Private Umrah

Yes—both Holy Mosques are open 24/7 for prayers!

AL-MASJID AL-HARAM (MAKKAH):

✅ Open 24 hours, 365 days a year
✅ Five daily prayers plus Tahajjud, Taraweeh (Ramadan), voluntary prayers anytime
✅ Tawaf around the Ka'bah 24/7 (except during prayer times when briefly paused)
✅ Sa'i between Safa and Marwah available 24/7
✅ Women's sections clearly designated with separate entrances
✅ Your hotel is within 180 meters of Haram—walk to mosque in minutes!

Note: Fridays (Jummah) and Ramadan are extremely crowded—arrive early for good spots.

AL-MASJID AN-NABAWI (MADINAH):

✅ Open 24 hours
✅ Five daily prayers plus voluntary prayers anytime
✅ Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa (the Noble Garden—area between Prophet's ﷺ minbar and tomb):

• Men: Usually accessible after Fajr and Isha prayers (controlled entry, can be crowded)
• Women: Designated times (often after Fajr, Dhuhr, or Isha—check daily schedule)

✅ Salam upon the Prophet ﷺ at his blessed grave (men and women have separate designated areas and times)
✅ Your hotel is within 180 meters of Haram—easy walking distance!

Both Holy Mosques prioritize pilgrims' access—you can pray as often as you wish!

Yes, but Saudi Arabia has made it incredibly easy with the eVisa system!

SAUDI UMRAH eVISA (INCLUDED IN PACKAGE):
✅ 1-year multi-entry tourist eVisa INCLUDED in your package price
✅ Validity: 1 year from issue date, allows multiple entries
✅ Stay duration: Up to 90 days per visit
✅ Can be used for Umrah AND tourism—visit historical sites, other Saudi cities

HOW IT WORKS:
Step 1: Book your Private Umrah package with us
Step 2: Provide passport copy and required documents (we guide you)
Step 3: We process your eVisa application
Step 4: eVisa issued electronically (sent to your email)
Step 5: Print eVisa or save digitally on phone
Step 6: Present eVisa at Saudi airport upon arrival—quick, simple entry!

REQUIREMENTS FOR eVISA:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity from travel date)
• Passport-sized photo (digital)
• Travel insurance (mandatory—we can assist with recommendations)
• Proof of accommodation (we provide hotel confirmation)

IMPORTANT NOTES:
✅ Women can travel for Umrah without mahram (male guardian) if traveling with organized group or aged 45+
✅ Children under 18 can be included on parent's eVisa application
✅ No restrictions on nationality (eVisa available to most countries—verify for your passport) We handle the eVisa process—stress-free, included in your package!

Great question—here's the breakdown:

PRIVATE UMRAH (This Package):

✅ Complete flexibility:

• Choose your own travel dates (any time of year)

• Choose your own flight (find best prices, routes, airlines)
• Stay as long as you want (6 nights minimum, extend as needed)
• Travel with family/friends at your own pace

✅ Less structured:

• No fixed group schedule
• Perform Umrah rituals independently (or hire optional private guide)
• 4-hour Ziyarat tours in Makkah and Madinah (historical Islamic sites)
• Freedom to explore, rest, pray at your own rhythm

✅ Best for:

• Repeat Umrah performers who know the rituals
• Families wanting flexibility
• Anyone who prefers independent travel
• Budget-conscious travelers (book flights during sales, travel off-peak)

GROUP UMRAH (Alternative Option):

✅ Structured and guided:

• Fixed departure dates
• Group flights included
• Umrah guide throughout (teaches rituals step-by-step)
• Scholars/lectures for spiritual enrichment
• Group Ziyarat tours with detailed historical explanations

✅ Best for:

• First-time Umrah performers
• Those wanting spiritual guidance and community
• Anyone preferring all-inclusive packages

IS PRIVATE UMRAH SUITABLE FOR FIRST-TIMERS?

Yes, BUT with these considerations:

✅ If you're confident and prepared:

• Study Umrah rituals beforehand (we provide Info Booklet & Umrah spiritual induction)
• Watch video tutorials (many available online)
• Optional: Hire private Umrah guide (extra cost—guide performs Umrah with you step-by-step)

⚠️ If you're nervous or want support:

• Consider Group Umrah instead (more hand-holding)
• OR book optional private guide with this package

Bottom line: Private Umrah gives you freedom, but you're responsible for knowing the rituals. We provide resources and optional guidance!

Typical daily Out of Pocket expenses:

• Lunch: ~SAR 20-40 (~AUD $8-16)
• Dinner: ~SAR 30-60 (~AUD $12-24)
• Snacks/drinks: ~SAR 10-20 (~AUD $4-8)
• Souvenirs: Dates, prayer mats, Zamzam water containers, Islamic books (budget varies)

Total estimated additional expenses (excluding flights): ~AUD $300-600 for 7 days.

Saudi Arabia is affordable—food, transport, and shopping are reasonably priced near the Harams.

Your Private Umrah Guide is a qualified, experienced companion who performs Umrah alongside you.

WHAT THE GUIDE DOES:
✅ Optional Extra Cost - Performs Umrah with you—from Miqat (ihram point) through tawaf, sa'i, and completion
✅ Spiritual guidance—explains rituals, recites duas, answers questions
✅ Practical assistance—navigates Haram, finds best prayer spots, handles logistics
✅ Ziyarat tours (4 hours each in Makkah & Madinah)—guides you through historical Islamic sites with context and stories
✅ Emergency support—contact point if you need help during your stay

WHAT THE GUIDE DOES NOT DO:
❌ Not 24/7 accompaniment—guide is available for Umrah performance (at additional cost) and ziyarat tours, but you have free time to worship independently
❌ Not a group tour leader—this is private, personalized guidance (not a large group with rigid schedules)

PERFECT FOR:
✅ First-time solo travellers—reassurance of having someone knowledgeable
✅ Families—guide helps parents manage children during Umrah
✅ Elderly pilgrims—extra assistance navigating crowds and rituals
✅ Repeat pilgrims wanting a refresher—spiritual companionship without overwhelming structure

Your guide makes Umrah smoother, more meaningful, and less stressful.

Umrah can be performed year-round, but timing affects crowds, weather, and pricing:

BEST TIMES (Low-Medium Season):
September-November (Autumn):
✅ Comfortable weather (25-35°C / 77-95°F)
✅ Moderate crowds
✅ Lower hotel prices
✅ Ideal for families and first-timers

January-March (Winter-Spring):
✅ Pleasant weather (15-28°C / 59-82°F)
✅ Moderate crowds (except Ramadan if it falls during this period)
✅ Good hotel availability

PEAK TIMES (High Season - Crowded & Expensive):

Ramadan (Lunar month—varies yearly):
✅ Spiritually most rewarding (Umrah in Ramadan = reward of Hajj with the Prophet ﷺ)
⚠️ Extremely crowded (millions of pilgrims)
⚠️ Hotel prices 2-3x higher
⚠️ Taraweeh prayers extend late into night (beautiful but exhausting)
⚠️ Daytime fasting (no food/drink until Iftar)

Last 10 Days of Ramadan:
✅ Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)—immense spiritual blessings
⚠️ Most crowded period of the year
⚠️ Highest hotel prices

School Holidays (June-August, December):
✅ Good for families with children
⚠️ Very hot (40-50°C / 104-122°F in summer)
⚠️ Moderately crowded
⚠️ Higher hotel prices

TIMES TO AVOID (If Possible):
Hajj Season (Dhul Hijjah 1-13):
❌ Umrah NOT allowed during Hajj dates (Makkah closed to Umrah pilgrims)
❌ Hotels fully booked for Hajj pilgrims

Extreme Summer (June-August):
⚠️ Scorching heat (45-50°C / 113-122°F)—difficult for elderly, children
⚠️ Risk of heat exhaustion during outdoor Ziyarat tours

OUR RECOMMENDATION:

October-November or February-March = Best balance of weather, crowds, and pricing.
Ramadan = Most spiritually rewarding BUT most challenging logistically.
You choose—Private Umrah gives you flexibility to travel when it suits YOU!

Yes—Saudi Arabia updated rules in 2021!

Women can travel for Umrah without mahram IF:
✅ Traveling with organized group (like this package), OR
✅ Aged 45 or older (can travel independently)

Women under 45 traveling solo:
✅ Must join organized Umrah group (we can arrange)

Women of any age traveling with family/friends:
✅ Allowed (even if no mahram present)

This is a historic change making Umrah accessible to more Muslim women worldwide!