Travel preferences keep shifting. Today, travellers are less interested in ticking off multiple destinations and more focused on slowing down, understanding culture, and experiencing a place properly. This shift is also shaping UK Umrah travel trends 2026, where pilgrims increasingly value comfort, planning, and meaningful time in Makkah and Madinah over rushed itineraries. Sustainability and responsible travel choices are also influencing decisions, even within religious journeys.
In recent years, Umrah has seen steady growth among UK Muslims, with millions travelling annually. This aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to expand access to Umrah while improving infrastructure and experience. But beyond numbers, what truly motivates pilgrims to choose Umrah today remains worth exploring.
A lot of Muslims travel for Umrah from the UK, and according to an estimate, the number of travellers has reached 1.5 lakh every year. The main reason for this is also the growing trends, and there are more chances that this drift will increase in 2026. New Umrah trends are set to be quite interesting for UK Umrah pilgrims in 2026. Saudi Vision 2030 and the UK travel market will make this year’s journey easy and more digital. Let’s mention the top Umrah trends of 2026 you should keep an eye on!
Ramadan and UK School Holidays Alignment
In 2026, the alignment of Ramadan and school holidays will make Umrah travel planning quite interesting. The holy month of Ramadan will start from 18 or 19 February, 2026 and end on approximately 18 or 19 March. Similarly, in the UK, schools get the February half-term holidays roughly from 16 to 20 February. This means the first stage of Ramadan will coincide with the school holidays, when many Muslims in the United Kingdom are looking for ways to spend their vacations.
Additionally, Easter holidays in the UK usually lie between 30 March and 10 April. This is the period after Eid al-Fitr. Hence, it’s a golden opportunity for those who wish to visit holy cities just after Ramadan and Eid. The main advantage that you can get during these holidays is that crowds will be less because Ramadan will already be over.
The biggest advantage of travelling during this period is the weather. February and March are generally comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging between roughly 22°C and 28°C. This makes the season suitable for families and older travellers, while avoiding harsh heat. It’s also worth noting that Easter-period Umrah packages tend to be priced higher due to holiday demand.
Smart Technology and Nusuk Application
2026 will not disappoint Brits regarding the digital technology of the Umrah trip. The Ministry of Hajj & Umrah and the Saudi government are also working on this because technological influence is growing day by day. The Saudi government is trying to make the Nusuk platform an all-in-one solution for Umrah pilgrims from all over the world. The trend is now digital-first. Even from June 2025, it will be mandatory to confirm your hotels and transport through the Nusuk Masar platform before applying for your visa. Now, the Nusuk mobile app can also help to scan your information with Smart ID.
Nusuk is not just limited to Umrah travelling features; it can also help you with crowd management, especially when you are inside or near Haram boundaries. The app can help you organise personalised routes. One of the important features of the application is booking Umrah and Rawdah permits. These permits follow the 365-day rule, which will remain in place in 2026 as well.
The Saudi Ministry is launching new smart technology for Umrah journeys. They have also introduced smart bracelets for tracking, which are helpful for families to check alerts. Soon, they will connect this feature with the Nusuk app. The UK Umrah travel trends 2026 will offer added features like digital wallet, in-app train ticket booking, and multilingual AI support.
Multi-Purpose Visas Will Make Umrah Travel Easier
For British Umrah pilgrims, multiple-purpose visas are the best and most flexible option. Now, you are not restricted to taking only a traditional Umrah visa. Brits can perform Umrah on different types of visas, such as a Saudi tourist visa, an e-visa, a transit visa, an EVW, and they can also take a visa on arrival. These visas provide more freedom and lower costs than a specific Umrah visa. The popular option for British tourists is the Saudi tourist visa, which is valid for one year with multiple entries. Each entry allows you to stay for at least 90 days, and you can perform Umrah as well, legally. Moreover, the electronic visa waiver is valid for only a single entry, and the fee is very low compared to a tourist visa.
Throughout 2026, the Saudi government can also introduce a new type of visa, especially for Muslims travelling from the UK. Many Muslims from the United Kingdom travel for Umrah; an estimate shows that this number is between 1 and 1.5 lac. So, travel convenience matters a lot. Whatever the Umrah travel trend is, requirements like Nusuk app registration and passport validity of at least six months will be mandatory.
The Trend of Umrah Plus Halal Tourism Will Grow
Nowadays, pilgrims are preferring halal tourism, like in the Middle East, along with the Umrah journey. Well, this concept is calm down right now, but it may become a travel trend in 2026. At this time, UK pilgrims are not just desiring to book only 7, 10, or 14-night Umrah packages, but they are also including a halal tour to another country or cities within Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi government is promoting its tourist destinations as part of its Vision 2030. Hence, people are desiring to visit places like Al-Ula, Jeddah, becoming modern and going to defeat Burj Khalifa with its Jeddah Tower, The Red Sea Project, Riyadh, and NEOM (expected to be accessible in 2026). UK pilgrims mostly prefer to visit Turkey, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, and Egypt after the Umrah trip in Makkah.
Remember that halal holidays or tourism isn’t just about halal food, but its scope has expanded in 2026. One of the major benefits of this trend is that you don’t need to set aside money and time for separate vacations to spend in the Middle East. A single ticket and visa can cover both your Umrah and family outing in other countries.
Cost Saving Trend Through Indirect Flights
By the way, according to the 2025 census, it has been seen that UK pilgrims have preferred more indirect flights. Now, this trend is growing from time to time and becoming stronger in 2026. The main reason behind this is the increasing cost of flights, especially during the UK school holidays. Sometimes, travellers choose connecting routes due to personal preferences or to stick to a budget.
When you choose an indirect flight for your Umrah 2026, you can get a flight £200 to £400 cheaper than the direct ones. Connecting flights follow the scheduled stopovers or layovers in the Middle East, such as Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Amman, and Doha. During the stopover, UK travellers can use a Saudi 96-hour transit visa if travelling via Flynas or Saudia Airlines. This via is often free or very cheap in cost, and flight prices are also split.
If you individually choose a direct route from London to Jeddah and then back from Jeddah or Madinah to London, avoid indirect flights. It solely depends on your budget and selection. However, there are chances that it may become a trend, but what actually happens depends on real-life scenarios. The best time to book indirect flights is three to four months in advance.
To conclude, UK Umrah travel trends 2026 will continue to evolve, just as they have in previous years. Travel trends are never permanent; they emerge, peak, and are eventually replaced. What stands out in 2026 is a shift towards a more digital and flexible Umrah journey for travellers from Great Britain. From planning to bookings, the process is becoming smoother and better organised. The key remains simple: early preparation. Being well-prepared allows pilgrims to adapt easily, regardless of how travel trends change in the years ahead.
