Question 1

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

While not always mandatory, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Saudi Arabia may require health insurance for entry — check current requirements.

Question 2

What happens if I need help during the journey?

Accepted Answer

Our group leaders are available on-ground throughout your journey. You also have our phone and WhatsApp support line for any issues. Emergency contact information is provided in your travel documents.

Question 3

Can I extend my stay?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Discuss this with your advisor during booking. Extensions may affect hotel rates and require additional visa arrangements. It is easier to arrange before your departure than after arrival.

Question 4

What is Ziyarat?

Accepted Answer

Ziyarat are guided visits to historical and religiously significant sites in Makkah and Madinah. In Makkah, this may include Jabal al-Noor, Mina, and Arafat. In Madinah, sites include Masjid Quba, Uhud, and Masjid Qiblatain. Most packages include guided Ziyarat.

Question 5

How do transfers work in Saudi Arabia?

Accepted Answer

We arrange all ground transportation including airport pickups, hotel transfers, and intercity travel between Makkah and Madinah. All vehicles are air-conditioned. Transfer details are in your travel documents.

Question 6

Which airlines do you use?

Accepted Answer

Airlines vary by departure city and package. We work with major carriers including Saudi Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and others. Your specific airline is confirmed during the booking process.

Question 7

Are flights included in the packages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most packages include round-trip flights from your specified US departure city. Some premium packages offer business class options. Flight details are listed on each package page.

Question 8

How close are the hotels to the Haram?

Accepted Answer

Hotel proximity varies by package and price level. Our premium packages feature hotels within walking distance of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi. Other packages include shuttle services. Exact distance details are on each hotel page.

Question 9

What hotels do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use carefully selected hotels in both Makkah and Madinah, ranging from 4-star to 5-star properties. Each package page shows the specific hotels, their amenities, and location details. Hotels are chosen for comfort, cleanliness, and proximity.

Question 10

Which room type should I choose?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your budget and comfort preferences. Quad rooms offer the best value, while single rooms provide maximum privacy. Families often choose double or triple rooms. Your advisor can help you find the right combination.

Question 11

What are quad, triple, double, and single rooms?

Accepted Answer

These refer to how many travelers share a hotel room. Quad means 4 people share, triple means 3, double means 2, and single is a private room. Pricing is per person and decreases with more people sharing. Families often mix room types.

Question 12

Is Umrah suitable for elderly travelers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with appropriate planning. We select hotels for proximity to reduce walking distances, arrange wheelchair-accessible transport where possible, and pace itineraries for comfort. Discuss specific needs with your advisor.

Question 13

Can I bring children on Umrah?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Children of all ages can perform Umrah. Our Family packages are designed with children in mind, including appropriate hotel selection, pacing, and support. Infants and young children need their own passport and visa.

Question 14

What is Ihram?

Accepted Answer

Ihram refers to the state of ritual purity a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah or Hajj. For men, it also refers to the two white unstitched cloths worn. Women wear their normal modest clothing. Our first-time pilgrim guide explains Ihram in detail.

Question 15

What should I pack for Umrah?

Accepted Answer

Essential items include your travel documents, Ihram garments (for men), comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing, prayer items, personal medications, toiletries, a money belt, and a daypack. See our detailed Packing Guide for a complete checklist.

Question 16

Do I need vaccinations for Umrah?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Saudi Arabia requires meningitis (ACWY) vaccination for all Umrah travelers. Seasonal flu vaccination is recommended. COVID-19 requirements may apply — check current Saudi entry requirements. Consult your physician at least 4-6 weeks before travel.

Question 17

How does the Umrah visa process work?

Accepted Answer

We handle visa processing for all package bookings. You provide your passport, photo, and required documents. We submit the application and return your approved visa before departure. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.

Question 18

What documents do I need for Umrah?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid US passport (with at least 6 months validity), a Saudi Umrah visa, proof of vaccination (meningitis ACWY is required), and your flight and hotel confirmations. We handle visa processing as part of your package.

Question 19

Is Umrah suitable for first-time travelers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many of our travelers are performing Umrah for the first time. Our packages include guided support, and we provide preparation materials to help you understand the rituals, packing, and what to expect.

Question 20

How long does Umrah take?

Accepted Answer

The actual Umrah rituals (Tawaf and Sa'i) typically take 3-5 hours. However, most travelers spend 7-14 days total to include travel time, time in both Makkah and Madinah, Ziyarat tours, and rest.

Question 21

What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?

Accepted Answer

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of year. Hajj is the annual pilgrimage that takes place during the specific Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and involves additional rituals over several days. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory once in a lifetime for those able.

Question 22

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and installment plans for select packages. Payment details are discussed during the booking process with your travel advisor.

Question 23

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation terms vary by package and depend on how close to the departure date the cancellation is made. Contact our team for the specific terms of your booking. Cancellation details are provided in your booking confirmation.

Question 24

Can I customize my Umrah journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use our Custom Umrah page to submit your specific requirements including preferred dates, hotels, duration, and any special needs. Our team will create a tailored itinerary and provide pricing.

Question 25

What is included in a typical Umrah package?

Accepted Answer

Most packages include round-trip flights from your US departure city, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, airport transfers, ground transportation between cities, guided Ziyarat tours, visa processing, and dedicated travel support. Specific inclusions vary by package — check each journey page for full details.

Question 26

How do I book an Umrah package with Nuraya Travel?

Accepted Answer

Browse our available journeys, choose a package that suits your needs, and submit an inquiry through the package page or the Plan My Journey form. A Nuraya Travel advisor will contact you to discuss details, room options, and next steps.

Question 27

What if I have special dietary or medical needs?

Accepted Answer

Please mention any dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or accessibility requirements when booking. We work with our hotel and transportation partners to accommodate special needs to the best of our ability.

Question 28

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We understand that pilgrimage travel is a significant investment. We offer flexible payment arrangements for most packages. Contact our advisors to discuss options that work for your budget and timeline.

Question 29

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the package and timing. Generally, cancellations made more than 45 days before departure receive a substantial refund. Detailed cancellation terms are provided during the booking process. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Question 30

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 6 to 8 weeks before your intended travel date. For Ramadan and Hajj seasons, booking 3 to 4 months in advance is advisable due to high demand and limited availability.

Question 31

Can I travel with my family?

Accepted Answer

Many of our packages are designed to be family-friendly, accommodating couples, families with children, and seniors. We offer room configurations for families and can arrange for additional support. Look for the family-friendly badge on package listings.

Question 32

What is included in the package price?

Accepted Answer

Each package details its inclusions clearly on the package page. Most packages include round-trip airfare, Umrah visa processing, hotel accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, ground transportation between cities, guided Ziyarat tours, and breakfast. Check individual package pages for specific inclusions.

Question 33

What documents do I need for Umrah?

Accepted Answer

You will need a valid US passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date), passport-sized photographs, and an Umrah visa. We assist with visa processing as part of most packages. Additional documentation requirements may apply depending on current regulations.

Question 34

How do I book an Umrah package?

Accepted Answer

Browse our available packages, select one that matches your preferred dates and departure city, then use the inquiry form or contact our advisors directly by phone or WhatsApp. We will walk you through every step of the process.

What is Ihram?

More Guides

Umrah Preparation Timeline

A Visitor’s Guide to Madinah

A Visitor’s Guide to Makkah

Ready to begin your journey?