For many British Muslims, the question is not whether to make a pilgrimage, but which one to make first. Should you save for Hajj, or book an affordable Umrah now? The answer depends on your faith obligations, your budget, your health and your timing.
This guide sets out the key differences and the questions to ask yourself, so you can make a clear and confident choice.
Hajj is an obligation once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able, while Umrah is recommended. Many scholars advise that if you can already afford Hajj, it should come first. If you cannot yet afford Hajj, an affordable Umrah, often costing a fraction of the price, is a valuable journey in its own right.
Hajj and Umrah, the key differences
| Umrah | Hajj | |
|---|---|---|
| Status in Islam | Recommended | Obligatory once for those who are able |
| When | Almost any time of year | Fixed dates once a year |
| Length of trip | Usually 7 to 14 nights | Usually 2 to 4 weeks |
| Places | Unlimited, subject to permits | Limited by national quotas |
| Typical cost from the UK | From a few hundred pounds | Several thousand pounds |
Start with the obligation
In Islam, Hajj is one of the five pillars. It becomes obligatory once a person is an adult, healthy enough to travel and able to afford it without causing hardship to their family. Umrah, by contrast, is a recommended act of worship.
That is why many scholars advise that a Muslim who already has the means for Hajj should prioritise it rather than spend those savings on repeated Umrah trips. If you are unsure how this applies to you, speak to a trusted scholar or imam.
What Umrah costs
Umrah is far more affordable. Off-peak packages from the UK, with flights, the visa, hotels and transfers, can start from a few hundred pounds per person. Prices rise in Ramadan and school holidays, and for hotels closer to the Grand Mosque.
When comparing affordable Umrah packages, look beyond the headline price. Check the hotel name and its walking distance from the mosque, what is included, and whether flights are ATOL-protected.
What Hajj costs
Hajj costs much more, because the trip is longer, places are limited, and packages must include accommodation in the tents of Mina and transport between the holy sites. Most full packages from the UK cost several thousand pounds per person. As an example, our five-star, non-shifting Hajj 2027 package starts from £9,095 per person.
UK pilgrims book Hajj through Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk Hajj platform with an approved operator. When comparing Hajj packages from UK providers, check that the operator is approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and holds an ATOL licence. You can verify ATOL numbers on the Civil Aviation Authority website.
Five questions to help you decide
- Can I afford Hajj now without debt or hardship? If yes, many scholars would advise Hajj first.
- Is my health likely to change? Hajj is physically demanding. If age or health may make it harder later, do not delay it unnecessarily.
- Do I want to experience Makkah first? An Umrah trip can help you learn the Grand Mosque, cope with the heat and feel more confident before Hajj.
- How much time can I take off? Umrah fits into a week or two. Hajj usually needs two to four weeks.
- When can I travel? Hajj 2027 is expected in mid-May, while Umrah can be planned around school holidays and work.
A sensible plan for many families
For many UK families, a practical approach is to make an affordable Umrah trip first, while saving steadily for Hajj in a separate pot. This lets you experience Makkah and Madinah, learn the rituals and plan your Hajj with more confidence.
Avoid borrowing with interest to pay for either pilgrimage. It is better to wait a little longer and travel with peace of mind.
Before booking, read the UK Foreign Office’s travel advice for Saudi Arabia and the health guidance on the NHS-backed TravelHealthPro website.
Final thoughts
There is no single right answer for everyone. If Hajj is within your means, it is your first priority. If it is not yet, an affordable Umrah is a deeply rewarding journey and a good step towards Hajj. Whichever you choose, plan carefully, book with a protected operator and travel with a sincere intention.
Frequently asked questions
Should I do Umrah or Hajj first?
If you can already afford Hajj without debt or hardship, many scholars advise doing Hajj first, because it is an obligation. If you cannot yet afford it, an affordable Umrah is a valuable journey and good preparation.
How much does Umrah cost from the UK?
Off-peak Umrah packages with flights, visa, hotels and transfers can start from a few hundred pounds per person. Prices rise in Ramadan and school holidays.
How much do Hajj packages from the UK cost?
Most full Hajj packages cost several thousand pounds per person. As an example, Islamic Travel advertises a five-star, non-shifting Hajj 2027 package from £9,095.
Is Umrah a replacement for Hajj?
No. Umrah is a recommended pilgrimage and does not replace the obligation of Hajj for those who are physically and financially able.
How do UK pilgrims book Hajj?
Through Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk Hajj platform, usually with an operator approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Always check the operator holds an ATOL licence.
About the author: This article was written by the team at Islamic Travel, a London-based, ATOL-protected Umrah and Hajj specialist that has helped pilgrims travel from the UK since 2017. The Hajj price quoted is our own advertised starting price at the time of writing.
