Why Cost of Umrah Increasing Every Year | 5 Key Reasons

Umrah is known as one the most blessed and faithful holy practice for Muslim community to perform in order to gain spiritual growth and inner peace. While Hajj remains a deeply significant and obligatory act of worship for Muslims, many people now choose to perform Umrah more frequently due to its flexibility and lower cost. However, in recent years, the cost of Umrah has also been rising because of several contributing factors. There are several reasons behind Umrah getting expensive, we will be discussing 5 key reasons today in this blog. 

Increasing in Demand of Performing Umrah 

A major reason behind the rising cost of Umrah is the growing expenses faced by pilgrims. Hajj is a holy obligation for those who are physically and financially able to perform, as it provides great religious guidance. However, due to rising costs, some pilgrims are unable to perform it. As a result, pilgrims turn towards Umrah practice incorporated with spiritual peace and can be offered anytime without restricted schedules. As Umrah is getting popularised and in trend, the demand has increased, encouraging a rise in costs. Due to which it had become challenging for some to afford this holy practice.

Rising Flight Costs for Umrah Pilgrims

One of the main reasons Umrah has become more expensive is the increasing cost of flights. Airlines often raise their prices when they see high demand. During peak seasons like Ramadan and school holidays, ticket prices can rise making them double or even triple. Many pilgrims feel disheartened when they cannot find affordable flights, which affects their ability to perform Umrah comfortably. While there is no fixed annual percentage increase in flight prices by the airlines, an estimated rise of 20 to 25% can be observed.

Expensive Hotel Rates Near the Holy Mosque

Hotel prices have also risen, mainly the hotels that are positioned near the Holy Mosque in Haram. The premium and 5 star hotels that are located near the Holy Kaaba charge significantly more due to the prime location and convince. These hotels offer less reaching time to perform Umrah rituals as they are within the boundaries of Holy Kaaba. Affordable hotels, on the other hand, are often farther distant, requiring longer travel to the location.

Taxes Imposed by Government 

In recent times, another reason behind the increased cost of Umrah is the taxes added to the services and packages by the government. The Saudi government charges value added tax (VAT) on many services such as buses, tour guides, luggage limit, Zamzam, and other services. These services undoubtedly improve the facilities for pilgrims, but also increase the overall cost of Umrah. Because of these added taxes, people have to spend more money than before, even for an Umrah pilgrimage. 

Rising Inflation Prices Affect Umrah Costs

The prices of food, fuel, and transport items have gone up in several places around the world which is called global inflation. The increase in prices also affects the rate of traveling, hotel stays, and other accommodations. As a solution, travel agencies are bound to raise the prices of Umrah packages to cover these higher expenses. This causes flights to rise yearly to a percentage of 20 to 25. 

Key Points to Manage the Rising Cost of Umrah

If you prefer to perform Umrah and want to keep it affordable, here are some key tips to help you manage the cost.

Plan and Book Early

Avoid last-minute planning and book early to gain advantage of discounts, mainly during peak seasons, as prices are expected to be much higher during these times compared to other months.

Travel During Off-Peak Times

If you need to travel during peak times, such as the winter break, it’s best to book early to take advantage of discounts and other benefits.

Choose Affordable Umrah Packages

Learn and understand about the different Umrah packages before selecting one. Some budget packages may include affordable packages with economic hotel services, but they can still offer good service at a reasonable price.

Consider Staying Farther from the Haram

If you are worried about your budget then consider staying in hotels a little farther away from the holy land to keep the package affordable and use the low-cost shuttle services to reach the mosque. 

Travel in Groups

Prefer traveling with family or friends to reduce the cost per person, mainly for hotel rooms and transport. Group packages are often a more affordable and convenient option if concerned about budget. 

New Visa Options That Make Umrah More Affordable

The Saudi government has introduced new visa categories to make Umrah more accessible and affordable, mainly in response to rising travel and accommodation rates. Saudi Arabia offers Umrah visa, tourist e-Visa, business Visa, Visa on arrival and many more kinds. Among these, the Stopover (Transit) Visa is known to be an affordable option for pilgrims who prefer affordability over luxury. This visa allows travelers to stay in Saudi Arabia for around 4 days. During this time, pilgrims are allowed to perform Umrah without needing a dedicated Umrah visa, which results in reducing overall price.

Watch on for Deals

Keep a notice on airline and travel agencies sales or discounts. If you are planning to perform this spiritual journey with family and loved ones then make sure to invest your time in searching for the best deals and offers from travel agencies to make your sacred visit worth it and convenient. 

Use a Trusted Travel Agent

A reliable travel agent like Dua Travels can help you find affordable options and avoid hidden charges. Make sure your selected travel agency is approved by your country’s Hajj/Umrah authority.