When it comes to Umrah, the first thing that comes to our mind is the Umrah package. The Umrah trip in today’s era can only be completed when the package is booked. Umrah packages are actually the travel deals or plans that travel agencies or tour operators book for the Muslims who want to go for Umrah. The inclusions of these bundles are visas, Umrah tickets, hotels reservations, private transport, and guided tours. In addition, cost depends on the packages’ category and services you choose.
Muslims can travel from any corner of the world for Umrah, whether it’s North America or Europe. If you are one of them and planning your Umrah from the USA, you should know the basic guidelines on how to book Umrah package. So, here we will discuss about some key points that you must be aware of when booking package for Umrah.
Have You Decided Your Umrah Travel Dates?
Before final booking of your Umrah package, you have to decide the travel dates for Umrah. As Umrah is performed in Makkah so you will have to travel from the United States to Saudi Arabia. Hence, finalize the suitable and perfect dates in which you can travel comfortably. You are flexible in dates of your choice because there are no fixed dates as Hajj has. Umrah can be performed throughout the year.
When you contact your agent you can provide your preferred dates. The concern operator will advise you on the final travel dates for available flight schedule and visa processing time. Usually, Americans get their Umrah visas on time, which will be valid for up to 90 days. Moreover, if you choose the travel dates in peak season like Ramadan then the package will be costly. Even, there will be more rush inside Haram.
It’s Time to Choose an Umrah Agency for Package
After finalizing your travel dates, now you have to choose a reliable Umrah agency that provides trustworthy and affordable packages. This step is the most critical, as the agency is solely responsible for your visa, booking, and other relevant services. Choose only the agency authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Check out the IATA number, license, or customer reviews for verification. Also make sure that how many years of experience the agency has maintained.
Once you choose the agency or company, contact them for booking of Umrah package. This usually includes all the essential services required during Umrah. Every Umrah intender have different budget, needs, and comfort level, so companies make various type of packages from the USA. Usually, packages divided into three main categories: basic, deluxe, and VIP. The major difference in these packages is due to hotel standard (3*, 4*, and 5*) and flight class.
When you make a final booking, got a written quotation from the agency that should include:
- Hotel names in Makkah and Madinah
- Meal plan (if provided in package)
- Transport details with vehicle type
- Total cost of package with hidden charges (if)
- Flight itinerary
Submit Your Required Documents for Booking
When you are booking an Umrah package from the USA, the agency needs some official documents to verify your identity and eligibility. Keep in mind that Umrah is an international religious journey that requires official Saudi visa and embassy needs to verify the identity. What documents you will required?
For the very first, your passport must be valid for at least six to eight months. Then provide your photographs to your concern travel agency. You may be asked to submit vaccination certificate (for health concern pilgrims), signing the invoices, providing the payment proof, etc. You must submit all the documents correctly to avoid any hassle.
Confirm Your Umrah Package and Receive Visa
Now, you have to confirm your booking of Umrah package. Make the final payments via secure methods, whatever the agency use. The agency will process your Umrah Visa and all the travel arrangements. You may also have to pay the half payment of your package in advance. This is a signal to agency that you are serious and your booking should be confirmed. After that, you will receive the confirmation receipt or message of your Umrah package.
After the working days, your visa will be issued and you will get PDF copy via email. Your name, passport number, and visa validity will be written on the top. In most cases, this is an Umrah visa that allows you travel towards Makkah via Jeddah airport.
Get Ready to Depart for Your Umrah Journey
After confirming all the requirements, get ready to depart for your Umrah. If your dates are far enough away, then you will have plenty of time. But if your dates are close, you should start preparing for it. In packing, include only the essential items. Learning step-by-step guide is mandatory on how to perform Umrah. Basically, Umrah has only four steps: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’ee, and Qasr.
Prepare your all the physical and digital documents required for departing on Umrah journey. Check out your final departure point or airport and boarding time. Crowds, queues, and physical challenges will come, so handle with patience and believe on Allah SWT.
Remember that Umrah is not just a tourism, it’s a journey of faith and worship. Packages’ costs may vary depending on the agencies, but the only important thing is that your journey should be easy and comfortable. Hope your Umrah from USA become memorable!