Regardless of where you're flying from, Alternative Airlines can get you affordable tickets to Saudi Arabia so that you can partake in Umrah during 2025. With 600+ airlines and 40+ ways to pay, travel how and when you want.
Umrah is a non-mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims. It is performed at any time of the year except the Hajj season. During Umrah, rituals occur to further connect the person to Allah. Umrah is very valuable to Muslims as it is a form of spiritual purity.
During Umrah, pilgrims adorn a unified and simple garment consisting of two white sheets called the Ihram.
Many Muslims will also visit the city of Medina during this time to see the Prophet Muhammad's mosque, Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, and the tomb where he rests.
Most international pilgrims travelling for Umrah will need to obtain a visa. Keep reading to find out more.
You can't fly directly to Mecca as the holy city doesn't have an airport. This is done to respect both its sanctity and security. Instead, most visitors will arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah.
King Abdulaziz International Airport has three terminals. The North Terminal is used for international and Umrah flights, the South Terminal for domestic flights, and the Hajj Terminal is used exclusively for Hajj.
Some pilgrims may first want to fly to Medina to see Al-Masjid An-Nabawi. If so, you'll arrive at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED).
The Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport is used for both international flights (including Hajj and Umrah) and domestic flights.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Here are some airlines that can get you to Jeddah for Umrah 2025.
Here are some airlines that can get you to Medina for Umrah 2025.
Visas are usually free for those travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, but they still need to be acquired. You can apply for a Saudi Arabian visa at any time of the year (apart from during Hajj).
To apply, you must fill out an application form. Application forms are available to collect from your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate or can be completed online.
Please check out our travel documents page to learn more about the powers of different types of travel documents and whether you are required to have a passport to fly. For further information on travel to Saudi Arabia, check out Gov. UK and US Department of States.
Here are some potential things to bring when you travel for Umrah.
Yes, Hajj does affect Umrah. You cannot travel or get an Umrah visa from the Saudi embassy during the Hajj season. Hajj occurs during Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. The dates of Hajj change each year but are predicted to occur between Wednesday, 4th June and Monday, 9th June 2025.
Umrah occurs all year except for the Hajj season, which is from June 4th to June 9th, 2025. Hajj dates are subject to change, so make sure to check beforehand.
No. To preserve the holy city's sanctity and security, there is no airport in Mecca. The nearest airport is King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which is about an hour and fifteen minutes away by car.
There are no airports in Mecca, so you'll want to arrive in Jeddah instead. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is the closest airport to Mecca, only 44.9 miles away.
