Hajj & Umrah FAQs
Answers to common questions from UK pilgrims
FAQs
General Questions
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah that is obligatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. It occurs during specific dates in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year and has fewer rituals than Hajj.
Umrah may be performed at any time of the year, outside the Hajj season. It is strongly advised to contact the Saudi Arabian consulate to confirm eligibility to enter Makkah for the purpose of performing Umrah.
For Hajj, we recommend you start the registration process as soon as the NUSUK portal opens or registration, due to limited visa availability and high demand.
For Umrah, the earlier the better, particularly if you wish to travel during peak periods such as Ramadan or school holidays.
Booking & Packages
Your Hajj or Umrah package will vary depending on what is available and your individual requirements. For Umrah, we can tailor packages to suit your needs, whereas Hajj packages are offered based on availability through our NUSUK partner.
Yes, we offer flexible Umrah packages where you can choose your preferred hotel star rating, flight options, duration of stay, and additional services like guided tours or side trips to Jeddah. Our travel consultants can tailor a package to your specific needs and budget.
We accept bank transfers and, where possible, can offer a payment plan for certain bookings.
Health & Safety
Saudi Arabia offers excellent healthcare facilities for pilgrims, with hospitals and clinics available in Makkah and Madinah, as well as mobile medical units during Hajj. Many of the staff speak English.
Your safety is our priority. If you have booked a customised Umrah trip or purchased a Hajj package through our trusted NUSUK partner, we strongly advise you to follow the guidelines issued by the authorities.
We recommend that you bring your prescribed medication with you, especially if you suffer from a long term condition.
Travel Requirements
You will require a valid British passport (with at least 6 months’ validity) and a visa, which we will arrange for you.
As the rules are continuously changing, we are only able to provide advice at the time of booking. Should you require any guidance prior to making your booking, we recommend that you contact the Saudi consulate directly with your query.