Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that Muslims can perform at any time of the year, except for the days of Hajj. Umrah involves visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and performing certain rituals such as circumambulating the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and cutting or shaving the hair.
Many Muslims from Egypt wish to perform Umrah and seek the best packages that suit their budget and preferences. In this article, we will provide some information about the Umrah packages from Egypt, and the factors that affect their cost.
Types of Umrah packages from Egypt
There are different types of Umrah packages from Egypt, depending on the duration, the accommodation, the transportation, and the services included. Some of the common types are:
- Economy Umrah packages: These are the cheapest packages that offer basic facilities and services. They usually include the Umrah visa, the air ticket, the hotel accommodation, and the ground transportation. The hotels are usually located far from the Haram (the sacred mosque), and the rooms are shared by four or five people. The duration of these packages is usually 10 to 15 days, and the cost ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 EGP per person.
- Deluxe Umrah packages: These are the mid-range packages that offer better facilities and services. They usually include the Umrah visa, the air ticket, the hotel accommodation, the ground transportation, the ziarat (visiting the holy places), and the guide assistance. The hotels are usually located closer to the Haram, and the rooms are shared by two or three people. The duration of these packages is usually 5 to 10 days, and the cost ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 EGP per person.
- VIP Umrah packages: These are the most expensive packages that offer the best facilities and services. They usually include the Umrah visa, the air ticket, the hotel accommodation, the ground transportation, the ziarat, the guide assistance, and the meet and greet services at the airport. The hotels are usually located within walking distance from the Haram, and the rooms are private or shared by two people. The duration of these packages is usually 3 to 7 days, and the cost ranges from 40,000 to 80,000 EGP per person.
Factors that affect the cost of Umrah packages from Egypt
The cost of Umrah packages from Egypt depends on several factors, such as:
- The season: The demand for Umrah packages varies according to the Islamic calendar and the school holidays. The peak seasons are Ramadan, Rabi al-Awwal, Rajab, and Shawwal, when the prices are higher and the availability is lower. The off-seasons are Muharram, Safar, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Sha’ban, and Dhul Qadah, when the prices are lower and the availability is higher.
- The airline: The choice of the airline affects the cost of the air ticket, which is a major component of the Umrah package. The airlines that operate direct flights from Cairo to Jeddah or Madinah are EgyptAir, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and Nile Air. The airlines that operate indirect flights are Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and others. The direct flights are usually more expensive than the indirect flights, but they save time and hassle.
- The hotel: The choice of the hotel affects the cost of the accommodation, which is another major component of the Umrah package. The hotels in Makkah and Madinah are classified into different categories, such as 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, and economy. The 5-star hotels are the most luxurious and expensive, and they are usually located within walking distance from the Haram. The 4-star and 3-star hotels are less luxurious and expensive, and they are usually located within a few kilometers from the Haram. The economy hotels are the least luxurious and expensive, and they are usually located far from the Haram.
- The services: The choice of the services affects the cost of the Umrah package, as well as the convenience and comfort of the pilgrim. The services include the ground transportation, the ziarat, the guide assistance, the meet and greet services, and the food.
How to choose the best Umrah package from Egypt?
Choosing the best Umrah package from Egypt depends on the personal needs and preferences of the pilgrim, as well as the availability and the quality of the package. Some of the tips to choose the best Umrah package from Egypt are:
- Compare different Umrah packages from different operators, and check the details and the reviews of each package. You can find the list of registered Hajj and Umrah operators in Egypt at UrduPoint.
- Choose the package that suits your budget, your schedule, and your expectations. You can customize your package by selecting the duration, the accommodation, the transportation, and the services that you want.
- Book your package early, especially if you are planning to perform Umrah in the peak seasons. Booking early can help you secure your visa, your flight, and your hotel, and avoid any last-minute changes or cancellations.
- Check the validity and the requirements of your passport and your travel document. You should have a regular passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the traveling date, and a travel document that is machine readable. You should also have two passport size photos with white background, and a confirmed airline ticket.
- Prepare yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually for Umrah. You should learn the rituals and the etiquettes of Umrah, and practice them before you travel. You should also pack your essentials, such as your clothes, your medicines, your books, and your money.
- Seek the blessings and the guidance of Allah, and make dua for yourself and your loved ones. Umrah is a great opportunity to get closer to Allah, and to seek His forgiveness and mercy. You should make the most of your Umrah, and enjoy the spiritual journey.