FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

WHAT DOCUMENTS WILL I NEED TO REGISTER?

  • A clear scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months from the trip date; must have available visa pages)

  • A clear scanned passport-sized color photo with a white background

  • A $500 non-refundable deposit plus the payment platform processing fee (per person)

WHAT ARE THE TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS?

  • We will be flying via Turkish Airlines from EWR Airport (Newark, NJ). There will be a connecting flight in Istanbul to Madinah, and on the return trip from Jeddah, also via Istanbul, back to Newark.

  • Ground transportation from the airport to the hotel in Madinah, from Makkah to the Jeddah airport, and all group ziyarah site visits are included in every package. Transportation will be via air-conditioned private buses.

  • A high-speed train from Madinah to Makkah is also included. Baggage will be transferred directly from hotel to hotel.

 WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • Round-trip airfare from EWR (Newark, NJ) to Madinah via Turkish Airlines

  • 7 nights in a 5-star hotel in Madinah

  • 3 nights in a 5-star hotel in Makkah

  • Daily breakfast

  • Umrah visa processing

  • All ground transportation between airports and hotels in Madinah & Makkah

  • Luxury bus transportation

  • High-speed train from Madinah to Makkah

  • Luggage transfer from Madinah to Makkah

  • Ziyarat (guided sightseeing) in both Madinah & Makkah

  • Ihram (for men) and prayer mat (for women)

  • Zamzam water upon departure

WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE TRIP?

This trip includes 7 nights in Madinah and 3 nights in Makkah, both in 5-star hotels. Room assignments are based on your selected package and arranged by gender, unless you are traveling as a family or as part of a group booking.

Accommodation Options:

  • Quad: Shared standard room with 1 bathroom and 4 beds*

  • Triple: Shared standard room with 1 bathroom and 3 beds

  • Double: Shared standard room with 1 bathroom and 1–2 beds

*Please note: One of the four beds in the Quad room may be a cot.

CAN NON-US/CANADIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS REGISTER FOR THIS TRIP?

Yes, but requirements vary depending on your nationality and visa type:

  • Women under the age of 45 from countries not eligible for the Saudi eVisa must travel with a mahram (male relative)

  • Proof of relationship is required (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)

  • The following documents must be scanned and uploaded during registration:

    • Original passport

    • One passport-sized color photo with a white background

    • Green card (if applicable)

For women from countries eligible for the Saudi eVisa or visa on arrival (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia), a mahram is not required to enter the country or perform Umrah.

WILL A MAHRAM BE REQUIRED FOR WOMEN TO PERFORM UMRAH?

  • Sisters over the age of 45 may travel without a mahram, regardless of nationality, as long as they are part of an organized group. In some cases, a notarized no-objection certificate (NOC) from a male guardian may be required.

  • Sisters under the age of 45 from eVisa-eligible countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, EU nations, Malaysia) can perform Umrah on a tourist visa without a mahram.

  • Women from countries not eligible for the Saudi eVisa (such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, etc.) will generally need a mahram to perform Umrah, particularly if applying for a traditional Umrah visa.

* Mahram requirements depend on your country of citizenship and the type of visa being used. Please consult your local travel provider or embassy for the most accurate information.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

Families are welcome to join the trip. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for supervising and caring for their children throughout the journey. Children must be under the listed age as of the return date of the trip to qualify for child pricing.

Infant & Child (Land + Air Packages)

  • Infant in lap (under 2 years old): $1,000
    Includes:

    • Airline Ticket

    • Visa

  • Child (2–10 years old): $2,800 per child (maximum 1 child per paid adult)
    Includes:

    • Airline Ticket

    • Visa

    • Bus Seat

    • Train Ticket

    • Daily Breakfast

Infant & Child (Land Only Packages)

  • Infant in lap (under 2 years old): $400
    Includes:

    • Visa

  • Child (2–10 years old): $1,700 per child (maximum 1 child per paid adult)
    Includes:

    • Visa

    • Bus Seat

    • Train Ticket

    • Daily Breakfast

Please note: Infant and child packages do not include a bed.

IS THIS TRIP SUITABLE FOR ELDERLY PARTICIPANTS?

Many older adults successfully perform Umrah each year. However, participants should carefully consider the physical demands of the trip. If assistance is required, we recommend traveling with a family member or companion who can provide support.

DO I NEED PREVIOUS UMRAH EXPERIENCE?

No. Our trips are designed for both first-time and returning pilgrims. Throughout the journey, our teachers will provide step-by-step guidance before each rite of Umrah and will be available to answer questions throughout the trip.

WHEN IS THE FULL BALANCE DUE?

The full payment is due upon receipt of invoice, which is typically issued within 1–3 weeks of making the deposit.

QUESTIONS?

Feel free to contact us at umrah@almaqasid.org for any further inquiries.