Frequently Asked Questions
If the answer you are looking for is not listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our contact form or using the options below. We are ready to help in any way we can to ensure your Umrah trip is all that you expect it to be and more. We look forward to assisting you on this truly remarkable journey of a lifetime.
Umrah Specific FAQ's
As a Muslim travel company, we work to ensure we all our dealings are within the Islamic framework. As part of the Muslim Ummah, of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’a, we welcome all on our trips, but we are not aligned or associated with any particular mosque or community group.
All Umrah details are detailed on the particular package page.
Our All Inclusive Umrah package can be seen here.
If you are still unsure after reading the details on the page, please contact us for your specific questions.
Our mission with the Islamic Travel Umrah packages is to make Umrah affordable for everyone again. We have removed all the middlemen to reduce costs, but kept the high quality and standards that you have come to expect and need when embarking on what is for many, a once in a lifetime trip.
You will see from the inclusions in our packages, that we provide what we believe are the best value Umrah packages available.
As listed on the Umrah pages, we have taken the time to review and use high quality hotels, to ensure your comfort and convenience. The hotels are mainly 5* hotels, or where listed, the best Premium 4* hotel is used.
Our preferred hotels are ranked in the top 10 out of all hotels on Tripadvisor for Mecca and Madinah (as at March 2022). So we choose based on quality and distance to the Masjids, not based on fancy names, saving you headache, stress and money in the process.
Yes, if you are over 18 years of age, and travelling on one of the passports listed here, you can go for Umrah on any of our Private or Group Umrah packages without a Mahram.
These are about as close as you can get. unfortunately we are not allowed to put beds inside the Masjids. 🙂
Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to go for Umrah.
We know that some guests want to add side trips to their journey either before or after Umrah, therefore we give you the option to book your own airfare, the way you want it.
By offering you flexible options, and real affordable packages, we aim to make it easy for everyone to be able to go for Umrah again inshaAllah.
We can certainly help you to book the flights either online or via our partner airline booking agents, whom we trust to be reliable, honest and professional.
However if you do want the convenience of everything being included in the package, check out or main Umrah All In package page.
One of our core values is to be open, fair and transparent in our dealings, it is after all the only way to deal with people in a Halal manner.
All inclusions are listed clearly on our packages. If anything additional is required, we make it clear in our product pages, promotions, and advertisements.
All options are also clearly listed so you can make an informed decision on which package is best for you.
Look closely, you will see our packages often include dinner in some locations, which is not often included in Umrah packages.
What type of luggage do you recommend I take?
On all Islamic Travel Tours and Umrah trips you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes up stairs and on and off transport. We therefore recommend you travel with only what is needed. Keep in mind also, you will be responsible for any excess baggage charges, should they be imposed by airlines. A handy tip, once you have packed your bags for the trip, reduce it by half.
If you plan to do shopping, we recommend only one suitcase and one small hand luggage to start with, that way you have room for all the shopping you plan to do. This is especially important if you have added one of our Islamic History tours or Muslim Friendly holidays at the end of your Umrah trip.
Absolutely.
If any of our tours are active at the time the Umrah trip finishes, you can join that group. We can advise on airline bookings/timings and costs etc.
One of the most popular trips is Umrah with Masjid al Aqsa, were we have scheduled the itinerary in a way to make it possible to pray Juma Salaat in all three Masjids.
What an experience!
Covid-19 Vaccinations
Saudi Arabia no longer requires proof of vaccination or PCR test to enter Saudi Arabia. If required by airlines, it is your responsibility to either provide proof of vaccination or obtain the travel exemption. We do not do or assist in that process.
Travel Insurance
Governments in the countries we visit require tourists to have travel insurance, therefore travel insurance is required on all our trips. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers COVID-19, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. For more information about insurance requirements, check the Essential Trip Information for your specific trip.
The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Smart Traveller website’s four warning levels are:
Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions
Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel – Saudi Arabia falls into this category.
Level 4: Do not travel
The warning levels are determined by various factors including crime, terrorism, health, medical care, natural disasters and DFAT’s ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in a destination.
Smart Traveller website warns that, while most travel insurance policies will cover travel to destinations at level 1 or 2, cover can vary at level 3. Travellers should check policies carefully. See smartraveller.gov.au
How do I prove I have been vaccinated to return to Australia without quarantine?
This is no longer required.
Will I be able to enter Saudi Arabia as a tourist, with only partial or no vaccination?
Yes
If I am vaccinated, do I still need to present a negative PCR certificate?
No PCR test is required for Saudi Arabia
What happens if I test positive while in Saudi Arabia?
All travellers must have COVID-19 insurance while in the Kingdom. The cost of this insurance will be included in the fee for the tourist visa. Travelers who display symptoms of COVID should report to one of Saudi’s many world class health facilities for testing and treatment as required.
How do I obtain COVID health insurance?
The eVisa Health insurance is included within the fee for the tourist visa and covers all COVID-19 related medical expenses ONLY within Saudi Arabia.
This Covid Health insurance is not Travel Insurance and only covers you for Covid illness while in Saudi Arabia.
Currently no longer required, but if it does become a requirement again, See https://atd.homeaffairs.gov.au/
General FAQ's
Our Muslim friendly tours designed to give you peace of mind and remove decision fatigue from your travel planning. We have prepared itineraries that ensure sufficient time for Salaat at an appropriate masjid or facility.
All eating locations are either fully Halal certified or fully vegetarian or seafood with no pork on premises.
We are a tour company that focuses on the needs of our guests. We concentrate our efforts on a small number of exceptional destinations, allowing us to work directly with local guides and companies, removing all unnecessary commissions in the middle. This local knowledge is then applied to every part of your tour, from our low costs to the carefully selected activities, to ensure that it is an outstanding adventure. Islamic Travel’s ultimate goal, in conjunction with our customer-focused strategy, is to provide value to our guests and offer memorable experiences without costing a fortune.
The cost of your tour includes the services mentioned in the “Inclusions” section on every tour page. It mainly covers accommodation, transportation, guide service, breakfasts, sightseeing activities and some other inclusions depending on your itinerary.
If you have any questions about a specific tour, please contact us directly.
Is tipping commonplace in other parts of the world?
Yes, in most places tipping is expected. At your welcome meeting, ask your leader about the local custom and advice on how much is recommended at restaurants or with local guides.
At the end of your trip, if you’re happy with the service you received, providing a tip for the leader – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Covid-19 Vaccinations
Most countries now do NOT require any proof of vaccination for Covid, however it is your responsibility though to regularly check prior to travel to your intended destination, if, anyone is prevented from travel, or entry to a destination, due to not complying with that coutry’s entry requirements, you will not be able to participate in the tour and no refund will be provided.
What are the other medical and vaccination requirements?
Medical and vaccination requirements differ between nations and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.
Only if required by the country you are travelling to.
Prices for PCR tests vary wildly, so do keep in mind this additional expense when travelling.
Finding a PCR test facility is not too difficult in the case of most developed countries. Most hotels will also provide a service for someone to come and conduct a PCR test for you if needed.
This is no longer required, but subject to change by Australian authorities at any time. See https://atd.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Travel Insurance
Governments in the countries we visit requires tourists to have travel insurance, therefore travel insurance is required on all our trips. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers COVID-19, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. For more information about insurance requirements, check the Essential Trip Information for your specific trip.
I am concerned about the political stability of the country through which my trip will travel.
The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority for us. With this in mind, we monitor world events very closely and Intrepid makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources, in particular the level of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) travel advisory. If this advisory is at Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ then we will either cancel the Islamic Travel operated trip or reroute the itinerary to avoid the areas concerned.
Will refrigeration be available for medicines? eg. Insulin
Availability of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, many of our city hotels provide access to small fridges; however, you cannot rely on access to refrigeration. Please check with us if you are required to travel with medication that requires refrigeration prior to making your booking.
What if I get ill or injured on the trip and unable to continue?
Our leaders are trained to deal with these situations and we will endeavour to get you help as quickly as possible. If you must leave the trip early due to illness, our local representatives will help you find appropriate medical care and ensure someone at home is aware of the situation. We will do whatever we can to get you home or on your onward journey. Your travel insurance, which is compulsory on all our trips, should cover any costs incurred if illness occurs.
How many people will be on my trip?
Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips you’ll be part of an intimate group of 12-20 people, though our Umrah group sizes can go much higher.
Are there age restrictions on your trips?
Umrah has no age minimum age limits, but please be mindful of your time capacity to care for very young children while performing Umrah.
For the majority of our other group trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Younger children can join us, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over.
Who will be my group leader?
While we can’t tell you who your specific leader is prior to departure, we can tell you they will be amazing. Our leaders are experts in their regions, some because they’ve been travelling there for years, others because they’re local to the region and can’t wait to show you around. On longer journeys, or those that travel through more than one country, you may change leaders part way through – but this just means double the fun.
Can I just do part of the trip?
Although you won’t be reimbursed for any portion of the trip unused, you can opt to sign off the trip if you need to leave a day or so earlier. If you let us know before travel that you’ll be arriving late or need to leave before the trips ends, we will notify our team on the ground to best accommodate your requirements. Note that starting later or finishing earlier will not change the price of the tour.
Can I make any changes to the itinerary of my group trip, either before or during the trip?
Please make sure you are happy with your group trip itinerary before booking because we are unable to change them for individual travellers. However, if you and a group of friends, colleagues or even your school would like your own personally designed itinerary, get in contact with us, we specialise in private group bookings.
Can I add an extra night on the beginning or end of my group trip, either before or during the trip?
For sure. Just ask your travel specialist at Islamic Travel at the time of booking. Any additional accommodation or meal charges will apply.
What will the food be like on my trip?
Food is one of the most exciting parts of travel. There may be some familiar meals but often you’ll be confronted with the new, interesting and downright weird of the culinary world, but we like to think of it as an adventure for all the senses. In addition to this, our flexible itineraries often allow you to eat with the group or branch out on your own – this means you can eat to suit any budget or desire.
I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?
We will try our very best to accommodate all dietary requirements but in some places it can be very difficult to guarantee. We will let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies and we’ll pass the information onto your leader. It is also a great idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language for those times you are eating away from the group.
Please note, while we provide Halal meal options, it is your responsibility to ensure that any food consumed complies with your allergy/health restrictions.
Do I need to get my visa beforehand or can I get it on arrival at the airport?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Please consult your travel agent or your consulate in advance to determine if or which visas are required and how to obtain them. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could result in you not being allowed to enter the destination and could result in considerable expenses and inconvenience. Please also remember that on some tours you may need multiple visas to enter the same country more than once. More information about visas is also available on the essential trip information of the relevant destinations.
How can I get to my arrival hotel or meeting point?
If your tour includes arrival transfer from the airport, you will be taken to your arrival hotel or meeting point. If your tour does not include arrival transfer from the airport, the meeting points are pre-determined and made available to you in your pre-departure documentation, and our website prior to the commencement of your tour. The meeting point can also be found under the tour details page online. In the case that you miss your welcome meeting or the departure of the tour, you can keep in touch with your tour guide to amend the situation and catch up with the group.
What time can I check in at my arrival hotel?
Check-in times can vary from hotel to hotel and region to region. Generally, they are between midday and 2pm. If you do arrive earlier, you’ll be able to store your luggage with the hotel and head out to explore for a couple of hours.
Can I request an early check-in?
We can’t confirm an early check-in, but our sales team can assist in booking you a night of pre accommodation at the same hotel. If you don’t wish to pay for the extra night, you can try your luck locally (they may let you in early if the room is free) or you can store your luggage.
What type of luggage do you recommend I take?
On all Islamic Travel Tours and Umrah trips you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes up stairs and on and off transport. We therefore recommend you travel with only what is needed. Keep in mind also, you will be responsible for any excess baggage charges, should they be imposed by airlines. A handy tip, once yo have packed your bags for the trip, reduce it by half
Can I store excess luggage at the starting point hotel?
Most starting point hotels can store your excess luggage for you; however, this is at your own risk. Often a nominal fee is charged for this service. Of course, this is only an advantage if your trip is circular (i.e. returning to the same starting point).
What essential documents do I need to take?
It’s important that you always travel with your current passport, visas, travel insurance and Islamic Travel tour documentation.
How can I book a tour?
You have few options to book a trip:
Online through this website
Call us +61 3 9021 2567
E-mail us at info@islamictravel.com.au
Visit us at travel shows and events
Through your travel agent
Frequently Asked Questions
If the answer you are looking for is not listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our contact form or using the options below. We are ready to help in any way we can to ensure your Umrah trip is all that you expect it to be and more. We look forward to assisting you on this truly remarkable journey of a lifetime.
Umrah Specific FAQ's
As a Muslim travel company, we work to ensure we all our dealings are within the Islamic framework. As part of the Muslim Ummah, of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’a, we welcome all on our trips, but we are not aligned or associated with any particular mosque or community group.
All Umrah details are detailed on the particular package page.
Our All Inclusive Umrah package can be seen here.
If you are still unsure after reading the details on the page, please contact us for your specific questions.
Our mission with the Islamic Travel Umrah and Hajj packages is to make Umrah and Hajj affordable for everyone again. We have removed all the middlemen to reduce costs, but kept the high quality and standards that you have come to expect and need when embarking on what is for many, a once in a lifetime trip.
You will see from the inclusions in our packages, that we provide what we believe are the best value Umrah packages available.
As listed on the Umrah pages, we have taken the time to review and use high quality hotels, to ensure your comfort and convenience. The hotels are mainly 5* hotels, or where listed, the best Premium 4* hotel is used.
Our preferred hotels are ranked in the top 10 out of all hotels on Tripadvisor for Mecca and Madina (as at Nov 2021). So we choose based on quality and distance to the Masjids, not based on fancy names, saving you headache, stress and money in the process.
These are about as close as you can get. unfortunately we are not allowed to put beds inside the Masjids. 
Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to go for Umrah.
We know that some guests want to add side trips to their journey either before or after Umrah, therefore we give you the option to book your own airfare, the way you want it.
By offering you flexible options, and real affordable packages, we aim to make it easy for everyone to be able to go for Umrah again inshaAllah.
We can certainly help you to book the flights either online or via our partner airline booking agents, whom we trust to be reliable, honest and professional.
However if you do want the convenience of everything being included in the package, check out or main Umrah All In package page.
One of our core values is to be open, fair and transparent in our dealings, it is after all the only way to deal with people in a Halal manner.
All inclusions are listed clearly on our packages. If anything additional is required, we make it clear in our product pages, promotions, and advertisements.
Our packages are only triple or double/twin rooms, with a minor difference in cost between them clearly marked on all our products and promotions.
Look closely, you will see our packages often include dinner in some locations, which is not often included in Umrah packages.
What type of luggage do you recommend I take?
On all Islamic Travel Tours and Umrah trips you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes up stairs and on and off transport. We therefore recommend you travel with only what is needed. Keep in mind also, you will be responsible for any excess baggage charges, should they be imposed by airlines. A handy tip, once you have packed your bags for the trip, reduce it by half.
If you plan to do shopping, we recommend only one suitcase and one small hand luggage to start with, that way you have room for all the shopping you plan to do. This is especially important if you have added one of our Islamic History tours or Muslim Friendly holidays at the end of your Umrah trip.
Absolutely.
If any of our tours are active at the time the Umrah trip finishes, you can join that group. We can advise on airline bookings/timings and costs etc.
One of the most popular trips is Umrah with Masjid al Aqsa, were we have scheduled the itinerary in a way to make it possible to pray Juma Salaat in all three Masjids.
What an experience!
Covid-19 Vaccinations
Saudi Arabia no longer requires proof of vaccination or PCR test to enter Saudi Arabia. However to be able to leave Australia, you need to show that you are fully vaccinated or apply for a travel exemption from the Australian Government. It is your responsibility to either provide proof of vaccination or obtain the travel exemption. We do not do or assist in that process.
Travel Insurance
Governments in the countries we visit requires tourists to have travel insurance, therefore travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers COVID-19, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. For more information about insurance requirements, check the Essential Trip Information for your specific trip.
On October 28, DFAT lifted its blanket “Do not travel” warning that applied to every country in the world except New Zealand), meaning travel insurance with COVID-19 cover should now be available for international travel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Smart Traveller website’s four warning levels are:
Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions
Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel – Saudi Arabia falls into this category.
Level 4: Do not travel
The warning levels are determined by various factors including crime, terrorism, health, medical care, natural disasters and DFAT’s ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in a destination.
Smart Traveller website warns that, while most travel insurance policies will cover travel to destinations at level 1 or 2, cover can vary at level 3. Travellers should check policies carefully. See smartraveller.gov.au
How do I prove I have been vaccinated to return to Australia without quarantine?
All travellers should obtain a vaccination certificate issued by the relevant health authority in their home country. This certificate should be shown to immigration officials upon entry and carried at all times while in the country. Visitors should register their vaccination details on the government portal at https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home no more than 72 hours before departure.
Will I be able to enter Saudi Arabia as a tourist, with only partial vaccination?
Yes
If I am vaccinated, do I still need to present a negative PCR certificate?
No PCR test is required for Saudi Arabia
What happens if I test positive while in Saudi Arabia?
All travellers must have COVID-19 insurance while in the Kingdom. The cost of this insurance will be included in the fee for the tourist visa. Travelers who display symptoms of COVID should report to one of Saudi’s many world class health facilities for testing and treatment as required.
How do I obtain COVID health insurance?
The eVisa Health insurance is included within the fee for the tourist visa and covers all COVID-19 related medical expenses ONLY within Saudi Arabia.
Travellers who already hold a valid tourist visa which does not include COVID insurance will be required to pay a fee of SAR 40 on arrival at the airport or land border to secure the necessary insurance.
This Covid Health insurance is not Travel Insurance and only covers you for Covid illness while in Saudi Arabia.
All incoming travellers need to complete an Australia Travel Declaration. That requires an account with the Department of Home Affairs, and you might as well set one up before you leave Australia. You need to complete this declaration within 72 hours before your flight to Australia: See https://atd.homeaffairs.gov.au/
General FAQ's
Our Muslim friendly tours designed to give you peace of mind and remove decision fatigue from your travel planning. We have prepared itineraries that ensure sufficient time for Salaat at an appropriate masjid or facility.
All eating locations are either fully Halal certified or fully vegetarian or seafood with no pork on premises.
We are a tour company that focuses on the needs of our guests. We concentrate our efforts on a small number of exceptional destinations, allowing us to work directly with local guides and companies, removing all unnecessary commissions in the middle. This local knowledge is then applied to every part of your tour, from our low costs to the carefully selected activities, to ensure that it is an outstanding adventure. Islamic Travel’s ultimate goal, in conjunction with our customer-focused strategy, is to provide value to our guests and offer memorable experiences without costing a fortune.
The cost of your tour includes the services mentioned in the “Inclusions” section on every tour page. It mainly covers accommodation, transportation, guide service, breakfasts, sightseeing activities and some other inclusions depending on your itinerary.
If you have any questions about a specific tour, please contact us directly.
Is tipping commonplace in other parts of the world?
Yes, in most places tipping is expected. At your welcome meeting, ask your leader about the local custom and advice on how much is recommended at restaurants or with local guides.
At the end of your trip, if you’re happy with the service you received, providing a tip for the leader – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Covid-19 Vaccinations
Most countries now require that international visitors have a complete dose of Covid-19 vaccinations. Most airlines travelling from Australia also require proof of vaccination prior to boarding. As Islamic Travel is primarily an international travel business company, in order to comply with health and immigration regulations in the destinations we visit, if, anyone is prevented from travel, or entry to a destination, or cannot show proof of vaccination, you will not be able to participate in the tour and no refund will be provided.
Currently anyone not vaccinated needs to obtain a travel exemption from the Australian Government if wanting to leave Australia. Also, any unvaccinated adults returning to Australia, must go into quarantine at their own expense.
What are the other medical and vaccination requirements?
Medical and vaccination requirements differ between nations and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements, noting that proof of full Covid-19 vaccination is currently compulsory on all out tours.
PCR Tests
Most countries now require that international visitors have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travelling to their destinations.
Prices for PCR tests vary wildly, so do keep in mind this additional expense when travelling.
Finding a PCR test facility is not too difficult in the case of most developed countries. Most hotels will also provide a service for someone to come and conduct a PCR test for you if needed.
All incoming travellers need to complete an Australia Travel Declaration. That requires an account with the Department of Home Affairs, and you might as well set one up before you leave Australia. You need to complete this declaration within 72 hours before your flight to Australia: See https://atd.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Travel Insurance
Governments in the countries we visit requires tourists to have travel insurance, therefore travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers COVID-19, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. For more information about insurance requirements, check the Essential Trip Information for your specific trip.
I am concerned about the political stability of the country through which my trip will travel.
The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority for us. With this in mind, we monitor world events very closely and Intrepid makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources, in particular the level of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) travel advisory. If this advisory is at Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ then we will either cancel the Islamic Travel operated trip or reroute the itinerary to avoid the areas concerned.
Will refrigeration be available for medicines? eg. Insulin
Availability of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, many of our city hotels provide access to small fridges; however, you cannot rely on access to refrigeration. Please check with us if you are required to travel with medication that requires refrigeration prior to making your booking.
What if I get ill or injured on the trip and unable to continue?
Our leaders are trained to deal with these situations and we will endeavour to get you help as quickly as possible. If you must leave the trip early due to illness, our local representatives will help you find appropriate medical care and ensure someone at home is aware of the situation. We will do whatever we can to get you home or on your onward journey. Your travel insurance, which is compulsory on all our trips, should cover any costs incurred if illness occurs.
How many people will be on my trip?
Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips you’ll be part of an intimate group of 12-18 people, though our Umrah group sizes can go much higher.
Are there age restrictions on your trips?
Umrah has no age minimum age limits, but please be mindful of your time capacity to care for very young children while performing Umrah.
For the majority of our other group trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Younger children can join us, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over.
Who will be my group leader?
While we can’t tell you who your specific leader is prior to departure, we can tell you they will be amazing. Our leaders are experts in their regions, some because they’ve been travelling there for years, others because they’re local to the region and can’t wait to show you around. On longer journeys, or those that travel through more than one country, you may change leaders part way through – but this just means double the fun.
Can I just do part of the trip?
Although you won’t be reimbursed for any portion of the trip unused, you can opt to sign off the trip if you need to leave a day or so earlier. If you let us know before travel that you’ll be arriving late or need to leave before the trips ends, we will notify our team on the ground to best accommodate your requirements. Note that starting later or finishing earlier will not change the price of the tour.
Can I make any changes to the itinerary of my group trip, either before or during the trip?
Please make sure you are happy with your group trip itinerary before booking because we are unable to change them for individual travellers. However, if you and a group of friends, colleagues or even your school would like your own personally designed itinerary, get in contact with us, we specialise in private group bookings.
Can I add an extra night on the beginning or end of my group trip, either before or during the trip?
For sure. Just ask your travel specialist at Islamic Travel at the time of booking. Any additional accommodation or meal charges will apply.
What will the food be like on my trip?
Food is one of the most exciting parts of travel. There may be some familiar meals but often you’ll be confronted with the new, interesting and downright weird of the culinary world, but we like to think of it as an adventure for all the senses. In addition to this, our flexible itineraries often allow you to eat with the group or branch out on your own – this means you can eat to suit any budget or desire.
I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?
We will try our very best to accommodate all dietary requirements but in some places it can be very difficult to guarantee. We will let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies and we’ll pass the information onto your leader. It is also a great idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language for those times you are eating away from the group.
Please note, while we provide Halal meal options, it is your responsibility to ensure that any food consumed complies with your allergy/health restrictions.
Do I need to get my visa beforehand or can I get it on arrival at the airport?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Please consult your travel agent or your consulate in advance to determine if or which visas are required and how to obtain them. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could result in you not being allowed to enter the destination and could result in considerable expenses and inconvenience. Please also remember that on some tours you may need multiple visas to enter the same country more than once. More information about visas is also available on the essential trip information of the relevant destinations.
How can I get to my arrival hotel or meeting point?
If your tour includes arrival transfer from the airport, you will be taken to your arrival hotel or meeting point. If your tour does not include arrival transfer from the airport, the meeting points are pre-determined and made available to you in your pre-departure documentation, and our website prior to the commencement of your tour. The meeting point can also be found under the tour details page online. In the case that you miss your welcome meeting or the departure of the tour, you can keep in touch with your tour guide to amend the situation and catch up with the group.
What time can I check in at my arrival hotel?
Check-in times can vary from hotel to hotel and region to region. Generally, they are between midday and 2pm. If you do arrive earlier, you’ll be able to store your luggage with the hotel and head out to explore for a couple of hours.
Can I request an early check-in?
We can’t confirm an early check-in, but our sales team can assist in booking you a night of pre accommodation at the same hotel. If you don’t wish to pay for the extra night, you can try your luck locally (they may let you in early if the room is free) or you can store your luggage.
What type of luggage do you recommend I take?
On all Islamic Travel Tours and Umrah trips you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes up stairs and on and off transport. We therefore recommend you travel with only what is needed. Keep in mind also, you will be responsible for any excess baggage charges, should they be imposed by airlines. A handy tip, once yo have packed your bags for the trip, reduce it by half 
Can I store excess luggage at the starting point hotel?
Most starting point hotels can store your excess luggage for you; however, this is at your own risk. Often a nominal fee is charged for this service. Of course, this is only an advantage if your trip is circular (i.e. returning to the same starting point).
What essential documents do I need to take?
It’s important that you always travel with your current passport, visas, travel insurance and Islamic Travel tour documentation.
How can I book a tour?
You have few options to book a trip:
Online through this website
Call us +61 3 9021 2567
E-mail us at info@islamictravel.com.au
Visit us at travel shows and events
Through your travel agent