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It can be a bit overwhelming to book your Do It Yourself Umrah. The first step was exploring the web for flights. Literally i could fly to Jeddah for 250 Euro with multiple transfers, 580 Euro for a one stopover and 780 Euro for a Direct flight from Amsterdam.  I decided to go with the direct flight with Saudi Airlines, AMS-JED. Saving time is for me more valuable and can be vice versa for another.  if you are sure you will go InshaAllah i strongly recommend to arrange your eVisa first to avoid any risk that after booking, your visa gets rejected. I booked the flights after comparing multiple meta search websites listed below. Kayak.com  user friendly compares many airlines and websites, however is mostly used in the US, the nice thing of Kayak is they have a price chart prediction of flights and you can set an alert to track the prices.           Momondo.com, is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful search capabilities, enabling for travelers to find the best deals and compare prices from multiple sources. It also offers various filters and tools to customise search results based on preferences such as budget, travel dates, and flight durations. Also Momondo has tthe option to set up a flight alert. Momondo is populaire in EU and belongs to the same group as Kayak.   Booking.com A well known online travel agency who offers also flights and many accommodations, it is good to also check individual websites in our case booking.com was showing the same price as Saudi Airlines. Depending on your location they offer a Pay later option for flights via Klarna.    Skyscanner.com The most used meta search engine in Europe, however not always the best deals and some websites are having some lower scores when it comes to customer service. Please pick a high rated one.   Who offers the best flight fares? it is always a challenge, one is cheaper than the other. Please keep in mind the cheapest option is not always the best option, always double check the seller’s review score on for example google.com or trustpilot.com. In my case www.supersaver.com was offering the flights slightly cheaper however the customer reviews weren’t that high. After finding my desired flight i booked it straight from the Saudi Airlines website. The website can be a bit clingy,   flight tickets  weren’t all coming through after the payment was made, small glitches which was resolved in the end. The surprise i had with booking directly with Saudi Airlines was that the website shows prices in EUR but they charged our credit card in SAR where the Credit Card company charged me for FX rate.  Key is to book in advance at least a couple of months before your departure date, mine was 6 months before. i booked AMS -JED, JED – MED, MED -AMS via Jeddah. As flight fares are changing daily and even in a couple minutes, please make sure you don’t wait too long, else you will end up paying a much higher price. 2 month before departure the flight fare went already up with €200 and 1 month before  it doubled €400,-  Saudi Airlines offers a bidding system for upgrades from Economy to Business class,  you can make a bid based on your budget, one day before departure i received a notification that the bid was accepted. For 428 Euro one way,  My total flight cost was €1636,-  There are websites who offer a free service called a price alert, when the price rise or drop you get notified per email, good to set it on so you can keep track and don’t miss out on a good deal, as flight websites can have different prices a good thing to do track is to enable the price alert on multiple websites..  How to use Price Alerts on several websites.   The Search for your hotels? Mecca offers a variety of hotels that cater to different budgets and preferences. It’s important to note that hotel rankings and prices can change over time, so I recommend checking recent reviews and comparing prices before making a booking. Here are some highly regarded hotels in Mecca known for their quality and value: Distance from Masjid al-Haram is an important to check, The hotels’ proximity to the Masjid al-Haram varies, with some located just a short walking distance away, while others may require a short bus or taxi ride to reach the mosque. If you dont mind a stroll it can save you money to have a hotel a bit further however it can be a challenge for elderly.  Lets break down the hotels in different segments to give you a view and see what you would like to search for.  Luxury Hotels: Mecca boasts several luxury hotels located close to the Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque). These hotels offer premium services, stunning views of the mosque, and convenient access to the pilgrimage sites. They often have spacious rooms and suites, fine dining restaurants, fitness centers, spa facilities, and other luxurious amenities. Mid-range Hotels: There are numerous mid-range hotels in Mecca that offer comfortable accommodation at more affordable prices. These hotels typically have standard rooms, basic amenities, and decent facilities for pilgrims. Budget Hotels: For budget-conscious travelers, there are budget hotels and guesthouses available in the city. These hotels may have more modest amenities but provide a cost-effective option for those looking to perform Umrah on a budget. Apartment Hotels: Some hotels in Mecca offer apartment-style accommodation, ideal for families or larger groups. These apartments come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, making it convenient for guests to prepare their meals during their stay. Hotels with Haram Views: Many hotels in Mecca advertise “Haram views,” meaning they offer views of the Grand Mosque. These rooms often come at a premium price due to their prime location and proximity to the pilgrimage sites. Hotel Chains: Several international hotel chains have a presence in Mecca, offering consistent quality and service for travelers who prefer familiar brands. Please note that Mecca is constantly evolving, and new hotels may have been built or

The tourist eVisa:  is available to citizens of the EU, UK, North America, and several other countries. Saudi Arabia continues to add more eligible countries to the list.For more detailed information about the eVisa from Saudi Arabia, you can check out this link find it here Saudi eVisa. I focus mainly on the tourist visa option, as our readers predominantly come from Western countries or places where the tourist visa is accessible. The eVisa introduced by Saudi Arabia in 2019, aims to attract more visitors to the country. Applying for a tourist visa is a swift online process, usually providing results within less than an hour. The best part is that you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa without the need for agents or Umrah packages. During the eVisa application process on the official website, you will need to indicate the purpose of your trip, which is Umrah. Umrah visas: are specifically issued to countries where individuals cannot apply for tourist visas directly. To obtain an Umrah visa, one typically needs to go through an authorised agent in their respective country. For example, citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh would follow this process. Let’s make Umrah a more accessible and enlightening experience for all! Umrah visas are issued to those countries that cannot apply for tourist visas. They also require Umrah packages through an agent, and the Umrah visa is applied through agents in their respective countries. For example, Pakistan or Bangladesh.  A tourist visa, as the name suggests, is the new visa that Saudi started in 2019 to entice more tourists to visit the country. You can apply online quickly and usually get the result in less than one hour, and you can also perform Umrah on a tourist visa. You don’t need agents or Umrah packages; they are perfect for DIY Umrah. However during the application process via the official website E-visa you should indicate the purpose of your trip which is Umrah.  The tourist visa is available to all EU UK and North American citizens,  several other countries are been added. You can find here more info about the eVisa from Saudi I will be writing mostly about the tourist eVisa option since our readers are from Western countries or those with the tourist visa available. 

Welcome to our platform, where we have been blessed to assist  Muslims worldwide in understanding how to organise their own DIY Umrah, manage their Umrah or tourist visas, and plan budget-friendly trips that do not strain their finances. I am truly grateful to each and every one of you who has taken the time to read our posts, as it has been a dream come true to have your support, May Allah bless you all. In the world of Umrah, there exists a cloud of confusion surrounding the idea of undertaking this sacred pilgrimage independently. As we delve deeper, we uncover the reasons behind the hesitancy of Umrah agents to openly share information about DIY Umrah – the path less traveled. While not everyone may feel inclined to plan their own spiritual voyage, the valuable services of agents remain indispensable in certain circumstances. However, a transformative turning point emerged in 2019, as Saudi Arabia opened its borders to tourists, ushering in a new era of possibility for Umrah seekers. Armed with the freedom to obtain their OWN Saudi tourist visa online, pilgrims can now explore the captivating landscapes of Saudi Arabia and set forth on a personal and profound Umrah journey. This monumental step is intricately woven into Saudi Arabia’s grand vision for 2030, which aims to welcome 30 million pilgrims and foster a thriving tourism industry. Embracing a Game-Changing Shift: Before 2019, the gates of Saudi Arabia were largely accessible to tourists solely through Umrah visas issued by agents, confining travel to the holy cities of Makkah, Medinah, and Jeddah. However, the winds of change brought forth an empowering shift, enabling pilgrims to chart their own spiritual course with unprecedented freedom. This newfound liberation not only grants access to the revered pilgrimage sites but also paves the way for exploring the mesmerizing beauty and cultural treasures that Saudi Arabia has to offer. Navigating the Path with Confidence: With such a momentous transformation at hand, it becomes essential to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to venture on this spiritual odyssey with confidence. Our Ultimate Umrah guide has been thoughtfully crafted to illuminate every aspect of the Umrah procedure, ensuring that you embark on your journey well-prepared and guided. Embracing the spirit of independence, you can now seamlessly plan and secure your Umrah visa, handpick your preferred Umrah hotels, and curate a personalized Umrah package tailored precisely to your preferences. A Journey of Self-Discovery: Embracing the philosophy of DIY Umrah empowers you to embark on a soul-enriching journey of spirituality and self-discovery, unshackled from the constraints of conventional norms. As you traverse the sacred landscapes of Saudi Arabia, you will forge a profound connection with your faith, finding solace and serenity amidst the sacred sights. Conclusion: With the myths surrounding DIY Umrah unraveled, a new horizon of possibility opens before you. Embrace the winds of change, take hold of your destiny, and embark on a transformative pilgrimage that shall forever enrich your heart and soul. As the sands of Saudi Arabia beckon, know that you hold the key to unlocking a deeply personal and spiritually rewarding Umrah journey. The time has come to embrace your own path, and through the freedom of DIY Umrah, may you find tranquility, purpose, and an eternal connection to the divine. One thing for sure when you do it yourself you will save on your Umrah Journey” My journey began way back, to be exact 25 years ago when i went for my first Umrah.  I was around 17 when i performed the Umrah, at that time booking umrah was just via Travel Agencies, Fixed packages with some flexibility with flights, still a very niche market and it stayed like that for decades. I was blessed to perform Umrah 4 times so far, my recent visit was in Feb 2023. Yearly i have been seeing family members going for Hajj and Umrah and hearing stories about how Tour operators/ Group Leaders taking advantage of our Muslim Brothers and Sisters.  It made me sad and said to myself one day i will try to change this.  This website was inspired by my first Umrah travel Experience and the desire to make a change in the umrah spaces and create a platform where the Ummah can save on their Umrah. In 2009 i registered the domain Umrahbooking.com and told myself one day i will make the start when the time is right.   In August 2022 i had the urge for going to Umrah it has been a while ago and my mind and heart was saying its time to go again.  I started opening google and typed Umrah Saudi Arabia and the first article what i read was “Saudi government changed  the visa process for EU, UK, and US, which was a major change in the Umrah Industry. The first thing what came across my mind was ok now i can book my Umrah myself as a dutch citizen. No need to visit the Travel Agency. i approached my uncle and told him about the feeling i had,  he said lets go,  My Sister, brother and my  Mom  spoke about the same the night before. You can called it coincidence however i believe the message came straight from Allah Azzawajal. The decision was made we are going and agreed to go for 12 days and will share with you how we went for Umrah Direct flight with Saudi Airlines, including flight to Madinah and 5* hotels in both Holy cities.