the same number of nights.

"A low headline price can hide extra charges," said a spokesperson for Al Islam Travels. "We encourage pilgrims to ask what is included before they pay a deposit."

Prices change with the season and availability, so pilgrims should request a written quote from their travel agent.

About Al Islam Travels
Al Islam Travels is a London-based travel company that offers Umrah and Hajj packages for UK pilgrims. Its packages include visa assistance, flights, hotels and transfers, with flights from London, Birmingham and Manchester. For more details, visit alislamtravels.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 020 3504 0538.