What is the difference between Haji Tamattu, Ifrad, and Qiran?

The three types of Haji differ in how Umrah and Haji are combined: Haji Tamattu involves performing a complete Umrah upon arrival in Mekkah, exiting ihram and enjoying normal activities, then entering ihram again for Haji on the 8th of Dzulhijjah. This is the most sunnah type for jamaah haji coming from outside Mekkah, as Nabi (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: 'If I had known beforehand what I know now, I would not have brought a sacrificial animal and I would have made it an Umrah' (Bukhari). A sacrifice (hadyu) is required.

Haji Ifrad means performing Haji only, without Umrah. The jamaah haji enters ihram with the intention for Haji alone and remains in ihram (or enters ihram on the 8th if a Mekkah resident). No sacrifice is required, though it is sunnah. Haji Qiran combines Umrah and Haji in a single continuous ihram — the jamaah haji enters ihram intending both and does not exit ihram between them. The rituals are essentially the same as Ifrad, but a sacrifice is required as with Tamattu. Qiran is less common today as it requires staying in ihram for a longer period. The majority of scholars recommend Tamattu for non-residents of Mekkah, and most Haji operators structure their programs around it.