For many British Muslims, Umrah is a goal that sits on the “one day” list for years. Work is busy, bills keep coming, and the trip always feels a little out of reach. Yet for most working professionals, Umrah is far more affordable than it seems, as long as you plan for it like any other financial goal.
This guide sets out a simple, realistic plan to save for Umrah in around 12 months, without borrowing and without putting your other finances under strain.
Table of Contents
Step 1. Know what Umrah really costs
You cannot save for a number you do not know. The cost of Umrah from the UK depends mainly on when you travel, how long you stay and how close your hotel is to the Haram.
As a rough guide, an off-peak package with flights, visa and a three-star hotel can start from around £500 to £700 per person. Ramadan, Christmas and school holidays cost more, often much more, especially for hotels close to the mosque.
On top of the package, budget for the extras:
| Cost | Example amount |
| Off-peak Umrah package (flights, visa, hotel) | £600 |
| Spending money (food, gifts, Zamzam) | £200 |
| Travel insurance | £30 |
| Vaccines and health checks | £50 |
| Getting to and from the UK airport | £50 |
| Total | £930 |
These are example figures for one adult travelling off-peak. Your own total will depend on your dates, hotel and how many people are travelling.
Step 2. Choose your travel window first
Your travel dates have the biggest effect on the final price. Flexibility is the single best way to save.
The best value usually comes outside peak periods, such as early December, January and the months after the summer. If you are self-employed or can choose your annual leave, these windows can save you hundreds of pounds. When comparing cheap Umrah packages, look at what is included as well as the price: the hotel name, its walking distance from the Haram, transfers, and whether the visa and Nusuk permit support are covered.
Step 3. Set a monthly savings target
Once you know your total and your date, the maths is simple. Divide the total by the number of months you have left.
Using the example above, a budget of around £930 over 12 months works out at about £78 a month. That is roughly £18 a week, or less than a daily takeaway coffee and lunch.
If you are travelling as a couple or family, set a target for each person. A free tool such as the government-backed MoneyHelper budget planner can help you see where that money will come from.
Step 4. Keep your Umrah fund separate
Money sitting in your current account tends to get spent. Open a separate savings pot just for Umrah, and set up a standing order for the day after payday.
Many UK banks offer instant-access savings pots, and several providers offer Sharia-compliant savings accounts if you want to avoid interest. Name the pot something that keeps you motivated, such as “Umrah 2027”.
Step 5. Avoid debt
It can be tempting to put the trip on a credit card or take out a loan. Many scholars advise against borrowing with interest to pay for Umrah, as it is a recommended act of worship rather than an obligation for those who cannot afford it. From a financial point of view, debt also adds cost and stress to what should be a peaceful journey.
If your target feels too high, it is better to choose a later date or a simpler package than to borrow.
Step 6. Cut costs in the right places
Some savings are worth making. Others are not.
Good places to save:
- Travel dates: off-peak months are the biggest saving
- Madinah hotel: a slightly cheaper hotel in Madinah often works well
- Flights: one-stop routes are usually cheaper than direct flights
- Shopping: set a fixed gift budget before you travel
Places not to cut corners:
- ATOL protection: always check it. You can verify an operator’s ATOL number on the Civil Aviation Authority website
- Hotel distance in Makkah: a very distant hotel costs you time and energy every day
- Insurance and health: check the NHS-backed TravelHealthPro website for vaccine advice, and buy insurance as soon as you book
Step 7. Use deposits and instalments wisely
Many UK operators let you secure a package with a small deposit and pay the balance in instalments. This can be a helpful way to lock in an early price, as long as the instalments come from money you have already saved, not from credit. Make sure you know the cancellation terms before you pay.
Planning further ahead for Hajj
Once your Umrah fund is working, the same habits can help with a bigger goal. Hajj costs far more than Umrah, typically several thousand pounds per person, and places are limited by Saudi quotas. If Hajj is on your list, start a separate long-term pot now and compare Hajj packages from the UK well before booking opens, so you know what you are saving towards.
Final thoughts
Umrah does not need to stay on the “one day” list. Work out your real cost, pick a sensible date, save a fixed amount every month and avoid debt. For most UK professionals, that is enough to make the trip happen within a year.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Umrah cost from the UK?
An off-peak package with flights, visa and a three-star hotel can start from around £500 to £700 per person. With spending money, insurance and other extras, many travellers budget around £900 to £1,000 for an off-peak trip.
How much should I save each month for Umrah?
Divide your total budget by the months until you travel. For example, a £930 budget over 12 months works out at about £78 a month.
What is the cheapest time to go on Umrah?
Prices are usually lowest outside Ramadan and UK school holidays. Early December and January often offer the best value.
Are cheap Umrah packages worth it?
They can be, as long as the operator is ATOL-protected and clearly lists the hotel, its distance from the Haram, transfers and visa support. A low price with vague details is a warning sign.
Should I borrow money to go on Umrah?
Most financial advisers and many scholars advise against it, especially with interest-based credit. It is better to save up, choose a cheaper date or delay the trip than to travel in debt.
About the author: This article was written by the team at Qiblatain, a London-based Umrah and Hajj specialist helping UK pilgrims plan and budget for their journey since 2010.
