Hidden Costs in Umrah Packages: What UK Travellers Should Check

Many Muslims in the UK wish to go on Umrah, but sometimes, this holy trip comes with not-so-holy surprises. You see the advert—big letters say “cheap package!”—nice photos, smiling people—but when you check deep, your wallet may start to cry.

Many companies make things look very shiny, but small letters (very small!) can hide many extra costs. Airport transport? It's not included. Food? You pay. A hotel close to Haram? Yes, but only for a camel, maybe. So, what is the real price?

In this article, we explain what tricks and traps are hidden in these Umrah packages. We write this not like tourism experts but like normal people who want to help others avoid the same mistake. Whether you go to Umrah for the first time or the fifth, it's better to know where money can escape from your pocket.

How Much Does an Umrah Package Cost from the UK?

How much do you pay for Umrah from the UK? Depends, my friend. Season change, hotel change, even from which city your plane flies – all this makes the price go up or down like a yo-yo. Usually, you see something like this:

• Budget one: £799 to £999 (cheap but maybe bed not so soft)

• Normal one: £1000 to £1300 (not too bad, not too good)

• Fancy 5-star one: £1500 to £2000, or maybe sky's the limit

But wait, wait – this number is only for show! It is sweet outside, but inside is chilli pepper. Many times, the price you see is not what you pay. They don’t tell you about secret costs – transport, food, extra tax, maybe even a pillow is extra. So when you book, it's better to ask many questions, like grandma checking receipts after big Tesco shopping.

What Does an Umrah Package Include?

When you see the Umrah Package from Bradford or any other UK city, it looks very nice on paper. Usually they say you get:

• Flight go and flight come back

• Hotel (maybe 3 nights, maybe 14, who knows?)

• Bus or van from Jeddah or Madinah to Makkah

• Visa for Umrah and other facilities

Sounds like all is there, yes? But no! Be careful, because this is sometimes like kebab without meat. They write “transport included,” but then you wait 3 hours for one old bus that comes only one way. They say “hotel near Haram,” but it is “near” only if you are an Olympic runner.

So the best idea? It's better to ask them everything, where is the hotel, how far is it, will I get transportation, is the visa really included, etc. Ask questions like a strict uncle who checks the groom before the wedding.

Why Does Umrah Cost So Much?

Three words: timing, location, and demand. Do you try to go in Ramadan? Prices fly higher than drones! For example, in January, the Hotel in Mecca offers 45 pounds per night, but in Ramadan, the same hotel, the same bed, the same everything, goes for 150 pounds. Why? Because people come too much, hotel owners become a little greedy.

The rise of Saudi Arabia's tourism push has also greatly affected visa costs and hospitality rates.

Don’t forget to trust travel agents who charge small fees or bundle hidden charges like administration fees, visa processing, and service charges that aren't always disclosed. Remember, it is a factor in driving up the price of your package.

What Are the Hidden Costs You Should Watch Out For?

Many people book Umrah from the UK and think everything is included. But later they find out there are extra costs. Here are some things to watch before you pay:

Visa Fee Not in the Price

Some travel agents say the package is “cheap” but don’t include the visa. Saudi Umrah visa now is about £88 to £100. Some agents also add “processing” fee and don’t explain this before.

No Travel Insurance

Most packages don’t give you travel insurance. But you need it in case you get sick or a flight is cancelled. Basic insurance costs £30–£50 per person. Also, some hotels ask to show insurance when you check in.

Only One-Way Airport Transfer

Many deals only transfer from the airport to the hotel. But a return trip? You must pay yourself. Private taxi or local shuttle can cost £30 to £60 more.

Meals Not Fully Included

Even a 4-star hotel can only give you breakfast. For lunch and dinner, you pay extra. Restaurant meal near Haram costs £7–£15 per person. Buffet at the hotel can be even more.

Hotel Not like You Expect

Many say “5-star hotel”, but this is not always true. Sometimes the hotel is far from Haram, maybe 1 kilometre and on an uphill road. For old people or families, this is a big problem.

Flights from Other Cities Cost More

Many cheap packages fly from London. If you want to fly from Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow, you may pay £100–£200 more.

Ziyarah Tours Not Included

Some people think a guide or tour is in the package. But often it’s not. You must pay £20–£50 per person for visiting holy places with a guide.

How Much Should I Budget for Umrah from the UK?

If you don’t want problems or hidden costs, better to plan well. Here is idea how much to take:

• One person: £800 to £900

• Two people (like husband and wife): £1600 to £2000

• Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 kids): £3400 to £3800

This is for normal comfort, not luxury, not too cheap. Add more money for food, travel inside the city, insurance, and this is just an estimate, prices may go up or down.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Do Umrah?

If you want to go Umrah but don’t spend too much money, here are some tricks:

• Go in cheap time – January, February or after Hajj is not busy, so the price is better.

• Check packages in different cities – Maybe London is expensive, but Manchester or Birmingham give better deals.

• Pick a simple hotel – a 3-star hotel that is close to Haram is better than a fancy one far away. You walk, no need for a taxi.

Do it yourself if you know how – Some people book flights, hotels and visas separately. If you do like this and don’t make mistakes, maybe save £200 to £500 easily. But only if you know what you are doing.

Can You Do Umrah Without a Package or Agency?

Yes, now you can do Umrah alone, no problem! If you have a UK passport, you can use the Nusuk app or get a tourist visa from Saudi. Just need the internet and some patience. You book a flight, hotel, everything by yourself. Many people do it now, to save money.

But be careful! You must know about visa rules, how to travel between cities, and where Miqat is (very important for Ihram). If you are not sure, better to ask someone or watch a video before you go.

Conclusion:

Package looks cheap, sounds good — but later, boom! Hidden costs everywhere. Visa not included, no food, no return transfer... You pay more than you think.

How to not get tricked? Very simple: Ask questions. Don’t be shy. Read everything small-small on paper or website. Look around, compare agents.

A good travel agency will tell you the full cost, which is no surprise. They show the hotel name, give transport both ways, and help you anytime, day or night. If they don’t do this, maybe it's better to find someone else. Umrah is a holy trip — better to go with a peaceful heart, not with stress.