First-Time Umrah Guide for UK Pilgrims

First-time Umrah guide for UK pilgrims

Umrah is shorter than it may sound — the rites themselves usually take a few hours — but good preparation in the UK makes the whole journey calmer. This guide walks through the main steps in order. This guide is general information, not a religious ruling. Practices differ between schools of thought; please consult a qualified scholar you trust for questions about your own circumstances.

1. Preparing in the UK

Check that every passport has at least six months' validity, and confirm the current visa route on official Saudi sources (see our Visa & Nusuk guide). Speak to your GP about routine travel health advice, arrange travel insurance that covers your whole trip, and tell your bank you are travelling. Learn the basic steps and supplications before you go so you are not reading from a phone for the first time in the Haram.

2. Ihram and intention

Ihram is the sacred state you enter before reaching the Miqat. Men usually wear two plain unstitched white sheets; women wear ordinary modest clothing. After making the intention (niyyah) for Umrah, pilgrims begin reciting the Talbiyah and observe the restrictions of Ihram, such as avoiding perfume, cutting hair or nails, and marital relations.

3. Miqat when flying from the UK

The Miqat is the boundary at which pilgrims must be in Ihram. Flights from the UK to Jeddah pass the Miqat in the air, so many travellers change into Ihram at home or at the airport and make their intention when the crew announce that the aircraft is approaching the Miqat. If you will visit Madinah first, you enter Ihram later at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) on the way to Makkah.

4. Tawaf

On reaching Masjid al-Haram, Tawaf is seven anticlockwise circuits of the Kaaba, starting and ending in line with the Black Stone. There is no fixed supplication for each circuit; you may make your own du'a in any language. Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone, many pilgrims recite "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah…". After Tawaf, pray two rak'ahs, ideally behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows, and drink Zamzam water.

5. Sa'i

Sa'i is seven lengths between the hills of Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and finishing at Marwah. The walkway is air-conditioned and wheelchair routes are available. Men traditionally walk briskly between the green lights.

6. Halq or Taqsir

Men either shave the head (Halq) or shorten the hair evenly (Taqsir); women cut a small amount, about a fingertip's length, from the end of their hair. This completes Umrah and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted.

7. Visiting Madinah

Visiting Madinah is not part of Umrah but most UK packages include it. Pilgrims pray in Masjid an-Nabawi and send salam to the Prophet ﷺ. A visit to the Rawdah requires a permit booked through the official Nusuk app, and slots can be limited.

Last reviewed: 4 November 2026

Frequently asked questions

How long does Umrah take?

The rites usually take three to six hours depending on crowds and personal pace. Most UK packages are 7 to 14 nights to allow rest, prayer and a visit to Madinah.

Can I put on Ihram at Heathrow or Manchester?

Yes. Many pilgrims change at home or at the airport and make the intention when the aircraft approaches the Miqat.

Do women need a mahram?

Saudi rules on this have changed in recent years. Check the current position on official Saudi sources and with your scholar before booking.

Is there a set du'a for each Tawaf circuit?

No fixed du'a is prescribed for each circuit. You may supplicate in your own words and language.