Umrah Travel Guide for Solo Female Pilgrims

Umrah Travel Guide for Solo Female Pilgrims

Female pilgrims arrive throughout the year in Makkah to offer holy rituals of minor pilgrimage with their all inclusive Umrah package. Though previously female pilgrims needed the company of a male Mahram to travel for Umrah, the restriction was abolished when the Hajj and Umrah travel policies were revised under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan. Therefore, as of now, women can not only travel alone for Umrah but also offer the holy rituals on their tourist visa to the kingdom.

If you are a woman opting for the Umrah journey soon, here’s an Umrah travel guide for you.

Visa and Booking Details

Understanding the visa process remains the most important part of your Umrah journey. While Umrah can be offered on the typical ‘Umrah Visas’, you can also take benefit of the Saudi eVisa system on the Nusuk platform to simplify the application process.

The issuance of an Umrah permit on a Tourist visa allows you to offer Umrah rituals on it. It is a multiple-entry visa that remains valid for up to one one-year, with permission to stay a maximum of 90 days per visit.

International visitors from 63 eligible countries can benefit from this scheme and apply online for the Umrah visa.

Cost

The cost of eVisa for your Umrah rituals varies depending upon your region of travel. For US, UK, or EU citizens the visa fee is SAR 494 approximately. While for GCC residents, it’s nearly SAR 300 only.
On the other hand, if you are arriving from any other country or for non-GCC residents outside the mentioned countries, alternative visa options need to be explored.

Booking Your Umrah Journey

After obtaining your eVisa, you need to book your Umrah journey either through the channel of a reputable Umrah travel agent or by making arrangements for your travel and accommodation yourself.
Hiring all inclusive Umrah travel packages from credible travel agents is advisable because it frees you from all the hassles of pilgrimage management. They cover your hotels, flights, visa and transfers. Therefore giving you maximum time to devote to the holy rituals and have a peaceful pilgrimage experience.

You can select between group Umrah travel (ensure affordability) and private Umrah travel (ensure exclusivity) with a range of 3-star to 7-star options i.e. as per your budget and preferences.

Hotels for Female Solo Travelers

For a comfortable stay, solo female pilgrims must make sure that their hotels are conveniently located near the Haramain in Makkah and Madinah.

The top picks for the best hotels in Makkah with a view of the Holy Kaabah include;

1. Fairmont Makkah.
2. Jabal Omar Marriott.
3. Raffles Makkah Palace.
4. Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental.
5. Hilton Suites Makkah.

On the other hand, the top hotel choices in Madinah, close to Masjid-al-Nabawi (SAWW) include;

1. The Oberoi.
2. Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick.
3. Dar Al Taqwa.
4. Shahd Al Madinah.
5. Pullman Zamzam.

Umrah Preparation for Ladies

Packing Essentials

It is an intelligent move to travel light for Umrah. Not only it would reduce the baggage handling hassle for you but also you will be more organized during the trip. Your packaging essentials for the holy trip include;

• Travel documents.
• Ihram clothing.
• Regular clothing to wear on ordinary days (outside of your Ihram).
• Personal hygiene products.
• Necessary medicines and first aid kit.
• Comfortable footwear.
• Extra hijabs.
• Electronic devices and accessories.

It is best that you use packaging cubes and keep your items inside them. So that you won’t have to waste time finding one thing or another.

Keeping Documents Handy

Always have your essential travel documents easily accessible to you. It includes your;

• Passport
• ID.
• Visa print-out.
• Travel itinerary.
• Hotel reservation.
• Return flight information.
• Vaccination certificate.

Plan Before Departure

Finalize all of your preparations before you depart for Umrah. Upon your arrival, consider early check-in, check hotel schedules, and keep copies of visa documents.

Umrah Guide for Solo Female Travelers

There’s no need for a mahram for women to travel to Umrah.

1. Wear Ihram at the airport and be mindful of the prohibitions of Ihram.
2. Pray in less crowded areas.
3. Secure your belongings.
4. Stay hydrated.
5. Educate yourself on the rites of Umrah and the technicalities associated with them.
6. Carry a local SIM card.
7. Get Rawdah permit via Nusuk app.
8. Keep emergency numbers handy.

• Police: 999.
• Ambulance: 997.
• Traffic accidents: 993
• Civil defence: 998.
• Highway Patrol: 996.
• Tourism call centre: 930.

For any queries or assistance, get a consultation from the best Umrah travel agency today!