Practical Tips for Umrah: Avoiding Common Scams & Staying Safe

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Umrah is a journey many of us wait years to make, which is exactly why scammers target it. A little preparation goes a long way, so here are some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Think carefully before you travel

Please check the current UK Foreign Office travel advice for Saudi Arabia before booking. With everything going on in the region at the moment, it currently advises against travel to some areas, and Madinah airport is the only one it treats as acceptable. Jeddah hasn’t been affected so far, but nobody can predict how things will develop, so decide what feels safe for you and your family. Bear in mind any insurance that you have, maybe void if you travel somewhere that the Government advises against. 

Booking: you may not need an agent

You can now book umrah yourself and don’t need a special visa for it. For those in the UK, the simplest and cheapest route is usually applying for the Saudi eVisa Waiver directly through the official government portal or the Nusuk platform, then booking your own flights and hotels. Check the current fee when you apply. There is so much information online that you can research it all beforehand and then work things out on the ground, just as you would on any trip abroad.

If you would rather have someone to guide you and arrange things on the ground, that’s completely fine, but choose carefully.

Travel agency fraud

Watch out for unlicensed operators, fake visa documents and hotels that don’t exist. Check that the company is registered through Nusuk or the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, look for ATOL protection if flights are included, and get everything in a written contract. 

Hotel bait and switch

Some listings promise a hotel right by the Haram but the room is actually somewhere much further away. Before booking, make sure you look into it and see the distance on maps and see if you can find out more on advice groups on facebook or reddit.

Vaccinations for UK travellers

Saudi Arabia requires proof of the meningitis ACWY vaccine for umrah pilgrims, and it needs to be given well before you travel, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Keep your vaccination certificate with you. The requirements are updated regularly and can include other recommended vaccines, so please check the latest guidance on the official websites, such as TravelHealthPro, the NHS and the Saudi Ministry of Health, and speak to your GP or a travel clinic. If you feel unwell after returning home, get medical advice straight away.

Rawdah and permit scams

You may be offered paid “special entry” or priority access, especially for the Rawdah in Madinah. Don’t pay for it. Official entry slots are free and should be booked exclusively through the Nusuk app.

Wheelchair overcharging

Unregulated pushers can demand inflated fees halfway through the trip, when you have little choice but to agree. Use the official Haram managed wheelchair services instead, and be clear on the cost before you start. 

Taxis and transport

Stick to official licensed taxis or ride hailing apps. Agree the total price before getting in, and be wary of drivers who refuse the meter or drop you far from where you asked.

Begging and sad stories

You may meet people with stories of lost money, stranded families or sudden emergencies. Some will be genuine, but many are fabricated. Politely decline and point them towards the police or the official authorities. It is always the same/similar story.. slightly adjusted to tailor to the victim. 

Markets and street scams

Count your change, don’t hold a stranger’s phone or camera, and only buy Zamzam from official airport counters or authorised shops.

First time, or travelling alone?

Saudi Arabia now allows women over a certain age to travel without a mahram, but it’s worth discussing with scholars you trust, and thinking honestly about whether travelling without a group or family is right for you. Umrah isn’t a typical holiday. Tawaaf can become dangerous because of the sheer number of people, and with all the pushing and bumping it’s easy to get lost. There is much more support on the ground than there used to be, but plan for it anyway.

A difficult but necessary note

Some women have reported being groped, even during tawaaf. Please stay alert and don’t assume everyone around you will behave well. Sadly, some people will commit grievous sins even in front of the Ka’bah. Some will say it’s just the crowds, and yes, bumping and shoving are unavoidable. But there is a clear difference between that and deliberate groping, and it isn’t limited to the Ka’bah. If it hasn’t happened to you, consider yourself fortunate. If it does, tell security or the officials nearby straight away. Staying close to your group and keeping to the edges of the crowd can also help.

Final thoughts

Do your research, keep everything in writing, trust your instincts and look after one another. May Allah accept your umrah and keep you safe.