We know that performing Umrah is the great desire of every Muslim, regardless of what nation or class he belongs to. To be safe from any difficulties during Umrah, pilgrims need to know the latest news regarding the holy pilgrimage to Makkah.

Saudi government changes its policies for Umrah pilgrims from time to time. For more information, consider the following topic: "Updates for those seeking Umrah Packages 2023 from UK?"

Muslims can visit Makkah for Umrah at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which is performed on specific days according to the Islamic lunar calendar. This is a short version of Hajj.

Many pilgrims from the UK visit Makkah and Madinah every year during Umrah. These visitors mostly come from Manchester, London, and Birmingham. Several travel agencies provide different types of Umrah packages.

Updates for Umrah Packages 2023 from UK aspirants

The Saudi government has made many changes regarding Umrah during the last few months. Due to these changes, many restrictions have been removed.

We discuss the updates about these changes for those seeking Umrah Packages 2023 from the UK below:

Women can perform Umrah without a mahram

• Umrah Visas are valid for three months
• Beginning of fingerprint registration for Umrah pilgrims from the UK
• No requirement for PCR tests
• No age limit for Umrah
• No requirement for vaccines
• Nusuk App

Women can perform Umrah without a mahram

According to the recent announcement of the Saudi government, women are allowed to perform Umrah without a Mahram. They can travel to Saudi Arabia alone or with an organized group of ladies. It's good news for female pilgrims because they no longer have to pay an additional fee for their accompanied males.

Umrah Visas are valid for three months

The validation of the Umrah visa has just been increased in Saudi Arabia from 30 to 90 days. According to this new update, pilgrims are free wherever they travel in the Saudi Kingdom. The completion of the holy trip and timely departure from Saudi Arabia are requirements for anyone having an Umrah visa.

Beginning of fingerprint registration for Umrah pilgrims from the UK

A recent Saudi government announcement states that pilgrims from the United Kingdom and other 4 countries must register their biometric enrolment "fingerprint" for Umrah visas to be issued online. This decision aims to improve the entry procedure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and promote the digital experience of pilgrims.

Note: These four countries, aside from the UK, are:

• Bangladesh
• Malaysia
• Tunisia
• Kuwait

No requirement for PCR tests

The requirement for a negative PCR test result before entry into the Kingdom does not apply to foreign pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. Note that medical insurance to cover the cost of treatment related to COVID-19 is still a requirement for all visitors travelling on a visit visa.

No age limit for Umrah

According to the new updates, there is no age requirement for Umrah pilgrims to enter the two holy mosques. Children or infants must be accompanied by their parents or guardian. To obtain a permit, the applicant must be 18 years of age.

No requirement for vaccines

Foreign pilgrims are permitted to perform Umrah without the need for vaccinations. Because the Saudi government has changed its policy regarding vaccines for this minor pilgrimage. However, all people travelling on tourist visas must have medical insurance to pay any costs associated with Covid-19-related treatment.

Nusuk App

The integrated electronic platform known as Nusuk has been made available by the Saudi authorities to act as a new entry point for pilgrims travelling to Makkah and Medina, among other holy places. The Eatmarna app has been replaced with this one. Muslims can also book their flights and hotels and get Umrah visas electronically through this app.

How much does an Umrah Package cost?

The level of comfort and facilities offered by the tour operators determines the price of the Umrah package. Normally, Economy Umrah packages cost around Pound 700 - Pound 900. Peak and off-peak seasons also affect the price of this tour bundle.

Umrah is a non-mandatory holy journey to Makkah and is also known as a lesser pilgrimage. All worldly Muslims have the wish to reach Makkah to perform Umrah at least once a time in their lives.

Many Britons travel to Makkah along with Madinah during Umrah. Many travel agencies in the UK are offering various Umrah packages including Economy, Family, and Premium.

The Saudi government occasionally modifies the guidelines for Umrah. Muslims should know about the latest updates on this matter. According to recent developments, women are not allowed to perform Umrah without the presence of Mahram.