How do I book an Umrah package with Sahal Umrah?+
The easiest way is to WhatsApp our Canadian office at +1 587-410-6504 or call us toll-free at 1-888-744-2228. You can also fill in the contact form on our website. We'll confirm your spot, answer all your questions, and guide you through the deposit and documentation process step by step.
How much deposit is required to secure my place?+
A $1,000 CAD deposit per person is required to confirm your booking. If you deposit before June 15, 2026, you will also receive an early bird discount of $100 off the total package price. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.
What payment methods do you accept?+
We accept bank transfer (e-transfer), certified cheque, and cash payment at our office. Payment plans may be available for groups and returning clients — ask our team for details.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?+
The $1,000 deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances. Beyond the deposit: cancellations within 90 days of travel forfeit $1,500; cancellations within 70 days incur a $2,000 penalty; cancellations within 50 days receive no refund whatsoever. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
Can I travel alone as a woman without a mahram?+
As of 2021, Saudi Arabia has relaxed the mahram requirement for women under 45 travelling as part of an organised group. Women over 45 can also travel without a mahram in a group. Sahal Umrah organises group departures that qualify under these regulations. Contact us to confirm the specific rules applicable to your package.
Do you offer group discounts?+
Yes. Groups of 5 or more travellers qualify for a group discount. We also have special rates for mosques, Islamic organisations, and community groups who wish to book entire group departures. Contact our office for a custom group quote.
Do you handle the tourist visa application?+
Yes — visa processing is fully handled by us. You will need to provide a valid Canadian passport (at least 6 months validity), passport photos, and proof of the meningococcal vaccine. We submit the application to the Saudi embassy on your behalf and all visa fees are included in your package price.
What vaccinations are required for Umrah?+
The meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine is mandatory for all tourist visas. You must provide your vaccination record. It is recommended to also have COVID-19 vaccination documentation, and to consider flu and hepatitis vaccinations, though these are not required. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure. Your local Canadian pharmacy or travel health clinic can administer these.
I am a permanent resident, not a Canadian citizen — can I apply for Umrah?+
Yes. Canadian permanent residents are eligible for tourist visas using their residence permit and passport from their country of citizenship. Contact us with your specific nationality and residency documents and we will advise on the application process.
What is the Nusuk app and do I need it?+
Nusuk is the official Saudi government app for managing your Umrah registration. Saudi authorities increasingly use it for permits, scheduling, and crowd management — particularly for access to the Rawdah in Madinah. Download it before your trip and register your details. Our team will guide you through this as part of your pre-departure preparation.
How long does Umrah take to complete?+
The rituals of Umrah — ihram, tawaf, sa'i, and haircut — typically take 3 to 5 hours when the Haram is not at peak capacity. During Ramadan or Hajj season, the crowds can extend this significantly. Most pilgrims spend their first full day performing their Umrah, and then use the remaining days for nafl worship, ziyarat, and personal ibadah.
Can I perform multiple Umrahs during one trip?+
Yes. You can perform multiple Umrahs on a single trip. To do so, you must re-enter the state of ihram each time — typically by travelling to the miqat (often Masjid al-Tan'im, which is close to the Haram) and making a new intention. Our guides can arrange transportation and advise on the correct procedure.
Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone who has passed away?+
Yes, this is permissible in Islam. You must first complete your own obligatory Umrah, and then you may perform an additional one on behalf of a deceased person by making the niyyah (intention) in their name. Our scholars and guides can advise you on the correct way to do this.
What are the prohibitions in the state of ihram?+
While in ihram, the following are prohibited: cutting hair or nails, using perfume or scented products, sexual relations, covering the head (for men), wearing stitched clothing (for men), hunting or harming animals, engaging in arguments or lewd speech, and wearing gloves (for women). Accidental violations have specific kafarah (atonement) — our guides will advise you if this occurs.
Which cities in Canada do you depart from?+
We arrange flights from Toronto (YYZ), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), and Vancouver (YVR). If you are in another city, you can join the group flight by booking a connecting flight to one of these hubs — we will coordinate your arrival time. Contact us and we will arrange the best routing for your location.
What airline will we fly with?+
We work with multiple airlines including Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines), Air Canada connecting to Saudia or Emirates, and other carriers depending on the departure season and best available fares. Specific airline details will be confirmed in your booking documents approximately 4–6 weeks before departure.
What should I wear on the plane when travelling to Umrah?+
Most pilgrims travel in regular comfortable clothing and change into ihram at the miqat point during the flight (the captain typically announces this). Men should have their ihram cloths in their carry-on bag for easy access. Some pilgrims prefer to wear ihram from the departure airport — both are acceptable.
Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah?+
Saudi Arabia is extremely safe for pilgrims. Makkah and Madinah are among the most managed and secured cities in the world, with hundreds of thousands of security personnel deployed during Umrah season. The main practical concern is crowd management — which is why travelling with an experienced agency like Sahal Umrah, with guides who know the Haram, is so important.
Will a guide be with us throughout the trip?+
Yes. A knowledgeable guide — often a sheikh or Islamic scholar — accompanies our groups from arrival to departure. They lead the rituals, explain the significance of each site, answer your questions, and are available 24/7 through our group WhatsApp. You are never left to navigate Saudi Arabia alone.
How far are the hotels from the Haram?+
Our 3-star packages place you within a 10–20 minute walk from the Masjid al-Haram. Our 5-star packages place you within 5 minutes, often steps away. All hotels include shuttle service to and from the Haram for those who prefer not to walk.
What currency should I bring?+
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the local currency. 1 CAD is approximately 2.75 SAR (rates vary). You can exchange at the Jeddah airport, in your hotel, or at the many exchange offices near the Haram. Bring Canadian dollars or US dollars in cash for exchange — credit cards are widely accepted but cash is useful for smaller purchases.
What SIM card or data plan should I get for Saudi Arabia?+
We recommend purchasing a local Saudi SIM card upon arrival at Jeddah airport (STC, Mobily, or Zain are the main providers — each sells prepaid tourist SIMs for approximately 50–100 SAR with several gigabytes of data). Alternatively, check with your Canadian carrier about an international roaming plan. Having data is important for maps, the Nusuk app, and staying in touch with your group.
Is there a mosque WhatsApp group for our trip?+
Yes. Every Sahal Umrah group departure has a dedicated WhatsApp group created several weeks before departure. Your guide and our office team are in the group. You will receive schedule updates, prayer times, packing reminders, and on-the-ground communications throughout the trip.
