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Umrah packages from Birmingham usually bring flights, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, transfers and visa arrangements together in one booking. The final price depends mainly on your travel dates, hotel standard, room occupancy, flight route and how close your accommodation is to the Haram.
There is no single price that applies to every Umrah package from Birmingham. Costs can change significantly depending on the season, availability and supplier, so the best way to compare packages is to look at exactly what is included rather than choosing the lowest advertised price.
For pilgrims travelling from the West Midlands, Birmingham Airport can make the journey considerably easier. A direct flight to Jeddah means fewer connections and less time spent travelling, which can be especially important if you are travelling with children, elderly family members or a larger group.
That convenience is one of the main reasons travellers search specifically for Umrah packages from Birmingham rather than comparing every UK departure airport.
In this guide, we look at Birmingham's Saudi flight options, what affects Umrah prices, the best ways to compare package value, current visa and vaccination requirements, and the key things to check before paying a deposit.
Birmingham Airport is a convenient departure point for pilgrims across the West Midlands. Travellers from Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull and surrounding areas can avoid travelling down to London or across to another UK airport simply to begin their journey.
A direct service can also make the overall journey more manageable. There are fewer connections to worry about, less opportunity for missed onward flights and less time spent moving between airports.
However, direct flights are not always the cheapest option. When comparing Umrah packages from Birmingham, look at the complete itinerary rather than assuming a direct flight will automatically offer the best value.
Yes, Birmingham has direct flights to Jeddah, but you should not assume that a direct Birmingham to Madinah service is available for your travel dates. Flight schedules can change seasonally, so always check the current itinerary before booking.
At the time of writing, Birmingham Airport's own route information confirms that Saudia operates a direct Birmingham to Jeddah service using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The route was first launched in 2023 and has operated three times a week.
Birmingham Airport's current information also indicates that demand is stronger between November and February and quieter between April and October. This highlights why it is important to check the live schedule for your own dates rather than relying on an old timetable.
There is currently no confirmed direct Birmingham to Madinah service. If you want to visit Madinah first, you may need to consider a connecting itinerary through Jeddah or another international hub.
Connecting flights through hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Istanbul can sometimes offer competitive fares, particularly when a direct Birmingham to Jeddah flight does not operate on your chosen date. The trade-off is a longer journey and the extra hassle of making a connection.
A Gulf or Turkish hub may give you more flight combinations to choose from. Depending on the dates, this can sometimes make a connecting itinerary cheaper than a direct flight.
However, price should not be your only consideration.
A short connection may reduce overall travel time but gives you less flexibility if your first flight is delayed. A longer connection gives you more breathing room but adds several hours to the journey.
Baggage allowances also vary between airlines, so check what is included before comparing fares. This is particularly important on the return journey when you may also need to account for Zamzam water and additional luggage.
There is no single connecting airport that is guaranteed to be cheapest throughout the year. Compare the actual options available for your travel dates.
If you are comparing low-cost carriers for the flight portion of your trip, our guide to the best budget airlines for UK travellers explains how baggage, seats and other extras can affect the final price.
The cost of an Umrah package from Birmingham depends on several factors, including your flights, hotel category, travel dates, trip length, room occupancy and hotel location. Ramadan and busy school holiday periods generally cost more because demand is higher.
Two travellers can choose the same departure airport and travel for the same number of days but still receive very different quotes.
The main factors affecting the price are:
Flight availability and route
Hotel category
Distance from the Haram
Number of nights
Room occupancy
Travel dates
Transfers
Meals
Visa arrangements
Additional services included in the package
This is why a cheap Umrah package from Birmingham should always be assessed on its full list of inclusions.
A low starting price may be based on quad sharing, a hotel further from the Haram or a flight with a longer connection. None of these automatically make the package a bad choice, but you need to know what you are getting.
If you are comparing different package types, our guide to Umrah packages from the UK explains what is normally included, how prices vary and what to look for before booking.
A 7-day Umrah package will normally cost less overall than a 10-day or 14-day package because it usually includes fewer hotel nights. However, the daily cost may not be significantly lower because flights, visa arrangements and other fixed costs still have to be paid.
A shorter trip can be a good option if you have limited annual leave or want to keep your overall budget down.
A longer trip gives you more time in Makkah and Madinah without having to rush between the two cities. This can be particularly valuable for families travelling with elderly relatives.
It can also give you more time for Ziyarat and visits to historically significant sites.
Rather than choosing a duration based only on price, consider how much time you can realistically take away from work and how you want the pilgrimage to feel.
Then compare the total package price and cost per night.
The price for two people depends heavily on whether you choose a twin or double room, the hotel standard, your dates and what is included. A package advertised per person may also assume a particular room occupancy, so always check the basis of the quoted price.
Room occupancy can make a noticeable difference to the price shown per person.
Before comparing two packages, ask:
Is the price based on twin, double, triple or quad sharing?
Does the quoted price assume the entire group travels together?
Are children charged at the same rate as adults?
Does a family room accommodate everyone comfortably?
Would your group need two separate rooms?
A package advertised at a low per-person price may look attractive until you discover that the price assumes four people sharing. Always compare packages on a like-for-like basis.
The cheapest Umrah package is not necessarily the one with the lowest advertised price. A genuinely good-value package should offer a sensible balance between flight convenience, hotel location, room occupancy, transfers, inclusions and financial protection.
A package can be cheaper because the hotel is further from the Haram, the room has more people sharing, meals are excluded or the flight includes a lengthy connection.
These may be perfectly reasonable compromises if you understand them before booking.
When comparing cheap Umrah packages, check the hotel's actual location rather than relying on descriptions such as "near the Haram" or "close to the mosque".
Also check whether transfers are included, whether meals are part of the package and what financial protection applies to your booking.
A slightly more expensive package with clearer inclusions and a more convenient hotel can sometimes represent much better value.
For more practical ways to reduce the overall cost of a trip, see our guide to ways to save money on holidays, including advice on flexible dates and comparing departure airports.
| Package type | Typical duration | What may be included | Who it may suit |
| Budget / economy | 7 to 10 days | 3-star hotels, shared transfers, hotels further from the Haram and fewer meals | Solo travellers or groups comfortable with walking or shuttle transfers |
| Mid-range | Around 10 days | 4-star hotels, private or small-group transfers, some meals and a moderate walking distance | Families looking for a balance between comfort and cost |
| Premium / 5-star | 10 to 14 days | 5-star hotels, transfers, more inclusions and potentially closer accommodation | Families, elderly pilgrims and travellers prioritising comfort |
These are broad package categories rather than fixed industry definitions. Actual inclusions vary between providers.
We have not included fixed prices because Umrah costs can change according to hotel availability, flight prices, travel dates and room occupancy.
For an accurate comparison, request a current quote based on your dates, group size and preferred hotel standard.
There is no single month that is guaranteed to be the cheapest for Umrah every year. Prices are affected by Ramadan, school holidays, airline capacity and demand, so comparing several date ranges is usually more useful than searching for one specific "cheapest month".
Umrah can be performed throughout much of the year outside the Hajj season, but demand changes considerably. Ramadan is one of the most sought-after periods for pilgrims, and demand is reflected in flight and accommodation prices.
UK school holidays can also increase demand because families have more flexibility to travel together. If your dates are flexible, compare periods outside Ramadan and major school holidays to look for more competitive prices.
For a wider comparison of travel periods, our guide to the best time to go for Umrah looks at when to travel based on demand, weather and timing.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Ramadan moves approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each Gregorian year. This means the same Gregorian month can have very different demand from one year to another.
This is important when reading older Umrah guides. A period that was relatively quiet in one year could fall much closer to Ramadan in another.
Rather than relying on advice such as "January is always cheapest", check where Ramadan falls in the year you intend to travel and compare actual flight and hotel availability. School holidays should also be considered if you are travelling with children.
Planning the flight and hotel is only part of preparing for Umrah. You also need to make sure your travel documents and health requirements are in order before departure.
Yes. UK travellers need the appropriate Saudi travel authorisation to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Depending on their circumstances and eligibility, this may include a Saudi eVisa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Requirements and validity periods should always be checked against the latest official guidance.
According to GOV.UK's Saudi Arabia entry requirements, the Saudi eVisa is valid for 365 days from issue and allows multiple entries totalling up to 90 days within that period.
The ETA is valid for 730 days and allows multiple entries totalling up to 180 days. Both can cover Umrah outside the Hajj season, subject to the applicable conditions.
For a more detailed explanation of the Saudi ETA and how it applies to UK travellers, see our Saudi ETA guide for UK travellers.
These authorisations should not be confused with the dedicated Hajj visa. GOV.UK's pilgrimage guidance states that Hajj visas are handled through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.
It is also important to distinguish visa validity from permitted stay. For example, an ETA being valid for two years does not mean that you can remain in Saudi Arabia continuously for two years. The permitted stay and entry conditions still apply.
We have deliberately not quoted a fixed visa fee because charges and application conditions can change. Check the official application information when you are ready to apply.
Yes. Pilgrims travelling for Umrah need valid proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination. TravelHealthPro states that vaccination should be given at least 10 days before arrival, and the accepted validity period depends on the type of vaccine received.
TravelHealthPro's Hajj and Umrah guidance states that pilgrims must have proof of meningococcal vaccination received at least 10 days before arrival.
The validity period depends on the vaccine type. A polysaccharide vaccine is valid for three years, while a conjugate vaccine is valid for five years.
If your vaccination certificate does not identify the vaccine type, the shorter validity period may apply. Ask your healthcare provider to record the relevant details clearly.
Your certificate should also contain the required provider information and vaccination date. Do not assume that a vaccination from several years ago is still valid simply because you remember receiving it. Check the actual certificate before travelling.
Check the Saudi requirements for the specific Umrah season, as health requirements can be updated.
ATOL protection can provide important financial protection when you buy a qualifying flight-inclusive package from an ATOL-protected business. However, ATOL does not automatically apply to every travel booking, so you should check the protection attached to your specific package and receive the relevant ATOL Certificate.
The Civil Aviation Authority's ATOL guidance explains that ATOL can apply to package holidays combining flights with accommodation or other travel services.
If an ATOL-protected travel company fails financially, the scheme can provide protection for eligible bookings, including arrangements for refunds or repatriation where applicable.
However, ATOL is not a general guarantee covering every problem with a holiday. It is therefore important to check what protection applies to your specific booking and make sure you receive an ATOL Certificate where applicable.
No. ATOL and ABTA are separate forms of protection. ATOL is particularly relevant to qualifying flight-inclusive packages, while ABTA provides protection and standards for its members, including certain non-flight package arrangements.
ABTA's own guidance explains how financial protection works for different types of travel arrangements.
A booking may have ATOL protection, ABTA protection, both or neither, depending on how it has been arranged and the business providing it.
Do not assume that seeing an ABTA or ATOL reference means every part of your booking is protected. Ask exactly what is protected and under which scheme before paying.
The main differences between economy and 5-star Umrah packages usually involve hotel facilities, room standards, location and the level of service included. However, a higher star rating does not automatically mean the hotel is closer to the Haram or that the package offers better value for every traveller.
A 3-star hotel may provide everything you need if you are comfortable with fewer facilities and a shuttle service.
A 5-star hotel may offer larger rooms, additional facilities and a higher level of service, but you will normally pay more for that experience.
Location should also be considered separately from star rating.
A 5-star hotel can still be further from the Haram than another hotel with a lower rating.
If your priority is convenience, especially when travelling with elderly pilgrims or young children, check the hotel's exact location rather than choosing purely on star rating.
Hotel location can have a major effect on your Umrah experience. A hotel within easy walking distance of the Haram may be more convenient for elderly pilgrims and families, while a more distant hotel with a reliable shuttle can offer a lower price.
Walking distance matters particularly around prayer times.
A hotel that is only a short walk away can save you from relying on shuttle transport when roads and surrounding areas are busy.
That does not mean shuttle hotels are unsuitable.
For many pilgrims, they provide a useful way to reduce accommodation costs while still keeping transport available.
Before booking, ask:
What is the exact hotel name and address?
How far is it from the Haram?
Is walking realistic for everyone in your group?
Is a shuttle provided?
What are the shuttle operating times?
Does the shuttle operate around prayer times?
Are there additional transfer costs?
Do not rely solely on phrases such as "close to the Haram". Check the actual location and transport arrangements before paying.
Before confirming your package, work through these points.
Make sure you know whether your Birmingham to Saudi Arabia journey is direct or connecting, which airline you are flying with and what baggage allowance applies.
Confirm the exact hotel name, location, room type and occupancy.
Ask whether flights, accommodation, transfers, visa arrangements, meals and other services are included.
Compare your dates with Ramadan, school holidays and other busy periods.
Make sure your Meningitis ACWY vaccination and certificate meet the current requirements.
Ask what ATOL or ABTA protection applies to your specific booking and make sure you receive the relevant documentation.
Do not compare packages using the "from" price alone. Make sure you are comparing the same number of travellers, room occupancy, hotel standard, flight type and inclusions.
The best Umrah package is not necessarily the cheapest one. It is the package that gives you the right balance of price, flight convenience, hotel location, inclusions and protection for your particular group.
Keep these points in mind:
Compare Birmingham flight options carefully. A direct Jeddah service can save time, but a connecting flight may sometimes offer a lower fare.
Look beyond the headline price. Room occupancy, hotel location and included services can change the real cost considerably.
Be flexible with dates where possible. Ramadan and school holidays can increase demand.
Check current Saudi requirements. Visa and health rules can change between Umrah seasons.
Verify your Meningitis ACWY certificate. The vaccine type affects its validity period.
Check financial protection. Do not assume every Umrah booking is automatically ATOL protected.
Prioritise location if convenience matters. This can be especially important for elderly pilgrims and families.
Planning an Umrah trip means bringing together flights, hotels, transfers, documentation and travel dates. For families and groups, there can be a lot to compare before you feel confident that you have chosen the right package.
TravelApp UK helps pilgrims compare their travel options, including flights from Birmingham and other UK airports.
You can also explore TravelApp's Umrah packages, which bring flights, hotels, visas and transfers together into one booking, with flexible payment options available on eligible arrangements.
Ready to start planning? Compare your dates, group size and preferred hotel standard with TravelApp and find an Umrah package that fits your needs.
Quick answers to common questions. Reach out if you need more help.
Yes. Saudia operates direct Birmingham to Jeddah services, although schedules and operating frequencies can change. Always check the current timetable for your exact travel dates before booking an Umrah package.
A direct Birmingham to Madinah service is not currently confirmed as a regular route. Pilgrims wishing to visit Madinah may need to use a connecting flight or travel to Madinah after arriving in Saudi Arabia through another route.
There is no fixed price because Umrah packages vary according to travel dates, flights, hotel category, room occupancy, trip duration, transfers and hotel location. Ramadan and school holiday travel can also cost more due to higher demand.
There is no single cheapest month every year. Prices change as Ramadan moves through the Gregorian calendar and according to airline and hotel demand. Comparing several dates outside Ramadan and UK school holidays can give you more opportunities to find competitive prices.
A 7-day package will normally cost less overall because it includes fewer hotel nights. However, flights and other fixed costs can mean the difference is smaller than expected, so compare both the total price and the cost per night.
Yes. 5-star Umrah packages can be arranged from Birmingham, subject to current flight and hotel availability. When comparing them, look beyond the star rating and check the hotel's exact location, room type, transfers and distance from the Haram.
Yes. Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is an entry requirement for Umrah pilgrims. TravelHealthPro states that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before arrival, with the accepted validity period depending on the type of vaccine received.
Ask the TravelApp team whether your specific booking is ATOL protected and request the ATOL Certificate where applicable. Do not assume that every flight-inclusive booking automatically has ATOL protection. The Civil Aviation Authority provides guidance on what ATOL covers.
