Who doesn’t love the opportunity to travel for Umrah. Being a Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (SAWW), Umrah rituals are performed by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Traveling with Umrah Packages, pilgrims arrive in Makah to offer the holy rituals of minor pilgrimage.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking your Umrah packages from the UK this year.
Do your research.
The first and foremost thing to do when booking your Umrah package from the UK is to do the necessary market research. Since there are hundreds of travel agents present in the UK, some are authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah while other are not. So, the risk of scamming is quite high.
Additionally, never ever buy the first Umrah travel offer that you get from a travel agent. Always have multiple options at your disposal and then make an informed decision. Therefore, helps you save money as well as time.
Buy all-inclusive Umrah travel packages.
It’s specifically advised for the pilgrims wishing to offer Umrah rituals that they buy all-inclusive Umrah travel packages to the kingdom. The benefit it has is that you save yourself from all the hassle of visa and travel management.
Everything from you getting your visa approved to your return back home is exceptionally taken care of by the agency within such packages. So, isn’t it a good investment?
Know of the travel restrictions.
As the after-effects of Covid-19 and other travel restrictions, pilgrims need to be fully aware of their travel dos and don’ts when going for Umrah rituals. Therefore, helping you to make your travel plans accordingly.
Prepare yourself.
Before embarking on the journey of the Umrah pilgrimage physically, prepare yourself mentally first.
- Know the Umrah rituals; their significance and their rewards.
- Get yourself educated on the prohibitions, restrictions as well as permissible acts in the state of Ihram.
- Learn the necessary duas.
- Practice the proper way of performing the different rituals of Umrah; when, where, and how to?
Hire your Umrah travel package from an authorized travel agent.
It is significantly essential to hire your Umrah travel package from a certified travel agent only. This is because of the fact that only authorized travel agents from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah can offer Umrah travel services. The list of such travel agents is available online at the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
So, shortlist your desired options from there and only buy your travel package from a reputable travel agency after comparison and market research.
Fulfill all the necessary visa requirements.
As per your visa type, it’s necessary to fulfill all of the requirements for it and enter Saudi Arabia for the holy rituals. The things that you’ll need for all of the visa types are;
1. Passport with a minimum 6-month validity.
2. Vaccination certificates.
3. Proof of pre-booked accommodation in the kingdom.
4. Passport-sized photographs.
5. Copy of non-refundable return airline tickets.
6. Shahadah certificate if you have a non-Muslim name.
Make Transport arrangements beforehand.
For your local travel and transportation needs, it’s advised for the pilgrims to make arrangements for it beforehand. Whether you are booking bus travel or opting for a private cab service, keep it booked in advance in order to streamline your Umrah travel experience. Hire whatever best suits your needs and affordability.
That’s how you can have a peaceful and memorable Umrah travel experience.