36 Very Important Points for Your Next Umrah Journey

The package cost you see does not include GST (5%) and TCS (up to 20%). These government-mandated taxes will be added to your final invoice. Make sure to account for these additional costs when budgeting for your trip. 💸

Any new charges or fees imposed by the Saudi authorities after your booking will be the pilgrim’s responsibility. These are not included in the package price, so please stay updated on any changes in Saudi regulations. 📜

Embassy and visa fees are non-refundable. If your passport needs to be sent to the embassy for any reason, a charge of ₹2000/- will apply, and the process may take 5 to 10 working days. Courier charges may also vary depending on your location. We strongly recommend applying for your Umrah Visa at least 15 days before your travel date and checking the Umrah Visa Quota System Rules to avoid delays. 🛂

Please note that we are not responsible for any delays, rejections, or mistakes in the Umrah visa application process. Visa approvals are entirely at the discretion of the Saudi government, and we have no control over their decisions. 🏛️

The prices mentioned in our packages are calculated at ﷼ SAR 1 = ₹ 25 INR or + ₹ 1 INR from Google exchange rates. If there are any fluctuations in currency rates, the additional cost will be borne by the pilgrim. We recommend checking the current exchange rates here before making your payment. 💱

Full payment, including any variations in airfare or visa fees, must be settled at least 11 days before departure. If the payment is not completed by this deadline, we will not be able to allow you to travel with us. This is a strict policy to ensure smooth operations. ⏳

Please note that child fares do not apply to low-cost or budget airlines. If you are travelling with children above 2 years, ensure you account for the full fare. 👶

During peak seasons such as November, December, January, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Muharram, Eid, or Rabi Ul Awwal (Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi), package rates may increase due to high demand. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid last-minute surprises. 📅

Please note that tour dates, Ziyarah programs, and shifting schedules are tentative and subject to change without prior notice. Unlike other travel packages, Umrah does not have a fixed itinerary, as it depends on the circumstances and regulations in Saudi Arabia. Flexibility is key during your journey. 🕌

It is highly recommended to perform Tawaf and Sai individually rather than in groups. Group Tawaf often leads to distractions, as people tend to talk during the Tawaf and Sai, and some people even keep taking pictures and videos. Performing Umrah alone allows you to focus entirely on your spiritual connection with Allah. If you are unsure how to perform Umrah, it is your responsibility to research How To Perform Umrah like you did for choosing the Umrah Company. Watch YouTube videos, consult scholars, and read guides before your journey. 📖

Purchase Saudi Riyals in India before your departure, as exchange rates are much higher in Makkah, Madinah, and at the airports. You can buy Riyals directly from your bank or from Aimah Tours. We can arrange it for you at competitive rates. You can also carry an international debit card to withdraw cash easily from any ATM in Saudi Arabia. 💵

Always keep small denominations of Riyals (10, 20, 50, 100 SAR) with you for emergencies. This will come in handy for small purchases, transportation, or unexpected situations. 💰

Carry essential items like medicines, chappals, Ihram, and a phone charger in your handbag, not in checked luggage. This ensures you have immediate access to these items during your journey. 🎒

Always keep an extra set of Ihram and slippers for emergencies. This is especially important in case your Ihram gets damaged or lost during the journey. 👕

It is advisable to wear the Ihram before crossing Meeqat. If you are travelling to Jeddah Airport, you can wear Ihram from your home or at the departure airport. For example, Delhi Airport has a dedicated Masjid for this purpose. 🕌

Transportation during your journey will be provided in shared buses. If you miss the group bus for any reason, you will need to arrange private transportation at your own cost. Additionally, if you use NAMCO (Ministry Buses), they may hold your passport until you pay a penalty for using government transportation. 🚍

Activate roaming on your SIM card before leaving India. Download communication apps like IMO and Botim for video and audio calls, as WhatsApp calls do not work in Saudi Arabia. 📱

Avoid sharing your fingerprints with strangers at the airport, as there have been instances of misuse to obtain unauthorised SIM cards. Purchase SIM cards only from the official STC office by showing your Umrah visa. 📞

The distance from Haram Sharif and Masjid-e-Nabawi to your hotel may vary on different platforms. These distances are measured from the boundary of the Haram and Masjid-e-Nabawi to the hotel. 🏨

Each room accommodates 5-6 members. If you prefer a private room, you can request one at an additional cost. However, this decision must be made at least 10 days before travel. 🛏️

Please note that hotels in Madinah are generally smaller and 3x more expensive than those in Makkah. Some rooms in Madinah may also have shared bathrooms. Plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay. 🏠

Hotels in Makkah and Madinah do not provide Room Service. Rooms are cleaned only before check-in. If you are staying for an extended period, you will need to clean your room yourself. 🧹

Economy hotels in Makkah and Madinah do not provide toiletries such as soap, shampoo, towels, buckets, mugs, or irons. Make sure to bring your own essentials. 🧴

If your chosen hotel becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, we will arrange accommodations of identical or similar quality for you. 🏩

Follow the Ziyarah and meal timings as guided by our Staff. Missing the scheduled time will result in no entitlement to meals or private Ziyarah arrangements, as these services are provided only as per the fixed schedule. ⏰

Pilgrims above the age of 50 years must be accompanied by a family member. Additionally, a full vaccination certificate is mandatory to avail of health insurance facilities. 👴👵

Drinking water is available only in the designated mess dining area, for example RE Floor or the M Floor in hotels. We recommend purchasing a 5-litre water bag from shops near the Clock Tower in Makkah and refilling it with Zamzam water. Prioritise drinking Zamzam water over regular water, as it is a unique blessing you will miss once you return home. 🚰

Laundry service is provided once in Makkah and once in Madinah. However, the quality of the laundry may not be suitable for new clothes. Bring your detergent, washing brush, and iron if needed. 🧺

We are not responsible for the loss or theft of passports, luggage, or personal belongings during your trip. Please keep your valuables safe at all times. 🛄

Do not carry Indian flags or flags from any other country. Taking pictures with flags is banned in Saudi Arabia and can lead to severe penalties, including jail time.🇮🇳

The permit for Riyaz Ul Jannah is not included in our package. However, you can apply for it via the NUSUK App. Watch this video for a guide on Rawdah appointments. 📱

Pilgrims requiring wheelchairs are encouraged to bring their own or purchase one from a medical store near the Clock Tower. Alternatively, you can use the free wheelchairs provided at the Haram. We are not responsible for arranging wheelchairs. ♿

Pilgrims are not allowed to meet relatives or friends inside hotel rooms or restaurant areas unless they have booked an Aimah Tours Land Package. Meetings outside the hotel or Haram area are permissible. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦