Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about booking, travel, hotels, and more.

Booking & Payments

Browse available journeys on our website, select the package that fits your needs, and submit an inquiry through the journey page or the Plan My Journey form. Our team will confirm availability, walk you through the details, and guide you through the booking process. A deposit is typically required to secure your reservation.

Payment methods and schedules are discussed during the booking confirmation process. A deposit is generally required to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due before the departure date. Specific payment terms, accepted methods, and any installment options are provided when you confirm your journey.

Yes. If the available packages do not match your preferred dates, group size, departure city, or hotel preferences, visit the Plan My Journey page to submit your requirements. Our team will review your needs and put together a tailored itinerary with suitable options and pricing.

Changes & Cancellations

Cancellation terms vary by journey and may depend on airline ticket rules, hotel booking conditions, and how close to the departure date the cancellation occurs. Generally: cancellations made 60 or more days before departure may receive a refund less an administrative fee; 30–59 days may receive a partial refund; and cancellations under 30 days may not be eligible for a refund. Review the specific cancellation terms for your chosen journey before confirming. Full cancellation policy details are available on our Cancellation and Refund Policy page.

Date changes may be possible depending on availability and supplier policies. Changes requested well in advance of the departure date are more likely to be accommodated. Date changes may incur fees depending on airline and hotel rebooking policies. Contact our team as early as possible if you need to modify your dates, and we will advise on available options and any associated costs.

Families & Children

Yes. Many families travel for Umrah with children of all ages, including infants. Consider the physical demands of the journey — especially walking during Tawaf and Sa’i — and plan accordingly. Choosing a hotel close to the Haram makes a significant difference for families. Strollers can be used in many areas but may need to be parked at Haram entrances during peak times. Our Traveling With Children guide provides comprehensive preparation advice.

Child and infant pricing varies by journey and depends on airline policies and hotel arrangements. Some packages offer reduced pricing for children under a certain age. Infants who do not require a separate seat or bed may travel at reduced rates. Contact our team with your family details when inquiring about a package and we will provide accurate pricing for your group.

Flights

Not always. Each journey page clearly states whether round-trip airfare is included. Some packages are offered as land-only, meaning travelers arrange their own flights to Saudi Arabia. When airfare is included, the airline, departure airport, and general routing information are listed in the journey details. Exact flight times are confirmed closer to the departure date.

Airlines vary by journey and departure city. Common carriers include Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways. The specific airline for each package is listed on the journey detail page. We select airlines based on routing, reliability, and traveler experience.

Hajj

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage that takes place during specific dates in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and is obligatory once in a lifetime for every able Muslim. It involves additional rituals over several days including time at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, involves fewer rituals (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and hair cutting), and is not obligatory but highly recommended. Both are deeply spiritual journeys to Makkah.

Hajj access for international pilgrims is managed through a regulated system coordinated by the Saudi government, with a limited number of spots allocated to each country. Visit our Hajj page for current information about the planning process and to register your interest. We share updates and available options as information becomes available each Hajj season. Registration does not guarantee a Hajj spot — it allows us to keep you informed as arrangements become available.

Hajj occurs annually during the 8th to 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Hajj dates shift earlier each year relative to the Western calendar. The exact Gregorian dates for each year’s Hajj are confirmed based on moon sighting. Planning typically begins several months in advance.

Hotels

These refer to room occupancy — the number of guests sharing one hotel room. Quad means four guests per room and is typically the most affordable per-person option. Triple is three guests, Double is two, and Single is a private room for one person. Each occupancy level is priced differently, with Quad being the lowest and Single being the highest per-person rate.

Hotel proximity varies by package and travel style. Comfort and Signature packages typically feature hotels closer to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. Each hotel listing on our site shows verified distance information when available. We only display distances and walking times that have been confirmed — we do not estimate or fabricate this information.

Ihram & Umrah

Umrah consists of four essential steps performed in sequence: entering the state of Ihram before reaching the Miqat boundary, performing Tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba), performing Sa’i (walking seven times between Safa and Marwa), and completing Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming the hair). Our How to Perform Umrah guide provides detailed step-by-step instructions. Your group leader will also provide guidance during the journey.

Ihram is the sacred state a Muslim enters before performing Umrah or Hajj. For men, it involves wearing two white unstitched cloths. Women wear modest, regular clothing. You must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat boundary point. Preparation includes performing ghusl, applying any fragrance before entering Ihram (not after), and making the intention (niyyah) for Umrah. Our Understanding Ihram guide covers everything in detail, including restrictions and practical tips.

Seniors & Accessibility

Absolutely. Many pilgrims performing Umrah are seniors, and significant accessibility improvements have been made at the holy sites in recent years. Wheelchairs are available at Masjid al-Haram, and attendants can be hired to assist during Tawaf and Sa’i. When planning your journey, mention any mobility considerations so we can recommend hotels with the best proximity and accessibility features. Our Umrah for Seniors guide covers preparation, pacing, and practical advice.

Yes. Wheelchairs are available for use inside Masjid al-Haram, and attendants can be hired to push wheelchairs during Tawaf and Sa’i. The mosque is equipped with ramps, elevators, and designated areas for worshippers with mobility limitations. If you require wheelchair assistance, we recommend arranging this in advance through your group leader. The upper levels of the Haram are often less crowded and can be more comfortable for wheelchair users.

Transportation

Most Umrah packages include private air-conditioned coach transportation for airport transfers (airport to hotel and hotel to airport) and intercity travel between Makkah and Madinah. The type and quality of vehicle may vary by travel style. Some Signature packages include upgraded transportation. Specific transportation details are listed on each journey page under the Ground Transportation section.

Travel between the two holy cities is included in virtually all of our packages. The journey is typically by private coach and takes approximately 4–5 hours depending on the route and stops. Some premium packages may offer domestic flights between the cities. The mode of intercity transport is specified in the journey details.

Umrah Packages

Each Umrah journey page provides a complete breakdown of what is and is not included. Typical inclusions are hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transportation, airport transfers, guided Umrah assistance, and Ziyarat visits. Airfare may or may not be included depending on the package — check the specific journey details. Visa assistance is included in most packages. Always review the full inclusions and exclusions list on the journey page before making a decision.

These represent different travel styles designed for different priorities. Value packages provide essential comfort at accessible pricing. Comfort packages offer a balance of quality hotels, convenient locations, and good value. Signature packages feature premium accommodations, closer Haram proximity, and enhanced service. Every journey page details exactly what each style includes so you can compare options based on your family’s needs and budget.

We recommend inquiring as early as possible, especially during peak travel periods like Ramadan, winter break, and school holidays. Popular departure dates and preferred room types fill up faster. Booking 2–3 months ahead generally provides the widest selection of dates, hotels, and pricing options. For group or family travel, earlier planning is especially beneficial.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia can change. Depending on your nationality and the current regulations at the time of travel, you may need an Umrah visa, an e-visa, or another type of entry permit. Most of our journey packages include Umrah visa assistance as part of the inclusions. We strongly recommend confirming the latest entry requirements with the Saudi embassy, the official Visit Saudi portal, or your travel coordinator before your departure date.

At minimum, you will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your travel date. Depending on current regulations, you may also need proof of vaccination, a visa or e-visa confirmation, travel insurance documentation, and printed copies of your itinerary and hotel reservations. Requirements can change — always verify the latest official requirements before traveling.

Women Travelers

Women perform the same essential rites as men with some differences in practice. Women wear modest regular clothing for Ihram rather than the specific white garments men wear. The hair trimming at the end of Umrah involves cutting a small amount from the ends rather than shaving. Our Women’s Umrah Guide covers Ihram, menstruation considerations, practical safety tips, and packing advice specific to women travelers.

Requirements regarding mahram have evolved in recent years. Current regulations may allow women of certain ages to travel without a mahram under specific conditions. Because these rules can change, we recommend verifying the latest official requirements with the Saudi embassy or the official e-visa portal before booking. Our team can provide guidance based on the most current information available at the time of your inquiry.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help you plan your journey.