Frequently Asked Questions

You can book by calling us at +1 (571) 276-0441, emailing info@hateemtravels.com, filling out our online inquiry form on the Contact page, or visiting our office in Alexandria, Virginia. Our team will guide you through the entire booking process and help you select the perfect package.

We recommend booking at least 3-4 months in advance, especially for peak periods like Ramadan and school holiday seasons. Early booking ensures better hotel availability near the Haram and gives us time to process your visa smoothly. However, we also accommodate last-minute bookings when possible.

To initiate booking you will need: a valid US passport (minimum 6 months validity from travel date), 2 recent passport-size photos with white background, completed booking form, and a deposit payment. Additional documents may be required for the visa application.

Cancellations made 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus the non-refundable visa fee. Cancellations 30-59 days prior incur a 25% cancellation fee. Within 30 days, we offer credit towards a future booking where possible. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

Date changes are subject to availability and may incur additional charges depending on flight and hotel availability. Please contact us as early as possible if you need to make changes. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

Yes, we handle the complete Saudi Umrah visa application process on your behalf. All you need to do is provide the required documents and we will take care of everything. Our visa success rate is 100%.

Standard visa processing takes 2-3 weeks. Priority processing (available in our Premium and VIP packages) takes 5-7 business days. We recommend applying at least 6 weeks before your travel date to avoid any last-minute complications.

Saudi Arabia now allows women of all ages to perform Umrah without a mahram (male guardian), provided they travel as part of an organized group. We arrange the necessary group letter for our female pilgrims. Please contact us for the specific requirements applicable to your situation.

Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of departure. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamping. If your passport is expiring soon, we recommend renewing it before applying.

We arrange departures from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). We can also arrange connecting travel from other regional airports.

We partner with leading airlines including Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad. The specific airline depends on your package and travel dates. Our Premium and VIP packages offer business class options.

Yes, all packages include airport transfers in Saudi Arabia between Jeddah/Madinah airports and your hotels. Airport transfer in the US (to Dulles, DCA, or BWI) is not included but we can arrange shuttle services for an additional fee.

Our Standard packages place you within 500 meters to 1km of Masjid al-Haram. Premium packages guarantee hotels within 200-300 meters. VIP packages include hotels directly adjacent to the Haram with Kaaba-view room options. All Madinah hotels are within 200-500 meters of Masjid an-Nabawi.

All packages include private rooms. Standard packages are based on double or triple occupancy. Premium and VIP packages guarantee double occupancy. Single room supplements are available upon request. Families can be accommodated in connecting rooms.

Standard packages include daily breakfast and dinner. Premium packages include all three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). VIP packages include full board plus room service. All meals are 100% halal. Special dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian, etc.) can be accommodated with advance notice.

Yes! Our certified scholars and guides provide a comprehensive pre-departure orientation covering all Umrah rituals - Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq/Taqsir. During the journey, our guide accompanies the group for all rituals, providing step-by-step instruction and answering any questions.

All packages include a basic Ihram kit for male pilgrims. Premium packages include a premium quality Ihram set, Umrah bag with prayer mat, tasbih, and travel dua book. Female pilgrims are advised on appropriate Ihram attire during our pre-departure orientation.

Yes! All packages include guided Ziyarat (visits to historical Islamic sites) in both Makkah and Madinah. This includes Cave of Hira, Cave of Thawr, Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Uhud Mountain, the graves of the Companions (radiyAllahu anhum), and many other significant sites.

Yes! We offer flexible, interest-free payment plans. A deposit of 25% secures your booking, with the balance split into 2-3 installments leading up to your departure date. Contact us for a custom payment schedule tailored to your needs.

We accept bank transfers (Zelle, ACH), personal checks, money orders, credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express - 3% processing fee applies), and cash payments at our Alexandria, Virginia office. All payments are documented with official receipts.

Yes! We offer group discounts for parties of 10 or more pilgrims. Family packages (4+ people) receive special pricing. Mosque and community organizations partnering with us receive additional benefits. Contact us for a customized group quote.