Planning an Umrah trip with your family is quite challenging, as you have to consider various factors, especially if you are travelling with elderly people and kids. At the base of every trip lies the money question. Preparing the budget is a major part of the planning process, as you have to ensure that everything falls inside the allocated amount. From flight tickets and hotels to meals, transport, and visa fees, the costs can add up really quick. Moreover, when travelling with seniors, you need to stay in hotels that are near to Masjid Al Haram and Masjid e Nabwi. Plus, you also have to book family-friendly hotels and private on-ground transportation for maximum privacy. Not to mention, getting gifts and souvenirs for the friends and family back home also consumes a lot of money.
With this backdrop, many people ask how much money you need to embark on a family Umrah journey. Well, to answer this question, we need to consider two things. One of them is planning your trip yourself or booking pre-made Family Umrah Packages. If you are travelling from the UK, the cost of booking a family Umrah package starts around £750 and goes up to £1500 per person. The cost might come out a bit lower if you plan your Umrah yourself, but it is not going to be easy, especially for the first-timers.
In this post, we will explore the different factors that affect the cost of a family Umrah. Plus, we will also share some tips that can help you save some money.
A Detailed Breakdown of the Total Cost of Family Umrah
To give you a realistic estimate, we have kept the family size to 4. Let’s evaluate all the major factors that contribute to the overall cost of a family Umrah.
Umrah Cost
Every member in your family will need a visa to go for Umrah from the UK. There are two types of visas you can choose from; one is a special Umrah visa that you can typically get through a registered travel agent. The other one is a tourist visa that you can get online. British passport holders can do Umrah on both as long as it is not during the Hajj season.
The cost of a visa depends on the type you select. The Umrah visa usually costs between £100 and £150 per person, while the tourist visa is around £120. For a family of four, the cost of visas falls between £400 and £600. Please keep in mind that kids over the age of 2 need their own visa, just like grown-ups.
Flight Prices
Another important factor is to consider the flight prices, as it takes up a major portion of your budget. These prices change depending on when you book, the airline you fly with, and the type of ticket. Direct flights and business class seats cost more, while economy tickets and connecting flights are way cheaper. For two adults and two kids, the tickets can cost between £1,800 and £2,600. If you want to cut this cost, book your ticket at least 4-6 months before the departure date or avoid travelling in peak times such as Ramadan or cold weather.
Accommodation Costs
After flights, hotels are the most costly component of a family Umrah. The prices can come out very high if you stay in 5-star hotels near to the holy mosques in Makkah or Medina. Plus, if you travel during Ramadan or local holidays in the UK, hotels can be quite expensive. The cost also depends on the type of hotel you book. High-end 5-star options are the costliest, while the 3-star ones are quite affordable. For a 10-night stay, a family of four might spend anywhere between £1,000 and £3,500 on hotels. If this seems too much to you, you can book All Inclusive Umrah Packages that come with hotel bookings.
Transportation within Saudi Arabia
While in Saudi Arabia, your family will need to travel between cities. You will go from Jeddah to Makkah, then to Medinah, and back to the airport. There are plenty of options in the country, such as trains, buses, or private cars. For families with kids and elderlies, a private car is the best option, as it allows you to travel at your own pace and manage luggage easily. For a family of adults, buses and trains are the most cost-effective option. The transport expenses for a whole Umrah trip are around £300.
Miscellaneous and Food
There are many other expenses that may appear small but can get quite burdensome when you add them up. Let’s explore them.
- Food: £15 to £50
- Ihram: £30–£50
- Abayas/hijabs: £40–£80
- Luggage and travel accessories: £100–£150
- Souvenirs and gifts: £100–£300
- Mobile SIM and internet package: £20–£30
Some of these costs can be managed if you have people on your list that recently went to perform Umrah. For example, males can borrow Ihram, and female pilgrims can get Abayas from relatives or friends. Some luggage and travel accessories are already available with families.
Tips to Save on Your Family Umrah
Here are some tips to help you cut costs on your family Umrah.
- Book flights and hotels at least 3 to 6 months before departure.
- Avoid Ramadan, December, or school holidays if you want to perform a cheap family Umrah.
- Book group Umrah deals if you are travelling with extended family.
- Opt for shorter trips, as they can help cut costs significantly.
Umrah Packages vs. DIY Umrah: Which is better?
Now that we know everything about the costs of performing Umrah, the big question is whether to plan it yourself or book family Umrah packages. For a family with kids and adults, a premade deal is the best option, as it takes care of the logistics and bookings. If you are planning to go for Umrah with your family, connect with Muslims Holy Travel. They offer top-notch family Umrah packages UK at highly affordable prices.
