Questions to Ask Before You Book an Umrah Package in the UK
ATOL, ABTA, payment protection and the warning signs to watch for: a checklist for British pilgrims comparing Umrah companies.
Every year Trading Standards and the CAA warn British pilgrims about companies selling Umrah and Hajj packages without the protection the law requires. Most problems can be avoided by asking the right questions before you pay. Ask them of any company, including us.
Financial protection
- Is the package ATOL protected? Any UK business selling a package that includes a flight must provide ATOL protection. Ask for the ATOL number and check it on the CAA website.
- Will I get an ATOL Certificate? You should receive one as soon as you pay anything towards a flight-inclusive package.
- Is the company an ABTA member? Membership is not required by law, but it gives you access to ABTA's code of conduct and dispute service.
About the company
- Is it registered with Companies House? You can look it up free online.
- Does it have a real address, phone number and email, and does someone answer?
- Can it put you in touch with past customers?
About the package
- What are the exact hotel names and distances in Makkah and Madinah?
- Which airline, which airport and what are the flight times?
- How do you travel between Makkah and Madinah: coach, private car or train?
- Exactly what is included and what is not?
- Is the price per person, and for how many people in a room?
Paying safely
- Pay by card rather than cash or bank transfer where possible.
- Paying part of a package costing between £100 and £30,000 by credit card can give you extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
- Get written booking conditions, including cancellation terms, before you pay.
- Ask what happens if the visa is refused.
Warning signs
- No ATOL number, or a number that does not match the company on the CAA website
- Cash only payments or requests to pay into a personal account
- No written itinerary, invoice or ATOL Certificate
- Prices far below everyone else, or pressure to pay today
- Promises of guaranteed visas or "official" status
If you think you have been targeted by a pilgrimage scam, report it to Action Fraud. A good company will be glad you asked these questions. Ask us anything.
Quick answers
Does my Umrah package need ATOL protection?
Yes, if it includes a flight and is sold by a UK business. You should receive an ATOL Certificate when you pay.
How do I check an ATOL number?
Use the ATOL checker on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website and make sure the company name matches.
Should I pay by credit card?
Where possible, yes. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act can protect credit card payments for purchases between £100 and £30,000.
