How Long Does Umrah Take? A Complete Guide for UK Pilgrims
How long does Umrah take? The actual Umrah rituals usually take around 2 to 6 hours, depending on crowd levels, walking pace and individual circumstances.
However, a complete Umrah trip from the UK generally takes 5 to 14 days, including flights, accommodation, travel between Makkah and Madinah, and time for worship.
If you are planning your first pilgrimage, understanding the difference between ritual duration and the overall trip length will help you prepare properly.
How Long Does It Take to Perform Umrah?
The main Umrah rituals can often be completed within a few hours. However, there is no fixed duration because the experience varies from one pilgrim to another.
Crowds, walking speed, prayer times, and the distance between your hotel and the Haram can all affect your schedule.
Here is an estimated breakdown of the time required for each step:
Umrah ritual | Estimated time |
Preparing for Ihram and making the intention | Varies; often completed before reaching the Miqat |
Tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba) | 30–90 minutes or longer |
Two Rak’ahs and drinking Zamzam | 10–30 minutes |
Sa’i between Safa and Marwah | 45–90 minutes |
Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming the hair) | 10–30 minutes |
Approximate total | 2–6 hours |
These timings are estimates, not guaranteed durations. During Ramadan, school holidays, and other busy periods, the rituals may take longer.
How Long Does It Take to Walk Around the Kaaba Seven Times?
Tawaf involves completing seven circuits around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction. Under relatively quiet conditions, it may take around 30–45 minutes.
However, when Masjid al-Haram is crowded, completing seven circuits can take an hour or longer. The time also depends on how close you are able to walk to the Kaaba.
Walking at a comfortable pace and avoiding unnecessary pushing is more important than finishing quickly.
How Long Does Sa'i Take?
Sa’i involves walking seven passages between the hills of Safa and Marwah, covering approximately 3.5 kilometres in total. Most pilgrims take around 45–90 minutes, although the duration can vary.
The route is indoors and has designated areas for walking. Pilgrims who are elderly or have mobility difficulties can use wheelchairs or other available assistance.
How Long Does Umrah Take from the UK?
For UK pilgrims, the journey involves more than the religious rituals. You must also account for flights, airport procedures, transport within Saudi Arabia, hotel check-in, and rest.
A direct flight from London to Jeddah generally takes around 6–7 hours, although the exact duration depends on the airline and flight schedule. You can also read our guide on how long a flight from the UK to Saudi Arabia takes. After landing, you will need time for immigration, baggage collection, and onward travel.
The drive from Jeddah Airport to Makkah usually takes approximately 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your transport arrangements.
In practical terms, your journey from leaving the UK to reaching your hotel in Makkah can take considerably longer than the flight itself. Allow extra time for airport procedures, transfers, and possible delays. You can explore available Umrah flight services when planning your journey.
What If You Arrive in Madinah First?
Some pilgrims choose to visit Madinah before travelling to Makkah. This allows them to spend time at Masjid an-Nabawi and visit other important Islamic sites before beginning Umrah.
If you travel from Madinah to Makkah, remember that you must enter the state of Ihram at the appropriate Miqat before crossing it when intending to perform Umrah. This is an important detail to discuss with your group leader or travel provider before departure.
How Many Days Do You Need for an Umrah Trip?
The ideal length of an Umrah trip depends on your budget, annual leave, travel preferences, and whether you want to visit Madinah.
Here is a general comparison to help you plan:
Trip length | What you can expect |
5 days | A short trip focused mainly on Makkah, with limited time for rest |
7 days | A balanced option for performing Umrah and spending some time in Madinah |
10 days | More time for worship, rest, and visits to both holy cities |
14 days | A relaxed journey with greater flexibility and fewer time pressures |
Is 5 Days Enough for Umrah?
Yes, five days can be enough to perform Umrah, particularly if your main aim is to visit Makkah and complete the rituals. However, it may feel rushed once you include flights, airport transfers, hotel check-in, and rest.
If you also want to visit Madinah, a five-day trip may leave you with very little time in either city.
Is 7 Days Enough for Umrah?
Seven days can be a practical choice for many UK pilgrims. It gives you more flexibility than a short five-day trip and may allow you to divide your stay between Makkah and Madinah.
For example, you could spend four days in Makkah and three days in Madinah. The exact split will depend on your flights, hotel arrangements, and personal preferences.
Should You Choose a 10-Day or 14-Day Umrah Trip?
A 10-day trip is suitable if you want a comfortable balance between worship, rest, and visiting both holy cities. You will have more flexibility if your travel plans change or you need additional time to recover after the journey.
A 14-day trip is worth considering if you are travelling with children, elderly family members, or anyone who may need a slower pace. It also gives you more opportunities to spend time in the Haram without feeling pressured by a tight departure schedule.
How Many Days Does an Umrah Visa Take?
Umrah visa processing time depends on the visa route, your eligibility, the application method, and the current Saudi regulations. There is no single processing time that applies to every UK pilgrim.
Some applications may be processed relatively quickly, while others can take longer if additional checks or documents are required. Therefore, avoid booking your entire journey around an assumed visa approval date.
Before applying, check the latest requirements through official Saudi visa services or the relevant UK government travel guidance. If you are booking through a travel agency, ask them to explain which visa arrangement is included in your package and when you should apply. You can also read our guide on how to apply for an Umrah visa from UK and explore our Umrah visa services.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Perform Umrah Considering Crows Levels?
There is no universally perfect time to perform Umrah. Crowd levels change throughout the day, and the Haram can become particularly busy during Ramadan, school holidays, and major pilgrimage periods.
Many pilgrims prefer performing Umrah after Isha or during the early morning hours because these times may feel more manageable. However, this is not guaranteed, as crowd levels can vary.
Consider these practical points:
- Early morning: May offer a more comfortable experience, depending on the day and season.
- After Isha: Can be a convenient option for pilgrims who prefer performing the rituals at night.
- Daytime: May feel more tiring, particularly in hot weather.
- Ramadan: Offers a special spiritual atmosphere, but the Haram can be exceptionally busy. Read our guide on the best time to perform Umrah during Ramadan for more information.
Choose a time when you feel physically comfortable and can concentrate on your worship.
What Should You Know Before Travelling If First-Time Umrah?
If this is your first Umrah, a little preparation can make your journey much easier. Understanding the rituals beforehand will help you feel more confident when you reach Makkah.
Keep these points in mind:
- Learn the steps of Umrah: Understand Ihram, Niyyah, Talbiyah, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir before travelling. Our step-by-step guide to performing Umrah can help you understand the process.
- Know your Miqat: If you are flying directly towards Jeddah with the intention of performing Umrah, make sure you understand when and where to enter Ihram.
- Choose your hotel carefully: Accommodation closer to Masjid al-Haram can reduce walking time, although it may cost more. Explore hotels in Makkah and hotels in Madinah when planning your stay.
- Wear comfortable footwear: You may spend considerable time walking between your hotel and the Haram.
- Allow time for rest: Avoid planning your entire trip around a tight schedule, especially after a long flight.
- Keep important documents accessible: Carry your passport, visa details, flight information, and hotel confirmation safely.
Most importantly, remember that Umrah is an act of worship, not a race. Take your time, follow the correct steps, and focus on the spiritual purpose of your journey.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does Umrah take? The rituals themselves may take around 2–6 hours, but a complete Umrah journey from the UK usually requires several days. A 7–10-day trip offers a comfortable balance for many pilgrims, while a 14-day stay provides more flexibility.
The best duration is ultimately the one that allows you to perform your Umrah peacefully, manage your travel comfortably, and make the most of your time in the holy cities.
If you are planning your pilgrimage, explore the Umrah packages at Hajj Umrah Hub to compare travel options and find an arrangement that suits your schedule and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete Umrah in one day?
Yes. The main Umrah rituals can often be completed within 2–6 hours, meaning you can perform Umrah in a single day. However, your overall journey will take longer when flights, transfers, and accommodation are included.
How long does Tawaf take?
Tawaf usually takes around 30–90 minutes, depending on crowd levels and walking speed. During busy periods, it can take longer.
How long does Sa'i take between Safa and Marwah?
Most pilgrims complete Sa’i in approximately 45–90 minutes. The time varies according to walking pace, physical ability, and crowd conditions.
How long does Umrah take during Ramadan?
The rituals may still take a few hours, but Ramadan crowds can make Tawaf and Sa’i take considerably longer. Allow extra time and avoid planning a rushed schedule.
How long does Umrah take from India?
The religious rituals generally take the same amount of time regardless of where you travel from. However, the overall journey from India depends on your departure city, flight route, transfers, and planned stay in Saudi Arabia.
Is 14 days too long for Umrah?
Not at all. A 14-day trip gives you more time for worship, rest, and visiting both Makkah and Madinah. It can be especially helpful for families and elderly pilgrims.