If you go to umra with a group, do they let you visit your family and stuff?
I am 21 year old lady wants to go to umra alone. I am us citizen, is it possible?
Thanks!
Re: Umra packages
- you are only allowed to visit, three cities Makkah, Madina and Jeddah on Umrah Visa... Anything beyond that is off limits.
- Secondly you need a mahram accompanying you to travel to Saudi Arabia on Umrah/Hajj visa basis.
Re: Umra packages
Cool Breeze is right. You can't travel but your relatives can come to any of these three cities to see you. I have also heard relatives taking visitors to their cities in private cars for few days without any checks but don't rely on that. Also, make sure that u have proper accommodation arrangements. It happens that travel agents charge high prices and in turn give you worst service.
Re: Umra packages
How much do Umrah packages cost usually in Jan/Feb time?
It varies greatly according to services.... from shared room accommodations to 5 star hotel rooms (and all in between). Check from a reputed agent.
Thanks guys!
One more Questions...Is there any other way to visit Saudi arab rather than going on umra visa? I don't have family there.
Re: Umra packages
^^ the only way to visit Saudi Arab is when some one from your family sponsor your visa.. like your father or brother.. .else no way..
other way is if a company sponsors a business visa for you....
Re: Umra packages
If you want to visit Jeddah, Medina and Makkah, the best is Umrah visa. It is fast and given without any hassle. No sponsor required. Couple of years ago even no hotel bookings (arranged tours) were needed. just an application form. Nowadays, Saudi Embassy wants you to book trip through appointed travel companies who will arrange your visa, ticket, hotel, inland travel, etc. Services of these agents vary greatly. For instance in Pakistan, they would deceive u so much that u end up waiting for someone at Jeddah airport and then have to arrange van for yourself to go to Makkah and won't even like the living place. I recommend to book only through reputed agents like Waljis, Gerrys, etc.
Remember if you travel during extremely busy days like Ramadan, reserve your return seat BEFORE YOU TRAVEL. Offcourse, travel agent will tell you its reserved but in fact it is not. Many people end up staying there for weeks and cannot get a seat in airplane. Saudi govt does not charge anything or put penalties for overstay due to this reason. It is a real problem. Double check it with airline before you depart.