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Is It Safe to Book Cheap Umrah Packages Online? How to Avoid Scams

Apr 01, 2025

Is it safe to book cheap Umrah packages online from India? This is among the commonest queries most pilgrims are asking in recent years, especially those planning this sacred journey to Makkah (Mecca) for the very first time. In short, yes, booking cheap Umrah packages 2025 online can be safe, provided you pick a good travel agency, check the deal for IATA protection, read reliable reviews, and avoid Umrah deals that seem too good to be true.

However, the above is easier said than done in reality. The rising trend of snagging all-included Umrah trips at low costs online has made the process more complex, as there are many agencies pitching a variety of deals alongside the chance to custom-make a DIY Umrah package to save money.

Invariably, pilgrims are rightfully concerned about the legitimacy of certain Umrah travel agencies that may be operating unethically. These entities promise the cheapest way to do Umrah but feature packages with hidden fees and other unfair expenses.

The following is a detailed guide that can help make it easier to understand which packages for Umrah are best for your pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Is It Safe to Book Cheap Umrah Packages Online?

The only real way to book a good, affordable Umrah deal online is to go through a trusted Umrah travel agency offering IATA protection and the best price guarantee. Several pilgrims have lost a fair amount of money in the past owing to online scams when booking Umrah over the internet, particularly as they fail to double-check the agency's authenticity.

It's also crucial to thoroughly research the Umrah package details to ensure there are no hidden elements and to avoid scams. This way, you won't lose money by investing in questionable Umrah deals that claim to be the cheapest in the industry.

Ideally, a good Umrah package from India will include all the basics, such as meals, Umrah visa, and transport, plus extras like guided Ziyarat tours of Makkah and Madinah (Medina). Keep that in mind when sifting through numerous options online.

How to Spot Fake Umrah Travel Agencies Online

No IATA Certification and License

IATA protection allows you to continue your trip without hassles even during unforeseen emergencies. A legitimate Umrah travel agency must be licensed by the appropriate authorities to process secure packages for Umrah. If a booking agency does not have either of these - a license number and IATA protection on its deals, it is not a genuine company.

No Verified Customer Reviews

There are several online portals, such as Trustpilot, Facebook, and Google that feature genuine customer feedback from those who've booked Umrah with a particular agency. If you cannot find any such reviews or are doubtful about the authenticity of the ones you do find, it's an indication that the package is most likely a scam run by a fake agency.

Offers that Seem Too Good to Be True

Often, most pilgrims make the terrible mistake of booking the cheapest Umrah package they find instead of comparing prices with other well-known Umrah travel agencies. Prioritizing only price when planning Umrah from India can lead to severe pitfalls as this is the commonest tactic of online scammers. Extremely low prices, free extras, purportedly great hotels with little to no details, or last-minute "flash sales" are all warning signs that something is amiss here.

Questionable Payment Methods

No lawful Umrah agency will ask you to make payments via bank transfers or cash, as these can be easily used to exploit pilgrims financially. Some may even steal your account information and other sensitive data without your knowledge. A genuine Umrah tour booking portal will always have a solid payment gateway in place, with safe payment methods such as credit cards and other reliable online modes.

Missing Physical Office and Contact Details

The least you should be able to do is call an office and ask detailed questions about the Umrah package you're interested in buying. But if the agency you are attempting to book an Umrah trip with does not have a physical address or even a phone number to contact them, it is most probably not an authorized Umrah travel booking body.

Common Online Umrah Booking Scams and How to Avoid Them

Website Cloning Scam

There are several scammers skilled enough to clone authentic Umrah travel websites, leading even the most prudent of pilgrims to mistakenly believe the fake site to be real. A legitimate Umrah booking site (or any website) must start with "https://" rather than "http://" where the "s" means secure, indicating that all your data is encrypted and safe. Note that fake sites also typically have unusual extensions or misspellings with similar domain names as the original website.

Fake Last-Minute Discounts

In the hunt for the best Umrah packages, many pilgrims fall prey to “last-minute” or “today-only” offers at half the usual price. No genuine agency will offer a package for that low a cost, where they're generously letting the deal go for 50% less. Be wary of these tricks, as they're generally scam discounts trying to get you to book and make payment through unsafe gateways. Some unsolicited offers may also promise fake refunds and zero cancellation.

No Confirmation Email After Payment

One of the topmost signs that an Umrah agency has taken money from you but hasn't booked anything is that you will not receive email confirmation of your trip. Ideally, you should get an email with your flight, hotel and all other booking details within 24 hours of making the payment. Reliable agencies go the extra mile and include insurance, Rawdah permit, a shoulder bag, guided Ziyarat tours, an Umrah guide for beginners, and other perks.

Safe and Trusted Ways to Book Cheap Umrah Packages Online

Book via IATA-Certified Umrah Agencies

Browse the extensive list of verified Umrah travel experts to find a company that you're most comfortable with, especially one that guarantees IATA protection on all cheap Umrah packages. This is crucial, as it means you will travel to the Holy Land and return home safely even if there's some kind of unforeseen emergency during your journey.

Use Well-Known Travel Booking Websites

Always make reservations for solo, family, or group Umrah packages with a trusted and reputable entity, as it ensures your financial security and peace of mind. Online reviews and customer testimonials are a good indication of an agency's legitimacy, proving it can be relied upon. Additionally, such companies typically offer excellent prices, seasonal discounts, guided tours, private packages, tailor-made itineraries, and other benefits.

Ask for a Written Confirmation of the Booking

Make sure the agency you book Umrah with sends you an email confirmation of your reservation. It must include every single detail of your Umrah trip, from flights and hotels reservation to transfers, Umrah price, cancellation policy, Ziyarat tours, accurate travel dates, etc. This is a lot more important if you’re opting for a customized Umrah package, as it will feature different itinerary details than the typical Umrah deal you will find on the agency’s website.

Check Government Travel Advisories

Keep a track of the latest news from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia to determine the best time to book your Umrah. A reliable Umrah agency will suggest the same time, month, or season as the relevant authorities instead of pressuring you to book Umrah travel at the earliest or immediately. They can also provide additional information about travel to Makkah and Madinah, making the journey a lot easier for first-time visitors.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Booking Umrah Packages Online

How do I verify if an Umrah travel agency is legitimate?

Look for IATA certification, company registration and accreditation, a physical office address, a legitimate phone number and booking website, genuine online reviews and testimonials, and licenses from the relevant regulatory body. You can also seek references from family and friends who’ve previously booked Umrah with the agency.

What should I do if I get scammed while booking Umrah online?

If you suspect that the agency you've booked Umrah online with is fraudulent, you should gather evidence and immediately contact the police, your bank, the Saudi Arabian Embassy, and consumer protection authorities. You can also seek guidance and support from the Muslim community.

Are all cheap Umrah packages risky to book?

No, not all cheap Umrah deals are risky or fake, but it is still pivotal to crosscheck and ensure they're genuine. Verify that the low-cost Umrah packages you come across are provided by reputable experts operating in absolute transparency and good faith.

How can I find real customer reviews for an Umrah travel agency?

Check trustworthy travel portals like TripAdvisor and Trustpilot, as such websites are known for featuring reviews and ratings from verified sources. They typically ensure that all aspects of an Umrah booking agency and how they operate are discussed openly without leaving anything out.

What is the safest way to pay for an Umrah package online?

Legitimate Umrah booking agencies will offer secure payment gateways with encryption to protect your credit and debit card details and other financial information. Avoid cash-only transactions, crypto links, and wire payments. Also, insist that the agency send you a detailed invoice post-payment.

In Closing

You can book cheap Umrah packages online as often as you'd like by keeping the above points in mind and avoiding potential scams. Always look for accreditation, registration, and other essential certification proving an Umrah agency is genuine, saving you financial loss and guaranteeing a peaceful trip.

If you are looking for a trusted and bespoke Umrah package for your sacred journey to Makkah, contact a verified agency today! Enjoy the best Umrah packages at super-low prices, featuring everything from flights to hotels near the Haram, Ziyarat tours, transfers, meals, and more.

Book your pilgrimage securely, and may Allah (SWT) accept your Umrah!