After spending a lot of money on our own house, my husband and I were decided to hold for any further 'home improvement'; and starts saving for 'after-life' which is performing Umrah. As per record, we have spent more than RM 30k (on lighting, kitchen cabinet, grill, curtain, air condition, furniture etc) on top of housing loan and lawyer fees. Of course, there are a lot more to be done in order to have our dream house. But since this Umrah planning has been delayed for two years from the original date... Alhamdulillah, we made it happen last year... such a meaningful sacrificial.
Unlike any other destination, Umrah is quite challenging. It began with setting the travelling date. Why?
First, because of the number of companion. Undeniable, the more the merrier. But to find the dates that suitable and OK with everyone is another story. We are talking about 2-weeks duration. Not everybody available that loooonng. We all have commitments to care about. Alhamdulillah, everyone in the group were agreed to travel on Thursday to get 2x Friday (1x Friday in Madinah and 1x Friday in Makkah), as originally we planned to travel on Saturday.
Second, get to know the season. Of course, we can't perform Umrah during Hajj season. Saudi Arabia sometimes closed for Umrah since Zulkaedah (a month before Hajj) due to Hajj preparation. They are arranging for millions of Muslims around the globe. It never be an easy task and quick process. Also, if possible try to avoid their peak season which are School Holiday, Summer Break and Ramadhan (fasting month). Sometimes, winter might be also their peak season.
Third, of course because of the availability of accommodation and air ticket on the desired dates. At first, we wish to fly on Malaysia Airline (MAS)'s charter flight. In 2018, they offers additional RM 750 only to upgrade to Business Class. Seriously cheap! But unfortunately, until last minute (precisely a month prior to travelling date!), MAS still unable to get their landing rights. Desperately, we changed to Saudi Arabian Airline (SV) instead. The fare on economy was about the same as MAS, but the business class was too costly - additional RM 3k per adult. Hence we stick with Economy Class. Alhamdulillah, now they have have a direct flight to Madinah (Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Int. Airport - new airport). I still remembered my parents told me that they took 5hrs ride from Jeddah Airport to Madinah in 2015.
When talking about travelling companion, not everyone sharing the same idea. Some have a restricted budget while some insisted to stay at 5 star hotel, some prefer all-in package while some want to cut cost on meals, some want to take a charter flight while some were fine with transit flight, some wants to visit Makkah first while some prefer Madinah, and some having high expectations while some just OK with anything as long as the trip is confirmed. Mutual understanding and cooperation is vital. And that's another bigger challenge.
Seems like planning for Umrah so tense and serious, but honestly we took only 1 month of preparation. In order to get everything in order, we must have a complete check list.
For the Umrah Visa, documentation such as photo, original passport, Meningcoccal vaccination book are important. For below 45years old woman like me; additional marital certificate (verified at Pejabat Agama) is required. As for my sister in law who unmarried, she appointed my husband to be her "mahram" since their father is not joining. For that purpose, additional birth certificate, IC copies (for three of them) and a consent letter (verified by Commissioner of Oaths) are essential. All documents needs to be verified at Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) before been submitted to the licensed agent for visa application.
Starting last year, Saudi Arabia had implemented eVisa. And starting last year also, after Hajj season they increased the Umrah Visa from RM 200 to RM 500. The processing fee SAR88.75 + Ground service SAR100 + 5% VAT SAR9.44 + Saudi Arabia Government fee SAR300. Not only that, there are few new rules needs to follow in order to get the visa approval. For the photo, they only accept woman in black hijab (not dark blue, not dark green color.. only black is accepted!). We need to do an additional booking for accommodation that far from Kaabah - e.g 50km away, booked and paid via Agoda or any other booking medium. Coaster is no longer considered as a transportation for Umrah, although only 10 of you are travelling in a group, you still need to ride on the big bus.. and the coach company had increased the bus rate from SAR3500 to SAR4400.
In the next entry, I'll share some information for the Umrah preparation including things to buy, to bring (based on my experience) and the content from the Umrah courses.
