Important note: Mecca is accessible to Muslims only. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the city — enforced at all checkpoints on roads into Mecca.
Umrah costs vary more widely than almost any other pilgrimage or travel category. A first-class suite in the Abraj Al Bait with a Kaaba view costs dozens of times more than a dormitory bed in the outer districts. The same rituals; very different budgets. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can plan accurately — whether you’re on a tight budget or prepared to spend.
Summary: What Does Umrah Cost?
| Budget Level | Accommodation | Flights (from UK) | Visa | Total Estimate (per person, 10 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | SAR 200–400/night (outer district) | £300–450 | SAR 300 | £800–1,400 |
| Mid-range | SAR 400–800/night (within 500m) | £350–550 | SAR 300 | £1,400–2,500 |
| Premium | SAR 1,000–3,000/night (Abraj Al Bait area) | £500–900 (direct/flexible) | SAR 300 | £3,000–8,000+ |
These figures cover 10 days: typically 6–8 nights in Mecca and 2–3 nights in Medina for a visit to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Package prices from UK operators broadly align with the economy and mid-range figures.
The Umrah Visa
Nusuk platform (individual applications): SAR 300 as of 2026 (approximately USD 80 / £65), paid through umrahvisa.nusuk.sa. Valid for 90 days from issue, multiple entries. Processing time: 1–3 business days in most cases.
Tourist eVisa: Some nationalities may perform Umrah on the standard Saudi tourist eVisa rather than the dedicated Umrah visa. This can reduce cost (the tourist eVisa is also approximately USD 140 for some nationalities, so it is not always cheaper). Check current policy — Saudi Arabia has been expanding the tourist eVisa’s eligibility and permitted activities.
Package visa handling: If booking through an authorised Umrah travel agent, visa processing is typically included in the package price. The agent’s quota system means package visa applications often process faster than individual Nusuk submissions during peak periods.
Flights
Umrah is performed year-round, which means flight prices vary significantly by season, booking lead time, and origin city.
From the UK:
- Economy return to Jeddah (JED): approximately £300–550 with carriers including Saudia, British Airways, Flydubai (via Dubai), and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Ramadan and Hajj season see surge pricing.
- Medina (MED) is an alternative arrival city — the Prophet’s Mosque is there, and many pilgrims begin in Medina before travelling by road or rail to Mecca. Flights to MED are sometimes cheaper than JED.
- Booking 3–6 months ahead saves significantly versus last-minute. Search for flights.
From the US, Canada, and Australia: Expect return fares of USD 900–1,600 (US), CAD 1,100–1,900 (Canada), and AUD 1,200–2,200 (Australia) — more with flexible booking conditions or during Ramadan peaks.
Haramain High-Speed Railway: the rail connection between Mecca, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and Medina costs approximately SAR 90–100 for the Mecca-to-Medina journey (with a stop at JED airport). It is the most practical way to travel between Mecca and Medina once you’re in Saudi Arabia.
Accommodation in Mecca
Proximity to Al-Masjid al-Haram is the primary driver of price in Mecca. The closer to the mosque, the higher the rate — and the difference is substantial.
Outer districts (1.5–4 km from the mosque): budget guesthouses and apartments from SAR 150–300/night. Adequate for pilgrims prioritising cost over proximity. A 15–30 minute walk or a short taxi ride (SAR 15–25) to the mosque. Search hotels in Mecca.
Mid-ring (500m–1.5 km from the mosque): SAR 300–700/night for 3–4 star hotels. Practical walking distance for most pilgrims. This range gives the best value-to-proximity combination.
Adjacent to the mosque (within 500m): SAR 700–2,000/night for established hotel brands in the immediate haram area. You are steps from the mosque gates.
Abraj Al Bait complex (Makkah Royal Clock Tower): the towers directly overlooking the Kaaba. 5-star hotels (Fairmont Makkah, Conrad Makkah, and others) in this complex command SAR 1,500–4,500/night depending on season, floor, and Kaaba view. These are among the most expensive hotel rooms in the world during Ramadan’s final 10 nights.
Accommodation in Medina
Most Umrah pilgrims spend 2–4 nights in Medina to pray at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque). Medina accommodation is meaningfully less expensive than Mecca.
Budget options: SAR 150–300/night for guesthouses and budget hotels within a 15-minute walk of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
Mid-range (within 500m of the mosque): SAR 300–600/night for 3–4 star properties. Several good hotel brands cluster around the mosque. Search hotels in Medina.
Luxury (adjacent to mosque): SAR 600–1,500/night for hotels in the immediate haram area, including Anantara Madinah Nusuk Resort and the Oberoi Madinah, which offer views of the mosque.
Package Umrah vs DIY: Which Is Cheaper?
Package Umrah from UK-based operators includes return flights, accommodation (Mecca and usually Medina nights), visa processing, and ground transport between cities. Authorised packages from ATOL-bonded operators (look for UK operators registered with the Association of British Hujjaj, such as Rayyan Travel, Olive Branch, or Al Rayyan Travel — always verify current ATOL bonding before booking) run approximately:
- Economy (outer district hotels): £800–1,200 per person
- Standard (mid-ring hotels): £1,100–1,700 per person
- Premium (haram-adjacent hotels): £1,800–2,800 per person
DIY Umrah — booking flights, visa, and accommodation separately — can undercut packages by £200–500 for well-organised travellers comfortable booking independently. The risk is that Nusuk visa processing and accommodation availability require more lead time management. During Ramadan peaks, many haram-adjacent hotels are block-booked by packages, effectively squeezing independent bookers into outer district accommodation or very high spot rates.
Verdict: packages offer best value for Ramadan and first-time pilgrims. DIY works well for off-season visits and experienced travellers who know the districts.
Seasonal Cost Variation
| Period | Demand Level | Approx. Price Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ramadan (especially last 10 nights) | Extremely high | 100–200% above base rate |
| Dhul Hijjah (Hajj season, days 8–13) | Umrah not permitted | — |
| Saudi public holidays (Eid, National Day) | High | 30–60% above base |
| November–January (outside Ramadan) | Moderate–high | 0–30% above base |
| June–August (summer) | Low | 20–40% below base |
The summer off-season (June–August) is the cheapest time to perform Umrah. Temperatures in Mecca regularly reach 42–48°C. Most outdoor activity between tawaf and sa’i is conducted inside the air-conditioned mosque complex — the heat is manageable for pilgrims moving between the mosque and their hotel, but is genuinely demanding.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Ihram clothing: men require two seamless white cloths (approximately SAR 50–150 to buy in Mecca or bring from home). Women need modest full-coverage clothing (already-owned abaya or equivalent).
Food: Mecca has an enormous range of restaurants and fast food — SAR 25–60 per meal at casual restaurants, SAR 80–150 at sit-down establishments. Zamzam water is free within the mosque complex.
Ground transport in Mecca: metered taxis within Mecca run SAR 15–40 for short trips. Uber and Careem operate in Mecca. The Mecca Metro (Al Mashaaer Railway, المشاعر المقدسة) is used primarily during Hajj season rather than Umrah.
Shopping and gifts: AlUla, Mecca, and Medina all have extensive markets. Budget separately if you intend to purchase gifts or religious items — it is easy to spend SAR 500–2,000+ on souvenirs and prayer items.
Travel insurance: comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Emergency medical treatment and repatriation costs can be substantial. Compare travel insurance.
Booking Checklist
- Visa: apply via Nusuk (SAR 300) or include in package booking
- Flights: book 3–6 months ahead for best economy fares — search flights
- Accommodation in Mecca: closer costs more but reduces travel fatigue — search Mecca hotels
- Accommodation in Medina: 2–3 nights adjacent to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi — search Medina hotels
- Travel insurance: cover medical, cancellation, and repatriation — compare options
- Ihram clothing and ritual items: buy before travelling or in Mecca on arrival
For the ritual steps of Umrah itself, see our complete Umrah guide.