Umrah & Hajj Frequently Asked Questions

Everything pilgrims commonly ask about booking, pricing, documents, and travel with GoSalam.

Getting Started & Booking

What is Umrah?
Umrah is a non-mandatory Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates, Umrah involves Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa'i and can be completed in a few hours.
What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for those who can afford it, performed only on specific dates in Dhul Hijjah. Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed any time of year and involves fewer rituals over fewer days.
Do your Umrah packages include flights?
Yes. Full Umrah packages include return flights, accommodation, visa processing, meals, transfers, and pilgrimage support services.
Which airlines are commonly used?
Direct flights are commonly operated via Saudi Airlines, IndiGo, Air India Express, and Flynas, depending on your departure city. Connecting flights are available via Oman Air, Air Arabia, and Etihad through major Gulf hubs.
Can I customize my Umrah package or hotel selection?
Yes. Many pilgrims prefer customized Umrah packages based on hotel preference, travel duration, budget, family size, or proximity to the Haram. Our team can create a package tailored to your requirements.
How far in advance should I book my Umrah package?
We recommend booking at least 4-8 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons such as Ramadan, school holidays, and winter months. Early booking often provides better flight availability and hotel choices.
Why should I book through an Umrah travel agency instead of planning independently?
Working with a specialized Umrah travel agency means visa processing, accommodation, local transportation, airport transfers, and hotel selection are all managed under one roof. This reduces uncertainty and lets pilgrims focus on worship rather than logistics.
Do you provide guidance for first-time Umrah pilgrims?
Yes. First-time pilgrims receive assistance regarding Ihram, Umrah rituals, travel procedures, accommodation arrangements, transportation, and important religious guidelines to help them travel with confidence.

Pricing & Payments

What is the cost of doing Umrah from India?
GoSalam's Economy package starts from approximately ₹69,000 per person. This published starting price applies to departures from Delhi; for other departure cities, packages also start from approximately ₹69,000, with the final price depending on departure city, airline availability, hotel selection, and travel dates.
What is the child and infant pricing policy?
Infants (0-2 years) are charged around ₹25,000. Children (2-11 years) without a separate bed pay about 75% of the adult package cost, while children with a bed pay the full adult price.
Is travel insurance included in the package?
Yes. Umrah visa processing includes the mandatory insurance required as part of the visa process, so pilgrims do not need to arrange it separately.
How much cash should I carry for Umrah?
We recommend carrying at least 1,500 SAR (approximately ₹35,000) per person in cash or on a forex card, for daily food, shopping, and charity expenses beyond your prepaid package.

Documents & Compliance

What documents are required for Umrah booking?
You'll typically need an original passport with at least 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages, a PAN card (mandatory for Indian tax law and TCS compliance), passport-size white-background photographs, and a Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination certificate.
Is a Mahram required for women to perform Umrah?
Current guidance generally allows women aged 45 and above to travel without a Mahram when travelling with an organised group. Women below 45 typically require a Mahram, though rules continue to evolve — please reconfirm at the time of booking.
Can I bring Zamzam water back to India?
Yes, pilgrims with a valid Umrah or Hajj visa can carry one 5-litre bottle of Zamzam water, purchased from the official distribution counter at Jeddah or Madinah airport.

Packages, Hotels & Flights

What is included in a typical GoSalam Umrah package?
Our packages are comprehensive and include Umrah visa with insurance, return flights, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, meals, local transport and transfers, Ziyarat tours, and dedicated support throughout your journey.
Which cities do you offer Umrah departures from?
GoSalam serves pilgrims from over 1,200 cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, and many other locations. Pilgrims can choose the departure city most convenient for them.
What hotels are included in your Umrah packages?
Hotel options vary by tier. Economy packages include standard hotels roughly 800m-1km from the Haram, Standard packages offer 4-star hotels around 300-500m away, and Ultra-Luxury packages offer 5-star hotels facing the Haram in the Clock Tower category.
Are direct flights available for Umrah?
Yes, depending on your departure city and travel dates, direct flights may be available through airlines such as Saudi Airlines, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Flynas. Connecting flight options are also available via major Gulf hubs.
Are meals included in the Umrah package?
Yes. Meals are included in every package, and Indian food options are available — pilgrims can choose from North Indian, South Indian, and Hyderabadi cuisine preferences.
Can families stay together in the same hotel room?
Yes. Family-friendly accommodation arrangements can be made based on the number of adults and children travelling, keeping the journey convenient and comfortable for everyone.

Travel Logistics

How much luggage can I carry for Umrah?
Baggage allowance depends on the airline selected. The exact allowance is shared during booking and may vary between airlines and routes.
What should I pack for Umrah?
Essential items include Ihram garments, comfortable footwear, prescribed medications, travel documents, prayer essentials, weather-appropriate clothing, and a universal power adapter (Saudi Arabia uses Type-G plugs).
Will someone assist us after we arrive in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. GoSalam provides on-ground support in both India and Saudi Arabia. Our support team remains available throughout your journey for accommodation, transportation, or general guidance.
What happens if my flight is delayed or rescheduled?
Our support team coordinates with airlines and local partners to help manage itinerary adjustments and ensure pilgrims receive timely assistance when travel plans change.

Special Situations

Can senior citizens perform Umrah comfortably?
Yes. Many pilgrims travel with elderly parents every year. For senior citizens, we generally recommend Standard or Ultra-Luxury packages with hotels closer to the Haram, reducing walking distance. Our team can also advise on wheelchair assistance and special travel requirements.
Can I perform multiple Umrahs during my stay?
Yes. Many pilgrims perform multiple Umrahs during a 15-day or 20-day stay — package durations are often designed to allow sufficient time for worship in both Makkah and Madinah.
What is the best time to perform Umrah?
Umrah can be performed throughout the year. November to February is popular for cooler weather, Ramadan is preferred for its spiritual rewards (traditionally described as 70x), and the period after Hajj (Muharram) is often less crowded and more economical.
Do you offer Hajj packages from India?
Yes. GoSalam offers both Short Hajj (15-20 days) and Long Hajj (35-40 days) packages, with accommodation, logistics support, and pilgrimage assistance.
Do you offer Ramzan Umrah packages?
Yes. GoSalam offers specialized Ramzan Umrah packages, including full-month, first-15-day, and last-10-day (Ashra) options, with arrangements for Suhoor and Iftar in Makkah and Madinah.