In Islam, out of the two acts of worship that unite all Muslims in one place, despite their cultural differences, one is the Umrah. Often called a lesser pilgrimage, Umrah is a worship that brings Muslims closer to Allah and boosts their faith. Although it is a personal act of devotion and a chance to build strong ties with the Creator, it becomes equally enriching when performed with loved ones. With family, the trip becomes more than a holy journey. It translates into a shared experience of prayer and unity. To make Umrah peaceful and fulfilling, the Saudi government keeps working on its policies. In 2025, too, it has set out key issues pilgrims, especially families, may face during the Umrah travel. So, if someone is looking to perform Umrah this year, they must be aware of them to make their trip stress-free.
These issues are related to travel rules, health requirements, and logistical challenges, to name a few. Pilgrims going with their families must take care of these things as they have to travel with kids and adults. Hence, before booking Family Umrah Packages, you need to learn about these key policies. These will help families prepare well in advance to avoid any issues regarding visas, health checks, and packing essentials. In this post, we will cover each of them in a bit of detail to ensure a smooth and successful Umrah for you and your family in 2025.
Umrah Policies for Pilgrims in 2025
Visa Restrictions and Entry Deadlines
Umrah visa remains valid for 90 days, including the day it is issued to you. This means that families need to book Umrah packages carefully as per their ease of travelling, and well in time to avoid any visa issues later on. E-visas are available for many countries, but not all can avail them. So, if you are coming from a country that does not fall under this category, you must apply through a trusted travel agency. For more ease, you can also fill out the application form on Nusuk platform and get yourself registered for an E-visa. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched this app to assist pilgrims in their visa processes.
Vaccination Rules
Health and safety should be the top concern for Umrah pilgrims. Therefore, pilgrims must get vaccinated for different types of diseases that are likely to spread. Of all, the meningitis vaccine is most important. In addition, families travelling with kids and elders must keep seasonal flu vaccine cards to show at the airport. Moreover, after COVID had hit, it has become necessary to get its vaccine and take its card when going for Umrah. Depending on the current global conditions, travellers may need to show it on arrival. At airports, security staff check temperature and vaccination status too. Therefore, it is always a good idea to stay updated on the latest rules by keeping in touch with the local health department or asking the travel agency.
In addition to all the updates, responsibility also lies with the pilgrims. Each of the family members must make sure that he or she is fit to travel. The best way to ensure that is to consult your doctor and schedule a medical checkup in advance. If any of the members is taking medicines for any disease, they must take extra medications along and also keep the prescription in case if there is emergency.
Unique Challenges of Family Umrah Travel
Travelling with Kids and Elders
Umrah is a tough journey that demands physical and mental preparation. When travelling with kids and elders, it needs good preparation and well-thought-out planning. One of the biggest challenges that a family can face during Umrah journey is the physical strain. Due to immense walking, performing Umrah rituals often gets tiring. Young pilgrims somehow manage this strain but elders and children cannot. Therefore, request a stroller if you are with a kid or ask for a wheelchair if the elderly is accompanying you. Various All Inclusive Umrah Packages provide these services, so book one that meets your needs.
During Umrah, another big concern is the weather. The temperature of Saudi Arabia remains hot and humid most of the year. The daytime is specifically hot and humid. Therefore, families must keep water bottles with them and must not go out when not needed, especially during the peak heat hours. Moreover, it is the dream of every Muslim to perform Umrah once in their life. Each year, millions of them visit the holy Kaaba, which makes the Haram crowded. During rush, children are most likely to get lost, and elders may feel a bit anxious. So, family members must make each child wear an ID card with the hotel details on it. For the elders, one of the young family members must accompany them during rituals.
Accommodation and Transport
One of the most important parts of planning an Umrah with a family is finding the best hotel to stay in. When booking hotels, a family must look for options that lie close to Haram in Makkah and Masjid e Nabawi in Madinah. This makes it easier for children and elders to go to prayers without walking a long distance. The key tip here is to book the hotels in advance. Last minute bookings can be quite costly, leading to an increase in your overall cost of doing Umrah. Most of the 5-star hotels offer family rooms or suites with kitchenettes, allowing you to prepare special foods for your kids or elders.
With the emergence of so many options in accommodations, transport is also getting diversified. Shuttle service is still active in Saudi Arabia, but that may not be suited for families with kids. So you must book such an Umrah package that provides private transportation, as it is comfortable and works at your pace. Most importantly, before booking any transport on your own, make sure that it is compliant with Saudi Arabia’s rules and regulations.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Umrah with Family
Pre-Travel Checklist for Families
Families must have a solid pre-travel checklist to avoid any last-minute stress. First of all, manage your paperwork for Umrah. You must ensure that your passport is valid for the next 6 months. Moreover, it is always good to keep the Umrah visa in a hard copy for each family member. Next is to pack health essentials. Always keep your vaccination cards, doctor’s prescription, necessary medicines, and a basic medical kit in your bag. If kids are going with you, keep any special medicine they might need on the trip. You must pack simple and light clothes. Men should take two sets of Ihram, and women must pack breathable abayas for themselves. While packing the personal items, remember to keep slippers, a prayer mat, and children’s ID bands. To make your family’s Umrah smooth and stress-free, here are some tips.
- Start preparing spiritually at home
- Stay with your family at all times
- Divide responsibilities
- Follow a flexible routine and rest well
- Show kindness and patience towards others
Wrap Up
Performing Umrah is the dream of every Muslim, and when family is added to the mix, it becomes a joyous journey. For the year 2025, Saudi Arabia has elaborated its Umrah travel policies. It has made changes in visa rules, health requirements, and logistics to make Umrah less stressful and more organized for all, including families. So, if you are also planning Umrah with your family and have any questions regarding these updated policies, feel free to contact Muslims Holy Travel. It not only provides the best family Umrah packages but also guides you throughout the journey.
