Who Can Perform Umrah? Eligibility & Requirements for Muslims in the UK

Umrah is one of the most meaningful journeys a Muslim can undertake. Every year, Muslims living in the United Kingdom travel to Makkah to perform Umrah, seek forgiveness, make dua and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

But who can perform Umrah? Are there age requirements? Can children perform Umrah? Can elderly or disabled Muslims go? What documents are needed from the UK? Do you need a special Umrah visa, and what health requirements should you know about?

This guide explains the main Umrah eligibility and requirements for UK Muslims, including religious considerations, travel documentation, health requirements and practical preparation.

Important: Saudi Arabia's entry and pilgrimage regulations can change. The information below is intended as general guidance for UK travellers. Always check the latest official requirements before booking or travelling.

Who Is Eligible to Perform Umrah?

Umrah is an act of worship for Muslims. In general, a person who is Muslim and able to travel and complete the pilgrimage may perform Umrah, provided they meet the applicable Saudi entry, visa, health and pilgrimage requirements.

There is no general upper age limit that prevents an eligible Muslim from performing Umrah. Older Muslims can perform Umrah provided they are medically and physically able to undertake the journey, with appropriate assistance where necessary.

Similarly, children can travel with their parents or guardians for Umrah, although parents should understand the requirements that apply to minors and make appropriate arrangements for their care and worship.

For UK Muslims, eligibility therefore has two sides:

1. Religious suitability – whether the person can perform Umrah as an act of Islamic worship.

2. Travel eligibility – whether the person meets Saudi Arabia's current visa, passport, health and entry requirements.

Understanding both is important before booking an Umrah package.

Basic Religious Eligibility for Umrah

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage, so the person performing it must be a Muslim.

A pilgrim should also have the ability to understand and carry out the essential rituals, or have appropriate assistance if they are unable to do so independently.

The basic Umrah journey involves:

• Entering the state of Ihram

• Making the intention for Umrah

• Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba

• Performing Sa'i between Safa and Marwa

• Shaving or trimming the hair

A person should also understand that Umrah is an act of worship rather than an ordinary holiday. Preparing spiritually before travelling can make the experience more meaningful.

If someone is unsure about the Islamic ruling or whether their personal circumstances affect the validity of their Umrah, they should speak to a qualified Islamic scholar.

Can Children Perform Umrah?

Yes, children can accompany their parents or guardians on an Umrah journey, subject to the current Saudi rules and booking requirements.

However, parents should plan carefully before taking young children to Makkah and Madinah.

Young children may find the crowds, heat, walking and long travel days tiring. Parents should therefore consider:

• The child's age

• Physical ability

• Accommodation location

• Walking distances

• Food and hydration

• Sleeping arrangements

• Medical needs

• Crowded areas around the Haram

• Appropriate supervision

Parents should also check the latest Saudi requirements for minors before travelling because visa and entry conditions can vary according to nationality, age and travel circumstances.

For families travelling from the UK, choosing accommodation and transportation carefully can make a significant difference.

Can Elderly People Perform Umrah?

There is no general maximum age for performing Umrah.

Many elderly Muslims travel from the UK to Makkah and Madinah. However, age can make the physical aspects of Umrah more demanding.

Tawaf and Sa'i involve walking, while airports, hotels and transportation can involve additional movement. Crowds can also make the journey physically tiring.

Older pilgrims should therefore consider their health and mobility before travelling.

Useful preparations may include:

• Visiting a GP or healthcare professional before travel

• Discussing existing medication requirements

• Building up walking ability gradually

• Taking suitable mobility equipment if required

• Choosing a conveniently located hotel

• Planning regular rest periods

• Staying hydrated

• Travelling with family or a trusted companion where appropriate

The UK government advises pilgrims to prepare for health risks associated with travel to Saudi Arabia and highlights the importance of managing heat, hydration and medication.

Can Disabled Muslims Perform Umrah?

Yes. Muslims with disabilities can perform Umrah, provided they meet the relevant religious and Saudi travel requirements.

The important consideration is not simply whether a person has a disability, but what assistance they require to complete the journey safely and comfortably.

Depending on individual needs, pilgrims may require:

• Wheelchair assistance

• Airport assistance

• Accessible accommodation

• Suitable transportation

• A travelling companion

• Assistance during Tawaf or Sa'i

• Medication management

When arranging an Umrah package from the UK, pilgrims with mobility requirements should discuss these needs before confirming their booking.

Do not assume that every hotel, transfer or travel arrangement will provide the same level of accessibility.

Can Women Perform Umrah?

Women can perform Umrah and travel to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage subject to the current Saudi entry and pilgrimage regulations.

Women should prepare for the specific rules of Ihram and appropriate Islamic dress during Umrah.

Travel arrangements should also take into account personal comfort, accommodation, transport and any family or companion requirements.

Because Saudi regulations can change, women travelling from the UK should check the latest official guidance that applies to their nationality, visa type and travel dates before departure.

What Passport Requirements Are Needed for Umrah From the UK?

One of the most important practical requirements is having a valid passport.

For British citizens travelling from the UK, the current GOV.UK guidance states that the passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Before booking flights, check:

• Passport validity

• Passport condition

• Name details

• Visa or travel authorisation requirements

• Flight details

• Return travel arrangements

If you are travelling on a non-British passport while living in the UK, your requirements may be different.

This is particularly important for UK residents who hold passports from countries with different Saudi visa arrangements.

Do You Need a Visa to Perform Umrah?

Yes, travellers need appropriate permission to enter Saudi Arabia.

For British citizens, GOV.UK currently states that an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season. An e-visa or electronic visa waiver may also be available depending on the traveller's circumstances and eligibility.

However, Hajj and Umrah should not be treated as having identical visa requirements.

Hajj has specific arrangements and restrictions, while Umrah has different entry and pilgrimage procedures.

Visa eligibility can also depend on nationality. Therefore, someone living in the UK does not necessarily have the same Saudi entry requirements as a British citizen.

Before travelling, check the requirements that apply to your passport nationality, visa type and travel dates.

What Health Requirements Apply to Umrah?

Health preparation is an important part of Umrah planning.

Saudi Arabia has specific health requirements for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. GOV.UK currently states that pilgrims must have a valid certificate showing vaccination against the relevant meningococcal ACWY strains, with vaccination required at least 10 days before arrival.

Pilgrims should also consider:

• Routine vaccinations

• Medication requirements

• Existing medical conditions

• Heat exposure

• Hydration

• Crowded environments

• Physical fitness

• Travel insurance

If you take regular medication, carry enough for your journey and keep it in appropriate packaging.

The UK government also recommends checking guidance concerning medicines before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Because health requirements can change, check the latest official Saudi and UK health advice before departure.

Do You Need to Be Physically Fit to Perform Umrah?

You do not need to be an athlete or exceptionally fit to perform Umrah.

However, Umrah can involve considerable walking and physical effort, especially when travelling through airports, moving between accommodation and the Haram and performing Tawaf and Sa'i.

A basic level of physical preparation can make the journey easier.

Before travelling, you can gradually increase your walking distance and become accustomed to spending longer periods on your feet.

If you have health concerns, speak with a healthcare professional before travelling.

This is especially important for elderly pilgrims, people with mobility difficulties and anyone managing a long-term health condition.

Can Someone Perform Umrah on Behalf of Another Person?

This is an area where religious guidance is particularly important.

The rules concerning performing Umrah on behalf of another person can depend on the circumstances, such as whether the other person is alive, physically unable to perform the pilgrimage or deceased.

Because this is a matter of Islamic jurisprudence, it is better not to rely solely on general travel advice.

If you are considering performing Umrah on behalf of someone else, ask a qualified Islamic scholar about your specific circumstances before travelling.

Can New Muslims Perform Umrah?

A person who has accepted Islam can perform Umrah.

There is no requirement that someone must have been Muslim for a particular number of years before performing the pilgrimage.

However, a new Muslim may benefit greatly from learning the basic rituals and understanding what happens during Umrah before travelling.

They should become familiar with:

• Ihram

• Intention

• Talbiyah

• Tawaf

• Sa'i

• Dua

• Hair trimming or shaving

• Ihram restrictions

Learning these steps beforehand can reduce uncertainty and allow the pilgrim to concentrate more fully on worship.

Can UK Residents Who Are Not British Citizens Perform Umrah?

Yes, UK residence and British citizenship are not the same thing.

A person may live in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester or another UK city while holding a passport from another country.

Their Saudi visa and entry requirements may depend primarily on their nationality and travel document, not simply their UK residence status.

For this reason, UK residents should provide the correct passport details when making travel arrangements.

If you hold a non-British passport, check the Saudi requirements applicable to your nationality before making non-refundable bookings.

What Documents Do You Need for Umrah From the UK?

The exact documents depend on your nationality, visa arrangement and travel circumstances, but pilgrims should generally prepare their essential travel documentation well in advance.

This can include:

• Valid passport

• Appropriate Saudi visa or travel authorisation

• Flight booking

• Hotel booking

• Vaccination documentation where required

• Travel insurance documentation

• Emergency contact information

• Copies of important documents

The UK government recommends keeping passports and travel documentation secure and carrying copies of important documents when travelling for pilgrimage.

It is also sensible to keep digital copies securely available in case an original document is lost.

Do You Need to Book Through an Umrah Travel Agency?

Not necessarily. However, many UK Muslims choose to use a specialist travel agency because arranging an Umrah journey can involve several different elements.

A package may help organise areas such as:

• Flights

• Hotels in Makkah

• Hotels in Madinah

• Transfers

• Visa-related support

• Travel arrangements

• Pilgrimage guidance

At Dar al Eiman, the focus is on helping UK Muslims organise their Umrah journey according to their travel needs, whether they are travelling alone, as a couple or with family.

When choosing an Umrah provider, do not make your decision based solely on the cheapest advertised price.

The UK government specifically advises people booking Umrah to research their travel company and check relevant protections, including whether an operator is ATOL protected where applicable. It also warns travellers about fraudulent pilgrimage offers and deals that appear too good to be true.

What Should You Check Before Booking an Umrah Package?

Before paying for an Umrah package, ask exactly what is included.

Important questions include:

• Are flights included?

• Which UK airport will you depart from?

• Which airlines are being used?

• How many nights are included?

• Which hotels are included?

• How far are the hotels from the Haram?

• Is transportation included?

• What visa assistance is provided?

• Are Makkah and Madinah both included?

• Are transfers included?

• What happens if your flight changes?

• What are the cancellation terms?

• What travel protection applies?

Getting these details in writing can help avoid misunderstandings.

The FCDO also advises pilgrims to keep an audit trail of payments and obtain written terms and conditions when paying for Hajj or Umrah travel.

Umrah Eligibility Checklist for UK Muslims

Before travelling, use this simple checklist:

Religious Preparation

• You are travelling to perform Umrah as a Muslim act of worship.

• You understand the basic rituals.

• You know the requirements of Ihram.

• You have prepared your duas and worship routine.

Travel Preparation

• Your passport meets the validity requirements.

• You have the correct Saudi visa or travel authorisation.

• Your flights and accommodation are confirmed.

• You understand the current Saudi entry requirements.

Health Preparation

• You have checked the required vaccinations.

• You have prepared any regular medication.

• You have considered your physical ability to walk.

• You have planned for heat and hydration.

Family Preparation

If travelling with children, elderly relatives or people with disabilities:

• Check their individual travel documents.

• Plan suitable accommodation.

• Arrange assistance where needed.

• Consider walking distances.

• Keep emergency contacts available.

Final Thoughts: Who Can Perform Umrah?

So, who can perform Umrah?

In general, Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage for Muslims who are able to undertake the journey and meet the applicable Saudi travel, visa and health requirements.

There is no simple maximum age that prevents an eligible Muslim from travelling. Children, elderly Muslims and people with disabilities may also travel for Umrah, although their individual circumstances can require additional planning and support.

For Muslims travelling from the UK, the most important step is to distinguish between religious eligibility and travel eligibility. You may be religiously able to perform Umrah but still need to meet specific passport, visa, vaccination or entry requirements before you can travel.

Rules can change, so always verify the latest official information before booking.

If you are planning your journey from the UK, Dar al Eiman can help you understand available Umrah travel options and plan important parts of your pilgrimage, whether you are travelling individually, as a couple or with your family.

The better prepared you are before leaving the UK, the more confidently you can focus on the spiritual purpose of your journey once you reach Makkah.

Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah Eligibility

1. Who is eligible to perform Umrah?

Muslims who are able to undertake the pilgrimage and meet the applicable Saudi visa, passport, health and entry requirements can generally perform Umrah. Specific requirements can vary according to nationality and travel circumstances.

2. Can children perform Umrah?

Children can accompany their parents or guardians for Umrah, subject to current Saudi requirements. Parents should consider the child's age, health, walking ability, accommodation and supervision needs before travelling.

3. Can elderly people perform Umrah?

Yes. There is no general maximum age for Umrah. Elderly pilgrims should consider their physical health and mobility and may benefit from accessible accommodation, transportation and assistance.

4. What passport validity is required for Umrah from the UK?

For British citizens, current GOV.UK guidance says the passport should have an expiry date at least six months after arrival in Saudi Arabia. Requirements can differ for other nationalities.

5. What vaccination is required for Umrah?

GOV.UK currently states that Umrah pilgrims must have a valid certificate for the required meningococcal ACWY vaccination, administered at least 10 days before arrival. Health requirements can change, so check the latest official guidance before travelling.