January 14, 2026
How Long Does Umrah Take? Complete UK Pilgrim Guide
Spiritual travels to the holy cities involve time commitment, and you have to plan before you can go. The question on how long is Umrah is one of the most crucial ones in your preparation.
The time taken depends on a number of factors such as your package, travel plans and the preference you have. The average duration taken by most pilgrims in the UK is 7-14 days on the Umrah trip. This involves travelling, practicing the rituals and spiritual meditation at the sacred cities.
Knowing the duration of Umrah in advance can make you organize work leave and family matters as well as get mentally ready for this blessed experience. Al Habib Travel has simplified all the information you need to know about the Umrah period in this exhaustive guide.
If you’re planning your pilgrimage, explore our Umrah Packages from the UK to find the best options that align with your travel dates, budget, and comfort preferences.
Introduction to Umrah
The knowledge of the basics of Umrah will make you enjoy the time required to undertake this religious trip.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a visit made by Muslims to Mecca which they can make any time of the year. It is not compulsory or obligatory as Hajj is. Umrah is the term that is translated as visiting a populated place. The spiritual journey is very rewarding and blessed. It entails certain rituals which are carried out in the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Millions of Muslims in the world conduct Umrah every year. The pilgrimage enhances belief and cleanses the soul.
Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
One of the five pillars of Islam is Hajj which is obligatory to those able to afford it. It takes place on certain days of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Hajj entails more comprehensive practices taking a couple of days. Umrah is carried out in any time of the year. It is shorter and it does not carry with it so many rituals as Hajj.
The performed rituals usually require few hours to be accomplished during Umrah. The full trip in the UK is however taking several days. Pilgrims do Umrah several times in a lifetime. Al Habib Travel provides Hajj and Umrah packages to meet the requirements of various people.
Duration of Umrah: Step-by-Step
Breaking down the journey helps you understand where time is spent during your pilgrimage.
Travel Time from the UK to Saudi Arabia
Flight time between London and Jeddah is between 6-7 hours on a direct flight. Connections can make a flight requiring 10-15 hours. Direct flights with nearly the same time are also proposed by Manchester and Birmingham. Upon arrival, the process of immigration and baggage picking lasts 1-2 hours.
The distance between Jeddah and Mecca by road is approximately 1-1.5 hours. It takes between 9-12 hours of direct flights to travel between the UK departure to the Mecca hotel check-in. Connecting flight will take 14-18 hours total journey time. Al Habib Travel also makes the traveling schedules comfortable to help reduce fatigue.
Performing the Umrah Rituals
The practice rituals of the Umrah are extremely brief. The time of getting Ihram (state of consecration) is between 30-60 minutes. In normal conditions, Tawaf (circumambulation of Kaaba) lasts between 30-45 minutes. The Tawaf may take 1- 2 hours during peak seasons such as Ramadan because of the crowds.
The Sa safa walk (between safa and marwah) consumes 45-60 minutes. Halq or Taqsir (cutting hair) lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. All in all, Umrah rituals take 2-4 hours in normal conditions. Allow 4-6 hours during times of extreme traffic. Umrah has several pilgrims who visit several times.
Time Spent in Makkah and Madinah
Shorter packages (5-7 days) are applicable to pilgrims who have very limited time. These are centered on the important rituals and minimum other activities. There are standard packages (10-14 days) with equal time in both holy cities. They consist of detailed Ziyarat tours and sufficient prayer time. Long packages (14-21 days) offer spiritual enrichment. These are suit retirees or those who want to spend a long time introspecting.
The length of a package will determine how deeply you will be touched spiritually. The three categories are provided by Al Habib Travel to meet various needs. Whether you prefer value-based stays or luxurious comfort close to the Haram, explore our 3-star Umrah Packages, 4-star Umrah Packages, and 5-star Umrah Packages — each designed to suit different budgets and spiritual goals.
Factors Affecting the Duration of Umrah
Several variables influence how long is Umrah for your specific journey.
Type of Umrah Package Chosen
The majority of the packages dedicate 3-5 days in Mecca. This will permit several Umrah services and prayers in the Grand Mosque. The average time of pilgrims is 2-4 days in Madinah. Madinah time is devoted to the prayers at the Mosque of the Prophet and sightseeing of historical places.
Generally, the amount of time spent in the sacred cities is 5-9 days. Other pilgrims would like to spend more time to immerse themselves more in the spiritual realm. Others opt to make shorter visits because of work or family. Al Habib Travel allows you to have the time that fits.
Number of Pilgrims in Your Group
Bigger groups take a longer time to coordinate. Travelling with large populations is more time consuming. But, group packages usually involve coordinated activities that would save individual planning time. Individual travelers or smaller groups are more flexible. They are able to change the schedules according to their preferences.
There should be consideration of family groups of children and the elderly members. This can be a lengthening of general time to relax. The guides of Al Habib Travel are well trained and can handle groups.
Season and Peak Periods
The largest number of pilgrims in the whole world occurs during Ramadan. The performance time of rituals is greatly prolonged by crowds. Basic Tawaf which usually takes 40 minutes may take 2-3 hours. The peak seasons are to be patient and well planned.
Quickness of ritual completion is provided during off-peak months (May, June, September). The less busy times are when one experiences a more relaxed time. Duration is also influenced by weather extreme heat might necessitate additional rest breaks. Al Habib Travel recommends the best avoiding travel time.
Recommended Duration for UK Pilgrims
Choosing the right package length ensures a fulfilling yet practical pilgrimage.
Short Umrah Packages
Duration: 5-7 days
Shorter packages are best suited in the case of working professionals that have limited time off. They usually involve a 3-4 day stay in Mecca or a 1-2 day stay in Madinah. You are able to do Umrah and see the great places. The travel days take up 2 days (departure and return). This is a 3-5-day leave in Saudi Arabia. The speed is increased with the minimum downtime. The packages are physically fit to pilgrims who like busy schedules. The value-based packages offered by Al Habib Travel can be achieved in a short duration.
Standard Umrah Packages
Duration: 10-14 days
The most popular option for UK pilgrims is the standard packages. They provide a 4-6 day visit to Mecca to carry out several Umrah services. There is also enough time to immerse in the spiritual world in another 3-4 days in Madinah. This time will incorporate detailed Ziyarat tours of historical places. You get time to rest, reflect and worship yourself. The rhythm is not fast and pressurizing. This is the time most pilgrims want to spend having meaningful time. In the case of Al Habib Travel, the standard packages are moderate in terms of comfort and spirituality.
Extended Umrah Packages
Duration: 14-21 days
Long-term packages are appropriate to people who want to have profound spiritual connections. These extended stays are favored by retirees and people with loose schedules. During your visit, you can visit Umrah several times. Long hours give time to pray every day at the most appropriate time. One can study the Quran and have spiritual lectures. Pilgrims also spend long durations to reflect and worship. The slow speed decreases physical and mental exhaustion. The extended packages offered at Al Habib Travel are of high quality and services.
Tips for Planning Your Umrah Trip from the UK
Proper planning ensures your pilgrimage is smooth and spiritually rewarding.
Booking Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance at a better rate. Direct flights are time-saving but they are a bit expensive. Take into account the level of your physical strength when selecting the layover options. The proximity to Haram will minimize the time of travelling to pray. Hotels are located within a 500 meters radius that can be accessed by walking. Additional hotels involve the use of shuttle services that increase the travel time. Al Habib Travel packages will be accommodated with strategic locations. They bargain collective charges that are of great value.
To make budgeting easier, Al Habib Travel also offers Monthly Umrah Packages with flexible installment options — helping you manage your finances without compromising comfort or spiritual fulfillment.
Time Management During Umrah
Come to Mecca and take a rest before carrying out your first Umrah. It is not advisable to go through rituals right after the long flights when you are tired. Plan Umrah at off times- late night or early morning. This helps to save a lot of time in the company. You can have certain days of Ziyarat tours and not cram. Take adequate rest between activities to keep the energy levels. Have a few days that are free in spontaneous worship and contemplation. The guides of Al Habib Travel assist in ensuring schedule control.
Health and Comfort Tips
Always keep hydrated. The Saudi climate is hot and dry. You will be walking a lot, so have comfortable shoes. Make frequent rests to avoid fatigue. The pilgrims are aged, and must walk slowly. Wheelchair services should be considered in the event of limited mobility. Prepare needed drugs and medical supplies. Purchase more time in case of health reasons. Al Habib Travel has 24/7 health emergency support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 7 Umrah equal to 1 Hajj?
No, seven Umrahs will not make one Hajj. Hajj is another pillar which has its own obligations. Although the benefits of Umrah are immense, it is not the fulfilment of the Hajj prerequisite.
Can Umrah be done in a day?
The rituals during the Umrah process only take 2-4 hours. Nonetheless, it takes days to fly in and out of the UK. Practical time must not be less than 5 days including travel.
How expensive is Umrah?
Umrah from the UK costs £785-£4,500+ depending on package quality and duration. Budget packages start at £785, while premium packages exceed £4,500. Al Habib Travel offers options across all price ranges. Read our complete guide — How Much Does an Umrah Visa Cost from the UK?
Is 7 days of Umrah enough?
Yes, 7 days is enough to perform Umrah and pay your respect to both sacred cities. You will spend 3-4 days in Mecca and 2-3 days in Madinah. This permits ritual fulfilment and large scale site visits.
How much do 15 days of Umrah cost?
An average 15 days Umrah tourism costs between £1,200 and £3,000. The ultimate price is determined by the quality of accommodation, hotel location and the services offered. Al Habib Travel offers open pricing.
Why is Umrah for 15 days?
The fifteen days give ample spiritual devotion in the two holy cities. The pilgrims will be able to have several Umrahs, visit lectures and meditate. This is the time that will allow me to have a good balance of experience and practical time.
How long is the Umrah visa valid for?
The Umrah visa lasts a period of 90 days on average since the time of issuance. It permits a maximum of 30 days stay in Saudi Arabia. Make your plans within such validity periods. For a complete breakdown of fees, validity, and updates, read our detailed guide on Umrah visa costs from the UK.
Conclusion
The knowledge of how long is Umrah will enable you to organize this holy trip without any hesitations. The majority of pilgrims arriving in the UK opt to take 7-14 day tours that combine spiritual satisfaction and practical limitations. The real rituals are only a matter of hours and the whole experience should have time.
What Al Habib Travel focuses on is developing meaningful Umrah experiences to UK Muslims. They have flexible packages of 5-21 days with ATOL protection. Their well-trained staff make sure your time is efficiently managed during your trip.
You can select a brief 7-day experience or a longer experience of 21 days and the spiritual benefits are inexplicable. Time issues should not slow down your spiritual purpose. The all-inclusive packages at Al Habib Travel take care of all the logistics and you are free to worship and reflect.
May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you a blessed, transformative journey.
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