This Year I tried to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
What I realised that I can book tickets, hotel and transport much cheaper directly with other airlines online.
The hotel prices are much cheaper than the travel agents are charging.
Through my findings I found out that Umrah/ Hajj Visa could be only applied via Saudi government approved travel agents.
When I contacted several approved agents, they were not happy to supply me with Umrah Visa because I was not booking a package with them. Moreover, I realised the Umrah visa was going to cost me anything between £80 to £350. In addition there was no guarantee of getting an Umrah visa if I booked elsewhere for flights or hotels.
This is very distressing and disappointing for approved travel agents to coerce consumers indirectly into buying from them, just because they are approved.
Umrah and Hajj visa is free. What is the £80 for?
The fluctuation in prices for Umrah/ Hajj ? Is it to do with oil prices? Price of stamp? Price of labour? What makes the price fluctuate?
We need answers and transparency?
Why should approved agents charge Extortionate rates for Umrah / Hajj Visa?
We should all sign this petition to get the Saudi Government to clamp down on these approved travel agents who are taking advantage of consumers.
Saudi Government should make clear guidance that we cannot book our own flights and hotel package. That we should buy from these Extortionate approved travel agents.
If this is not the case when approving travel agents with the responsibility of issuing Umrah Visa on behalf of the Saudi government. Then please Saudi Government do something about the way these approved travel agents are trading using your name.
Travelling to Umrah & Hajj should not be monopolised by Approved Agents who take advantages of their status.
Please sign the Petition and lets see if we can make a change and bring those Approved agents to answer.
