Women can now book Umrah packages London to perform the pilgrimage’s ceremonies, just as males. Female travellers perform the Umrah in the same way as male pilgrims once they arrive in Makkah. However, there are a few exceptions to every rule.
Mahram for a female pilgrim; necessary or not?
Women can go on Umrah either accompanied by a mahram or independently.
Women had to have a male mahram or male relative accompany them on their Umrah journeys in the past; this rule has since been relaxed. Not only did she need her mahram to be there at all times during the Umrah journey, but he also needed to provide official documentation of their relationship in order to get a visa.
Who is a mahram for a woman?
A Muslim woman is permitted to have a mahram who is a man even if marrying him would be forbidden by Islam. But unlike other husbands, he is also a mahram to his wife. In Islam, the female’s Mahram (or legal guardian) includes the female herself;
- Brother.
- Father.
- Grandfather.
- Son.
- Grandson.
Therefore, a woman could only make the minor pilgrimage to the kingdom if she was accompanied by one of the aforementioned male relatives.
Change of policies under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan.
Late in 2019, Saudi Arabia unveiled its Saudi Vision 2030 plan to improve the kingdom’s economy via enhanced infrastructure, new commercial opportunities, and increased tourism. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah accordingly updated its policies governing pilgrimage.
With the new regulations in place, women no longer needed the protection of a male mahram when performing Umrah. Women can now legally do the Umrah ceremonies on their own, without the need for a male companion.
Things to consider when traveling alone for Umrah.
The following are important for women to remember when traveling alone for Umrah.
Visa Requirements.
It is your responsibility to research the visa requirements for your individual visa and the region you plan to visit before booking your Umrah trip. It’s also possible that women making Umrah without their families will need to present additional paperwork to the authorities. If you want specifics on this, talk to your travel agent or the Saudi Embassy.
Visas that can be used for the Umrah journey are as follows:
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Umrah visa.
- It is provided solely for Umrah travel and is valid for two weeks. Female pilgrims holding this visa are restricted to moving exclusively inside the boundaries of Makkah and Madinah.
- Umrah permits.
Women who are visiting the region on a tourist, business, or family visa are eligible to apply for Umrah visas so that they can take part in the pilgrimage. Such visas typically allow for unlimited travel throughout Saudi Arabia for an extended period of time.
That’s why it’s possible that different visas have different restrictions.
Ø Age Restrictions.
Women who intend to conduct Umrah on their own should be informed that there may be minimum age limits. Some places may have additional guidelines or limitations for young girls traveling alone.
Ø Group Tours.
Women who wish to perform Umrah on a single Umrah visa are needed to travel in groups. All aspects of these group tours, from transportation to lodging, are expertly coordinated to meet the needs of female pilgrims. In sum, we provide a safe space for performing Umrah ceremonies and offer professional guidance at every step of the way.
Ø Safety Considerations.
Safety should be the first concern for women doing the Umrah journey alone. Therefore, you must unavoidably take all the safety measures possible. As an example;
- Share your travel itinerary with your family and friends back home.
- Educate yourself on the Umrah dos and don’ts.
- Choose only a reputable travel agency to arrange for your Umrah travel and accommodation needs.
- Always prefer quality and reputable hotels.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Know your rights in the kingdom.
- Follow any safety guidelines and/or rules and regulations imposed on the pilgrims.
Women can make the Umrah pilgrimage with the coordination of the travel agency, without their male companions, however they should keep in mind the following.