Is a travel agent required for Umrah 2026?

A travel agent is not mandatory, but highly recommended for easier visa processing, hotel selection, guided Ziyarah, and coordinated airport transfers.

Is DIY Umrah cheaper than buying a package?

Sometimes DIY Umrah is cheaper, but during peak seasons like Ramadan, group packages are usually cheaper because agencies get discounted hotel and airline rates.

Can I Perform Umrah Without a Package in 2026? (DIY vs Travel Agent Guide)

Q: Can I perform Umrah without a package in 2026?

Yes, you can perform Umrah without a group package by booking your own eVisa, flights, hotels, and transport. However, DIY Umrah requires more planning and may end up costing more depending on season.

Many Muslims planning Umrah 2026 ask this popular question:

“Can I perform Umrah without buying a package from a travel agent?”

The short answer is: Yes, it is possible. But is it recommended? That depends on your experience, family setup, travel dates, and budget.

1. Can You Perform Umrah Without a Package?

Yes — you CAN perform Umrah without a traditional group package by booking:

Your own Umrah visa
Your own flights
Your own hotel
Your own ground transportation
Your own Ziyarah trips

This is called a DIY Umrah.

2. What You Must Arrange Yourself During DIY Umrah

Visa application & medical insurance
Flights (round trip)
Hotels in Makkah & Madinah
Airport to hotel transfer
Makkah ↔ Madinah travel
Ziyarah tours
Meals & daily logistics
Wheelchair support (if needed)

This requires planning — especially for families and elderly pilgrims.

3. Is DIY Umrah Cheaper?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

DIY is cheaper when:

You travel in off-peak months
You find discounted airline deals
You book budget hotels

Packages are cheaper when:

Traveling in Ramadan
Traveling in December
Traveling as a group
You want hotels close to Haram
You want guided Ziyarah

Travel agents receive special **group hotel and airline rates**, making packages cheaper for peak seasons.

4. Benefits of Booking a Travel Agent Package

A package is recommended if you want:

Visa applied for you
Airport pickup included
Makkah↔Madinah transfers covered
Guided Ziyarah included
Hotels near Haram
Support if issues happen
Help for elderly or disabled pilgrims

This is especially important for:

Families with kids
Elderly parents
First-time Umrah travelers
Ramadan & December pilgrims

5. Risks of Doing Umrah Without a Package

Flights may not match hotel check-in/out times
Airport taxi costs 3–4× more
Ziyarah tours not guaranteed
Lack of Arabic-speaking support
Hotel scams or inaccurate photos
Hotel rooms far from Haram
No assistance if emergencies happen

6. Should You Do DIY or Package?

Choose DIY if:

You are experienced
You speak Arabic or English well
You like planning
You are traveling alone
You are flexible

Choose a Package if:

You want comfort
You want better hotels
You want transfers included
You want Ziyarah included
You want support for parents & kids
You want a stress-free Umrah

Not sure if you should do DIY Umrah or buy a package?
Send your city + dates + number of travelers and we’ll guide you honestly:

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