Umrah FAQ's

Can I travel by myself or must I travel on a group package Umrah?

One may travel on their own or in a group of any size – the only requirement is that all your accommodation and visa must be arranged through an approved agent.

Can I combine my trip with a stopover in another country?

Yes, Saudi Arabian Airlines offer many onward destinations at a small extra charge including destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Far East. Other carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian also offer stopovers and onward trips. However you must enter the Kingdom within one month of the visa issue date.

What if I cancel after booking?

Payment is required in full prior to visa authorisation application – this is a requirement by the Ministry of Hajj. Refunds on the ground arrangements portion of the payment cannot be given. Depending on the ticket type we may be able to refund the ticket amount less a cancellation charge if allowed by the airline. If the ticket has not yet been issued then there will be no cancellation charge.

Can I change the programme once I have booked?

No, this is no longer possible as payment for your package is sent to the Ministry of Hajj prior to visa authorisation application and the visa issued according to the programme.

What are the charges for children and infants?

If the children require a bed or a seat in the transportation they then pay the full adult charge if 2 young children share one bed they pay 50% of the adult rate plus a service charge. If no bed/seat are required then they pay just the service/visa charge. Airlines typically charge 65-70% of the adult fare for children plus taxes and 10% for infants.

How much time must I allow between booking and date of travel?

An absolute minimum of 21 days must be given to allow for visa authorisation, visa processing and the necessary accommodation, flight reservations and confirmations.

What happens if I have a problem having arrived in Saudi Arabia?

In the unlikely event of you having a problem with the accommodation/transportation-booked, we will issue you with a number of emergency contact numbers that you should contact in the first instance-otherwise you may contact us by phone or fax here in the UK and we will do our utmost to resolve your problem ASAP.

Can I select a hotel of my choice?

You may choose from any hotel from our wide selection of hotels ranging, from 5 star deluxe to 2 star economy hotels-subject to availability.

Can I get a visa without booking accommodation?

No, this is no longer possible and is against the law in Saudi Arabia-accommodation must be booked and paid for through the agent.

What if I am unhappy with the package?

In the first instance, you must get in touch with our service provider whilst in Saudi Arabia so that the problem may be resolved immediately, otherwise you may get in touch with us and we will endeavour to investigate and resolve the problem. Finally if all else fails then the Ministry of Hajj can also investigate your complaint.

Will I have a guide for umrah?

On tailor made packages there are no guides. A guide can be arranged for an extra charge.

I don’t have a British passport – can I get an umrah visa?

You may only get a visa for umrah on a non British passport if:

  1. You have an “indefinite stay” endorsement on your passport
  2. You are here to stay with your spouse who is a British National
  3. You are here on a work permit
  4. You are here on a student visa
How many times in a year can I get an umrah visa?

Under the new system there are no restrictions on the number of times that you can apply for an umrah visa as long as the criteria for umrah visa is met.

Can a lady travel by herself?

It is a requirement of the Shariah as well as the Saudi government that a women must travel with a valid mahram (close male relative) i.e. father, son, brother, grandson, maternal or paternal uncle, grandfather, nephew, father-in-law and son-in-law.

What are the hotel’s check-in and check-out times?

Earliest hotel check-in time is 5pm, and the latest check-out time is also 2pm. We cannot be held liable for accommodation not being available beyond these times. If a flight is arriving earlier than the check-in time on the day of arrival, we advise that accommodation is also booked for the night prior.