I performed my first Umrah quite a few years ago. After that I got to know that performing your first Umrah journey is not just about booking tickets and packing bags. It’s a holy invitation. It’s an emotional calling that shakes the heart even before your passport is stamped. But I was full of questions and excitement along with a little nervousness as I was a first-timer. Maybe you too! And it’s completely normal.
So in this guide, I’m going to help you book your first Umrah package. And I’ll walk you through everything you need to know! This is to make your journey peaceful and spiritual as well as stress-free. So, let’s start with the basics and go all the way to the final details.
1. Understanding What is Umrah
Before you book anything, you have to know the actual meaning of Umrah.
Umrah is not a mandatory pilgrimage unlike Hajj. And it can be performed any time of the year. It involves fewer rituals and is shorter in duration. But it brings immense spiritual rewards. Think of it as a heart-to-heart conversation with Allah. Just leave behind the noise of life and stand in holy silence.
If you can, try to avoid peak times like Ramadan or school holidays. Especially follow this for your first Umrah. The crowds can be unbearable. That’s why off-season travel will be calmer and more budget-friendly.
2. Types of Umrah packages you need to find
According to my experiences, not all Umrah packages are created equally. Typically you’ll find three categories:
- Economy packages: affordable but may include older hotels or shared rooms.
- Standard packages: Balanced in terms of price and comfort.
- VIP packages: Top-class hotels and private transportation as well as premium services.
Then there’s the choice between group travel and private packages. I think group packages are more affordable and suitable for first-timers who seek guidance. But private options come with flexibility and more control over your itinerary. Some travel agencies offer customizable packages. It’s an excellent choice if you’re traveling with family or have particular requirements.
3. Know the documents you’ll need
This step is so crucial. I hadn’t gathered the right papers and for that I had to wait for a long time to get an Umrah visa from Bangladesh. So you won’t get very far without the right paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need in general:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months before its expiry date
- Recent passport-sized photos
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if you’re traveling with your spouse)
- A completed visa application (the agency usually handles this)
Visa processing time differs due to different factors. Some agencies like UmrahLovers can get it done within 2-3 days. The others may take up to a week. Always confirm in advance.
4. Choosing the right travel agency
Your entire Umrah experience depends on who you book with. A trusted agency can make your journey easy and smooth. But a shady one? It can turn your journey into a nightmare. I am a travel agency owner providing Hajj and Umrah services with more than 12 years of hands-on experience. So, I know things very well. Here’s how to choose the perfect fit:
- Make sure they’re licensed by the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry
- Ask what’s included and excluded in their packages
- Look for genuine reviews. Not just random Facebook comments.
- Make sure they give support on the ground in Makkah or Madinah.
Tip: If the deal seems too good to be trusted, maybe it is!
5. Compare accommodation options
Everyone wishes to stay close to the Haram Shareef. But the satisfaction comes at a price. According to my experience, hotels near the Haram are more expensive but save walking time. Those farther away may provide shuttle buses. But during prayer times, traffic can get intolerable. Plus, don’t select a hotel by its star rating alone. Look at:
- Distance to Haram (in meters)
- Cleanliness
- Room size
- Breakfast and Wi-Fi availability
6. Flight and transit information
Direct flights are certainly easier but may cost more. Connecting flights like via
- Dubai
- Doha or
- Muscat
They are mostly cheaper but longer.
A direct flight is worth the extra cost if you’re flying with family or kids as well as elders. Also, focus on arriving in Jeddah or Madinah with a minimum of a few hours buffer before your hotel check-in. I’ve seen that sometimes luggage takes a while and Saudi airports may get busy.
7. What’s usually included vs. what you might need extra
The very first mistake I made was thinking that everything would be included in my Umrah package. But no! Don’t assume everything is covered in your Umrah package. Most of the packages include:
- Umrah visa processing
- Hotel accommodation
- Transport (airport to hotel and hotel to haram)
- Group ziyarah tour
But here’s what’s often not included:
- Meals
- SIM cards
- Laundry service
- Personal guide for rituals
- Extra ziyarah trips
- Zamzam water shipping
Ask for a clearly written breakdown and read the fine print.
8. Budgeting wisely without compromising the experience
Don’t just look for the cheapest price. Cheap packages may cut corners where it hurts most. For example,
- Comfort
- Hygiene or
- Service quality
So, here are some smart tips:
- Book upfront (3-4 months earlier)
- Travel in off-peak seasons
- Travel in a small group to get discounts
- Check for hidden costs like luggage fees or meals
As I have a travel agency providing Hajj and Umrah services, I witnessed an Umrah visa from Bangladesh generally ranges between 120,000 and 250,000 BDT. The cost actually depends on the quantity and season.
9. Health, safety and travel insurance
The routine along with food and climate will be very different from Bangladesh. So protect yourself!
- Carry a basic medical kit like
- Painkillers
- Rehydration salts
- Band-aids
- Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies
- Drink lots of water and don’t avoid meals! Even if you lose appetite due to the hot weather
- Carry your prescription along if you have
- Diabetes
- Asthma or
- High blood pressure
Saudi hospitals are well-equipped. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.
10. Learn the basic rituals before you go
I didn’t know anything about what to do when I performed my first Umrah. But you need to know what to do before you step inside the Haram. You don’t have to be a scholar! But being prepared shows respect for the sacredness of Umrah. Learn about:
- Ihram and its restrictions
- Tawaf (circumambulating the Kabba)
- Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah)
- Halq or Taqsir (shaving or cutting hair of men)
A little preparation impacts a lot in making the experience peaceful. So
- Watch YouTube videos
- Read guides or
- Attend a local Umrah seminar
11. Cultural Sensitivity and Local Laws
Saudi Arabia is conservative. And visitors are expected to respect and maintain local customs.
- Dress modestly at all times
- Don’t engage in public displays of affection
- Avoid loud talking or pushing during prayers
- Women should wear an abaya and obviously a headscarf
- Always carry your passport copy and hotel card
Tip: Don’t photograph others without permission. Especially in the Haram.
12. Technology that can help
Transform your smartphone into your personal travel guide. Apps to download before your trip:
- Nusuk (for managing Umrah permits and Ziyarah bookings).
- Google Maps (mark hotel and Haram locations)
- Muslim Pro (prayer times and Qibla direction)
- Translation apps (English to Arabic)
- Ride-sharing apps (Uber or Careem)
Pro tip: Buy a Saudi SIM card at the airport. It will be helpful for cheap internet access.
13. Emotional and Spiritual Preparation
Umrah isn’t just about the steps. It’s about the soul.
Take some time before your journey to:
- Reflect on your intentions (Niyyah)
- Forgive others and seek forgiveness
- Make a dua list for yourself and loved ones
- Start journaling to capture the emotions of this journey
This is a time to reconnect with Allah and rediscover your faith in the most personal way possible.
Conclusion
Booking your first Umrah package is not just a transaction! It’s the beginning of a beautiful and life-changing journey. You can focus on what truly matters with the right planning and agency. Connect deeply with Allah in the most holy place in the world. If you are still confused, contact Umrah Lovers. Anywhere from Bangladesh whether it’s Chittagong, Sylthet, or anywhere, just reach out to us! My team will solve your confusions. So take that step! With proper knowledge and faith in your heart. May your umrah be accepted and your soul return refreshed! Amen.
