Cheapest Ways to Travel for Umrah from the UAE and Oman This Month

Saudi Arabia’s 1448 AH Umrah season has started with an unprecedented demand, taking in more than 931,500 visitors seeking the Umrah visas during the first week of Saudi Arabia’s Umrah season. If tourists, residents of the GCC and foreigners with alternative visas are added into the equation, the figures of the international arrivals already soar to over 1.27 million.

For UAE and Oman nationals, however, the need to plan a cheap and budget friendly Umrah has become ever so important. Whether to choose the option of travel by air or on the road, knowing about the alternatives, visa requirements, and online bookings necessities can take care of the expense of pilgrimage and guarantee a smooth journey.

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Why Are More Pilgrims Travelling This Season?

Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has certainly streamlined the pilgrimage experience through the development of digital utilities and integrating all these services into the single portal “Nusuk”. The quickening of visa processing, the ease of booking umrah visas and better transport system have been promoting international participation in umrah.

Numbers of pilgrims come mostly from the four countries namely Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq, while residents of the GCC are also exploiting loosened travel thematics.

Option 1: Budget Flights from the UAE

For most pilgrims from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or other cities in UAE, it is the fastest and easiest means of transport from the UAE.

There are many direct and connecting flights to Jeddah and Madinah with low cost airlines especially from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Booking a few weeks in advance and travelling during the weekend will often find their prices much lower as compared to Sundays and other weekends, especially when you travel during the rush hours.

If possible, mainly choosing which airport to travel from in the UAE can also help cut travel costs.

Option 2: Road Travel from Oman

Road trips are a great way to explore different destinations for residents in Oman, especially when it comes to budget travel, particularly for families and friends making the journey together.

Taking the road instead of the air wave does away with the buffet of airfares, and also provides additional flexibility for luggages and schedules for road trips in Saudi Arabia. But drivers must make sure all their travel documents, insurance and border requirements are finalized prior to travel.

It is a longer distance than air but many people opt for this type of travel due to the cost saving benefits.

Flights vs Road Travel: Which Is Cheaper?

You will have to choose based upon what you’re looking for in your travels. For people who should travel for short periods and have only a few days off work, or for flights, people use the flights which offer speed and convenience for them and they like it beneficial to their short trips of Umrah. 

For a large family or group who are using the same fuel and the same transportation, it’s better to travel by road. Before deciding to travel there, visitors should calculate the expenses of their flights, airport transfers, hotel, fuel, toll and food.

New 30-Day Entry Rule

One of the most significant changes that took place for the current Umrah season is Saudi Arabia’s 30-day entry requirement.

After getting the Umrah visa, one has to enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days from the date of visa approval. Pilgrims enter the Kingdom and can stay for up to 90 days (unless their visa conditions stipulate different).

In cases of missing the first 30 days’ visas, they run out before the traveller arrives.

Use the Nusuk App Before Travelling

Nowadays, Saudi authorities have started to ask pilgrims to make necessary preparations before arriving via the Nusuk-app.

It is advised to pilgrims to make sure they are able to get the relevant documents digitally as the accommodation, transportation, and permits for Umrah allotment. These measures can also help the officials organizing the assemblies of Muslim worshipers at the Holy Mosques to ensure their smooth and efficient running.

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Money-Saving Tips for UAE and Oman Pilgrims

By making smart travel planning choices, users can greatly lower their expenditure. Flights can be booked early, flights can be booked outside of peak weekend, and rental costs will often be cheaper near Makkah and Madinah, and when travelling in groups or with family. 

The pilgrims travelling from Oman must also consider costs like fuel, overnight accommodation whilst en route to the border and costs of crossing the border before they begin their trip. This also leaves room for no last minute travel or any extra fees.

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