Hajj FAQ, do you provide religious guidance during the Hajj?
Indeed. No matter which package do you choose, a religious guide will be accompanying you who is well experienced in performing the Hajj. In addition, there will be an Imaam to deliver specific, topic-based lectures
There are three ways of performing the Hajj
Hajj al-Tamattu’. It involves performing Umrah and then Hajj, with one Ihram for each. This form of Hajj is considered the best of three forms of Hajj. It is the one that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged his followers to perform and is the one adopted by most pilgrims from overseas.
The following are the stages and rituals that should be performed for the satisfactory completion of Hajj al-Tamattu’: · Ihram · Performing the Welcome Tawaf and Sa’y · Ihram for Hajj al-Tamattu’ · Ihram for Hajj al-Tamattu’ · Going to Arafat from Mina · Going to Muzdalifah from Arafat · Proceeding to Mina from Muzdalifah · Tawaf al-Ifadha in the Holy City of Makkah · Departing for home · Returning to Mina from Makkah · Farewell Tawaf in the Holy City of Makkah
Qurbani is not included in our Hajj packages but we can arrange on behalf of you. A Qurbani will be carried out on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah
The luggage will remain safe in your hotel in Makkah.
Whilst in the hotels, you are covered half board within the package. At Mina at and Arafat, it is full board. Any additional meals over and above will be paid by the individual.
During the Hajj days, you will need an Ihraam. The weather is generally very warm all the time but during the winter months, it can get a little cold at night. It is recommended to take an extra quilt, and sisters can pack at least one item of warm clothing. The rest of the time, you will need cool and comfortable clothing that is easy to move
This can be done through services provided by the hotel, although there are other laundrettes around the local areas that also offer the service often at a cheaper rate.
Please carry sufficient money for any food item, laundry bills, shopping, and souvenirs. A couple of hundred pounds are recommended, although obviously the budget would vary from person to person. Please avoid carrying traveller’s cheque, as there will be times when you will not be carrying your passport with you. Taking cash is a better idea
The exchange rate will vary from time to time. As a rough guide, it is nearly 4.5 Riyals to 1 British Pound. Money changing is not difficult as there are many exchange counters around the local areas in Makkah and Madinah.
Of course, you can. It is a normal practice.
First aid will be available with us. However, we recommend all our customers to take travel insurance. Needless to say, you must also carry some essential drugs with you.
Ministry of Hajj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, requires full payment prior to the visa authorization application. Therefore, no refund relating to the ground arrangements is feasible. As regards the travel, it would depend on the ticket type and the airline rules. There will be no cancellation charges for the ticket if the ticket is not already issued.
One may travel on their own or in a group of any number of people– the only requirement is that all your accommodation and visa must be arranged through an approved agent.
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 from the issued date of visa.
Payment is required in full prior to visa authorization 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 after deducting the cancellation charge as per the airline’s rules. If the ticket has not yet been issued then there will be no cancellation charge.
No, this is no longer possible as payment for your package is sent to the Ministry of Hajj prior to visa authorization application and the visa is issued according to the programmed.
If the child requires a bed or a seat in the transportation then full adult charge is considered, else 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.
An absolute minimum of 21 days must be given to allow for visa authorisation, visa processing and the necessary accommodation, flight reservations and confirmations.
In case of a problem with the accommodation/transportation-booked, we will issue you with an emergency contact numbers that you should contact in the first instance. Otherwise you may contact us by phone email in UK and we will do our best to resolve your problem ASAP.
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.
No, this is no longer possible and is against the law in Saudi Arabia. Accommodation must be booked and paid through the agent.
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. Atlast, if nothing works out then the Ministry of Hajj can also investigate your complaint.
There is an option available for a guide during Umrah.
How do I travel between Makkah and Madinah? The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) offers an hourly service between Makkah and Madina throughout the day by air conditioned coaches, at an approximate cost of £19 return. Alternatively you can hire a cab for approximately £120 one way.
No, Ziyarah trips may be arranged as per te requirements.
You may only get a visa for umrah on a non British passport if: · You have an “indefinite stay” endorsement on your passport · You are here to stay with your spouse who is a British National · You are here on a work permit · You are here on a student 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
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
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. Note: Any service charges paid to us as part of your visa application process are non-refundable in the event of your cancellation
