For Muslims in the United Kingdom, the opportunity to perform Umrah—a spiritual pilgrimage to Makkah—is a journey of faith, humility, and devotion. While many undertake this journey individually or with family, Group Umrah Tours from the UK are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability, and spiritual companionship.
Whether you're a first-time pilgrim or have performed Umrah before, joining a group tour offers logistical ease, religious guidance, and a strong sense of community. In this comprehensive guide, we explore what Group Umrah Tours entail, their benefits, what's included in a package, how to choose the best agency, costs, and tips to enhance your experience in 2025 and beyond.
Understanding Group Umrah Tours
Group Umrah Tours UK organizes pilgrimage packages that bring together individuals, couples, or families from the UK to travel to Saudi Arabia as a part of a group. These tours are arranged by licensed Hajj and Umrah agencies, typically including:
Visa processing
Flights (direct or indirect)
Hotel accommodations in Makkah and Madinah
Ground transportation
Religious guidance from Imams or scholars
Group ziyarah (sightseeing) of historical Islamic sites
The group usually departs from a single UK airport such as London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, or Glasgow, with a tour coordinator present from the beginning until the end of the journey.
Why Choose a Group Umrah Tour from the UK?
While some prefer independent travel, group tours offer multiple advantages—especially for first-time pilgrims or elderly travelers.
Spiritual Support and Guidance
Group tours often include a qualified Islamic scholar or guide who leads the group through each ritual—Tawaf, Sa’i, and Duas—ensuring that every step is performed correctly. You’ll receive reminders, lectures, and answers to your questions throughout the trip.
Convenience and Logistics
From flights to ground transport, your agency handles every aspect of the journey. This means you don’t have to worry about hotel bookings, visa forms, or airport transfers.
Safety and Companionship
Traveling in a group offers security and comfort. Whether it’s navigating busy airports or walking to the Haram, being with fellow UK pilgrims reduces anxiety and builds lasting friendships.
Cost-Effective
Due to group discounts on flights and hotels, group Umrah packages are often more affordable than booking everything independently.
What’s Included in a Group Umrah Package?
Most Group Umrah Tours UK offer comprehensive Umrah group packages with the following features:
Visa Processing
Application submission for Umrah visa or tourist eVisa
Biometric appointments if needed
Medical insurance coverage
Flights
Return tickets from the UK to Jeddah or Madinah
Options for direct or indirect flights
Departure typically from London, Birmingham, or Manchester
Hotel Accommodation
Hotel stays in Makkah (near Masjid al-Haram) and Madinah (near Masjid an-Nabawi)
3-star, 4-star, or 5-star options based on package level
Shared or private room options
Ground Transportation
Air-conditioned coaches for airport transfers and city-to-city travel
Ziyarah trips to Islamic historical sites in Makkah and Madinah
Religious Guide / Group Leader
English-speaking scholar or Imam for ritual guidance
Regular reminders and group discussions
Spiritual mentoring and prayer coordination
Meals (Optional)
Some packages include breakfast or full board, while others may offer meal vouchers or rely on nearby halal restaurants.
Group Umrah Packages UK: Types and Costs
Group Umrah tours are tailored for different budgets and preferences. Here’s a general overview:
1. Economy Group Package
7 to 10 nights
3-star hotels
Shared rooms
Indirect flights
Basic group guidance
Cost: £850 – £1,200 per person
2. Standard Group Package
10 to 14 nights
4-star accommodation
Closer proximity to Haram
Group ziyarah and full transport
Cost: £1,300 – £1,700 per person
3. Luxury Group Package
14 nights or more
5-star hotels like Hilton, Swissotel, or Anjum
Private rooms or family suites
Direct flights
Exclusive religious guide
Cost: £2,000 – £3,500 per person
4. Ramadan Group Package
Specialized for last 10 nights of Ramadan
Includes Suhoor and Iftar
Premium hotel booking required months in advance
Cost: £2,500 – £4,000+ per person
Top UK Agencies Offering Group Umrah Tours
To ensure a safe and legitimate pilgrimage, it’s vital to book through an ATOL-protected and Ministry-approved travel agency. Some of the most reputed names include:
Al Hidaayah Travel (Birmingham)
Dome Tours (London)
Labbaik Hajj Umrah (London)
Qibla Travels (East London)
Sara International (Bradford)
Nabil Hajj & Umrah Services
ZamZam Travel UK
Before choosing an agency, always:
Verify their Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah license
Read reviews on Google or Trustpilot
Visit their physical office if possible
When Is the Best Time to Join a Group Umrah Tour?
Umrah can be performed year-round, but some seasons are more popular:
Ramadan
Spiritually powerful, especially the last 10 nights. However, it is expensive and very crowded.
Rabi al-Awwal
Popular for visiting Madinah during the Prophet’s (PBUH) birth month.
December Holidays
Favored by families and working professionals due to the UK school break.
Off-Peak (Muharram, Safar)
Best for avoiding crowds and enjoying lower prices.
Tips for a Smooth Group Umrah Experience
To make the most of your group tour:
Attend Pre-Departure Seminars: Most agencies offer sessions to prepare spiritually and practically.
Pack Light but Smart: Include Ihram, travel prayer mat, unscented toiletries, and a small du’a book.
Stay Punctual: Group tours run on schedules. Respect prayer, transport, and meal times.
Engage with the Group: Make friends, share meals, and support elderly or solo travelers.
Follow the Guide: Ask questions and benefit from the presence of a scholar throughout the journey.
Download Useful Apps: Use apps like Nusuk, Tawakkalna, Haramain Train, and Google Translate for ease in Saudi Arabia.
FAQs
Q1: Is it cheaper to go on Umrah with a group?
Yes, group bookings often provide discounted rates on hotels and flights, making it more cost-effective.
Q2: Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes. Many agencies offer group tours using the Saudi eVisa, which permits Umrah outside of Hajj season.
Q3: Do women need a Mahram for group Umrah tours?
Women over 18 can now travel without a Mahram, especially using the tourist visa. However, check with your agency for specific group rules.
Q4: What is the ideal group size?
Groups typically range from 20 to 50 people, depending on the agency. Smaller groups may offer more personal attention.
Conclusion
Joining a Group Umrah Tours UK is one of the most enriching and accessible ways to fulfill your sacred intention. With professional planning, religious guidance, and a community of like-minded Muslims, you can focus solely on worship, reflection, and spiritual growth.