Frequently Asked Questions

Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that can be performed at any time of year — unlike Hajj, which has fixed dates according to the Islamic calendar. It involves entering a state of spiritual purity (Ihram), performing Tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times), walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and cutting or shaving the hair. While not obligatory, Umrah is a highly recommended act of worship that carries immense spiritual reward. It is sometimes referred to as the “minor pilgrimage”.

Saudi authorities have in recent years updated the requirements for women travelling for Umrah. Women aged 45 and above may now travel with organised groups without a mahram (male guardian), provided they apply as part of an official tour group and submit the appropriate documentation. Women under 45 still require a mahram or a notarised permission letter from one. Requirements can change, so we strongly recommend contacting our team before booking to confirm the latest official guidance for your specific circumstances.

Most of our Umrah packages are either 7 or 10 nights in duration. A 7-night package gives you enough time to complete all the rituals of Umrah comfortably and spend meaningful time in worship at both Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah. A 10-night package is recommended for first-time pilgrims or those who wish to spend more time in the holy cities. Ramadan packages run 10–14 nights. We can also arrange extended stays on request.

Saudi Arabia requires all pilgrims to have a meningococcal meningitis vaccination (ACWY), which must be administered at least 10 days before travel. This is a mandatory entry requirement. Additional recommended vaccinations include influenza (particularly important given the crowds), and hepatitis A. Some travellers also choose to have a typhoid vaccination. Requirements can be updated, so always check with your GP and visit the UK government’s travel health guidance for Saudi Arabia before booking your trip. Our team can advise on what documentation you’ll need to bring.

The simplest way to start is to call us on +44 20 7946 0321, send us a WhatsApp message, or fill in the enquiry form on our Contact page. One of our specialists will contact you, discuss your requirements, confirm availability, and walk you through the booking process. Once you’re happy with the package details, we’ll send you a formal booking confirmation and payment instructions. We do not process bookings through automated systems — every booking is handled personally by a member of our team.

A deposit of 25% of the total package cost is required to confirm and secure your booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 12 weeks (84 days) before your departure date. If you are booking less than 12 weeks before departure, the full amount is due at the time of booking. All deposits are protected under our ATOL licence. Please refer to our full Terms of Service and Cancellation Policy for further details.

All prices listed on our website are per person, based on double or twin-room occupancy (i.e., two adults sharing a room), unless otherwise stated. Solo travellers may be subject to a single-room supplement, and we do offer shared room options to keep costs down where possible. The Family Package is priced per family unit (2 adults + 2 children under 12). Please contact us for an accurate quote based on your specific travel group composition.

We accept bank transfer (BACS), debit card, and credit card payments. We do not accept cash. Payment details will be provided in your booking confirmation. For security, please only make payments to the bank account listed in your official booking documentation and never transfer funds based on instructions received via email or WhatsApp without verifying directly with our office first.

The standard documents required for a UK-based Umrah visa application include: a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages), a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background, your meningitis vaccination certificate, and a completed visa application form. Women may additionally need a marriage certificate or birth certificate (depending on their age and travel arrangement). Our team will send you a full checklist at the time of booking and guide you through each step.

Under normal conditions, Umrah visas are typically processed within 5–10 working days. However, during peak periods — particularly in the run-up to Ramadan or in the weeks before Hajj season — processing times can be longer. We recommend completing and submitting all visa documentation at least 6 weeks before your intended departure. We manage the entire process on your behalf and will keep you updated at every stage.

We primarily serve clients who are travelling from the United Kingdom, but we can in some cases assist travellers with non-UK passports who are resident in the UK. The visa processing requirements and fees can differ depending on nationality. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific situation and we will advise on what is possible.

Visa rejections are uncommon but do occur, typically due to incomplete documentation or passport issues. If your visa is rejected, we will work with you to understand the reason and, where possible, resubmit with the corrected information. If a rejection occurs and we are unable to resolve it in time for your departure, we will discuss your options with you, including date changes or refund possibilities. Please see our Refund Policy for details on how visa rejections are handled financially.

We arrange flights from all major UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Bristol. Departure options and pricing vary by airport and time of year. When you enquire with us, let us know your preferred departure location and we will source the best available flights for your dates. Flights are always included as part of your ATOL-protected package.

Yes. We only work with hotels that are within a comfortable walking distance of Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah. Our Economy hotels are typically 500m–1km from the mosques, while our Standard and Premium options are considerably closer. All hotel distances are stated clearly in your booking confirmation. We do not book pilgrims into hotels that require a shuttle bus or extended walk to access the mosques.

The Makkah–Madinah transfer is included in all our packages and covers your transport between the two holy cities, typically by air-conditioned coach. For Premium and Family packages, private vehicle transfers are available. Departure times are arranged to align with prayer schedules where possible. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours by road. Luggage is transported with you, and our group coordinator will accompany the coach throughout.

Yes, subject to flight and hotel availability, extensions to your stay can be arranged for an additional cost. If you are considering an extension, please let us know at the time of booking so we can explore options for you. Extensions are subject to visa terms — the Umrah visa permits a stay of up to 30 days, but you should confirm with our team whether your specific visa allows the extension you have in mind.

Hajj is significantly more complex to book than Umrah. The Saudi government allocates a fixed number of visas to each country based on a quota system, and the UK allocation is managed through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s authorised agents. This means spaces are strictly limited and filling up quickly. Hajj takes place only once a year during Dhul Hijjah (the 12th Islamic month), and the full pilgrimage lasts approximately 21 days, compared to 7–14 days for Umrah. We recommend expressing interest in Hajj at least 12 months in advance.

For Hajj 2026, we strongly recommend registering your interest as soon as possible. Our Hajj allocations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and once places are exhausted, we cannot take further bookings. Even if you are not 100% certain you wish to proceed, registering your interest early secures your place in the queue. A deposit is only required when we formally confirm your place. Please call us on +44 20 7946 0321 or send an enquiry through our Contact page without delay.

Both Economy and Premium Hajj packages include the complete Hajj experience — flights, visa, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, Mina tent, Arafat and Muzdalifah arrangements, meals, and expert guidance. The key differences lie in the class and proximity of hotel accommodation, the size and facilities of the Mina tent, the number of meals included, and the level of personal support provided. Premium packages also typically include closer hotels to the Haram and more comfortable transport arrangements. We will be happy to walk you through the differences in detail when you enquire.

Yes. All Safa Caravan packages — including all Hajj packages — are fully ATOL Protected under the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This means that if Safa Caravan were to cease trading, your money would be protected and you would either receive a full refund or be repatriated if already overseas. You will receive an ATOL Certificate with your booking confirmation. This is a legal requirement under UK law for any package that includes flights, and it is an assurance we take very seriously.