For many Muslims, performing Umrah is an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience, and for Birmingham residents, it is a complex process that requires planning flights, visas, and accommodation. We will detail practical tips for a rewarding journey, and travel guidelines to help you find budget-friendly and hassle-free Umrah Birmingham packages. Also, we will help you to find the best Birmingham Umrah packages.
Why Select a Package for Umrah from Birmingham?
While pilgrims can organize Umrah travel and accommodation themselves, many travel agency packages are an attractive option. Pilgrims can save time and experience lower costs due to bulk flights and hotel bookings.
Affordable Umrah packages benefits include:
- Islamic Visa Support – Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage that requires a Saudi Visa. Agencies help to mitigate this barrier.
- Flights from Birmingham Airport – to Jeddah or Madinah, both direct and connecting flights are available.
- Hotel Accommodation – packages include accommodations in Makkah and Madinah close to the Haram.
- Transportation and Transfers – included are airport pick-ups, travel between cities, and shuttles.
- Guided Support and Ziyarah Tours – some packages, especially for first time pilgrims, offer guided services for Islamic Ziyarah locations.
Local agencies in Birmingham that specialize in UK departures have packages for all budget and comfort preferences.
Types of Umrah Packages from Birmingham
When traveling from Birmingham to Umrah, the best and most popular packages are categorized within 3 package ranges which are budget, midrange, and luxury. All packages differ in their pricing, accommodation quality, and package inclusions.
Budget Packages
- Price: £450 – £700 per person
- Return tickets to Birmingham
- Stay within 3 star hotels in makkah and madinah (further from haram)
- Visa Processing
- Shared transport
- Pros: Cheap option available, works best for first timers, and allows for budget restrictions.
- Cons: More discomfort in accommodation with tighter rooms and inflexible time schedules.
Midrange Packages
Price: £800 – £1,200 per person
- Inclusions:
- 4 star hotels in Makkah with greater proximity to haram
- Return tickets to Birmingham
- Transfers of the airport and intercity transport
- 1-2 selected Ziyarah tours
- Pros: Provides a more comfortable package and is closer to haram for higher quality in food and better overall support post the movement of the package.
- Cons: Higher in pricing and the offerings are very little in terms of budget during high season engagements.
Luxury Packages
- Price: £1,500 – £2,500+ per person
- Inclusions:
- 5 star hotels and complimentary zones to the haram of Makkah and Madinah
- VIP and Private Transfers
- Selected Ziyarah and Fullboard meals
- Flight Options (Premium): Business class, Direct Flights, and Better Timing Flights.
- Pros: More investments into the package, enables a very comfortable experience with closer zones and walking proximities to the haram.
- Cons: Expensive for those prioritizing on other attributes other than price.
Cheapest Umrah Packages: How to Find Them
When it comes to grasping the differences in hotel quality, flights, and packages, it takes a little more effort to understand the price differences. Here are a few tips to consider.
Look Around
Your journey should begin here. Seek out agencies in Birmingham that handle Umrah travel, and make an effort to find multiple agencies. If the agencies do not partner with the same travel agencies, the price will usually differ. For early bookings, competitions tend to become more fierce. The popular travel agents will compete over the price.
Travel During the Slower Seasons
Make a conscious effort to avoid the busy months, like Ramadan or even the Hajj season. The lower prices usually occur in the months of December and January. If your flights are booked mid-week, instead of a weekend, that can also cut costs.
Be Open to the Possibility of Different Hotels
If you do not mind walking a little further to the Haram, and you are open to cheaper hotels, the 3-star hotels that are further away will cut costs significantly.
Making Reservations Early is Better
If you make a reservation soon enough, the agency will be able to keep a seat on the flight and a room at the hotel for you, and they will do it in the most affordable way. If you do not make reservations early, prices are most likely to increase the closer you get to the departure.
Look for Packages That Offer Different Groups
If you travel in a group, the price decreases. The majority of travel agencies will get a reduced rate from the hotel and flight. This is especially suited for families or a group of friends traveling together.
Limit Optional Extras
Some packages include guided tours, meals, or VIP services. Skipping these add-ons could save you hundreds.
What Are The Requirements for A Standard Umrah Package?
Most Umrah packages from Birmingham include these basics, regardless of price.
- Flights. Most commonly, these packages include flights from Birmingham International Airport to either Jeddah or Madinah.
- Visa Processing. Agencies process Saudi visa applications for you.
- Hotel Accommodation. Packages range from 3-star to 5-star hotels, depending on what you choose.
- Transfers & Transport. This includes airport pickup and drop-off, as well as intercity transportation.
- Guidance Support. This includes guidance for the pilgrimage and ziyarah tours, if that’s offered, to Madinah and the surrounding holy sites.
- Most budget packages include only 3-star hotels and require shared transport. Most mid-range and luxury packages include upgraded hotels and proximity to the Haram, and may include private transport.
Now that you know the information essentials for the packages, let’s get started on the most important aspect of the trip planning.
Check your passport and visa requirements.
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity. The sooner you submit documents for your visa, the less chance of delays. Your travel agency is the best point of contact as they will have the most knowledge about the necessary paperwork.2. Set a Budget
All packages involve some initial costs. If necessary, ask your travel agent about payment plans. Also, budget extra money for meals, travel, and personal items.
Make a packing list
Weather in Makkah and Madinah varies a lot. Gear up for Makkah’s cooler December & prepare for Madinah’s extreme summer heat! Include a pair of sneakers, Ihram, a travel & worship mat, and other worship essentials.
Go over the plan
Look through the travel itinerary for flights, hotels, & transportation. Know the days set aside for worship and extra Ziyrat.
Have a way to communicate
You may need a local sim for international calls so you can stay in touch with the family & travel agency. Also, in case plans change, it will help to have a way to communicate.
Tips to help you save money on an Umrah package:
For the biggest savings book as early as you can.
- December, January, and February are better months for travel because of lower demand.
- Travel agents from Birmingham are better because smaller companies are less expensive.
- Before you commit to a package, look at multiple options.
- Last minute packages are usually around 20-30% more expensive so don’t leave it to the last minute.
- If you want to save money, group packages are the way to go.
Why Birmingham is the Best City from Which to Depart
Birmingham International Airport is the second busiest in the UK for Umrah flights, only behind London Heathrow. Benefits include:
- Flights to Jeddah or Madinah can be direct or with one stop.
- There are several local travel agencies knowledgeable about the requirements to complete Umrah.
- Relatively easy access for Umrah participants from the West Midlands and the surrounding area.
- Birmingham travelers often find it easier and less expensive than London due to lower airport taxes and regional flights that are more competitively priced.
Checklist Before You Book the Cheapest Umrah Package
- Confirming what is and is not included in the package is a necessity. Flights, a visa, and hotels should be included.
- Check the distance between the hotel and the Haram. Even the more economical packages should include hotels that are closely situated to the Haram.
- Read the policies about trip cancellations. Find out what is obtainable in terms of a refund, should your plans change.
- Go over the travel insurance policies. Make certain that you will be covered in the areas of health, travel delays, and emergencies, to ensure that you have protection.
- Make certain you have your airline tickets and your airport transfer tickets. You should have confirmation of your transfer times.
Conclusion
When you choose an Umrah package from Birmingham, you need to consider a blend of comfort, convenience, and cost. While there are packages that are the most economical, thoughtful planning will ensure that you have a positive experience as you complete your pilgrimage. Packages for budgeting are priced at 450 to 700 pounds and are ideal for pilgrims wanting to trim expenses.
Packages from £800 – £1,200 offer improved hotels with better proximity to the Haram.
Luxury packages start from £1,500 and are more suited for those who prefer comfort, private arrangements, and premium assistance.
Success Tips: Early booking, agency comparison, off-peak travel, and flexibility with hotel preferences. By following these, residents of Birmingham can optimize their savings, choose the best Umrah packages, and have a spiritually enriching experience in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
