Assalamu Alaikum. Over the past 12+ years of helping thousands of families, solo travelers, and elderly parents plan their sacred Umrah journey, I’ve seen it all: tears of joy, moments of peace and unfortunately… financial surprises. Let me share a short story. One of my clients from Sylhet, a retired schoolteacher, booked a cheap Umrah package online. The price looked perfect and he thought he was getting a great deal. But once he reached Jeddah, reality hit him hard! No airport pickup and the hotel wasn’t what was promised.
Moreover, he had to pay extra for Ziyarat and meals. By the end of the journey, the so-called “cheap” Umrah cost him more than a standard, transparent package. So today, I want to share with you the hidden costs to watch for when booking cheap Umrah packages. So you can prepare properly and protect your peace of mind.
1. Airport Transfers Not Included
This is one of the most common traps. Many budget packages only include flights and hotels. Then leave out airport pickup/drop-off. After a long flight, especially for elderly parents or first-time travelers from places like Chittagong or Rangpur, finding a trustworthy taxi in Jeddah or Madinah can be stressful and expensive.
Some local taxis charge 250–300 SAR for a one-way ride to Makkah. Imagine having to bargain with a driver while you’re tired and holding luggage. Always confirm whether airport transfers are included or not. Do it especially for group travel.
2. Hidden Visa Processing Fees
Visa fees are another area where people get surprised. Some agencies advertise “visa included,” but after a few days, they say, “Sir, the visa system is showing an express charge,” or “You need to pay 8,000 BDT extra for urgent processing.”
These hidden visa charges can silently inflate your total cost. Whether they’re for medical insurance, service fees, or agent handling.
Ask your agent when you’re processing an Umrah visa from Bangladesh:
- Is the visa processing fully included?
- Is there any extra for urgent or last-minute visas?
- Will you handle the bKash payment, or do you need me to go somewhere?
3. Low-Quality or Shared Accommodation
I always tell my clients, Don’t go by stars! Go by reviews.
Some cheap Umrah Packages list “3-star” or “near Haram” hotels, but when pilgrims arrive, they’re shocked. I’ve seen cases where 4-5 people had to sleep in a small room, or worse, share a room with strangers. Imagine the discomfort for elderly women or single travelers.
Always check:
- Is the room private or shared?
- How far is the hotel from Haram? (Walking distance matters!)
- Can I see pictures or reviews before booking?
For VIP Hajj or Ramadan Umrah clients, we personally ensure hotel confirmation slips and exact walking times.
4. Unannounced Food Charges
Many pilgrims think they’ll get meals with their package—but then find out only breakfast is included or that the buffet is only available at odd times. In Makkah and Madinah, eating outside for 14–20 days can be very costly, especially during Ramadan.
One of our group travelers from Dhaka spent 15,000 BDT just on food because he didn’t realize meals weren’t included.
Tip: Always ask if it’s full board, half board, or only breakfast. For senior citizens or families with kids, full board makes a big difference.
5. Group Transportation Limitations
Budget packages often include group buses for transport. But these buses run on strict schedules, long waits, and very limited Ziyarat slots. If you miss your group or are late, you’ll end up paying extra for Uber or taxi services. One of my clients from Dubai joined a group Umrah from Bangladesh and had to pay nearly 500 SAR extra for private rides just because his group bus left earlier than expected. Private or semi-private packages cost more upfront, but they give you more freedom.
6. Ziyarat Tours Not Really “Included”
“Free Ziyarat” sounds nice, right? But sometimes it’s just a placeholder in the brochure. Once you reach Makkah or Madinah, the hotel reception will tell you to talk to a local guide who then asks for 150–200 SAR per person.
Don’t assume Ziyarat is part of the package unless it’s written clearly. Ask:
- Will Ziyarat be guided?
- What locations are covered?
- Will it be in a private car or group bus?
We personally arrange full Ziyarat with experienced Bangla-speaking guides for our clients. Especially during the Ramadan Umrah season, when such services are in high demand.
7. Seasonal Price Hikes (Hidden in Small Print)
You might see a banner saying, “Umrah from 110,000 BDT.” But that price is valid for October or off-season. When you want to travel in December, Ramadan, or school vacation periods, suddenly the price jumps by 20–30k.
Always ask:
- “Is this price valid for my exact travel date?”
- “Does it apply for Ramadan Umrah or only off-season?”
And remember: Peak time rates are normal. But last-minute surprises are not
8. Luggage Limitations and Airline Fees
Most cheap Umrah packages include budget airlines with limited baggage, like 20kg only, and no hand carry. At the airport, you may end up paying thousands of BDT for just 2-3 extra kilos.
I once had a family from Sylhet get charged 18,000 BDT for excess baggage because they brought dates, Zamzam water, and souvenirs back.
Solution:
- Ask for baggage allowance in writing.
- Choose full-service airlines if possible.
- Pack wisely or upgrade luggage if needed.
9. No Support for Medical or Emergency Situations
Inexpensive packages rarely mention emergency support or medical backup. If someone falls ill in Makkah, you may struggle to find help; especially without knowing Arabic.
We had a case where a diabetic uncle needed urgent care in Madinah, and his budget package didn’t cover any support. We helped through our local team, but most agencies don’t offer this.
Even basic travel insurance helps. Some packages include it, but many don’t even mention it.
10. Hidden Service Charges, VAT, or Saudi Gov. Fees
This one is tricky. You may book your package, pay everything, and then one day before your flight, the agent says:
“Sir, Saudi VAT has increased,” or “There’s a new tax for Umrah entry.”
Some of these are true, and some are excuses. But either way, you must demand a full itemized bill when booking.
Ask clearly:
- Are Saudi VAT, municipal taxes, and portal charges included?
- Is there any hidden “agent handling” fee?
We provide transparent invoices to all our clients—whether they book from Dhaka, Chittagong, or even from overseas like Dubai.
11. How to Avoid These Hidden Costs: My Personal Checklist
Let me summarize what I tell every client before booking:
- Always get a full, written breakdown of cost
- Confirm visa, meals, transport, Ziyarat, and hotel type
- Check reviews of hotels and airlines
- Clarify luggage rules
- Don’t fall for “too cheap to be true” offers on Facebook or WhatsApp
- Use trusted payment methods like bKash with receipts
Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Affordable
Dear pilgrims, Umrah is not just a journey. It might be a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual mission. Don’t let hidden charges ruin your peace or distract you from your Ibadah. In my 12+ years of experience in this field, I’ve seen pilgrims cry from joy… and cry from frustration. That’s why I always say, Choose value, not just price. A little more planning now can save you a lot of stress later. As I run a travel agency named UmrahLovers, if you ever need help choosing a transparent Umrah package, whether you’re from Sylhet, Chittagong, or anywhere in Bangladesh, my team is just a call away.
