Umrah with Family: Advice for Women, Children and Elderly Pilgrims

Quick answer: Choose a hotel close to the Haram, travel outside the busiest times, and plan rest between acts of worship. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for Tawaf and Sa'i, children's Umrah is valid and rewarding, and under current Saudi rules adult women can perform Umrah without a mahram.

Elderly pilgrims

• Book a hotel very close to the Haram, such as our 5 star packages, to keep walking to a minimum.
• Wheelchairs can be used for Tawaf and Sa'i; electric scooters are available on the upper floors.
• Ask us to arrange wheelchair assistance at the UK and Saudi airports.
• Travel in the cooler months between November and February.
• Carry medicines and a list of conditions in English and Arabic.

Children

• Umrah performed by a child is valid and rewarded, though it does not replace the obligatory Umrah after puberty.
• Use a baby carrier rather than a pushchair in crowded areas.
• Write your phone number and hotel name on a wristband for each child.
• Plan Tawaf for quieter times, such as late morning outside prayer times.

Women

• Under current Saudi rules, adult women can perform Umrah without a mahram; we confirm the latest rules when you book.
• Women wear modest everyday clothes in Ihram; there is no special garment.
• A woman who has her period during the trip can do everything except Tawaf and prayer, and completes Tawaf once she is pure.
• Women's prayer areas are clearly marked in both Holy Mosques.

Rooms for families

We can arrange triple, quad and family rooms, and connecting rooms where available. Child prices depend on age and flight fares. See our 4 star Umrah packages, a popular choice for families, or contact us for a family quote.