❓ FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

40 questions about Umrah, Hajj, visa, packages, booking, and our office — answered honestly. All answers are visible below. If your question is not here, WhatsApp us.

Frequently Asked Questions Quba Travels
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Essential Downloadable Guides & Resources

Prepare for your journey with our curated PDFs and booklets, compiled by our local tour guides in Lahore:

📋 Quba Travels Packing Checklist

Complete itemized checklist for luggage, medicine, Ihram preparation, and document organization.

View Checklist Online →
🤲 Authentic Dua Booklet

Arabic text with English and Urdu translation of all essential supplications during Tawaf and Sa'i.

View Ritual Guide →
🗺️ Haram Gate & Hotel Maps

Detailed high-resolution layout map showing Gate numbers, wheelchair ramps, and shuttle bus drops.

View Hotel Maps Guide →
🕋 Umrah FAQ 🤲 Hajj FAQ 🗂️ Visa FAQ 📦 Packages FAQ 📝 Booking FAQ 🕌 Conduct FAQ 💳 Refunds FAQ

Saudi Visa Tiers Comparison for Pakistani Pilgrims

Depending on your profile, you can travel to Saudi Arabia using different visa categories. Here is a clear comparison matrix:

Feature Umrah Visa Saudi Tourist eVisa Hajj Visa
Validity Period 90 Days (Single Entry) 1 Year (Multiple Entry) Fixed Hajj Season Dates
Allowed Airports Jeddah (JED), Madinah (MED) Any Saudi Airport (Riyadh, Dammam, etc.) Jeddah (Hajj Terminal), Madinah
Can Perform Hajj? 🚫 No (Illegal) 🚫 No (Illegal) ✅ Yes (Mandatory)
Zamzam Water Allowed? ✅ Yes (5 Liters) 🚫 No (Airport restriction) ✅ Yes (5 Liters)

Emergency Helplines & Contact Directory in Saudi Arabia

Keep these contact numbers saved in your phone for any safety or medical concerns during your stay:

  • Saudi National Emergency Service: Dial 911 (for police, fire, or rescue support in Makkah and Madinah).
  • Saudi Ambulance Service (Red Crescent): Dial 997 for medical emergencies.
  • Ministry of Hajj & Umrah Support Center: Dial 920002814 for complaints regarding hotel providers or Moallim guides.
  • Pakistan Consulate General (Jeddah): Call +966 12 669 2371 for passport loss or legal assistance.
  • Quba Travels Ground Helpline (Lahore office): Message +92 305 6300666 on WhatsApp for 24/7 coordinator assistance.
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Umrah
6 questions
Umrah is a non-obligatory Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah — it can be performed at any time of year. Hajj is the annual obligatory pilgrimage in Dhul Hijjah and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Hajj involves additional rituals in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah that are not part of Umrah. Learn more on our Umrah page →
The Umrah ritual itself can be completed in a few hours. Our packages range from 7 to 20+ days depending on tier — Short Umrah (7–10 days), Standard Economy/Luxury (10–14 days), Family (12–16 days), and Ramadan Umrah (10–20 days). See all packages →
The four main steps: (1) Enter Ihram before the Miqat with Niyyah and Talbiyah; (2) Tawaf — 7 circuits around the Kaaba; (3) Sa'i — 7 lengths between Safa and Marwa; (4) Halq or Taqsir — hair cut to complete Umrah. Your pre-departure Tarbiyah session covers each step in full detail. Full walkthrough in our checklist guide →
Yes. All Quba Travels Umrah packages include both Makkah and Madinah accommodation. The visit to Madinah and Masjid al-Nabawi is not part of the Umrah ritual itself but is a standard part of every package.
Non-Ramadan months (particularly October through February) offer lower crowds and moderate weather in Makkah. Ramadan carries the highest spiritual value but the most pilgrims and highest prices. Summer months (June–August) are extremely hot in Makkah — manageable but challenging for elderly or first-timers.
Our pre-departure Tarbiyah session is a briefing we provide to every client before they travel. We walk through the complete Umrah ritual sequence, Ihram rules, what to expect in Makkah and Madinah, packing guidance, and airport logistics. Lahore clients attend in person. Outstation clients attend by WhatsApp voice call.
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Hajj
4 questions
We offer Private Hajj packages (complete accommodation, Mina camp, transport, visa, and pre-departure training) and Government Hajj guidance (advice and document support for Ministry of Religious Affairs applications — we do not submit Government Hajj applications directly). See our Hajj page →
Enquire 9 to 12 months before the Hajj date. Private Hajj slots fill far in advance. Government Hajj registration windows open and close according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs schedule — we advise on timelines when you contact us.
Private Hajj is booked through an approved travel agent — you control hotel tier, flight timing, and service level within limits set by Saudi authorities. Government Hajj (through Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs) is a subsidised, government-organised scheme with fixed quota, accommodation, and pricing. Both have advantages depending on your priorities and budget.
Yes. Comprehensive Hajj training is part of every private Hajj package — covering all five days of Hajj rituals (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Tawaf al-Ifadah, Rami, Sa'i, and Halq/Taqsir). Lahore clients attend in person; outstation clients by WhatsApp.
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Visa & Documents
6 questions
Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond return date), CNIC or NICOP (original + copy), 4 passport photographs (white background, Saudi spec), meningococcal vaccination certificate, and Nikah Nama for married couples. Requirements change — confirm with us before collecting. Full visa guide →
7 to 14 working days after we submit a complete file. This can extend to 3+ weeks during Ramadan or Hajj season. We track all applications and notify you immediately of any status update.
No. Final visa approval is the sole decision of Saudi authorities. We do not make this claim. We reduce rejection risk by reviewing every file before submission — catching incorrect photographs, near-expiry passports, CNIC vs NICOP errors, and missing documents before submission.
The most common causes: incorrect photograph (wrong background or size), passport with less than 6 months remaining validity, missing or expired vaccination certificate, and missing Nikah Nama for married couples. All of these are caught in our pre-submission file review.
Yes. Despite digital visa issuance, Saudi checkpoints have asked Pakistani pilgrims for physical printed copies. We include a printed visa copy in every client's travel pack. Do not rely solely on the digital version on your phone.
Pakistani residents submit a CNIC. Overseas Pakistanis (those living abroad) submit a NICOP. Submitting the wrong one delays the application. We confirm which is required for your residency status at document review. Do not submit both.
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Packages
6 questions
Every package includes: return flights, Umrah visa processing, Makkah hotel, Madinah hotel, ground transport, and pre-departure Tarbiyah session. Hotel quality and transport type (group coach vs private vehicle) vary by tier. Compare all package tiers →
Pricing depends on your travel dates, hotel availability, group size, and current flight costs — all of which change daily. A price shown online today can be wrong tomorrow. We quote on WhatsApp for your specific situation so you get an accurate number, not a stale one.
We confirm the actual hotel name, star rating, and distance from Masjid al-Haram before you commit or make any payment. We do not use vague descriptions like "near the Haram" — you receive the hotel name in writing.
Yes. Our Family Umrah package is built for groups — adjacent room requests, group visa processing, children's documents handled as part of the group file, and a dedicated coordinator. We also do custom group bookings for larger parties. See Family Umrah →
A 7 to 10 day compact Umrah package designed for professionals and those with limited annual leave. Includes all standard services — visa, flights, Makkah hotel (5–7 nights), Madinah hotel (2–3 nights), transport, and Tarbiyah briefing. See Short Umrah →
Yes. Ramadan Umrah packages are available and are among the most spiritually significant options. However, Ramadan is also the busiest and most expensive time. Slots fill 3 to 4 months in advance — enquire early. See Ramadan Umrah →
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Booking Process
5 questions
WhatsApp us at +92 305 6300666 with your travel dates, city of departure, group size, and package preference. Alternatively, visit our Lahore office in person. We advise on available options and send a written package summary before any payment is taken.
We recommend 6 to 8 weeks minimum before your travel date for non-Ramadan months. For Ramadan Umrah, 3 to 4 months. For Hajj, 9 to 12 months. Earlier enquiry gives more hotel and flight options.
Yes. A deposit is required to confirm your package and hold your hotel and flight booking. The deposit amount and refund/cancellation terms are confirmed in writing when we issue your package summary. No payment is taken without a written package confirmation.
Yes. Every package is confirmed in writing — hotel name, flight, inclusions, and terms — before any payment. We send this via WhatsApp. You should keep this confirmation for your records.
Cancellation and refund terms depend on the package, airline, and hotel cancellation policies at the time of booking. We confirm these in writing when your package is finalised. See our Refund Policy →
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Our Office & Trust
5 questions
Office G-28, Heaven Mall, Jora Pull, Lahore Cantt. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM. Closed Sundays. See office details and directions →
Yes. Walk-in consultations are welcome during office hours. If you are bringing documents or have a large group, WhatsApp us ahead so we can be ready for your visit.
We have a fixed, verified office address that you can visit. We confirm hotel names in writing before payment. We do not use fake reviews, inflated ratings, or false office addresses. Every package is documented in writing. We advise you to verify what we tell you — a trustworthy agent welcomes verification.
Yes. Our support continues after you board the flight. We are available on WhatsApp during your trip for any questions or unexpected situations in Makkah or Madinah.
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM. Closed Sunday. For urgent queries outside office hours, WhatsApp us at +92 305 6300666.
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Cities & Remote Service
4 questions
Yes. Our complete service is available remotely — WhatsApp consultation, document courier to Lahore, and all travel documents returned to your city by courier. No visit to Lahore is required at any stage. See your city page →
Not necessarily. Karachi clients fly from KHI, Islamabad clients from ISB, and Multan clients from MUX where available or connecting via LHE. We coordinate the departure airport that suits your location and package dates.
Use TCS, Leopards, or any tracked courier service. Address originals to: Office G-28, Heaven Mall, Jora Pull, Lahore Cantt. WhatsApp us the tracking number and we confirm receipt the same day it arrives.
Yes. Outstation clients attend the Tarbiyah pre-departure briefing via WhatsApp voice call. The session covers all Umrah or Hajj rituals, Ihram guidance, packing, and trip logistics — identical content to the in-person Lahore session.
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Documents & Timing
4 questions
If your passport has less than 9 months remaining validity at the time of enquiry, we recommend renewing before starting the booking process. Borderline cases (6–9 months) can cause problems if your travel dates are delayed.
No. For Umrah visa purposes, your passport name and CNIC name must match exactly. Minor transliteration differences may be acceptable — but significant discrepancies must be corrected before applying. Contact us to confirm your specific situation.
Meningococcal vaccine (ACWY strain) is mandatory. It must be within its validity period. Additional vaccines may be required by season — Saudi Arabia can add requirements based on global health conditions. Confirm current requirements with us before getting vaccinated.
For non-Ramadan travel: 6 to 8 weeks minimum (document collection: 1–2 weeks, file review + submission: 2 days, visa processing: 7–14 days, travel document preparation: 3–5 days). For Ramadan: allow 10–14 weeks. For Hajj: 9–12 months.
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Haram Conduct & Etiquette
5 questions
Yes, pilgrims are allowed to carry mobile phones and take personal photos or videos for memory. However, professional video cameras, tripod stands, and filming other pilgrims without permission are strictly banned. Security guards will confiscate unauthorized equipment.
Masjid al-Haram has clearly demarcated, barrier-separated prayer halls specifically for women on all floors and in the King Abdullah Expansion extension. Female security personnel guide women to these areas during congregational prayer times.
If you lose your shoes, do not walk barefoot on the outer concrete during the day as it can cause severe thermal burns. Find a nearby convenience shop or pharmacy immediately to purchase cheap slippers. We advise carrying a shoe bag with you during rituals.
Yes, Zamzam water coolers are distributed throughout the mosques with clean, disposable plastic cups. You can drink as much as you like. Please dispose of the used cups in the designated recycling bins rather than throwing them on the floors.
Large travel bags, suitcases, and cooked meals are strictly prohibited at Haram gates. You are only allowed to bring small shoulder pouches, shoe drawstring bags, and basic snacks like dates or water bottles. Luggage lockers are available outside in the clock tower complexes.
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Refunds & Financial Protection
5 questions
Yes, basic medical travel insurance is mandatory and is processed automatically with your Saudi Umrah visa. This covers emergency hospitalizations and accidents inside Saudi Arabia. For flight delays or trip cancellations, we advise purchasing a separate private policy in Pakistan.
If visa policies change or visas are suspended by the Saudi government, Quba Travels processes a full refund of your visa fee. Hotel and flight ticket refunds will be processed according to airline refund guidelines and hotel block contracts.
Date changes are subject to airline penalty fees (typically PKR 15,000–35,000 per ticket) and fare differences at the time of modification. Group tickets are generally non-changeable and non-refundable once issued.
Yes. If a child shares existing beds with parents, hotels do not charge room rates. If an extra bed or rollaway cot is required, the standard bed rate applies. We clarify child bed costs during package customization.
Typically, a 50% deposit is required at booking, and the remaining 50% must be cleared before visa submission and ticket issuance (usually 15 days before travel). We do not offer post-travel installment options.

⚠️ Official Ministry & Nusuk Policy Advisory

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah and Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) issue periodic security and health advisories. Before booking, please verify the following:

  • Approved Munazzam List: Only book with travel agents who possess a valid Munazzam Number registered with MoRA. Booking with non-registered sub-agents is illegal and can lead to visa cancellations.
  • Nusuk Portal Verification: Ensure your tour operator books your package components directly through the official Saudi GDS system linked to Nusuk. This guarantees that your hotel keys and transport permits are confirmed.
  • Vaccination Record in PCR/NADRA: Your meningococcal vaccine record must be officially logged and linked to your NADRA profile, which is verified at Pakistani immigration counters before departure.

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