For Muslim women in the UK, September is a very good time to go to Umrah, where there are fewer people and more peace. In busy seasons, the Holy Mosques are full of pilgrims. Because of this, it can be difficult to move, pray, and find free space to stay. But September is much better because you can do your rituals calmly and without stress. Another special thing about this month is that travel fares are cheap, the weather is good, and visas come quickly. Perfect for first-time pilgrims and those who had been already there.
But! Even in quiet times, you should plan well. Without planning, you may face unexpected challenges. Umrah visa rules change, dates are important, and even a simple trip can be difficult if you are unprepared. So, this article will tell you all the tips that a woman needs to travel from the UK to Saudi Arabia and make her journey comfortable and peaceful.
Why September is an Ideal Time for Umrah
There are some effective and logical reasons why September is an ideal time for Umrah.
- First, it falls outside peak seasons such as Ramadan and the December holidays when people are very crowded in Haram and Madinah.
- The second favorable season is Saudi Arabia, which is hot all year round. In September, temperatures range from 32°C to 40°C, which is cooler than the peak summer months. In July and August, temperatures reach 45°C to 50°C.
- The third advantage is that the prices of other things like flights, hotels, and transport are reduced. They are reduced by about 10 to 20 percent compared to the peak months. In this number, the price of the UK Umrah Package for September drops from £1199 for the economy package, which is reduced to about £699 or £795. Similarly, you will also see premium packages at a lower price.
Umrah Requirements for UK Women
- First, a pilgrim must obtain a Saudi e-visa or Umrah visa, which is usually a completed visa process within three to five days, whether you get it through a travel agency or a self-help group.
- Mahram Rule: Since October 2022, Saudi Arabia has said that women can perform Umrah alone. No mahram is required. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the senior minister of Hajj and Umrah, says: "A woman can come to the kingdom to perform Umrah without a mahram." So now there is no problem; the woman can go alone.
- Valid Passport: Your UK passport must be valid for at least six months from the travel date. If it is not, it may be difficult for you to travel. Check first and then do other things later.
- Health Regulations: Before going to Umrah, it is important to gather information about vaccinations, as they change daily. You can obtain this confirmation from your operator or check online from the official website of Saudi Arabia.
Tip: Any small mistake while applying for a visa can get you into trouble, so it is better to hire the services of an agency. They are professionals who have done this work many times on a daily basis.
Essential Packing Checklist for Women
Loose, breathable abaya: The weather is hot, so it's best to wear light clothes, not heavy ones. Black is common, but you might feel less hot if you wear a light color. Take at least two in case one gets dirty.
It is essential for women to choose shoes that will allow them to walk comfortably for many kilometers. You must not choose shoes that will cause blisters on your feet and make walking difficult.
Before leaving for the Umrah pilgrimage, keep small items for worship with you, such as a small prayer mat, Tasbih, and the Holy Quran. Many women also bring a small pouch for prayer notes, which is good for remembering special prayers.
The sun is strong. It has no mercy. An umbrella, sunglasses, and a light scarf protect you from headaches and sunburn. But please do not wear them during Umrah.
Carry a small medical kit while traveling, including important items like paracetamol, ibuprofen, rehydration salts, blister patches, bandages, disinfectant wipes, and personal medications.
In a hotel, you need loose, comfortable clothes. The AC is crazy strong, so light cotton nightwear is probably best.
Keep toiletries and final hygiene items handy, but always have unscented wet wipes, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and tissues—all must be present. In addition, keep with you the essential things that you think are important for you.
Be sure to carry a small belt or bag with you so that you can keep your essential documents, such as your passport, phone, money, photos, etc., in it. Always keep this with you.
Since you are a British citizen, you are not used to the hot climate of Saudi Arabia. Always carry a bottle of water with you; you should use water because it is healthy.
Be sure to keep snacks with you on your travels, such as dried dates, nuts, and other energy-boosting foods.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Umrah
1. No matter where you are in the UK, always choose a major airport like London or Manchester as you will get many better options there. Book your flight at least three to four months in advance, which can give you a 30% budget discount on airfares. Also, try to book midweek flights as they are usually cheaper.
2. Choose wisely about the accommodation. Make sure to book near the Masjid Haram, which not only saves your time but also saves your energy. Although these hotels near Haram may be expensive, they also provide you with better service.
3. The best time for women to perform Umrah is after Fajr in the morning and after Isha in the evening, when the crowds are less, so you can perform Tawaf and Sa'i in peace without any hassle.
4. Zamzam water is available for free in the Haram. Always carry a small bottle with you and sip regularly, as lack of water can lead to dehydration, which can lead to many problems.
5. Women are not required to wear Ihram, so they can wear their normal clothes, such as hijab or abaya, but they should wear clothes that do not show their body parts in the light and cover their entire body well. They should also avoid wearing jewelry that is too heavy.
6. Stay connected - Maps and calls benefit from a Saudi SIM card (Zain or STC). Check before you travel that some UK providers have good roaming rates.
7. Use ride-hailing apps for transport: Uber and Careem in Makkah and Madinah. Taxis routinely overcharge pilgrims, but ride-hailing apps ensure a fair price.
8. Prepare for long prayers - bring a small cushion or foldable seat if you have difficulty standing/sitting for long periods. Some women pack compression stockings to improve circulation.
9. Although English is accepted in hotels, basic Arabic phrases such as "Aina al-Hamam?" (Where is the bathroom?) or "Shuqran" (Thank you) help with everyday communication.
10. Stay Patient & Focused – Umrah is a deeply personal journey, but crowds, heat, and delays can be frustrating. Stay calm, keep intentions pure, and avoid arguments.
11. By preparing well, women can experience a smooth, spiritual, and fulfilling Umrah journey.
Final Thought
For women performing Umrah in September is a good choice because in this month there are less people, not too hot weather, and not too expensive. So UK women can go to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah easily and comfortably. But good planning is essential for all of these things, whether you do it all yourself, or hire a trusted travel agency to go on this trip.
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