Frequently Asked Questions

UmrahDeals is a UK-registered travel company (Company No. 16423580) specializing in Umrah travel packages and related services for customers in the United States and Middle East. We offer comprehensive Umrah packages, eSIM data plans, visa assistance, flight bookings, and hotel reservations.

We exclusively serve customers residing in the United States and Middle East countries. We do not currently serve residents of the United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, or Australia.

You can create an account by clicking the "Sign Up" button in the top navigation. You'll need to provide your name, email address, phone number, and create a password. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account.

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment processor, Stripe. Payments are processed in British Pounds (GBP) but displayed in your local currency for convenience. Your bank may charge currency conversion fees.

Yes, absolutely. All payments are processed through Stripe, which is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified (the highest level of security in the payments industry). We never store your complete payment card details on our servers.

You can reach our customer support team via email at [email protected]. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. For urgent booking issues, please include your booking reference number in the subject line.

Travel insurance is not included in our packages and must be purchased separately. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, lost baggage, and travel delays. Some countries may require proof of travel insurance for visa applications.

No. ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) protection is only available for UK and EU residents, which we do not serve. Flight bookings are processed through our IATA-accredited partner Duffel, and each component of your package is protected according to the respective service provider's terms and conditions.

Our Umrah packages typically include:

• Round-trip flights from your departure city to Saudi Arabia
• Hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah
• Airport transfers and ground transportation
• Visa assistance (visa fees may be additional)

Note: Packages can be customized based on your preferences for flight class, hotel category, and duration of stay.

Visit our Umrah Packages page and enter your departure city, travel dates, and number of travelers. You can filter results by price, hotel rating, proximity to Haram, and flight preferences. Once you find a package you like, you can further customize it to meet your specific needs.

Yes! After selecting a package, you can customize various aspects including hotel upgrades, room types, flight preferences, duration of stay in each city, and additional services. Our customization tool lets you see pricing updates in real-time as you make changes.

We recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance for the best availability and prices. Peak seasons (Ramadan, Hajj period, school holidays) require earlier booking—ideally 4-6 months ahead. Last-minute bookings may have limited availability and higher prices.

Cancellation policies vary based on timing and package components:

• More than 60 days before departure: Partial refund subject to supplier penalties
• 30-60 days before departure: Significant cancellation penalties apply
• Less than 30 days before departure: Minimal or no refund due to airline and hotel policies

Specific terms will be provided in your booking confirmation. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

Changes are subject to availability and airline/hotel policies. Most airlines charge change fees plus any fare difference. Hotels may allow date changes within certain windows. Contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

We offer hotels at various distances from the Haram to suit different budgets. Walking distances range from 5 minutes to 20 minutes. Each hotel listing shows the exact distance to Haram. Hotels farther from Haram are generally more affordable but may require shuttle or taxi services.

Yes! For groups of 10 or more, please contact us at [email protected] with your requirements. We can arrange special group rates, dedicated coordinators, private transportation, and customized itineraries.

Ziyarat tours to historical Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah can be added to your package during customization. These are optional and include visits to places like Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira), Jabal Thawr, Quba Mosque, Uhud Mountain, and other significant sites. Professional guides are included with Ziyarat packages.

For Umrah, you need a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa. This visa allows entry for tourism and religious purposes including Umrah. The tourist visa is valid for 1 year from issuance and allows multiple entries with stays up to 90 days per visit.

Our visa assistance service includes:

• Application form guidance and completion assistance
• Document checklist and requirements explanation
• Photo specification help (including our free cropping tool)
• Application review before submission
• Submission to Saudi authorities on your behalf
• Application status tracking and updates

Note: We cannot guarantee visa approval, which is at the discretion of Saudi authorities.

Required documents typically include:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Recent passport-size photograph (specific requirements apply)
• Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia
• Return flight tickets
• Travel insurance (may be required based on nationality)
• Vaccination certificates (meningitis is mandatory)
• Bank statements (may be required for some nationalities)

Specific requirements vary by nationality. We'll provide a personalized checklist during application.

Standard processing time is typically 5-7 business days from submission of complete documents. However, processing times can vary based on nationality, application volume, and Saudi government processing schedules. We recommend applying at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any delays or additional document requests.

Visa costs consist of two parts: government processing fees (paid to Saudi authorities) and our service fee. Government fees vary by nationality and visa type, typically ranging from $100-$150 USD. Our service fee covers application assistance, document review, and submission support. Total costs will be shown clearly during the application process.

Government processing fees paid to Saudi authorities are non-refundable regardless of the visa decision. Our service fee is refundable only if we identify issues with your documents before submission and cannot proceed with your application. Once submitted, all fees are non-refundable. We cannot be held responsible for visa rejections.

Visa photos must meet specific requirements:

• Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
• White or light-colored background
• Full face, front view with neutral expression
• No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
• Specific dimensions: 2 inches x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm)
• High quality, clear, and in focus

Use our free Image Cropping Tool to ensure your photo meets all requirements.

Yes, certain vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Saudi Arabia. The meningitis ACWY vaccine is required for all visitors and must be administered at least 10 days before travel (and no more than 3-5 years before, depending on vaccine type). Travelers from countries with polio transmission may also need polio vaccination certificates. We recommend consulting a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.

Yes, once we submit your application, we'll provide you with a reference number. You can check the status through your account dashboard or by contacting us. We'll also proactively notify you via email when there are updates to your application status.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that's built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you activate cellular service by scanning a QR code. eSIMs are convenient for international travel because you can keep your home SIM active while using the eSIM for local data in Saudi Arabia.

Our eSIMs are data-only unless stated otherwise. You won't get a local phone number for traditional calls or SMS. However, you can use internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, or Skype for voice and video calls and messaging.

You'll receive your eSIM instantly after payment. A QR code will be displayed on-screen immediately and also sent to your email within minutes. Make sure to save the QR code or email as you'll need it for installation.

Yes! We recommend installing the eSIM before your trip while you still have home internet access. However, don't turn on or activate data roaming for the eSIM until you arrive in Saudi Arabia. This prevents the validity period from starting early and ensures you don't use roaming data before arrival.

Installation steps vary by device, but generally:

• iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Scan QR code
• Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Add carrier → Scan QR code
• Label the eSIM (e.g., "Saudi Arabia") to distinguish it from your home SIM
• When you land in Saudi Arabia, turn on data roaming for the eSIM only
• Your device will automatically connect to the local 5G/4G network

Detailed instructions are included with your eSIM QR code email.

Most modern smartphones support eSIMs:

• iPhone: XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and later
• Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 and later; Z Fold/Flip series
• Google Pixel: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 series and later
• Other brands: Many newer models from Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi, Motorola

To check your device: Go to Settings → About Phone → look for "EID" or "Digital SIM" option. If present, your phone supports eSIM.

If you exhaust your data allowance before your eSIM expires, you can purchase an additional eSIM or top-up plan (if available for your plan type). Some eSIMs allow data top-ups through a carrier app, while others require purchasing a new eSIM. Check your specific plan details or contact us for assistance.

No, each eSIM is tied to a single device once activated. The QR code can only be scanned and installed on one device. If you have multiple devices (phone, tablet, smartwatch), you'll need to purchase separate eSIMs for each device.

Yes, refunds are available for unused, unactivated eSIMs within 14 days of purchase. Once you scan the QR code or activate the eSIM, refunds are no longer possible as it becomes tied to your device. If you experience technical issues preventing your eSIM from working despite proper installation, contact us for troubleshooting or refund consideration.

Our eSIMs connect to major Saudi networks including STC, Mobily, and Zain, providing 5G coverage in major cities and 4G LTE throughout Saudi Arabia. Your device will automatically select the strongest available network. Coverage is excellent in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh, and all major cities.

Tethering/hotspot capabilities depend on your specific eSIM plan. Most of our plans allow tethering, but some budget plans may restrict it. Check your plan details during purchase, or contact us to confirm hotspot availability for your chosen plan.

Yes, we offer individual flight bookings through our IATA-accredited partner Duffel. You can search for and book flights to Saudi Arabia and other destinations independently. Flight-only bookings are subject to airline terms and conditions.

Yes, we offer standalone hotel bookings in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and other Saudi cities. You can filter by proximity to Haram, star rating, amenities, and price. Each hotel listing includes photos, reviews, and detailed descriptions.

We work with all major international airlines serving routes to Saudi Arabia, including Saudi Arabian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air, Gulf Air, and many others. Our flight search shows all available options from your departure city.

Seat selection depends on the airline and fare class. Some fares include free seat selection, while others charge fees. After booking, you can usually manage seat selection directly with the airline using your booking reference, or contact us for assistance.

Hotel inclusions vary by property and room type. Common amenities include free WiFi, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping. Many hotels near Haram include breakfast. Check each hotel's specific listing for details on included meals, shuttle services, and other amenities.

Yes, you can add special requests during booking such as high floor, Haram view, twin beds vs. king bed, quiet room, or accessible room. These are requests, not guarantees, and are subject to hotel availability at check-in. Hotels will do their best to accommodate preferences.

Flight cancellations are governed by airline policies. Most economy tickets are non-refundable or have high cancellation fees. Flexible or refundable fares cost more but offer better cancellation terms. Change fees and fare differences apply when modifying tickets. We'll assist with cancellation requests, but refunds depend entirely on airline rules and can take 8-12 weeks to process.

Hotel cancellation policies vary by property and rate type. Free cancellation is typically available 24-72 hours before check-in. Non-refundable rates offer lower prices but no cancellation flexibility. Late cancellations or no-shows usually incur charges. Specific cancellation terms are shown clearly during booking and in your confirmation.

Airport transfers are included in complete Umrah packages. For standalone flight or hotel bookings, transfers can be added as an optional extra during checkout. We offer both shared shuttle services and private transfers depending on your preference and budget.

To complete a booking:

1. Select your desired package, flight, hotel, or eSIM
2. Enter traveler details for all passengers
3. Review your booking summary and total price
4. Enter payment information
5. Review and accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
6. Click "Confirm Booking"
7. Receive instant confirmation via email

Payment requirements vary by service:

• eSIM: Full payment required immediately
• Visa services: Full payment required upon submission
• Flights: Usually full payment, some may allow deposits
• Umrah packages: Deposit at booking, balance due before departure (specific dates provided)

Payment terms will be clearly stated during checkout.

Yes, you'll receive an immediate booking confirmation email containing your booking reference number, itinerary details, payment receipt, and next steps. For packages, you'll also receive flight tickets and hotel vouchers closer to your departure date. Save all confirmation emails for your records.

We display prices in your local currency for convenience, automatically detected based on your location. However, all transactions are processed in British Pounds (GBP). Your bank or card issuer may charge currency conversion fees. The final amount charged may vary slightly from displayed prices due to exchange rate fluctuations and conversion fees.

Contact us immediately at [email protected] if you notice errors in passenger names or other critical details. Minor corrections (spelling) may be possible for free. Major changes (name changes) typically incur airline fees and may require rebooking. Passport details must exactly match your travel document.

Yes, you can book travel for family members, friends, or groups. You'll need to provide accurate passenger information for all travelers including full names (as on passport), dates of birth, passport details, and contact information. The person making the booking is responsible for payment and communication with us.

If payment fails, your booking will not be confirmed and prices/availability are not guaranteed. Common reasons for payment failure include insufficient funds, bank security blocks, incorrect card details, or expired cards. Try again with correct information or contact your bank to authorize the transaction. Some banks block international transactions by default.

For Umrah packages, we typically require a deposit at booking with the balance due before departure. This allows you to spread payments over several weeks or months. For other services (eSIM, visa, individual flights), full payment is usually required. We do not currently offer formal installment plans or financing.

Log in to your account and visit "My Bookings" to view all your reservations, download documents, track visa applications, and access eSIM QR codes. You can also find booking confirmations in your email. Keep your booking reference number handy for customer support inquiries.

Our Image Cropping Tool helps you create visa-compliant passport photos:

1. Upload your photo from your device
2. Adjust the crop area to center your face
3. Ensure your full face is visible with proper spacing
4. Download the cropped image in the correct dimensions
5. Use this image for your visa application

The tool automatically sizes your photo to meet visa requirements.

The Itinerary Planner helps you organize your Umrah journey. Create a detailed day-by-day plan including flight times, hotel check-ins, worship times, Ziyarat visits, and personal notes. You can download and print your itinerary or share it with travel companions.

If you can't log in, try these steps:

• Ensure you're using the correct email address
• Check for typos in your password (passwords are case-sensitive)
• Use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Try a different browser or device
• Contact support if issues persist

Our website works best on modern browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari (Mac/iOS), Microsoft Edge, and Samsung Internet. We recommend keeping your browser updated to the latest version for optimal performance and security. Very old browsers (Internet Explorer) are not supported.

Log in to your account and click on your profile or account settings. From there you can update your email address, phone number, password, and communication preferences. Important: changing your email will require verification of the new email address.

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails by:

• Clicking the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any marketing email
• Updating your communication preferences in your account settings
• Emailing us at [email protected] with "Unsubscribe" in the subject

Note: You'll still receive important transactional emails about your bookings.