The demand for Umrah London packages is increasing day by day among UK pilgrims. But there is a misconception that needs to be addressed. Many people believe that the cheaper Umrah deals are always reliable due to which they blindly trust any package without diving deep into its details. Instead of a cost-effective trip, your Umrah becomes more costly than you thought. This article will tell you about the hidden charges that your chosen package might have. Keep reading till the end to understand what is included in your Umrah deal and what’s not.
Visa Processing Fees
Visa processing is the first and one of the most crucial steps of planning your Umrah journey. Although many deals cover visa processing without any additional costs, many will ask you for extra fees after your visa is approved. Those who are looking for an affordable option should remember that some budget packages exclude Umrah visa fees. You will be solely responsible for covering its expenses.
If you have decided to get your visa approval through a travel agent, check out their service charges before confirming the deal. These charges are typically £20 – £60 for those residing in London. It is also important to gather information about the biometric enrollment fees at the approved centres that involve VFS fees. If you want to make your visa processing quicker through express visa services, you will also need to pay a fee for express. The same rule goes for the last-minute processing as well.
Hidden Costs in Flights
The next thing you need to be extra careful about is hidden costs in flight booking. There are some packages that cover the flight costs in your overall package fees. However, several Umrah deals may include indirect flights with long layovers, for which you have to pay extra money. Those coming with families often get into trouble after coming across an unexpected amount of expenses.
Pilgrims from London often overlook additional baggage fees on low-cost carriers which are usually £50 – £100 per bag. It is thus essential to keep in mind the accepted bag weight while filling your luggage to avoid extra costs. Not only this, but seat selection or meal charges are also often not included in the basic airfare.
There is something important for you to consider when planning this spiritual pilgrimage during peak seasons. You usually have to pay for the seasonal airfare surcharges during this time, which can be during Ramadan as well as school holidays. Visitors often consider that they will receive free airport transfers after reaching Saudi Arabia. But that’s not always the case and it costs an extra £30 – £70 per person.
Hotel Costs
There are numerous hotels in Makah and Madina that offer a stay in various price ranges. We suggest checking the hotel details in your package so that you can avoid the following misconceptions.
Location Misconception
Knowing about the location of your hotel from the Haram is a crucial factor. No one wants to walk for a long time or book an expensive taxi to reach and come back from the House of Allah Almighty. It not only makes you tired before even starting the rituals but also costs you a bunch.
Many pilgrims abruptly book the low-cost hotel without knowing its distance from the Haram. Budget hotels are usually far from the site of offering rituals, located at almost 30 – 45 minutes walking distance or a shuttle ride. On top of that, one might also have to pay for this daily transport. The taxi or shuttle charges can thus exceed £5- £10 per day.
Quality and Services
Many people abruptly opt for the cheaper hotel once they come across an affordable option. They think that the quality of their stay will be the same as other options. It’s nothing but a bubble of delusion. They are thus highly disappointed by the low quality and poor service after arriving there. This happens mostly because the shared or small rooms are often not mentioned in the hotel ad.
Moreover, there are also some additional charges for private rooms or family accommodation upgrades. Numerous budget hotels do not provide a complimentary breakfast which is a major drawback. Daily food costs thus add up and result in a big final amount. You also have to pay some extra amount for laundry services and wifi during the stay which is usually £10 – £20 per use.
Transport Within the City
One of the most important things to consider is the transport charges in Saudi Arabia. You will need to travel more than just to and from your hotel to haram. Many packages exclude the intercity transfers that become an issue when pilgrims need to travel between Makkah and Madinah. Those who neglect to check transport details on their package have to opt for private transport. This costs you about £80 – £150 depending on your choice of vehicle.
As there are public transport limitations for non-Arabic speakers in Saudi Arabia, it gives a tough time to London pilgrims. Keep in mind that you might not get an airport-to-hotel pickup or get a shared one with multiple groups. Taxis may also ask for an additional amount due to extra luggage or during late-night travel.
Food Expenses
Many low-cost Umrah deals exclude regular meals. Numerous pilgrims go for pocket-friendly deals that they regret after reaching Saudi Arabia. Food spots near the House of Allah are quite expensive and are not feasible for those who already have a narrow budget. It becomes really difficult for those who come with a family. Eating out in Makkah and Madinah costs you around £10 – £20 on average which can rise even more near the hotel zones.
On top of that, there might also be a lack of kitchen facilities in budget hotels. Those who do not do proper preparation before departure may find themselves financially trapped after reaching Makkah. They have to confront extra expenses for water, snacks or fruit during their stay.
Ziyarat Costs
Pilgrims head towards the religious sites in Saudi Arabia during their Umrah tenure. One of the biggest misconceptions is the inclusion of Ziyarat tours in your Umrah package. Ziyarat costs are not always included in your deal. No one wants to skip this golden opportunity of visiting the sites having a deep connection to the last Prophet Muhammad PBUH and His loved ones.
They have to pay extra charges for the guided ziyarat tours in Makkah and Madinah which cost aroud £20 – £50 per tour. Similarly, optional tours to historic spots or Taif cost extra. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully go through every detail of the package as transport to the ziyarat sites and guided trips are usually not covered in standard packages.
Wrap Up
Are you planning an Umrah trip soon from London? We suggest keeping the above things in mind while choosing the right Umrah Packages London. This will not only save you from unwanted financial troubles but also make your Umrah journey stress-free and easier. Choose Muslims Holy Travel to embark on a seamless Umrah pilgrimage with your loved ones.
