Every year, thousands of Muslims travel from London, Manchester, Birmingham and cities across the UK to perform Umrah — a journey that many describe as the most emotional and life-changing experience of their lives. Yet for first-timers, the rituals can feel confusing on paper: what exactly happens at Ihram, how many times do you go around the Kaaba, what is Sa’i, and when is it finally “over”?
This guide breaks Umrah down step by step, in plain English, so you know exactly what to expect before you even board your flight. Whether you’re travelling with Umrahbookings or simply researching before you book, use this as your complete reference for how to perform Umrah correctly, confidently and without unnecessary stress.
What Is Umrah and How Is It Different From Hajj?
Umrah is often called the “lesser pilgrimage” to Makkah. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able, Umrah is voluntary and can be performed at almost any point in the year. It involves fewer rituals than Hajj and typically takes only a few hours to complete, though most pilgrims spend a week or two in the Kingdom to also visit Madinah.
Because it isn’t tied to fixed dates like the Hajj season, Umrah gives UK Muslims far more flexibility — you can plan around school holidays, Ramadan, work leave, or simply whenever you feel spiritually ready to go.
The 4 Rituals of Umrah at a Glance
| Order | Ritual | What Happens | Roughly How Long |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihram | Entering a state of spiritual purity and intention, wearing prescribed dress | 5–10 minutes |
| 2 | Tawaf | Circling the Kaaba seven times | 45–75 minutes |
| 3 | Sa’i | Walking seven times between Safa and Marwah | 30–45 minutes |
| 4 | Halq / Taqsir | Cutting or trimming the hair to exit the state of Ihram | 5–15 minutes |
Below, we’ll walk through each one in detail.
Step 1: Entering Ihram
Ihram is more than the white sheets men wear — it’s the spiritual state you enter with sincere intention (niyyah) before you even reach Makkah.
Before you fly:
- Take a full ritual shower (ghusl)
- Trim your nails and remove excess body hair
- Form your intention for Umrah in your heart
On board your flight: Most UK flights to Jeddah or Madinah cross the designated boundary (Miqat) roughly an hour to ninety minutes before landing, and the cabin crew usually makes an announcement.
- Men change into two unstitched white sheets — one wrapped around the waist, one over the shoulder
- Women simply wear modest, loose clothing that covers everything except the face and hands — there’s no special “Ihram outfit” for women
- Both then recite the Talbiyah, declaring their intention to Allah
The one mistake to avoid at all costs: don’t wait until you’ve landed in Jeddah to enter Ihram. Once you cross the Miqat boundary without it, you may be required to pay a penalty (Dam). Get changed and set your intention before the plane reaches that point.
Step 2: Performing Tawaf
Nothing quite prepares you for the first sight of the Kaaba inside Masjid al-Haram. Once you’ve taken a moment to absorb it, Tawaf begins.
How it works:
- Start level with the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). If you can reach it safely, touch or kiss it; if the crowds make that impossible, simply point towards it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”
- Walk around the Kaaba anti-clockwise, keeping it on your left shoulder, seven full times
- There’s no obligatory dua for each lap — speak to Allah in your own words, in whichever language feels most natural
- Men perform Raml for the first three circuits only — walking briskly with a confident, chest-forward stride
- Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone on each lap, it’s common to recite the well-known Qur’anic supplication asking for good in this world and the next
After your seven laps:
- Pray two rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim if space allows, or anywhere else in the mosque if it’s too crowded
- Drink Zamzam water and make dua while doing so
Mistakes to watch for during Tawaf:
- Loudly reciting duas in a group, which disturbs the concentration of others nearby
- Touching or wiping your hands on the walls of the Kaaba — this has no basis in the Sunnah
- Believing specific duas must be recited at each corner — you’re free to make your own personal dua throughout
- Performing extra, “optional” Tawaf specifically dedicated to absent family members, which isn’t part of the Sunnah
Step 3: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Once Tawaf and your Zamzam water are done, head to the hill of Safa to begin Sa’i.
How it works:
- Stand on Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba, and raise your hands in dua
- Walk towards Marwah — that’s lap one
- Between the two green markers along the path, men jog lightly; women continue walking at a normal pace
- Reach Marwah, turn to face the Kaaba again, and make dua
- Walk back to Safa — that’s lap two
- Repeat until you’ve completed seven laps in total, finishing at Marwah
Sa’i can be physically demanding, especially if you’re travelling during the hotter months. Pace yourself, keep sipping water, and remember there’s no reward for rushing — every step still counts the same.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir — Exiting Ihram
The final ritual releases you from the restrictions of Ihram.
- Men ideally shave the head completely (Halq), though trimming (Taqsir) is also acceptable
- Women trim roughly an inch off the ends of their hair — women do not shave their heads
Licensed barbers operate right around the Haram area; agree the price beforehand (expect somewhere around 10–20 Saudi Riyals). Once this is done, all Ihram restrictions are lifted and you can change into your normal clothes.
That’s it — your Umrah is complete.
Preparing for Umrah From the UK
Entry Requirements
UK travellers apply for Saudi entry authorisation through the official Nusuk platform, which typically covers both tourism and Umrah travel. Processing usually takes one to three days, and the permit generally allows multiple entries over a year, with a cap on how long you can stay per visit. A Meningitis ACWY vaccination is required and should be completed at least ten days before departure.
Download the Nusuk app as soon as your authorisation comes through — it’s also how you book time slots for prayer and for visiting the Rawdah in Madinah, and those slots fill up fast.
Getting Physically Ready
Umrah involves a surprising amount of walking — often 10km or more a day between the mosque, your hotel and the rituals themselves. In the month before you travel:
- Build up to 30–45 minute walks most days
- Practise stairs to prepare for the incline between Safa and Marwah
- Prioritise hydration and balanced meals in the weeks leading up to travel
Getting Spiritually Ready
- Study the rituals in advance so nothing feels unfamiliar on the day
- Write out a personal dua list for Tawaf, Sa’i and Multazam
- Seek forgiveness from those around you and settle any outstanding debts
- Go with the sole intention of pleasing Allah
What to Pack
- Ihram sheets for men (pack 2–3 sets) or modest abayas for women
- Comfortable, already broken-in walking shoes
- A small dua book or phone app
- A UK-to-Saudi plug adapter and portable charger
- Unscented toiletries — perfume isn’t permitted while in Ihram
- Basic first-aid items: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoeal tablets, plasters
- A small day bag plus a secure pouch for your passport and cash
Most pilgrims over-pack. Space in your luggage is limited, and almost everything you might forget is readily available to buy in Makkah or Madinah anyway.
10 Mistakes First-Time Pilgrims Should Avoid
- Booking with an unprotected agency. Always travel with an ATOL-protected operator so your money is secure.
- Entering Ihram too late. Set your intention before the Miqat, not after you land.
- Rushing the rituals. Umrah isn’t a race against the clock — slow down and be present.
- Following loud group leaders during Tawaf and Sa’i. These moments are personal; group chanting can distract others nearby.
- Skipping fitness prep. Poor stamina makes the walking far harder than it needs to be.
- Not downloading Nusuk early. Rawdah and prayer slots disappear quickly.
- Assuming duas are automatically accepted the moment you see the Kaaba. There’s no evidence for this — keep making sincere dua throughout your trip.
- Prioritising shopping over worship. Complete your rituals first; shop afterwards.
- Overlooking local customs. Dress modestly, respect gender-segregated spaces, and be mindful of public conduct.
- Rushing through Madinah. Give yourself at least two to three days to properly visit Masjid an-Nabawi, Quba Mosque and Uhud.
Best Time to Perform Umrah From the UK
| Period | Weather | Crowds | Typical Cost | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November–February | Cool, 15–25°C | Moderate | Mid-range | Families and first-timers |
| Ramadan | Warm | Very high | Highest | Those seeking maximum spiritual reward |
| July–August | Very hot, 40°C+ | Lowest | Most affordable | Budget-conscious travellers |
| December | Pleasant | High (school holidays) | Higher | UK families travelling in the holidays |
If you’re planning around a specific month, browse our monthly Umrah packages for current availability and pricing, including dedicated Ramadan Umrah packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Umrah actually take? The four rituals themselves can be completed in as little as four to six hours. Most pilgrims, however, book seven-to-fourteen-day trips to allow time for extra prayers, a Ziyarat tour, and a proper visit to Madinah.
Can I perform Umrah while menstruating? Women who are menstruating cannot enter Masjid al-Haram or perform Tawaf during that time. If this affects your travel dates, it’s worth speaking to a knowledgeable scholar about your options.
Do women need a Mahram to perform Umrah? As of recent Saudi regulations, women are no longer required to travel with a Mahram for Umrah, though many still choose to travel with a family member for comfort and tradition.
Can I perform Umrah more than once during the same trip? Yes, though scholars generally advise focusing on quality over quantity — additional Tawaf is preferable to repeating full Ihram and a new Umrah multiple times in one visit.
How much does Umrah cost from the UK? Budget packages typically start from around £600 per person, while 5-star luxury packages begin from roughly £1,500+. See our 3-star, 4-star and 5-star Umrah packages for current pricing.
After Umrah: Keeping the Momentum Going
Finishing your rituals isn’t really the end — for many pilgrims, it’s the start of a renewed relationship with their prayers and their community.
- Keep up the daily prayers and Qur’an reading you built into your routine while travelling
- Share advice and encouragement with others planning their own trip, rather than just photos
- If time allows, use extra days in Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque and Baqi cemetery
Ready to Book Your Umrah From the UK?
Umrahbookings — part of the Aqdas Travel group, ATOL protected (ATOL 12834) and IATA accredited — arranges Umrah packages departing from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other major UK cities, with hotels close to the Haram and full visa support included.
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May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you a safe, blessed journey. Ameen.