Preparing for Ramadan 2027 in Makkah — A 12-Week Plan for UK Pilgrims

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting. From today, that is roughly twelve weeks away.

Twelve weeks is exactly enough time to prepare well, and not very much time if you leave it all until January.

This plan is built around three things: your booking, your body and your worship.

Weeks 12 to 10 — Secure the Basics

Book your package. The best hotels near the Haram go first, and Ramadan is the busiest period of the year.

Verify ATOL at atol.org.uk. Hajj and Umrah Experts: ATOL 11375.

Check your passport. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. If it is not, renew now. Renewals take time.

Choose your hotel tier honestly. Fasting, late Tarawih and early starts make distance matter more than usual:

Tier Distance Ramadan suitability Silver 10-15 min fit adults, tiring over many nights Gold5-7 min the minimum we recommend for most Platinum 2-3 minelderly, families, last ten nights

Weeks 10 to 8 — Documents and Health

Book your GP appointment for the meningitis MenACWY vaccination. The certificate must show the vaccine was given at least 10 days before travel.

Talk to your GP if you have a health condition, take regular medication, or are travelling with elderly parents. Ask about fasting, heat, long standing and long flights.

Arrange travel insurance that covers Saudi Arabia.

Save your documents on your phone and email them to yourself.

Weeks 8 to 5 — Train Your Body

Umrah in Ramadan is physically demanding: fasting, long standing in Tarawih, and a lot of walking.

• Walk daily, building up from 20 minutes to an hour
• Break in your shoes. Do not bring new shoes
• Practise standing in prayer for longer periods
• Fast voluntary days. The Prophet ﷺ fasted on Mondays and Thursdays, and many pilgrims use these days to build stamina
• Fix your sleep. Aim for regular sleep so you cope better with late nights

Weeks 5 to 3 — Build Your Worship

Learn the order of Umrah. Enter Ihram, Talbiyah, Tawaf, two rakats, Zamzam, Sa'i, Halq or Taqsir.

Read more Quran. If you can, increase your daily recitation now. Pilgrims who arrive with a habit adapt more easily.

Learn a few duas. Short, meaningful duas are better than a long list you cannot remember.

Write your dua list. Include your own needs, your family, and the people who asked you to pray for them.

Settle your affairs. Seek forgiveness from people you have wronged and return what is owed.

Weeks 3 to 1 — Practical Preparation

Check your permits. Umrah and Rawdah time-slot permits are booked through the Nusuk app, and popular Ramadan slots fill early. Confirm current rules with your agency.

Pack smart. Ihram and medication in hand luggage. Comfortable walking shoes. Light cotton clothes and a layer for air-conditioned areas.

Prepare your phone. Charger, power bank, and the Nusuk app installed and logged in.

Plan your return. Think about Zamzam containers and gifts, and your luggage allowance.

The Week You Travel

✅ Passport, visa, tickets, vouchers, ATOL certificate
✅ MenACWY certificate
✅ Ihram in hand luggage
✅ Medication
✅ Emergency numbers saved, including 0203 475 4003

A Dua to Read Throughout the Plan

Arabic: رَبِّ يَسِّرْ وَلَا تُعَسِّرْ

Transliteration: Rabbi yassir wa la tu'assir.

Meaning: "My Lord, make it easy and do not make it difficult."

Book Ramadan 2027 Umrah Packages

Silver 3-star: 10-15 min from Haram 
Gold 4-star: 5-7 min, most popular 
Platinum 5-star: 2-3 min, Swissotel, Pullman Zamzam

From London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford.

Beat Any Quote. Call 0203 475 4003, 24 hours a day.

May Allah make your Ramadan in Makkah easy, accepted and full of light. Ameen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start preparing for Ramadan Umrah?

About twelve weeks is a good window. It gives you time to book, arrange documents and vaccination, build stamina and prepare your worship.

How do I prepare my body for fasting in Makkah?

Walk daily, break in comfortable shoes, practise standing in prayer and fast voluntary days beforehand. Speak to your GP if you have a health condition.

What vaccination do I need?

Saudi Arabia requires a meningitis MenACWY certificate, given at least 10 days before travel.

When is Ramadan 2027?

Expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting.

Which hotel tier for Ramadan?

Gold (5-7 min) is the minimum we recommend. Platinum (2-3 min) is best for elderly pilgrims and the last ten nights.