Planning your Ramadan Umrah 2026 from UK is a journey of a lifetime that requires both spiritual devotion and logistical precision. For UK pilgrims, 2026 offers a unique advantage: the holy month falls during the cooler winter months, making the physical rituals much more manageable.

This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for British citizens and residents to plan a seamless and rewarding pilgrimage.

1.Dates for Ramadan 2026

In 2026, the Islamic lunar calendar aligns with the UK’s late winter. While the exact start is subject to moon sighting, the following are the expected dates:

Ramadan Start: Evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

First Day of Fasting: Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

Last Ten Nights: Beginning around 8 March 2026.

Eid-ul-Fitr: Expected on 19 March 2026.

2. Choosing Your Umrah Package from the UK

UK pilgrims have three main ways to book their journey. Given the high demand for Ramadan, it is advised to book at least 3–4 months in advance.

Option A: All-Inclusive Packages

Most UK travel agents offer 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star Ramadan Umrah Packages 2026. These typically include:

Flights: Return tickets from major hubs like London (LHR/LGW), Manchester (MAN), or Birmingham (BHX).

Accommodation: Hotels in Makkah and Madinah.

Visas: Processing of the Umrah or Tourist eVisa.

Ziyarat: Guided tours of historical Islamic sites.

Option B: The "DIY" Route

You can book your flights and hotels independently and apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa online. This is often more flexible but requires you to manage your own transport and permits.

UK Agent Comparison Table

3. Visa and Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

As a UK passport holder, you have streamlined options for entering Saudi Arabia in 2026.

Tourist eVisa: The most popular choice. It is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits you to perform Umrah.

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW): A cheaper, single-entry option for British citizens, but it must be applied for at least 48 hours before travel.

Umrah Visa: Usually required if you are traveling with a specific religious group and want the agent to handle all logistics.

Crucial Requirement: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia.

4. Health and Logistics

Mandatory Vaccinations

The Saudi Ministry of Health requires all pilgrims from the UK to have a valid Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate, issued at least 10 days before arrival. It is also highly recommended to get a seasonal flu jab.

The Nusuk App

Regardless of your visa type, you must use the Nusuk App to:

Book your Umrah slot.

Obtain a permit to visit the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque (Madinah).

Slots for the last ten days of Ramadan are released in waves and fill up almost instantly.

5. Travel Tips for British Pilgrims

Flights: Direct flights via Saudia or British Airways are fastest. Budget-friendly indirect options include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Emirates.

The Train: Use the Haramain High-Speed Railway to travel between Makkah and Madinah in just 2.5 hours. Book tickets early via the HHR website.

Money: While cards are widely accepted, carry some Saudi Riyals (SAR) for small purchases and charity. Use a fee-free card like Monzo or Revolut to save on exchange rates.

Packing: Since February/March will be cooler, bring a light jacket for the early morning prayers in Madinah, as temperatures can drop significantly.

6. Planning Your Spiritual Itinerary

Ramadan is divided into three stages (Ashras). Your experience will vary depending on when you go:

First 10 Days: Usually less crowded; ideal for first-timers to perform rituals with more space.

Middle 10 Days: The atmosphere intensifies as more international pilgrims arrive.

Last 10 Days: The most spiritually significant. Expect extreme crowds for Laylat-al-Qadr and Tahajjud prayers.

7. Final Checklist for Ramadan 2026

Passport: Check expiry date (must be after Sept 2026).

Visa: Apply for eVisa or EVW.

Vaccines: Book your ACWY appointment at a local UK clinic.

ATOL Protection: Ensure your UK travel agent is ATOL/IATA protected.

Fitness: Start a walking routine (3–5 miles daily) to prepare for the physical toll of Tawaf and Sa'i.