Your blog category

Saudi Umrah visa from the UK

How Disabled People Can Get Facilities During Umrah?

/0 Comments/in /by

Umrah is a physically challenging activity. It requires physical strength and stamina. Whether you want a Saudi Umrah visa from the UK or any other country, Umrah requirements are different for disabled people. 

Moreover, Hajj and Umrah are compulsory for Muslims who are financially stable and have no physical disability. Almost two to three million Muslims perform Hajj each year. 

According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), in 2022, more than  24,715,307 Muslims worldwide came to Saudi Arabia for an Umrah.

In light of these statistics, the Saudi Government provides several facilities to assist disabled individuals to perform an Umrah. In this post, we’ll explore how disabled individuals can complete their Umrah. By reading this article, you will get vital knowledge on how to make your entire Umrah journey hassle-free with your loved ones. 

Different Options for Disabled People to Perform Umrah

Wheelchairs and Escalators 

Getting an Umrah visa ensures you will embark on your spiritual journey in Saudi Arabia. Here is some encouraging news for you. At Jeddah and Medina airports, there are several facilities for physically disabled people. For instance, there is the wheelchair access for individuals with certain impairments.

Also, there is the availability of ramps and elevators for sick, elderly persons, or physically challenged children at airports. 

Disabled pilgrims can use wheelchairs or escalators after finishing tawaf to return to their hotel rooms. So, on the airline, you can request wheelchair services to ensure seamless mobility of your disabled loved ones.

Even though you can purchase a wheelchair in Mecca for over 250 Riyals, there is no need to do it. This is due to the fact that wheelchair services are accessible everywhere.  

Use of Mobility Aids

In addition, physically disabled people during Umrah can use various other mobility aids as well. For example, they can use scooters to move from one point to another. Similarly, disabled individuals can also utilize walking sticks. With that in mind, elderly people can significantly benefit more from walking sticks at the airport or during tawaf. 

In order to facilitate disabled pilgrimage, the government ensures they benefit from several mobility aids. Therefore, it is crucial to select the best mobility aid to ensure comfortable mobility for your disabled loved ones.

Family Assistance

Bringing your disabled family members to Umrah can be quite challenging. But there is hope at the end of the tunnel. In like manner, if you’re traveling with a disabled family member, you can ensure they get support from a close family member or a relative. For example, you can bring a sibling with you to push the wheelchair of your disabled father. 

Moreover, a close relative can accompany you through crowded places at Kabah. Family assistance can make a massive impact in improving the mobility of a disabled pilgrim.  

Search for Unique Umrah Packages  

Don’t you know that there are unique Umrah packages and special services available for disabled people? It’s true. The travel agency you contact is not restricted to providing you with an Umrah visa in the UK only. Some travel agents, reputable firms, or tailored Umrah packages will also assist your disabled family members with special assistance.

You can avail of unique packages to get the best accommodation for disabled people. Besides, you can get the tailored transport for your loved ones. Thus, a specialized Umrah package will ensure that disabled ones get on-site support at the airport or hotel.   

Likewise, your disabled family members can also take advantage of some VIP facilities. For instance, in Mecca or Medina, they can reduce their wait time by avoiding long queues. Thus, this will ensure a seamless experience at holy places to travel stress-free. 

During-Umrah Facilities for Disabled People  

Specialized Rooms and Apartments 

Mecca and Medina might be the most crowded places during Umrah, but worry not! We have some refreshing news. 

These holy cities offer specialized rooms to disabled persons. Hotels have designed these rooms with broader doorways. Some rooms are built to have easy access to the bathroom. Hence, staying in these rooms can ensure a comfortable living during Umrah.  

Professional Guidance 

When performing Umrah, there is no lack of appropriate guidance or support. No matter what stage you are going through, everywhere, you find dedicated professionals to offer you full guidance. You can even take guidance to ensure proper wheelchair utilization. 

Rest Areas 

Disabled people often don’t have much stamina to perform umrah without taking some rest. Therefore, it is better to ensure that they get convenient access to rest areas in Mecca and Medina.  For example, at holy sites, there are better seating arrangements to accommodate disabled people. 

On the contrary, there are prayer areas and rest places for people with disabilities. So, regardless of illness or age, anyone with a disability can make their Umrah comfortable.  

Medical and Healthcare Assistance 

Sick or medically challenged individuals may require medical assistance anytime during their pilgrimage. Luckily, there is no shortage of first-aid centers in holy cities now. No matter what kind of sickness is, disabled individuals can get quick medical assistance.

Vital Precautions to Consider During an Umrah  

Here are some essential considerations to ensure the optimum completion of your Umrah.

  • Check wheelchair quality and equipment. Ensure the wheelchair you pull or use does not need any repairs.  
  • Also, properly carry all of your required documents. These may include any medical certificates related to your disabled child. To avail of all the assistance, you may need to prove your disability status. 
  • Stay updated with the news to understand weather conditions. Make sure you drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Second, disabled relatives may require more water to protect their well-being.  
  • In order to avoid medical complications, get travel insurance. It will come in handy to save you from various medical problems. 
  • During a holy pilgrimage, everyone deserves respect. So, always show genuine respect and empathy for other pilgrims.  

What to do When the Airport Fails to Offer Disability Assistance

Airports and hotels typically provide seamless facilities to disabled people. However, if you fail to receive proper aid at the airport, you can rely on self-help. For example, you can get a wheelchair service at the airport. So, you must look for a wheelchair assistant. 

Wheelchair assistants will help to drive wheelchairs to move your disabled relatives. They may charge a bit for providing these services. At the airport, you don’t have to run after these assistants to catch them. They can quickly spot you and come to you. 

However, many pharmacies also have ample stock of wheelchairs. Hence, you can get plenty of folding chairs or wheelchairs at pharmacies to ensure the mobility of your disabled loved ones. However, if the disabled relative happens to be a child, you need to purchase a wheelchair from a mall. Because it will not be going to cost you too much. 

Some Precautions for Driving a Wheelchair


Getting a wheelchair facility for your disabled relatives is half the problem solved. It can be a daunting task to push or drive a wheelchair around. If you are pushing the wheelchair by yourself, you can use some necessary tips to avoid a difficult experience. 

  • After each tawaf of the Kabah, ensure you don’t over-exhaust yourself. Tawaf can be gut-wrenching with a person in a wheelchair. So, rest after each tawaf by stopping at your place. 
  • If you don’t get enough sleep, your enthusiasm for Umrah will diminish. Hence, get plenty of sleep after doing a hard day’s work to regain stamina. 
  • Further, when carrying a disabled relative in a wheelchair, it is an effective practice to walk only on Marble pathways.  
  • During an Umah, all pilgrims have to walk between Marwa and Safa. So, it is advisable to get assistance from helpers in green uniforms to avoid discomfort. 

Final Words

A visa for Umrah from the UK prepares you for a faith-filled journey. However, performing an Umrah with a physically disabled relative can be quite daunting. Since disabled people should not be stopped from participating in this devotional journey, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary facilities to ensure a pain-free Umrah journey. 

As a matter of fact, there are many facilities and options available for disabled individuals to perform an Umrah. Equally, disabled individuals must perform Umrah with pride and take precautions to travel services to ensure a smooth pilgrimage. Therefore, coupled with wheelchair assistance and many other facilities, you can easily take a disabled relative on this pious journey.  

cheap Umrah packages

How Much Does Umrah Cost from the UK?

/0 Comments/in /by

Muslims across the globe perform Umrah to enhance their spiritual blessings. The UK is no exception. They begin their journey by searching for Umrah packages to visit the holy city of Mecca. An Umrah visa allows them to fulfill their dream of meeting Muslims worldwide. However, they must abide by several rules, such as getting Umrah packages UK from a renowned agent. 

Are you planning to embark on your spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia? Now, the most crucial goal is to calculate Umrah’s cost by relying on cheap Umrah packages. Similarly, planning Umrah costs is vital for minimizing your expenses. In fact, you have come to the right place. 

So, in this post, we will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved in performing Umrah in the UK. 

What is the Average Cost of Umrah from the UK?

Even if you get a good Umrah package in the United Kingdom, Umrah’s cost from the UK can vary significantly. Since there are many cheap Umrah packages available, it is crucial to gain a better idea of the expectations. 

In the UK, per individual average Umrah package cost ranges from almost  £1,000 to £2,000. Additionally, these are significant costs everyone has to bear. For example, these costs include transportation costs, your Umrah visa fee, and your stay in Saudi Arabia.  

Umrah Visa Types

Have no idea about what type of Umrah visas are available? Worry not because we will help you understand the types of Umrah visas available. Whether you are a UK citizen or come from another nationality, you can perform Umrah in the following ways: 

Individual Visa

First, you can perform an individual visa without any specific travel plans. After you contact a reputable travel agency, they can guide you to get an individual Umrah visa.  

Group Umrah Visa

Group Umrah visa is designed for people planning to visit the holy city in a group. Similarly, this visa can be available through a travel agent or a reputable agency. So, you must find the best tour arrangement specialist to improve your chances of getting a group visa. Equally important, they will also arrange to help you get additional services, including transportation in Saudi Arabia.  

Note: An important note is that the Umrah visa is not valid for a longer period. In other words, you can only enjoy an Umrah visa for a shorter period, such as 90 days. So, if you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia for almost 20 days to one month, you can easily avail that opportunity. What Documents do you Need for an Umrah Visa?  

In order to obtain an Umrah visa, you can arrange the following documents to ensure your journey to holy cities. 

  1. An official passport that is valid for at least six months 
  2. An application form filled out completely  
  3. Arrange two latest photographs. Make sure they are taken with a white background 
  4. Airline tickets and their proof
  5. A valid document to show your hotel or accommodation booking in the holy cities
  6. If you’re from the list of risk-zone countries, provide a vaccination certificate
  7. A mahram relative that accompanies children and women. For example, you can bring your uncle or elder brother on an Umrah journey. 

Make sure that you need to arrange at least one of these documents to qualify for the visa. So, the Saudi Government will use its checklist and provide you with an intimation of your visa. Hence, it is your responsibility to avoid any delays in the visa. 

Factors Influencing Umrah Cost

Your Umrah cost can depend on a myriad of factors. Hence, understanding of the following factors is crucial to get an Umrah visa from the UK. Let us explain each of these factor to understand their impact: 

1. Season of Travel

Are you someone who prefers to perform an Umrah during Ramadan? Here is a simple truth: the time you choose for performing an Umrah journey is always crucial. For example, it can help you measure the overall cost of your journey. 

Also, if you are someone who loves to perform a holy pilgrimage during the Hajj season, it will always be expensive. In light of this, peak times can always break the bank as the visa demand increases. Moreover, you’ll also be bothered significantly by the prices of accommodation and airline tickets. 

 So, this implies that saving costs on your Umrah trip requires careful planning. Besides, traveling in the non-peak season will always allow you to avail more budget-friendly options.  

2. Preferred Visa

Similarly, its extremely vital to make a Savvy visa decision based on your budget. You have the option to choose between two visa types. However, it is even more crucial to make the right decision before you finally choose an Umrah visa or a Hajj visa. 

Of course, a Hajj visa offers you plenty of options to participate in spiritual activities. So, we recommend not to choose a Hajj visa if you only intend to participate in an Umrah. On top of that, an Umrah visa won’t take away your precious funds and leave you in stress. Moreover, a Hajj visa is not the most popular choice for UK-based Muslims with a budget-oriented mind.  

In fact, comparing and contrasting both visa types is more important. On the other hand, if you aim to have a long trip and come back home after performing Hajj and Umrah, go for the Hajj visa.  

3. Flight Type

High prices of flight tickets is become a pain point for many budget travelers from the UK. In this post-pandemic era, plane tickets are no longer as cheap as they used to be. With this in mind, you should book a direct flight to Saudi Arabia. A pro tip is to travel straight to Jedah from the United Kingdom. This will ensure you a budget-friendly flight.  

 

Also, if you book a flight to Medina, it is likely to more expensive. The reason is obvious. You need to change flights to make it to Median from the UK. therefore, choosing the former option will ensure a journey that is more cost-effective. And it will save you time and effort too to get to your desired destination.  

 4. Accommodation Type

Your Umrah expense significantly depends on the type of hotel or apartment you choose. Hence, instead of choosing expensive hotel options in holy cities, you must choose a hotel that saves your wallet from breaking.

With this goal in mind, your Umrah package cost can be significantly reduced by choosing a modest-class hotel. While high-rise hotels will only hurt your budget. 

A budget pilgrimage from the UK can choose budget accommodations. With that in mind, you can find several cheap hotels near Haram. The price of hotels will increase accordingly. However, the best strategy is to reduce costs by checking into a cheap hotel near Haram. 

5. Additional Requirements or Luxuries

“You mustn’t get used to luxuries, or you will suffer.”

If this is the first time you are reading this quote, understand that this can make a difference to your overall Umrah cost. Being a budget traveler, you should limit your desires. For example, your choice of hotel can provide you with expensive meals. 

With this in mind, remember that extra perks and services will cost you a fortune. Your Umrah journey can become very costly if you avail of additional services. Therefore, saving your precious money is in your hands. Now, you must get access to vital services and avoid hefty expenses and food menus. That’ll keep you within the limits of your budget.  

6. Type of Umrah Package

Umrah packages vary in terms of what they include. Basic packages cover essential services like accommodation, transportation, and visa fees. However, comprehensive packages may include additional perks like guided tours, meals, and other services, which come at a higher cost. Choosing the right package that suits your needs and budget is essential to managing your expenses.

Final Words

The Umrah cost from the United Kingdom can depend on myriad factors. Typically, this spiritual endeavor from the UK will cost you from £1,000 to £2,000. But the main thing is that you need to make informed decisions regarding your UK Umrah cost. Thus, the Umrah price heavily depends on the Umrah package you select. Carefully planning your budget can ensure you gain a spiritually rewarding Umrah experience with no financial hazards. 

hajjumrahpackages.uk

Complete Guide to Umrah Visa from the UK

/0 Comments/in /by

Having concerns about getting a Saudi Umrah visa from the UK but are not sure about the requirements? Or is it the cost of a visa for Umrah from the UK bothering you? Regardless of your age, gender, or nationality, all pilgrims need an Umrah visa to fulfill their spiritual dreams.

The immigration authorities of Saudi Arabia have revised their rules to restrict free entry into the country. With that intention, an Umrah visa UK is a must-have document to obtain before entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

So, if you have a UK passport and are unsure of how you can get an Umrah visa from the UK you have come to the right place. We can help!

Types of Saudi Visas for Umrah

In the first place, all UK citizens are bound to apply for a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. As explained, it is mandatory to acquire this document before entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Now, the next question for you to figure out is: how many types of Umrah visas are available to travel to the KSA from the UK?

Let’s provide you with a simple answer. There are TWO types of visas you can apply for to enter the KSA as a tourist.

  • A tourist e-Visa
  • Or an online Umrah-specific visa

Also, to put it straightforwardly, Saudi Arabian authorities offer two types of visas for pilgrims from the UK.  Either you can get a dedicated Umrah visa or acquire an online tourist visa. However, a tourist visa cannot provide you with perks and benefits to perform a comfortable Umrah. Conversely, it is more convenient to apply for a tourist visa instead of the latter option.

More Details about Saudi Tourist Visa

When you apply for a Saudi Umrah visa from the UK, it is the best option to perform an Umrah. However, a tourist visa of Saudi Arabia is a similar document. The only difference is that a tourist visa allows UK citizens to attend events, meet family members, or just promote tourism.

A tourist visa also allows you to enter Mecca and Medina as a foreign visitor. You can visit holy cities and sites in Jeddah and Mecca. However, only Muslim tourists can visit the holy Mecca. Besides, you cannot perform Hajj by acquiring a tourist visa.

Also, with a tourist visa, you are not permitted to take admission to a course in a Saudi Institution. Nor you can apply for a full-time job in Saudi Arabia with this type of document.

How is the Umrah Visa Different from the Saudi Tourist Visa?

Of course, the is no reason to worry about getting an Umrah visa UK. The government side from a tourist visa, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allows you to get an Umrah-specific visa. For example, a multiple-entry visa is useful for anyone who wants to perform an Umrah and visit the country for leisure purposes. Whereas, a single-entry Umrah visa is only beneficial for performing an Umrah. Moreover, there are several different conditions for each type of visa for UK-based visitors.

First, pilgrims from the UK and almost 50 countries can visit the KSA with religious intentions. Second, pilgrims from anywhere in the world can apply for an Umrah-specific visa and visit holy cities.

So, the eligibility requirement for an Umrah-specific visa is slightly different from other visa types. Let us explore it in detail.

Umrah Visa Requirements for Citizens of the UK

Ofcourse, you need to fulfil all the requirement such as traveling with female, passport requirements, and visa documents. But first, let us  discuss some COVID-19 or vaccination rules to acquire an Umrah visa from the UK.

COVID-19 Requirements

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made requirements easy for pilgrims. So, as per new 2023 rules, there are no more special requirements to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, you’re not required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test.

In fact, there is one rule that is applicable to all pilgrims regardless of their nationality. You need medical insurance to help you avoid any medical emergencies. So, in case you suffer from a major illness or undergo COVID-19 treatment, you can benefit from medical insurance at hospitals and clinics.

 Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

If you already possess a valid passport, you’ll need six months of validity from the date you arrive in the KSA. You should check with your travel agent or consultant to understand passport validity rules. This will reduce confusion and embrace clarity.

Visas

If you have never traveled to the KSA from the UK, remember you need an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) to enter the country. Moreover, a tourist visa can be applied online conveniently. So, all Muslim travelers can participate in Umrah by getting a tourist visa. But, if you also aim to perform Hajj, you will require a Hajj-specific visa. That is out of the scope of this post.

But a separate visa is needed for Hajj. See separate guidance on the Umrah application process in the Pilgrimage section.

If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, medical treatment or to study, you can apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver. An EVW permits a single entry visit of up to six months. You can apply for an EVW through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visas portal. You must have a confirmed flight booking and apply for your EVW from 90 days to 48 hours prior to your trip. Tourist visas are valid for 360 days from the date of issue and can be used for visits of up to 90 days. A daily fine will be levied if you overstay your visa.

If you’re travelling for any other purpose, you should apply for a visa through visa agencies accredited to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. If you overstay your visa you will be fined and deported.

If you’re transiting through Saudi Arabia, you may need a transit visa if the connecting time between your flights is more than 12 hours. Once the ticket is issued, you should confirm with your airline or travel agency if you need a transit visa. You should be able to apply for a transit visa through your airline, travel agency or through an established agent via the visa section of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

/0 Comments/in /by
Read more