Hospital Services
Hospital services are free of charge for pilgrims. However, not everybody is pleased with the local National Health Services. Should you wish (if need arises) you can be treated privately (at your own cost) in a private hospital. Please note that in most hospitals cash payment is due before admission and they do not depend or wait for Travel Insurance Payment or policy. Please note that transport from and to hospital is chargeable at all times by the group as this does not include in the package.
Ambulance Services
Ambulance service is provided free of charge in Saudi Arabia, but because the nature of the city and due to busy period of time, the ambulance services is stretched to its limits. In Small cases such as temperature, weakness in body, etc, they will not turn up. However, they may turn up in major needs and sometime it could take more than 2-4 hours of waiting.
Emergency
At emergency times such as Fire etc, Pilgrims are reminded to leave the building using the emergency exits and to leave their belongings in their building/apartment. At time of Fire, pilgrims are reminded to use the stair cases ONLY.
Medicine Purchase
Medicine can be purchased from the local chemists, in some cases they may not have the similar medicine but they may be able to provide you with an alternative one. Please keep the sample with you to show it to the local chemist. Name of the medicine or its description may not be enough at some times. Please note you will be charged at all Chemists.
Doctor on Call
Sorry this service is not possible during Hajj period. However, we normally have many doctors in the group as pilgrims and they are usually happy to help pilgrims free of charge.
Lost Property
We take no responsibility for any lost or damaged property; we will try to help you to locate within our means. However, you will be liable for any cost arises as a result of search or for its transportation, etc. We therefore, advise you to look after your luggage and other belongings throughout the journey.
Luggage service
We take no responsibility for any luggage, pick up, lost or damaged, for more details. Cleaning the Room etc For any help you need with regards to your room, etc; you are requested to contact the hotel receptionist or the house keeping person near the rooms during their working hours, as they are contracted to change your bed sheet and cleaning room as well as the toilet/bath areas. It has been noticed due to very busy period of time that you may have to contact the receptionist or housekeeping more than once. If the situation does not improve, please let the group leader know about the situation. If still no progress was made, please inform the company director/staff persons. Please note that bed sheets are normally changed every 2nd to 3rd day. Cleaning the rooms and toilet area is done on daily bases. Please note that NO staff member is permitted to clean any room unless pilgrims are present in their rooms.
Meals
Complimentary meals may be served as and when possible in your room or in dining area after Fajr, Zuhr, and Esha prayers. Please note that meals are not sold as part of the packages and if we do provide it will be a gift from us. Meals are prepared by approved catering companies out of the hotel therefore; delays are not in our control specially if you are also late after the prayer times. With regards to Hajj days, the situation could become even more difficult due to number of pilgrims within Mina, Arafat, etc. and due to limitation of place within these areas.
Room key
We advise pilgrims to leave their room key at the hotel reception or allocated area when going out so that the first person arriving back to the hotel can have access to the room. We do NOT advise pilgrims to take their room key with them to Haram sharif or elsewhere unless you have been provided a key per person.
Telephone Services
We advise pilgrims to take their mobile phones (unlocked) with them and get the local mobile Sim cards. You would be required to have finger prints and copy of your passport to acquire local SIM. Please ensure that your mobile phone is unlocked otherwise Saudi Sim will not operate/work on your phone. We find this method of communication is best for all pilgrims as you can make and receive calls at all times and without any problem. Please note that transferring calls in hotels to your room may be possible at some times and not possible at other times as some hotels do not provide phone services.
Hotel Staff
The Saudi Law is that hotels have to employ Saudi citizen as receptionist or staff. In accordance to this, they do not have to speak English; we therefore inform you that you may have some difficulty when communicating with them. Should this be the case, please contact our Asian/Pakistani staff who can translate into Arabic or help you when needed.
Visitors in rooms
We advise pilgrims not to take any person to your room unless he/she is blood related to you. Please note that No relatives are allowed to spend night in the hotel as it is against the local rules also it is something which we do not advise/allow pilgrims to do. We advise pilgrims NOT to take local people who you may build friendship with (while you are in Makkah or Medina) to your room as many of them could be thieves, criminals, etc. Should you need to meet any of them, please ask them to remain in the hotel reception and you can meet them anywhere out of hotel.
Zamzam Cargo
This service was possible until 2013 but the Saudi government does not allow this service any more. Please note that you may find some local people who would assure you to Cargo Zamzam to your address at some extra charges, but this will not be possible. However, we shall let you know if the law changes in this regards.
Extra Qurbani
You can contact us about 1-2 weeks before Hajj and we can book for you additional Qurbani at extra cost.
Beggars
You will find so many of them and you will hear most shocking stories of their life, but unfortunately majority of them are professional beggars and they are very convincing type of people. This will continue happening even on the days of Hajj/Mina, Arafat etc. We have been seeing them over the years and we came to conclusions that these are professional beggars and they are in teams of hundreds if not even more. You will find them in all types also in all ranks of life, e.g. children, adults, men and women. Please avoid giving them any donations.
Telephone in Rooms
Some rooms/hotels may have phones, others may not have phones. Please use your mobile for communications.
Toilet and shower
As the land price in Makkah & Medina is very expensive; therefore beware Toilet & Shower sizes are very small. In most cases it is just enough to stand in it. Showers are normally on open area with shower on top.
Smoking
Smoking is NOT permitted in rooms or coaches, please act responsible and think of the feelings of others.
Laundry Service
Laundry service/shops are available in the area at extra cost per item. Some pilgrims may choose to give their cloth to the staff working in the hotel. Please note that we take no responsibility of any type, it is entirely up to individuals to give their cloth for laundry purposes to whom they wish for cleaning or laundry.
Iron
It is recommended that you bring your own small travel iron with you for the journey. Hotels may not provide ironing equipment.
Kettle
Most hotels do not provide any kettle. Normally pilgrims buy their hot beverages (tea & coffee) from surrounding shops.
Microwave
Most hotels do not provide microwave or heating facilities.
Saudi Currency
The local currency is the Saudi Riyal and normally the exchange rate nowadays is around 5 Saudi Riyal to £1.
Transport Type
All pilgrims are transported in Mualim coaches that are approved by the Hajj ministry only. Hajj ministry would not allow us to use other than their own approved transport to whom we have already made payment on your behalf and we have no control of its type or quality.
At Saudi Airports
All pilgrims’ are expected to give finger prints and their photos will be taken at Jeddah airport prior to their entry/exit to Saudi Arabia. The local authority holds the right to return passengers who fail to get clearness at Saudi airport. Please note, NO refund is given to you if you have been rejected entry to Saudi Arabia as we have made all necessary payments to all other parties.
UK Airport
Pilgrims may get stopped & searched for different reasons at UK airports prior to departure or returning. Please note that we will not be able to help you. If you don’t get clearance & you are stopped from travelling, please note, no refund is given to you. Please check your status with the police to ensure you are not stopped on the travelling or returning dates.
Room service
As it is the busiest time of the year for Makkah and Medina hotels, sorry room service such as to purchase for pilgrims drinks, tea, etc is not possible. Pilgrims are expected to purchase their own things.
Hajj Ministry
Please note that we operate in Saudi Arabia under the guidance, rules and regulations of the Hajj ministry. We are NOT allowed by Saudi law to operate or transport people as we wish or as pilgrims wish.
Small creatures
There may be small creatures in hotels, Mina, Arafat, etc, this is due to the hot season in Makkah & Medina. This seems to be happening even in the summer months in the UK or other parts of the world. Should you notice any, please let the staff know so that necessary actions can be taken.
Toilet Paper
Toilet paper not provided during the 5 days of Hajj as all tents and the five days of Hajj are fully controlled by the Hajj Ministry to whom we made payments on your behalf. Please be informed that the Sewage and Toilet pipes of the Hotels of Makkah and Medina are not designed for the use of toilet paper, therefore rooms that are using toilet paper are normally found blocked toilets. Therefore we advised you to avoid its usage when possible.
Motorway Services
Motorway Services in Saudi are poorly built and maintained. Sometimes it is almost impossible to use it. Therefore, we advised pilgrims not to eat or drink too much while travelling between cities
Weather
From October to January: The climate of Saudi Arabia is marked by high temperatures during the day and lower temperature at night. Therefore it is recommended that all pilgrims pack a light jacket or cardigan for this reason. For the remaining months it is normally very hot temperature and there is no need for such covering. Please recheck weather reports during the days you wish to travel.
Clothes
We recommend that pilgrims wear the native conservative Saudi Arabian clothing during the journey, which are the Ibaya for females and the thobe for males. However, you are allowed to wear whatever you like as long as modest.
Rooms
If you have requested a room of 2, 3 or 4 beds and have received written confirmation from us, there may be extra unused beds still present in the room. Toilets may be located inside or outside the room and beds are only provided on a single bed basis therefore there will be no double beds in the room.
The Hajj days
The details below are According to the Tamatu’ Hajj (one of the three types of Hajj)
Umrah
For Umrah, one should enter into the state of Ihram from the Airport or at Meeqat stations designated for him/her, and recite the Talbiyyah. One must perform an Umrah which is consists of Tawaaf and Sa’i. Upon completion of Umrah, men should shave or trim their hair and women should cut a portion of their hair the length of a fingertip. One must exit the state of Ihram until before the 8th Dhul Hijjah. For full Umrah details, please read on how to perform Umrah.
Hajj ritual days (Hajj days) 7th Dhul Hijjah
Be ready to start journey to mina some time at night of 7th Dhul Hijjah, starting from after isha-fajr prayer time. The process of shifting pilgrims from Makkah to Mina could last the whole night and beyond. Please note before departure to Mina; pilgrims should enter into the state of Ehram from their accommodation.
For Mina and the other days of Hajj, please prepare yourself with a sleeping bag, water bottle, prayer mat to perform the daily prayers and some dry or long lasting food just in case if the meals are provided later than expected. You are also advised to take with you some pain killers and the important daily medicines if you under any medical conditions.
8th Dhul Hijjah: THE DAY WILL BE SPENT IN MINA
Salah in Mina is shortened but performed on its actual time, pilgrims should perform Dhur (2 rak’ahs), Asr (2 rak’ahs), magrib (3 rak’ahs) and Ishaa (2 rak’ahs) prayers.
There is enough water and the number of the toilets in Mina and better facilities than in Arafat and Muzdalifah (approximately 30 toilets for 5000 pilgrims). For every 14 pilgrims, only one tent is to be provided by the Hajj ministry which will be 4mX4m, (we have already made the payment on your behalf). Mina tents will be air-conditioned and carpeted. For security reasons, better ventilation and to perform the daily prayers/Salah with Jamaat, we will open up all tents to each other, so that it can become like one big Hall.
Note: All pilgrims even if they booked separate room in Makkah or Madinah would be accommodated on sharing basis during the five days of Hajj. Tents would be divided on gender basis i.e., Men with men and Ladies to share tents with Ladies.
9th Dhul Hijjah: THE DAY WILL BE SPENT IN ARAFAT
After Fajr prayer in Mina, all hujjaj would proceed to Arafat. This is the day of Hajj. The person who is not present in Arafat, he/she would miss the reward of Hajj. This is the main and the most important day in the entire journey. Pilgrims will perform Dhur and Asr prayer in Arafat, combined and shortened in the time of Dhur. All pilgrims are advised to spend the day in supplication (make du’aa) asking Allah’s forgiveness, assistance and reward etc. during supplication one should not face the direction of Jabal-ur-Rahma but rather the direction of the Qiblah. It is from the Sunnah to raise ones hands during supplication. It is also makrooh (disliked) for pilgrims to fast while in Arafat.
The facilities are very good since last year in Arafat. All tents are air-conditioned; the number of toilets would be less than Mina. DO NOT panic as you are there for 10-16 hours only. The situation will be improved after the sunset, as pilgrims will start getting ready for their journey towards Muzdalifa
Pilgrims will start their journey for Muzdalifa approximately at any time after the sunset and midnight or so. This should be done with ease and tranquillity. Other facilities such as toilets will be even more limited than Arafat.
Note: Services during the five days of Hajj including transport is controlled and delivered by Hajj ministry to whom we make payment on your behalf around Ramadan time. The facilities are poorly equipped and maintained due to large number of people confined in a small area. Sometimes it is almost impossible to use it. Therefore, we advised pilgrims not to eat or drink too much during the five days of Hajj.
9th Dhul Hijjah:THE NIGHT WILL BE SPENT IN MUZDALIFAH
In Muzdalifah, the facilities are very limited. There will not be tents but carpets in main areas of Muzdalifa. Pilgrims may use their sleeping mats provided in Arafat or the prayer mats for resting few hours before Fajr prayer anywhere they find space. Upon arrival in Muzdalifah, pilgrims should shorten and combine Maghrib and Esha prayer; pilgrims should collect some pebbles to stone the Shaytan for the coming 3 days. Each pilgrim will need at least 49 pebbles; it is advisable to have some extra pebbles. The size of the pebble should not be bigger than a small bean.
Pilgrims should spend the night in Muzdalifah. They should pray Fajr at the earliest time, and one should make du’aa and glorify Allah as much as possible after prayer. Pilgrims must proceed to Mina before the sun rises. It is permissible for the weak to leave Muzdalifah after the middle of the night.
After performing Fajr prayer, all Pilgrims will leave for Mina. (Do not panic if you have missed your group), try to make your way for Mina by using the busses/coaches provided at the gate which will bring you to your Mina camp and meet up the group in the camp of Mina or walk with the crowed.
10th Dhul Hijjah
This is the EID and the Qurbani day, pilgrims should start leaving Muzdalifah before sunrise. If you are leaving Muzdalifah late in the morning, please be careful of the heat. The day is to be spent in Mina/Makkah. Pilgrims should throw 7 pebbles at Jamrat-ul-‘Aqabah (the Big Jamarat) saying Allahu’Akbar with each one. Qurbani will be done; thereafter a man should then shave or evenly trim his hair. Women should clip a portion of their hair about the length of a fingertip. Pilgrims can now exit the state of Ihram. Pilgrims can now perform Tawaf-ul-Ifaadah, it is permissible to delay Tawaf-ul-Ifaadah until the 11th or 12th of Dhul-Hijjah or even beyond if need rises, e.g. health, etc. The order can also change as per the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), however, some scholars disagree with the changing of orders.
11th Dhul Hijjah
One should stone all three of the Jamarats, throwing 7 pebbles at each jamarat. Pilgrims should start with the smallest jamarat, and then proceed to the middle then the Jamarat-ul-‘Aqabah. The day could be spent in Mina/Makkah. However, the night must be spent in any part of Mina.
12th Dhul Hijjah
This is the last day of hajj. The day will be spent in Mina/Makkah.
One should stone all three of the Jamarats, throwing 7 pebbles at each Jamarat. Pilgrims should start with the smallest Jamarat, and then proceed to the middle then the Jamarat-ul-‘Aqabah. All pilgrims must leave Mina before sunset (Maghrib Azaan). If one chooses to remains in Mina after the sunset, pilgrims will need to spend the full night in Mina and stone the Jamaraats the following day after Zuhr and then leave Mina.
NOTE: Pilgrims must perform Tawaf-ul-Wadaa’ before leaving Makkah.
Important Notice
Hajj & Umrah can be physically and mentally challenging. Alamanah Travel takes NO health responsibility for any pilgrim. We would advise all our pilgrims not to travel for Hajj or Umrah unless you are fit to do so and able to walk at least for 4-6 miles per day. If any pilgrim does not meet this requirement; we advise him/her to take a wheelchair with him/her and an additional person who will be fully responsible for your travelling. We also highly recommend that you must seek medical advice from your GP, etc to re-check if you should embark on a journey such as this.
Please be advised that travelling for Hajj or Umrah cannot be compared to holiday travel. During Hajj & Umrah journey; the unpredicted is frequently the norm, and this journeys can be very provoking and irregular. In spite of our careful preparation and organisation, Hajj & Umrah travel can never be settled like a standard holiday or vacation. Hotels, transport, flights and public services are pushed to their limits. This is because 3-4 millions of pilgrims live these days within a small congested area and the crowds can be astonishing. Therefore, expect long delays, unpredicted scenes and atmosphere.
Pilgrims understand and accept that they have been provided information in relation to the Hajj and Umrah packages and flights including:
The company does not provide 4 or 5 star accommodation or services. Standards in Saudi are much lower, e.g. if it 5 star in UK it could be around 3 star in Saudi.
The means, characteristics and categories of transport to be used and the expected dates, times and points of departure and return.
The type of accommodation, its location and its main features. Where relevant the approval or tourist classification under the Saudi Arabian system; was made clear.
The meals including breakfast are not included in the package. If it provides it is complemetary from the company.
The expected itinerary of the flight, package & Information Pack.
Details of the expected visits, excursions or other services that are included in the total price agreed for the package.
Information about passport and visa requirements which apply for British and other citizens.
Health formalities required for the visa as well as the journey.
I have identified no relevant health requirements to my journey and I am fit to travel.
The monetary amount or the percentage of the price which is to be paid on account and the timetable for payment of the balance; Which I understand must be paid prior to issuing visa, tickets etc.
The arrangements which apply if consumers are delayed outbound or inbound points of departure;
The arrangements for security for money paid over and for the repatriation of the consumer in the event of insolvency;
The necessity for me to purchase my own insurance;
I have been advised of the ongoing mass construction in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah as well as to my destination. I have been advised of the disruption which this may cause and the precautions I should take, for example wearing a face mask, being patient as traffic and environment could result in an unpleasant experience. I have also been advised of the MERS Virus and provided information about MERS.
Umrah Conditions from the UK in 2022
Since umrah has been stopped as a consequence of covid-19, this Aug 2022 is the month when all restrictions come to an end. As influenced due to covid the lofty prices of the Hajj packages are unaffordable for most people so Umrah is the best option for Muslims to visit Allah’s home. Saudi Authorities have lifted the following restrictions as per our resources.
1. All age pilgrims can perform umrah.
2. Umrah can be performed on Tourist, Umrah, Visit, family, or any other visa for Saudi Arabia.
3. Vaccine is not mandatory to get a Saudi visa or to enter Saudi Arabia from any country.
4. Tawakalna and eatmarna apps are not required to be installed for the Umrah permit, Only Nusuk App is required for Roza Rasul visit permit.
5. No limit to performing several umrahs during your visit.
6. Single women can obtain Saudi umrah or any type of visa without the need for Mehrum.
7. You can visit all parts of Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa, Tourist visa, family, or Work visa.
8. Tourist visa Validity is 1 Year and Stay validity is for 90 Days.
9. Umrah visa validity has been increased to 90 days now.
10. There is no visa required if your stopover is less than 12 hours at any Saudi airport.
11. On arrival Saudi tourist visa for the allowed nationalities is available if you are traveling with a Saudi airline only.
12. If your Saudi Tourist visa is rejected you can still apply for an umrah visa.

Performing Umrah as a group of young adults, Family with Kids, elders, and friends.
Alamanah travel devises the best potential umrah package to cater to your needs as per the passenger’s mobility, convenience, and peace of mind, our wide scope of closer to Kaba and Masjid e Nabwi hotels with stop and direct flights has Economy, Premium economy, business, and first-class cabins. We keep in mind the condition of pilgrims traveling, We make sure if someone needs seats with extra leg space, a baby coat, a wheelchair, need closer hotels to Kaba, their food choice, and needs. Our professional team communicates the tremendous understanding acquired from their earlier pilgrims to deal with you all your concerns.
WEATHER IN MAKKAH
Makkah weather is hot, dry and often unforgiving. Here’s what you can expect in terms of temperature and weather conditions during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
A desert country, Saudi Arabia can experience extreme weather. The temperature in Makkah, a city in a valley, seldom drops below 13°C (55°F) at night in January. Highs can climb over 43°C (110°F) during the day in June. For a successful Hajj or Umrah, it pays to be prepared for Makkah weather.
Hajj Dates
The lunar-based Hijri calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the West. As such, the dates of Hajj shift 10–11 days earlier each year. This results in varied weather conditions for pilgrims. Approximate dates for the upcoming Hajjes are 30 August–4 September 2017, 19–24 August 2018, 9–14 August 2019 and 28 July–2 August 2020. Until 2026, Hajj season will fall in the Kingdom’s hottest months.
Makkah Temperature
Between late July and early September, the temperature in Makkah ranges from an average low of 28°C (82°F) to an average high of 40°C (104°F). The hottest time of the day is from 10am to 8pm, with a brief cool spell in the early morning.
Makkah Precipitation
Makkah does not have a discernable wet or dry season. Precipitation ‘peaks’ in November with about 2cm (0.8 inches) of rain. The driest months are June and September, with no significant rainfall. However, heavy rains and even flooding – accompanied by violent windstorms – do occur.
Hajj Weather Tips
Every year, some Hajj and Umrah performers suffer from heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Here are a few weather-related tips for staying healthy during a pilgrimage to Makkah:
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
• Use an umbrella.
• Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
• Seek out air-conditioned spaces if you experience a headache, dizziness or heart palpitations.
• If possible, avoid performing Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) from midday to early evening. The coolest – and least crowded – time to enter Al Masjid Al Haram is from late evening until the Fajr dawn prayer.
Information Credits goes to ACCOR Hotels

___________________–

Saudi Tourist visa
Saudi Tourist Visa Eligible countries 
America
Canada, United States
Asia
Brunei, China (Hong Kong, Taipei, Macau), Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan
Australia
Australia, New Zealand
Europe
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
 Alamanah Travels is renowned for providing Umrah deals all inclusive of direct and indirect flights, quick visa confirmation, and 5-star luxury accommodations.