15 questions before a first Umrah

Pilgrims can choose a programme according to their budget. The main difference between packages is the accommodation price: the further the hotel from the Kaaba and the lower its service level, the cheaper the package. The programme covers the full set of services: the Saudi visa arranged at the Kingdom's embassy in Bishkek, two buffet meals a day and accommodation in European-standard hotels. Flight tickets are included as well. Our reliable partners are Turkish Airlines and flydubai. We provide transfers to the hotel and back on high-comfort coaches, the journey between Madinah and Makkah, and escort by experienced guides who love their work and know the rules of staying in an Arab country well.

According to Islamic rules Muslims may perform Umrah at any time of the year. The special case is the holy month of Ramadan: in this period Umrah equals Hajj in reward, so one can worship the Almighty and be cleansed of sins in a single journey to the holy places. The minor pilgrimage can also be combined with Hajj — in Islam this is called Tamattu; at least 8 days of the blessed month of Dhul-Hijjah must pass between the two. Experienced pilgrims know the two rites can be joined in Qiran: having performed Umrah, the believer stays in ihram until the main feast — the day of sacrifice in the valley of Mina, Eid al-Adha.

The pilgrimage to the holy places is for financially able Muslims who owe nothing to the state or utilities, nor to credit institutions, banks, friends or relatives. Only physically and mentally healthy adults who earn an honest living may perform Umrah. Those restricted in movement, women in iddah or pregnancy, and people of either sex who divorced or lost a spouse within the last 4 months may not travel to the Kaaba. Unmarried Muslim women under 45 must travel to the Arab country only accompanied by a mahram — an adult male relative.

Muslim women under 45 cannot travel to Umrah on their own. They must be accompanied by a mahram — a male blood relative (father, brother, another close relative) or the husband.

No, it is not required.

Of course — we tailor tours to the client's wishes. Current rules allow a pilgrim to stay in Saudi Arabia for one month: 15 days for Umrah, and the following two weeks as a tourist. Tour programmes include visits to cities such as Istanbul and Dubai.

Our staff includes experienced guides fluent in several languages. They interpret between Russian, Uzbek, Kyrgyz and Arabic.

Prepare carefully before setting out. Make sure you have a valid biometric passport and a copy of your ID card. Bring 4 colour 3×4 cm photos (women are photographed in a headscarf, as customary in Muslim countries) and the international vaccination certificate (pay special attention to the flu and meningitis entries). Married people must present the original marriage certificate to the Kingdom's officials. Women under 45 may not visit Saudi Arabia without a male escort (husband or close relative). It is advisable to pack a small first-aid kit — adsorbents, painkillers and immune boosters.

Unfortunately the embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not issue visas to pilgrims wishing to enter on their own. Documents are issued only for a group — that is how the Kingdom ensures pilgrims' safety in cities of millions. A visa can be obtained quickly only with a booking from a travel agency accredited at the embassy of the destination country.

The main difference between the two central rites of Islam: Hajj must be performed by every believing Muslim at least once in a lifetime, while Umrah is a voluntary cleansing from sins — encouraged, but not obligatory. For Umrah the Muslim travels to Makkah and performs ihram, the circuits around the Kaaba, the seven passes between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and cuts the hair or shaves the head. Hajj follows the lunar calendar and includes additional rites: a day at Arafat and the sacrifice at Mina and Muzdalifah. There are minor differences in the rules too — our manager will explain them.

An international certificate of vaccination against meningitis and influenza is mandatory for crossing the Saudi border. It is issued by specialised clinics at the pilgrim's request — at your place of residence or through us. Our company gives full assistance in assembling the required documents.

For safety, pilgrims travel to the Kingdom in groups of at least 50, escorted by a professional, well-prepared team. You can always count on the guide and turn to him with any question. Moving around the city without a representative of our company is strictly forbidden — it is he who settles all matters with the authorities and ensures comfortable travel around the country.

Our agency has been in business for more than 10 years. A well-coordinated team of professionals gives pilgrims of any age, including physically weak elderly people, a sufficient level of comfort. Our staff meet you at the airport, provide low-step transfers and bring you to comfortable rooms. If you wish to make the pilgrimage pleasing to Allah with elderly relatives, do not hesitate to call us — we settle any question.

Yes, you can. The price is $50–100 higher.

Yes, you can — we work with many tour operators from Uzbekistan.