Questions to Ask Before You Book an Umrah Package

Sadly, every year some pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia to find a different hotel, a missing transfer or no one answering the phone. Most problems can be avoided by asking the right questions before you pay. Ask them of any agency, including us.

About the company

• Is the agency registered as a business in its state?
• If it sells to customers in California, Florida, Washington or Hawaii, is it registered as a Seller of Travel there?
• Does it have a real phone number and email, and does someone answer?
• Can it put you in touch with past customers?

About the package

• What are the exact hotel names and distances in Makkah and Madinah?
• Which airline, which connection and what are the flight times?
• How do you travel between Makkah and Madinah: coach, private car or train?
• Exactly what is included, and what is not?
• Is the price per person, and for how many people in a room?

About payment and cancellation

• How much is the deposit and when is the balance due?
• Can you pay by card? Card payments give you more protection than cash or wire transfers.
• What happens if the visa is refused?
• What are the cancellation terms, in writing?
• Is travel insurance recommended, and what does it cover?

Warning signs

• Cash only payments
• No written itinerary or receipt
• Prices far below everyone else
• Promises of guaranteed visas or "official" status
• Pressure to pay today

A good agency will be glad you asked. If you want to see how we answer these questions, contact us and ask away.