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Sunderland Umrah Packages

Sunderland Umrah Packages

Flight

Makkkah

Madina

Trasnport

Introduction

We provide premium Umrah services designed to support you from the moment you begin your journey until you safely return home. Unlike standard service providers, we stay with you 24/7 throughout your entire Umrah experience, ensuring complete guidance, comfort, and peace of mind at every step.

No matter your package or budget, we treat every client with the same level of care and premium service. Our goal is to make your spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah smooth, stress-free, and truly memorable with dedicated support before, during, and after your sacred trip.

What's Included — Umrah Package

What's Included

Enjoy a hassle-free Umrah journey with visa processing, flights, accommodation, transfers, and complete travel support included.

Visa

Complete Umrah visa processing with expert assistance for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Return Flights

Comfortable return flights with trusted airlines, ensuring a convenient travel experience.

Ground Transfers

Reliable airport and local transportation services throughout your Umrah trip.

Ticket

Confirmed flight tickets with flexible travel arrangements tailored to your needs.

3–4 People Sharing

Comfortable shared accommodation options designed for convenience and affordability.

Peace

Perform your Umrah with complete peace of mind while we manage all travel arrangements.

Dar Al Eiman Al Khalil Hotel

(Hotel In makkah)

Stay in premium hotels in Makkah offering comfortable accommodation, modern amenities, and easy access to Masjid al-Haram. Whether you are visiting for Umrah or Hajj, enjoy exceptional hospitality, spacious rooms, and a peaceful stay near the Holy Kaaba.

Free Wi-Fi

Comfort

4km Walk

Dar Al Eiman Al Khalil Hotel

(Hotel In madina)

Discover the best hotels in Madinah offering comfortable stays, modern facilities, and close proximity to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Whether you are visiting for Umrah, Hajj, or a spiritual journey, enjoy exceptional hospitality and a peaceful atmosphere near the Prophet’s Mosque.

Free Wi-Fi

Comfort

4km Walk

More Than Just Umrah Packages

Umrah Packages from Sunderland 2027 — From £679 per Person with a £99 Deposit

Umrah packages from Sunderland for 2027 start at £679 per person for 7 nights in 3-star accommodation, rising to £1,329 for 14 nights in 5-star hotels beside the Haram. These are advance booking rates, £20 per person below our standard rate, held for pilgrims confirming ahead of the season. Return flights, Umrah visa, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, all Saudi transfers and 24/7 support are included, and a £99 deposit secures the price.

Sunderland has a relatively small settled Muslim community — around 4,900 people, or 1.8 per cent of the city. What it also has is one of the most internationally diverse student populations in the country. The University of Sunderland hosts nearly 6,000 international students from over 100 countries, making up 37 per cent of its student body, and ranks second in the UK for international student diversity.

That produces a particular kind of enquiry we get from Sunderland more than almost anywhere: someone in the UK on a student visa, holding a passport from Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or elsewhere, who wants to perform Umrah and cannot get a straight answer about whether they can. You can, almost always. This page explains what to check. For a quote, message our team on WhatsApp or call +44 7737 144 335, or start from the Packages Umrah homepage.

Sunderland Umrah 2027 at a Glance

Question

Answer

Package price from

£679pp — 7 nights, 3-star, quad sharing

Deposit

£99 per person

Departure airport

Newcastle — around 20 miles, the shortest run in this series

Can I book on a non-UK passport?

Yes, in almost all cases — see the guidance below

Can I go while on a UK student visa?

Usually yes, but check your re-entry position first

Ramadan 2027 begins

Expected Monday 8 February 2027

Umrah unavailable

Approximately early April to early June 2027

Durations

7, 10, 12 and 14 nights

Nights in Madinah

3 to 7 depending on package

Best window for a first Umrah

Late September to November 2027

Areas covered

Sunderland, Washington, Houghton, Seaham, South Shields, Durham

 

Umrah for International Students and Non-UK Passport Holders

The Question Almost Nobody Answers

If you hold a British passport, booking Umrah is simple and every website assumes you do. If you are in the UK on a student or work visa holding a passport from somewhere else, you are dealing with two separate immigration systems at once and almost nothing written for UK pilgrims acknowledges it.

The short version: you can almost certainly go. International students perform Umrah from the UK every year. But there are two things to get right, and getting the second one wrong is far more serious than getting the first one wrong.

The Two Permissions You Need

One — Your Saudi Umrah Visa

Umrah visa requirements vary by nationality. Some passport holders can use one route, others need a different one, and the arrangements have changed several times in recent seasons. What we can tell you plainly is that we process Umrah visas for non-British passport holders regularly and it is routine work rather than an exception.

What we need from you at the enquiry stage: your nationality, your passport details, and your UK immigration status. From that we confirm exactly what applies to you and what it costs, before you pay anything. We will not take a deposit and then discover a problem.

Two — Getting Back Into the UK

This is the part people underestimate, and it is the one that can actually strand you. Leaving the UK is easy. Coming back requires valid UK immigration permission.

  • Your UK leave must cover your return date. If your visa expires while you are away, you cannot re-enter on it. Check the expiry date on your permission, not just your passport.
  • You need the right proof of status. The UK has moved from physical biometric residence permits to digital eVisas. Make sure you can access your UKVI account and generate a share code before you fly, not at the airport.
  • If you have an application pending, leaving the UK may affect it. Take advice from your university’s international student team before you book anything.
  • Your passport must be the one linked to your UK status. If you have renewed your passport since your visa was granted, make sure your digital status is updated to the new document.
  • Some visa conditions restrict travel. Check yours rather than assuming.

We are a travel company, not immigration advisers. On anything touching your UK status, check the official UK government guidance and speak to your university’s international student support team — at Sunderland they deal with this constantly and the advice is free. What we will do is tell you what we need for the Saudi side and flag anything that looks like it needs checking. What we will not do is guess.

A Practical Checklist Before You Book

Check

Why It Matters

When to Do It

Passport validity — six months beyond return

Required for the Umrah visa

Now

UK leave covers your return date

You cannot re-enter on expired permission

Now

You can access your UKVI account and share code

Digital status is how you prove your right to return

Before booking

No pending UK application affected by travel

Leaving can affect some applications

Before booking

MenACWY vaccination arranged

Mandatory for Saudi entry

At least 10 days before travel

Travel insurance covering both countries

Medical care abroad is not free

Before travel

Your dates fall outside the Umrah closure

Umrah is suspended April to June 2027

Before booking

 

When to Travel Around Your Course

If you are studying, your dates are set by term rather than by annual leave. The 2027 calendar interacts with the academic year in one way that matters a great deal.

Academic Window

Approximate 2027 Dates

Umrah Status

Verdict

Christmas vacation

Mid-December 2026 to mid-January 2027

Open, comfortable weather

Strong option

Semester break / February

Mid-February

Ramadan first Ashra

Possible, short and busy

Easter vacation

Late March to late April 2027

Closing, then closed

Largely unusable

After exams / May

Late May to early June

Closed for Hajj

Not possible

Summer vacation

Mid-June to September

Open, cheapest of the year

Best availability

Late September

Before term restarts

Open, heat easing, low prices

The best window of the year

 

The Easter vacation is the trap. It is normally the obvious choice for a student trip, and in 2027 it collides almost entirely with the Umrah closure ahead of Hajj. If you are planning around Easter, plan around something else. Late September is the strongest window — cheapest prices, comfortable temperatures, and you are back before term.

Cost and Paying for It

International students are often paying UK-level fees and living costs on funds from home, so the money side matters. Our arrangement is straightforward:

  • £99 deposit per person, deducted from your total rather than added on top.
  • Balance paid directly to us in instalments — no interest, no credit agreement, no third-party lender.
  • The total is the same whether you pay upfront or across several months.
  • On a 7-night package, the balance after deposit is £580, which is around £48 a month over a year or £11 a week.

One honest word. If the numbers only work by borrowing or by leaving yourself short during term, wait. Umrah is not worth debt or hardship, and the long booking window exists precisely so you can plan for it properly rather than stretch for it.

What to Send Us at Enquiry Stage

  1. Your nationality and passport details — so we can confirm the Umrah visa route that applies to you.
  2. Your UK immigration status and its expiry date — so we can flag anything that needs checking before you commit.
  3. Your available dates — term breaks, exam dates, anything fixed.
  4. Whether you are travelling alone or with others.
  5. Any questions at all, including ones you feel you should already know the answer to. We would rather you asked.

Madinah — The Half of the Trip Nobody Writes About

Every Umrah package includes nights in Madinah, and almost no travel page says anything about what to do there. Pilgrims arrive knowing exactly what happens in Makkah and very little about the second city. Here is what to expect.

It Feels Completely Different

Makkah is intense. The Haram operates around the clock, the crowds are dense, and the rites give the days a structure. Madinah is calmer, flatter, slower and considerably easier. The hotel district around Masjid an-Nabawi is compact and level, so even mid-range hotels are usually a short walk from the mosque.

Most pilgrims we speak to afterwards describe Madinah as the part they remember most warmly, and a good number wish they had booked more nights there. If you are choosing how to split your time, that is worth knowing before you decide rather than after.

The Rawdah

The area between the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) pulpit and his blessed chamber. Entry requires a free permit booked through the Nusuk app, and slots are released on a rolling basis and go quickly. Men and women have entirely separate time windows.

Book your permit as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. This is the single most common thing pilgrims leave too late and then cannot get. If you are travelling as a couple or a family, expect to visit at different times.

Masjid Quba

The first mosque built in Islam, a short drive from the centre of Madinah. There is a well-known narration regarding the reward for praying two rak’ahs there after purifying oneself at home, and many pilgrims make a point of visiting for that reason. It is calm, uncrowded compared with the main mosque, and easily reached — most Ziyarat tours include it.

Uhud

The site of the Battle of Uhud, with the graves of the martyrs including Hamza (may Allah be pleased with him). The mountain itself is visible from much of the city. Most pilgrims find it a sobering stop rather than a sightseeing one, and it is usually the part of the Ziyarat tour that stays with people.

The Other Sites

  • Masjid al-Qiblatayn — the mosque of the two qiblas, where the direction of prayer was changed towards Makkah.
  • The Seven Mosques — a cluster of small historic mosques near the site of the Battle of the Trench.
  • Jannat al-Baqi — the historic cemetery adjacent to Masjid an-Nabawi, where many companions and family of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are buried. Opening times are limited and access differs for men and women.
  • The date markets — genuinely worth an hour, and where most pilgrims buy gifts to bring home.

How Many Nights Should You Spend There?

Package

Nights in Makkah

Nights in Madinah

Comment

7 nights

4

3

Three nights is enough for the Rawdah and the main Ziyarat, but tight

10 nights

5

5

A comfortable balance and what most pilgrims prefer

12 nights

6

6

Room to visit sites more than once and to rest

14 nights

7

7

Generous in both cities

 

You can change the split. Many pilgrims want longer in Makkah; a good number, having been before, ask for longer in Madinah. Tell us at the quote stage and we will build it that way rather than defaulting to an even division.

Departing from Sunderland

The Shortest Airport Run of Anywhere We Serve

Newcastle Airport is around 20 miles from Sunderland, roughly 35 to 40 minutes by car — the shortest journey to a usable airport of any town in this series. Newcastle offers connecting services through Gulf hubs that reach Jeddah with a single change.

Manchester, at around 140 miles and two and a half hours, is the alternative and flies direct. So the choice is between a very short journey with a connection, and a long journey without one.

Airport

Distance

Journey Time

Route Type

Best For

Newcastle (NCL)

~20 miles

~35–40 minutes

One-stop via a Gulf hub

Most Sunderland pilgrims

Manchester (MAN)

~140 miles

~2h 30m

Direct to Jeddah

Families with young children, elderly travellers

Teesside (MME)

~35 miles

~50 minutes

No Saudi service

Not an option

Leeds Bradford (LBA)

~95 miles

~2 hours

No Saudi service

Not an option

 

For most Sunderland pilgrims, Newcastle is the right answer. Thirty-five minutes to the terminal is a genuine advantage, particularly for an early departure. We would only steer you to Manchester if you are travelling with children under ten or adults over sixty-five, where avoiding the connection is worth the extra two hours in the car.

Route availability from Newcastle varies by season and carrier scheduling, so we check what is actually operating on your specific dates rather than assuming. Ask us to price both airports and you can see the real difference side by side.

Getting to Newcastle Airport

Method

Journey Time

Approx. Cost

Notes

Car

~35–40 minutes

Fuel plus £60–£90 parking for 8 days

Simplest option

Metro

~1 hour

£4–£6 per person

Direct on the Tyne and Wear Metro, changing at Monument

Private transfer

~35 minutes

£40–£65 each way

Worth splitting across four

Group coach

~35 minutes

Included from 8 travellers

From a Sunderland pickup point

 

The Metro is genuinely useful here — it runs from Sunderland directly into Newcastle Airport with one change, costs a few pounds, and removes any parking question. For a student travelling alone it is comfortably the best option.

Areas We Serve

Sunderland city centre, Hendon, Millfield, Pallion, Southwick, Roker, Fulwell, Barnes, St Peter’s, Ryhope, Silksworth and Doxford Park, together with Washington, Houghton-le-Spring, Hetton, Seaham, Peterlee, South Shields, Jarrow, Boldon and Durham City.

2027 Umrah Package Prices from Sunderland

All prices per person, quad sharing, including flights, visa, hotels in both cities, transfers and Ziyarat.

Duration

3-Star 2027 Rate

4-Star 2027 Rate

5-Star 2027 Rate

7 nights

£679

£730

£879

10 nights

£729

£879

£979

12 nights

£779

£979

£1,179

14 nights

£829

£1,079

£1,329

 

3-Star Umrah Packages from Sunderland 2027

Three-star is where most first bookings sit and where students almost always start. Hotels are between roughly 800 metres and 1.5 kilometres from Masjid al-Haram with a free shuttle running day and night. Rooms are quad or triple, allocated single-sex. Breakfast is included at some properties and not others, and your quote states which.

7 Nights 3-Star Umrah Package — £679 per person

What You Get

Four nights in Makkah and three in Madinah, with return flights, visa, all Saudi transfers and the intercity leg.

The Lowest Total Commitment

At £679 this is the smallest amount of money you can commit to a properly organised Umrah with us. For a student paying from savings, that matters more than the per-night arithmetic. Three nights in Madinah is enough for the Rawdah and the main Ziyarat sites, though it is tight.

10 Nights 3-Star Umrah Package — £729 per person

The Best Value Step in the Range

Five nights in each city. Fifty pounds more than seven nights for three extra nights, because your flight cost does not change. Cost per night falls from £97 to £73.

Why We Recommend It

Five nights in Madinah rather than three is the difference between visiting the sites and actually spending time there. It also gives a first-time pilgrim room to settle, and if you are flying via Newcastle with a connection, it absorbs the longer travel days at each end.

12 Nights 3-Star Umrah Package — £779 per person

Time in Both Cities

Six nights in each city at £65 per night. Enough to visit the Ziyarat sites more than once and to perform Umrah again if you wish. Twelve nights at 3-star costs less than seven nights at 5-star.

14 Nights 3-Star Umrah Package — £829 per person

Best Value Per Night We Offer

Seven nights in each city at £59 per night all-in, including flights, visa, hotels and transfers. For a student with a long summer vacation, this is the package that extracts the most from a single set of flights.

The Four Durations Compared

Duration

2027 Price

Per Night

Makkah

Madinah

Best For

7 nights

£679

£97

4

3

Lowest total cost, short breaks

10 nights

£729

£73

5

5

Our recommendation

12 nights

£779

£65

6

6

Time in both cities, multiple Umrahs

14 nights

£829

£59

7

7

Best value, long vacations

 

See our 3-star Umrah packages page and the dedicated 7-night 3-star package.

4-Star and 5-Star Packages for 2027

4-Star from £730 per person

Four-star means walking to the Haram in six to twelve minutes rather than waiting for a shuttle. On a 7-night package the step up is £51 — the smallest gap in our range and worth taking if your budget allows, particularly if you are travelling alone and would rather be able to return to your room whenever you want.

Duration

4-Star Rate

Step Up From 3-Star

7 nights

£730

+£51

10 nights

£879

+£150

12 nights

£979

+£200

14 nights

£1,079

+£250

 

See our 4-star Umrah packages page.

5-Star from £879 per person

At 5-star you are 100 to 350 metres from the Haram, generally in the towers around it. It matters most during Ramadan and for anyone with limited mobility. In Madinah the difference is smaller, because the central district is compact and walkable at every grade.

Duration

5-Star Rate

Step Up From 3-Star

7 nights

£879

+£200

10 nights

£979

+£250

12 nights

£1,179

+£400

14 nights

£1,329

+£500

 

See 5-star Umrah packages and luxury Umrah packages.

Booking with a £99 Deposit

How It Works

  1. Tell us your dates, nationality and UK status if you are not a British passport holder.
  2. Written quote — full cost, hotel names in both cities, distance from the Haram, flight routing and departure time.
  3. £99 per traveller. Your price is locked from that point.
  4. Instalments weekly or monthly, paid directly to us, no interest and no credit agreement.
  5. Documents for visa close to departure, timed to the entry validity window.

Worked Example — One Student, 10 Nights 3-Star

Stage

Amount

Timing

Deposit

£99

Today

Package total

£729

Balance

£630

Instalments

Over 12 months

£53 per month

Until cleared

Per week

Around £12

Until cleared

Metro to Newcastle Airport

£4–£6

On the day

 

Full terms are in our terms and conditions. Found a comparable package cheaper? Send us the written quote and we will beat it by £20 per person through our Beat My Quote page.

The 2027 Umrah Calendar

All Islamic dates are expected dates based on astronomical calculation and confirmed by moon sighting closer to the time.

The Year at a Glance

Window

Timing

Cost

Verdict

January

Sha’ban, pre-Ramadan

Low

Excellent value, comfortable weather

Ramadan first Ashra

8–17 February

High

Best Ramadan value

Ramadan last ten nights

From 27 February

Highest

Extraordinary but physically demanding

Post-Eid

Mid to late March

Falling

Good at short notice

April to May

Hajj season

Not available

Umrah suspended entirely

June to August

Summer

Lowest

Cheapest, but 40°C and above

Late September to November

Autumn

Low

The best window of the year

December

Christmas holidays

Moderate

Pleasant, book by June 2027

 

Ramadan 2027

Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, ending around 9 March, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 to 10 March. The last ten nights begin around 27 February, with Laylat al-Qadr most likely on one of the odd nights and the 27th night falling around 5 to 6 March. The first Ashra carries the full reward at a fraction of the cost of the final ten nights. See our Ramadan Umrah packages and February 2027.

The 2027 Closure

Umrah is not possible from roughly early April to early June 2027. Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah visas ahead of Hajj and requires Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom before the season begins. Hajj 2027 falls on 14 to 18 May, with the Day of Arafah on Saturday 15 May and Eid al-Adha on Sunday 16 May.

Phase

Expected Timing

Status

Normal season

To around late March 2027

Open

Visa issuance stops

Late March / early April 2027

No new Umrah visas

Departure deadline

Around early April 2027

All Umrah pilgrims must leave

Hajj

Through 18–19 May 2027

Hajj pilgrims only

Season reopens

From around June 2027

Open — 1449 AH

 

These dates follow the pattern of recent seasons and have not been confirmed for 2027 by the Saudi authorities. This is the closure that makes the Easter vacation unusable for students in 2027, and removes Easter and May half term for families.

Autumn Is the Best Window of the Year

Late September to November brings moderate crowds, temperatures that have eased and prices at their comfortable low. For a first Umrah from Sunderland — student or otherwise — autumn 2027 with a 10 or 12-night 3-star package is the strongest combination available. See September, October and November 2027, or browse January, March, June, July, August and December 2027.

Sunderland in Numbers

A Small Settled Community, a Very International City

Sunderland City Council’s equality profile records the 2021 Census religious breakdown as 53.2 per cent Christian, 39.5 per cent no religion and 1.8 per cent Muslim — around 4,900 people in a city of roughly 274,000. Sunderland’s settled Muslim community is small by national standards, concentrated in and around the city centre wards including Hendon, Millfield, Barnes and St Peter’s.

Alongside that sits something quite different. The University of Sunderland hosts nearly 6,000 international students — 37 per cent of its student body — from over 100 countries, and ranks second in the UK for international student diversity in the QS World University Rankings: Europe. A significant proportion come from Muslim-majority countries or are Muslim themselves.

What That Means for Umrah in Sunderland

It means the Umrah market here looks different from anywhere else we serve. Rather than multigenerational families booking through mosque networks, a large share of enquiries come from individuals — often young, often on student visas, often performing Umrah for the first time and organising it entirely themselves, with no family nearby who has done it before.

That is why this page is written the way it is. If you are in that position, you are not an unusual case here. You are the typical Sunderland enquiry, and everything above was written for you.

If You Would Rather Travel With a Group

Sunderland does not generate large group departures the way Bolton or Bradford do. If you would prefer not to travel alone, tell us — we can often place you on a group departure from elsewhere, and Newcastle, Middlesbrough and further afield all run them. See our Middlesbrough packages for the nearest Teesside departures.

What Every 2027 Package Includes

Included

Detail

Return flights

Economy from Newcastle or Manchester, checked baggage included

Umrah visa

Processed by us, including for non-British passport holders

Makkah hotel

Named property, distance from the Haram confirmed in writing

Madinah hotel

Named property in the central zone

Airport transfers

Arrival and departure in Saudi Arabia

Intercity transfer

Makkah to Madinah or the reverse

Ziyarat tours

Masjid Quba, Uhud, Qiblatayn and the sites around both cities

Nationality-specific visa guidance

Confirmed before you pay a deposit

Interest-free instalments

Paid directly to us, no credit agreement

Pre-departure pack

Tickets, vouchers, Nusuk guidance, step-by-step Umrah guide

24/7 support

UK and Saudi hours, with a named contact

Financial protection

ATOL protected, certificate issued with confirmation

 

Not Included

  • Travel insurance — essential if you are travelling alone or on a non-UK passport
  • MenACWY vaccination — mandatory for entry, usually free on the NHS or via campus health services
  • Any UK immigration fees or applications
  • Meals beyond breakfast where breakfast is included
  • Personal Ihram clothing
  • Hotel upgrades and Haram-view supplements
  • Transport to Newcastle Airport, unless added to your booking

Frequently Asked Questions — Umrah from Sunderland 2027

International Students and Non-UK Passports

Can I perform Umrah if I am in the UK on a student visa?

In almost all cases, yes. International students perform Umrah from the UK every year. The two things to get right are your Saudi Umrah visa and your permission to re-enter the UK afterwards.

Can I book with a non-British passport?

Yes. We process Umrah visas for non-British passport holders regularly. Send us your nationality, passport details and UK immigration status and we will confirm exactly what applies before you pay anything.

Do Umrah visa requirements differ by nationality?

Yes, considerably, and the arrangements have changed several times in recent seasons. That is why we confirm your specific route at the enquiry stage rather than assuming.

What is the biggest thing to check before booking?

That your UK immigration permission covers your return date. Leaving the UK is easy; coming back requires valid leave. Check the expiry on your permission, not just your passport.

How do I prove my right to return to the UK?

The UK has moved from physical residence permits to digital eVisas. Make sure you can access your UKVI account and generate a share code before you fly, not at the airport.

What if I have a UK application pending?

Leaving the UK can affect some applications. Speak to your university’s international student support team before booking anything — at Sunderland they deal with this constantly and the advice is free.

I renewed my passport since my visa was granted — does that matter?

It can. Your digital status needs to be linked to your current passport. Check this before you travel rather than at the airport.

Do you give immigration advice?

No. We are a travel company. We confirm what we need for the Saudi side and flag anything that looks like it needs checking, then point you to official UK guidance and your university team for the rest.

Can I go during term time?

That is between you and your course. Most students travel in vacations, and the calendar section above sets out which 2027 windows actually work.

Which vacation is best for a student in 2027?

Late September, at the end of the long vacation — cheapest prices, comfortable temperatures, and you are back before term. The Christmas vacation is the next best.

Can I go during the Easter vacation 2027?

Almost certainly not. Easter 2027 falls in late March at the edge of the Umrah closure ahead of Hajj, and April is closed entirely.

How much does it cost a student?

From £679 for a 7-night 3-star package. After the £99 deposit the balance is £580, which is around £48 a month or £11 a week over a year.

Should I borrow money to go?

We would say no. If it only works by borrowing or leaving yourself short during term, wait a year and use the long booking window instead.

Can I travel alone?

Yes, and many Sunderland pilgrims do. You get a full pre-departure pack, a named contact and support in Saudi hours as well as UK ones.

Can I join a group instead?

Yes. Sunderland does not generate many large group departures itself, but we can often place you on one from elsewhere in the region. Tell us at the enquiry stage.

What do you need from me to start?

Your nationality and passport details, your UK status and its expiry, your available dates, and whether you are travelling alone. Plus any questions, including ones you feel you should already know.

Madinah

How many nights will I spend in Madinah?

Three on a 7-night package, five on a 10-night, six on a 12-night and seven on a 14-night. You can change the split — tell us at the quote stage.

Is Madinah different from Makkah?

Considerably. It is calmer, flatter and slower, and the hotel district around Masjid an-Nabawi is compact and level. Most pilgrims describe it as the part they remember most warmly.

What is the Rawdah?

The area between the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) pulpit and his blessed chamber. Entry requires a free permit booked through the Nusuk app, and men and women have entirely separate time windows.

How do I get a Rawdah permit?

Free through the Nusuk app as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Slots are released on a rolling basis and go quickly — this is the single most common thing pilgrims leave too late.

Will my family visit the Rawdah together?

No. Men and women have separate time windows, so expect to visit at different times.

What is Masjid Quba?

The first mosque built in Islam, a short drive from central Madinah. Many pilgrims make a point of praying there, and most Ziyarat tours include it.

What is at Uhud?

The site of the Battle of Uhud, with the graves of the martyrs including Hamza (may Allah be pleased with him). Most pilgrims find it the part of the Ziyarat that stays with them.

What else is worth seeing in Madinah?

Masjid al-Qiblatayn, the Seven Mosques near the site of the Battle of the Trench, and Jannat al-Baqi beside the main mosque. The date markets are genuinely worth an hour.

Can I visit Jannat al-Baqi?

Yes, though opening times are limited and access arrangements differ for men and women. Ask locally on arrival for current timings.

Should I book more nights in Madinah?

A good number of returning pilgrims do exactly that. If you have been before and found three nights short, ask us to weight your next trip the other way.

Are Madinah hotels within walking distance?

Generally yes at every grade. The central district is compact and flat, so the difference between hotel grades matters far less there than in Makkah.

Is Ziyarat included in the package?

Yes, on most packages, covering the historic sites in and around both cities. Your quote confirms what is included.

Travelling from Sunderland

Which airport do Sunderland pilgrims use?

Newcastle, around 20 miles and 35 to 40 minutes away — the shortest airport run of any town we serve. It offers connecting services through Gulf hubs to Jeddah.

Is there a direct flight to Jeddah from Newcastle?

Not direct, but connecting services through the Gulf reach Jeddah with a single change. Availability varies by season, so we check what is operating on your dates.

Should I fly from Newcastle or Manchester?

Newcastle for most people — thirty-five minutes to the terminal is a real advantage. Choose Manchester and its direct flight if you are travelling with children under ten or adults over sixty-five.

How do I get to Newcastle Airport?

The Metro runs from Sunderland into the airport with one change at Monument, for a few pounds. By car it is 35 to 40 minutes with long-stay parking available.

Is the Metro practical with luggage?

Yes, and for a student travelling alone it is comfortably the best option — no parking, no driving after a long return flight, and it costs a fraction of a taxi.

Do you arrange coach transfers?

Yes, included from eight travellers, from a Sunderland pickup point.

Do you serve Washington, Houghton and Seaham?

Yes, along with Peterlee, South Shields, Jarrow, Boldon and Durham City.

Can I fly into Jeddah and home from Madinah?

Yes. Open-jaw routings work well and save a long intercity transfer at the end of the trip.

2027 Pricing and Booking

How much does Umrah cost from Sunderland in 2027?

From £679 per person for 7 nights in 3-star, up to £1,329 for 14 nights in 5-star, including flights, visa, hotels in both cities and transfers.

What is the cheapest package?

The 7-night 3-star at £679 per person. On cost per night, the 14-night 3-star at £829 is better value at £59 a night.

Why are 2027 rates £20 below your standard price?

They are advance booking rates for pilgrims confirming ahead of the season.

How much is the deposit?

£99 per person, deducted from your total rather than added to it.

Is the payment plan interest-free?

Yes. You pay us directly in instalments with no interest, no credit agreement and no third-party lender. The total is the same whether you pay upfront or over months.

Will my price change after booking?

No. Once your deposit is paid and the booking confirmed in writing, your price is fixed.

How much is a 7-night 3-star package for 2027?

£679 per person, quad sharing, four nights in Makkah and three in Madinah.

How much is a 10-night 3-star package for 2027?

£729 per person, five nights in each city, at £73 per night. Our recommendation.

How much is a 12-night 3-star package for 2027?

£779 per person, six nights in each city, at £65 per night.

How much is a 14-night 3-star package for 2027?

£829 per person, seven nights in each city, at £59 per night.

Do you beat other agencies’ quotes?

Yes. Send us a written quote for a comparable package and we will beat it by £20 per person via our Beat My Quote page.

Are there hidden charges?

No. Your written quote is what you pay, and everything excluded is listed openly above.

Is a single room much more expensive?

It carries the largest of the room supplements. Quad sharing at the headline rate is single-sex and entirely normal, so if you are happy to share the price does not change.

3-Star Packages and Durations

Is 7 nights enough for Umrah?

It works and it is the lowest total commitment we offer. Three nights in Madinah is enough for the Rawdah and main Ziyarat, though tight.

Which duration do you recommend?

Ten nights. Five nights in Madinah rather than three is the difference between visiting the sites and spending time there.

What does a 3-star package include?

The same core inclusions as every grade — flights, visa, hotels in both cities, transfers and Ziyarat. The difference is hotel standard and distance from the Haram.

How far are 3-star hotels from the Haram?

Typically 800 metres to 1.5 kilometres in Makkah, with a complimentary shuttle. In Madinah the difference between grades is much smaller.

Is 3-star good enough?

For a fit adult, comfortably. If you are travelling alone and want to be able to walk back whenever you like, the £51 step to 4-star is worth considering.

Do 3-star packages include breakfast?

At some properties, not all. Your written quote states which before you pay.

How many people share a room?

Quad sharing at the £679 rate, allocated single-sex. Triple, double, twin and single occupancy are available for a supplement.

Can I upgrade after booking?

Usually yes, subject to availability and the price difference.

Is 12 nights worth it over 10?

If you have the time, yes — it gives room to visit the Ziyarat sites more than once and to perform Umrah again if you wish.

Who should book 14 nights?

Students with a long summer vacation, retired pilgrims, and anyone who wants the most from a single set of flights.

Can I change the split between cities?

Yes, and more people should ask. Many want longer in Makkah; returning pilgrims often want longer in Madinah.

Can I book longer than 14 nights?

Yes, as a custom itinerary. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates.

The 2027 Calendar

When is Ramadan 2027?

Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, ending around 9 March, subject to moon sighting.

When do the last ten nights begin?

Around Saturday 27 February 2027, running through to Eid.

When is Laylat al-Qadr 2027?

On one of the odd nights within the last ten. The 27th night, considered most likely by many scholars, falls around 5 to 6 March 2027.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2027?

Expected around 9 to 10 March 2027, subject to moon sighting.

When is Hajj 2027?

The main rites fall between 14 and 18 May 2027, with the Day of Arafah on Saturday 15 May and Eid al-Adha on Sunday 16 May.

When is Umrah not possible in 2027?

Approximately early April to early June 2027, while Saudi Arabia prepares for and holds Hajj.

What is the best month for Umrah in 2027?

Late September to November — moderate crowds, comfortable temperatures and prices at their annual low.

What is the cheapest time?

From June, once the new season opens after Hajj, though daytime temperatures in Makkah regularly exceed 40 degrees.

Which part of Ramadan is best value?

The first Ashra. Full reward at far lower cost than the final ten nights.

Is the last ten nights suitable for a first Umrah?

We would not recommend it. Sleep patterns invert entirely and the physical demands are considerable.

Is January 2027 a good time?

Yes — comfortable weather, moderate crowds and pricing that has not yet moved towards Ramadan.

Visa, Vaccination and Requirements

When do I apply for the 2027 Umrah visa?

Close to your travel date rather than at booking. Saudi Arabia has shortened the window in which you must enter after issue.

How long does visa processing take?

Usually three to seven working days once we have a complete document set.

What documents do I need?

A passport valid at least six months beyond your return, a recent photograph, the application, proof of MenACWY vaccination, and confirmed travel and accommodation — which we provide.

Is the meningitis vaccine mandatory?

Yes. Proof of MenACWY vaccination is required for entry. Arrange it at least ten days before you fly.

Where can I get the vaccine in Sunderland?

Most Sunderland GP surgeries provide it and it is normally free on the NHS for pilgrimage travel. University health services can usually advise students.

Do women need a mahram in 2027?

Saudi rules have relaxed considerably and women can generally perform Umrah without a male guardian, often when travelling in an organised group. Requirements have changed more than once, so we confirm the current position at booking. See our women’s Umrah packages.

Do I need the Nusuk app?

Yes. It handles Rawdah permits and, at peak times, Haram entry permits. Register before travelling while you have reliable wifi.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, and particularly if you are travelling alone or on a non-UK passport. Medical treatment in Saudi Arabia is not free for visitors.

What if my passport expires before 2027?

Renew it now. You need at least six months of validity beyond your return date — and if you hold UK immigration permission, make sure your digital status is updated to the new passport.

How long does it take to perform Umrah?

Between two and four hours for the rites themselves, depending on how busy the Haram is.

Book Your 2027 Umrah from Sunderland

If you are here because you are on a student visa with a non-British passport and could not find anyone who would give you a straight answer, send us your details and we will give you one. It costs nothing to ask and we would rather check properly than have you find a problem later.

Explore more: our full Umrah packages range, special offers, the Packages Umrah blog, or return to the homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is Umrah and who can perform it?

Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. It is open to all Muslims worldwide, regardless of age or gender, provided women under 45 are accompanied by a Mahram.

Hajj is the compulsory annual pilgrimage performed during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed throughout the year and is often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage.”

The actual rituals of Umrah — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir — can be completed in a few hours. However, most pilgrims spend 7 to 14 days in Saudi Arabia to maximise their time in worship at the Haram.

Umrah can be performed throughout the year. However, Ramadan is considered the most spiritually rewarding time, as performing Umrah during this month holds the reward equivalent to Hajj. January to March also offer cooler temperatures and a peaceful atmosphere.

Our Umrah packages typically include return flights from the UK, hotel accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah, airport transfers, Umrah visa processing, and 24/7 customer support. Full details are listed on each individual package page.