Is my Umrah booking ATOL protected with Travel Time Global?

Yes. All flight-inclusive Umrah packages booked with Travel Time Global are 100% financially protected by the UK Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL. You receive an official ATOL certificate immediately upon booking confirming your funds and repatriation security.

What deposit is required to secure an Umrah package?

A standard deposit of £200 per passenger secures your hotel rooms, ground transport, and flight reservations. The remaining balance is payable 8 weeks before departure, and flexible interest-free monthly instalment plans are available.

Do British passport holders need a visa for Umrah in 2026?

British citizens can enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah using the electronic visa waiver (EVW) for approximately £30 (150 SAR), or a 1-year multiple entry Tourist eVisa for approximately £110 including medical insurance. Dedicated electronic Umrah visas are also processed by our team.

Can women perform Umrah without a Mahram in 2026?

Yes. Under current Saudi Ministry regulations for 2026, women of any age can travel for Umrah without an accompanying male Mahram when traveling on a valid Tourist eVisa, Visa Waiver, or authorized Umrah visa.

How far are your hotels from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah?

All hotels contracted by Travel Time Global are within short walking distance: 3-Star Saver hotels are 350 to 500 meters away; 4-Star Comfort hotels are 100 to 200 meters away; and 5-Star Deluxe hotels (Swissotel, Fairmont Clock Tower, Pullman Zamzam) sit directly on the Haram piazza with direct elevator courtyard access.

How much Zamzam water can British pilgrims bring back to the UK?

Each pilgrim departing from Jeddah or Madinah airport on an Umrah ticket is permitted one 5-litre factory-sealed container of blessed Zamzam water. This is checked in separately at the dedicated airport Zamzam luggage conveyor without deducting from your standard airline baggage allowance.

When must I enter the state of Ihram on a flight from London?

If flying direct to Jeddah (e.g. British Airways or Saudia), you cross the Miqat boundary in the air approximately 30 to 45 minutes prior to touchdown. You must put on your Ihram garments at the UK airport or before takeoff, and recite your Niyyah before passing the line. If flying into Madinah first, you wear regular casual clothes on the flight and enter Ihram later at Dhul Hulaifah.

How do I book a permit for the Rawdah in Madinah?

Visiting Al-Rawdah ash-Sharifah inside Masjid an-Nabawi requires an active permit booked through the official Saudi government Nusuk app. Permit slots are released in weekly batches (often Fridays after Jumu'ah). Travel Time Global assists all booked pilgrims with Nusuk registration and visa linking.

How fast is the Haramain High-Speed Train between Makkah and Madinah?

The Haramain electric bullet train travels at 300 km/h, reducing the transit time between Makkah and Madinah to approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, compared to 4.5 to 5 hours by highway coach. Strict baggage rules allow 1 large suitcase (up to 25kg) plus 1 hand luggage item per passenger.

What airlines fly from the UK for Umrah packages?

We arrange direct nonstop flights with Saudia (SV) and British Airways (BA) from London Heathrow (LHR), as well as convenient 1-stop scheduled departures with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Gulf Air from London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Umrah Frequently Asked Questions (2026 UK Guide)

Showing all 20 verified questions

Direct Answer: You can calculate and customize your price via our Instant Quote Calculator, submit a tailored Custom Enquiry, or call our West Ealing office on 020 8840 6420.

Our booking process is simple and transparent:

Choose package tier: Select 3★ Saver, 4★ Comfort, or 5★ Deluxe with preferred airline pairing.
Secure with deposit: Pay a low deposit of £200 per passenger via bank transfer or card.
Receive documents: Immediate booking confirmation, ATOL certificate, and hotel confirmation vouchers.
Visa issuance & Nusuk link: Our visa desk processes your Saudi visas and assists with your Nusuk appointment slots.

Direct Answer: A standard deposit of £200 per passenger secures your flights, hotels, and transfers. The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before your departure date.

We provide flexible, 0% interest monthly payment schedules, allowing families to spread the cost leading up to departure. For high-demand peak seasons like the last 10 nights of Ramadan, airlines may require higher initial deposits.

Direct Answer: We accept official UK bank transfers (BACS / Faster Payments), major UK debit and credit cards, and cash payments at our West Ealing branch office.

All payments are accompanied by an official Travel Time Global invoice showing deposit receipts, breakdown of taxes, and remaining balance schedule.

Direct Answer: Yes. Infants under 2 years travel at approximately 10% of the airline adult fare plus minor hotel admin fees. Children aged 2–11 sharing existing beds with parents receive substantial reductions.

When requesting an instant quote, you can specify infants and children to see adjusted quad or triple room configurations.

Direct Answer: British citizens have two primary choices: the **Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)** for approximately £30 (single entry, up to 6 months), or the **1-Year Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa** for ~£110 including mandatory Saudi health insurance.

Both visas permit pilgrims to perform Umrah, visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and travel freely across all Saudi cities. For detailed guidance, consult our 2026 Visa Guide.

Direct Answer: Yes. Foreign passport holders holding a valid UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) with at least 3 months validity can qualify for the instant Saudi eVisa or Visa on Arrival.

Alternatively, our licensed Ministry quota allows us to issue full electronic Umrah package visas for any nationality with guaranteed hotel and transport vouchers.

Direct Answer: Yes. Under current official Saudi regulations for 2026, women of all ages are legally permitted to travel and perform Umrah without an accompanying male Mahram.

Sisters can travel solo, with female companions, or as part of organized groups. Read our dedicated Women's Umrah Guide for advice on abayas, prayer areas, and managing monthly cycles.

Direct Answer: Entry to the Sacred Garden (Al-Rawdah) requires booking an appointment through the official Saudi Nusuk App. A visa alone does not grant entry.

Slots are released periodically (typically Fridays after Jumu'ah Saudi time). Men and women have separate designated entrance windows. Our Ealing staff assists all our booked pilgrims with Nusuk setup before they fly.

Direct Answer: All our contracted hotels are within walking distance: 3★ Saver hotels are 350–500m; 4★ Comfort hotels are 100–200m; and 5★ Deluxe hotels (Swissotel, Fairmont, Pullman) sit directly on the courtyard piazza with zero walking distance.

For elderly pilgrims or families with young children, we recommend Clock Tower properties which feature direct covered elevators into the King Abdulaziz Gate area.

Direct Answer: A Quad room has 4 separate single beds (most economical); a Triple room has 3 single beds; a Double room has either 1 king bed or 2 single beds for a couple or pair.

All rooms booked through Travel Time Global are strictly private family rooms. We do not mix strangers in shared rooms unless you explicitly request a shared group package.

Direct Answer: Most 3★ and 4★ packages include a daily continental and hot halal breakfast buffet. 5★ VIP packages can be upgraded to Half Board (Breakfast + Dinner) or Full Board.

Numerous halal food courts offering international, Arabic, Pakistani, Turkish, and Western fast food operate directly underneath the Clock Tower and Ibrahim Al-Khalil street.

Direct Answer: We offer direct flights with Saudia and British Airways from London Heathrow (LHR), as well as scheduled departures with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Gulf Air from London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Our flight pairing module allows you to select your preferred airline and luggage allowances directly on our quote calculator.

Direct Answer: When flying direct to Jeddah, you will cross the Miqat in the air approximately 30 to 45 minutes before landing. You must put on your Ihram garments before passing this point.

The pilot will make an announcement: "We will cross the Miqat in 20 minutes." Make your intention (Niyyah) and begin reciting the Talbiyah. If you fly into Madinah first, you wear regular casual clothes on the flight and enter Ihram later from Madinah.

Direct Answer: Each ticketed pilgrim departing from Jeddah or Madinah airport is entitled to one 5-litre factory-packaged bottle of Zamzam water, checked in separately at the designated airport Zamzam counter.

This 5L bottle is free of extra airline baggage charges on major carriers (Saudia, BA, Emirates, Qatar) and does not deduct from your standard 23kg suitcase allowance.

Direct Answer: The electric train travels at 300 km/h, taking just 54 minutes between Jeddah Airport and Makkah, and 2 hours 15 minutes between Makkah and Madinah.

Strict Luggage Rule: The train strictly permits 1 large suitcase (max 25kg, 65x55x35cm) plus 1 small backpack per passenger. If you have secondary bags or excessive shopping, Travel Time Global private GMC chauffeur transfers are recommended.

Direct Answer: ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) is backed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. It guarantees that if your travel company fails, you will receive a full financial refund or guaranteed flights home if already abroad.

You receive an official ATOL certificate upon booking. Always avoid unlicensed social media agents who do not provide genuine ATOL certificates.

Direct Answer: Yes. Saudi Ministry health regulations mandate a valid Meningitis ACWY vaccination administered within the last 3 to 5 years for pilgrims.

Pharmacies across the UK (Boots, Superdrug, and local travel clinics) issue the vaccine and certificate promptly. Keep a copy with your passport.

Direct Answer: Both holy mosques are wheelchair accessible. Masjid al-Haram operates a dedicated upper mezzanine level for manual wheelchairs and electric mobility buggies (available for rent at ~50–100 SAR).

Our hotels feature step-free wheelchair access, and private airport GMC Yukons ensure comfortable boarding for elderly parents.

Direct Answer: Cancellations made more than 8 weeks before departure are subject to loss of deposit. Airline ticket changes depend on specific airline fare rules.

We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen medical emergencies or illness.

Direct Answer: Ramadan 2026 falls across February and March. Performing Umrah in Ramadan carries the spiritual reward of Hajj with the Prophet ﷺ.

Due to worldwide demand, hotel rates and flight prices rise substantially, particularly for the last 10 nights. Early booking is essential to secure walking-distance accommodations before quotas close.

Have a Question Not Answered Here?

Our local London travel consultants at 16 Broadway, London are ready to assist you by phone, WhatsApp, or in person.

Calculate Package Price Chat on WhatsApp (020 8840 6420) Call Branch: 020 8840 6420