Umrah is a sacred journey, and everyone wishes to experience this holy journey comfortably. Different travel agencies and tour companies across Pakistan offer various Umrah Packages. Hence all the details regarding preparations, necessary arrangements, and requirements are mentioned below to provide all the information regarding Umrah.
Major Items in the Umrah Package
The Umrah Package covers all the essential arrangements of the holy journey. It aims to provide a hassle-free and comfortable journey for pilgrims. For pilgrims planning to perform Umrah for the first time, knowing what services and facilities are offered in the Umrah Package is essential. It covers different things, such as:
- Umrah Visa ( Guides the easiest possible way to process Umrah Visa and assists with documents and vaccinations required for the journey)
- Air Ticket ( Offers a return ticket at the affordable and optimal price of the best Airline)
- Hotel booking at Mecca and Medina ( prices vary according to distance from Haramain and facilities offered at the hotel)
- Transportation after Arrival in Saudi Arabia ( Includes travel from Jeddah to Makkah, Makkah to Medina, and Makkah to Jeddah )
- Ziarat at Makkah and Medina ( This is an optional service covered in the Package, and it can be added to the price of different packages)
Difference Among Umrah Packages
Below, the main differences among packages have been illustrated to demonstrate a clear picture and guidance for the pilgrims. Some travel assistance companies and tour agencies also offer a customized Package. Pilgrims can explain their choices, and they adjust it in the existing Package.
However, the main price difference in the Umrah Package could be based on the following factors:
1. Airlines
There are various Domestic and International Airlines that operate from Pakistan for Umrah Pilgrims. There is a slight difference in their fares which also affects the overall Umrah Package price.
Domestic Airlines
Several Domestic airlines offer Umrah Flights and provide complimentary services to Umrah Pilgrims, such as
- PIA
- Air Blue
- Air Sial
- Serene
International Airlines
Many international airlines operate in Pakistan, and they also offer Umrah flights, such as
- Saudi Airlines operates via direct flights
- Qatar Airways via Doha
- Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi
- Emirates
- Oman Air
- Kam Air
- Siri Lankan Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Flynas
- Flydubai
- Kuwait Airways
Hence different airlines have their fares and offer different routes to other cities in Saudi Arabia. It is also the pilgrim’s choice to ask for a particular airline if there is any preference; otherwise, usually, tour companies have their pre-designed Package with an already chosen Airline.
2. Air Ticket
Different airlines are offering a wide range of options for pilgrims. In some of the Umrah packages, air tickets are not included. It is up to the passengers if they want to purchase tickets themselves. It is mainly when pilgrims are employees of some airline, and they want to avail of their free tickets. The price of an air ticket varies from one airline to another.
3. Umrah Visa
Umrah Visa can be applied online with or without the inclusion of the Umrah Package. A short list of documents is needed for the Umrah visa; a valid passport and fresh photograph are required. Umrah visa is valid for three months. However, after arrival, pilgrims can stay in Saudi for one month.
Moreover, to apply for an e visa, a site named Nusuk can be used to apply for an Umrah Visa online.
Package without Umrah Visa
1. Hotel Booking
Hotel booking is included in Umrah packages, affecting the overall price of the Umrah package. Five stars and four-star hotels are available in Makkah and Madina, and the price also varies according to the distance of the hotel from Harmain. Usually, travel agents and Umrah Service provider companies have booked hotel reservations. However, if customized packages are offered, pilgrims can choose a hotel.
Pro’s
Con’s
Transportation on Arrival at Jeddah Airport
As soon as pilgrims arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, they need a transportation service to take them to their booked hotels. The company buses or cars are already available at the airport and will take you to your hotel. Their respective agents help you to reach the hotel and further guide you about the necessary details. This service is also included in the Umrah Package.
Ziarat at Mecca & Medina (Optional)
There are holy sites in Makkah and Medina, and during Umrah, pilgrims wish to visit these sites. Ziarat is offered to the pilgrims, and their price is included in the Package. However, if not included in the Package, local transport is available in the form of private taxis and buses that take pilgrims to Ziarat in Makkah and Medina.
How to book Umrah Package
Umrah is a simple act of worship and can be performed in less than 6 hours on average. The whole experience becomes easy and more blissful if the journey is planned carefully. A few steps must be followed while booking an Umrah to avoid any inconvenience later on.
Umrah Tour Company
It is essential to find a reliable and highly-rated service provider to avoid any scams. It is essential to do some research in this regard and must not rely upon any travel agent as it will lead to much distress in the journey later on.
Suggestions
The following points must be kept in mind while choosing an Umrah Tour company:
- Customer reviews, ratings, and responses must be checked while booking an agent or company, as it helps to select the best service.
- The agent or company must be registered and accredited by authorities and must have vast experience in dealing with Umrah Pilgrims and packages.
- It is vital to demand a detailed overview of pricing as it would help to understand the price of every service you have paid and would also minimize the chances of being overpaid and hidden charges.
- The service provider must be efficient in responding to queries and must exhibit excellent customer service right from the beginning.
Package Selection
Umrah tour companies have their own packages that they offer to clients, but it is necessary to ask for minute details about the package and facilities offered by them. It will help to avoid problems later on and will save on inconvenience during the journey.
Payment Receipts
It is very important to keep all the coupons and receipts with you during the journey. It is also highly recommended that payment be made through a bank transaction. It helps to keep a record of all expenses and is a safe method of payment. Important documents such as tickets, passports, visas, hotel vouchers, and transport vouchers must be kept during the journey.
How to Perform Umrah
Umrah can be performed only while wearing the Ihram. There are a few restrictions on Ihram that need to be followed to avoid Dum (a word used for a penalty in the local Arab language if one breaks any rule of Ihram).
Umrah Steps
- Pilgrims have to wear Ihram from Miqaat.
- Tawaf is circumambulation ( making seven rounds around Kaaba ) and after that performing two rakahs of nafal.
- After praying two rakah nafl and making dua, the next step is drinking Zam Zam before going to Sai
- Sai is an act of sunnah by performing seven laps between the Safa and Marwa. After Sai two rakat nafal are again performed.
- Halq is the last and final step of Umrah, which is the cutting of hair.