For many Muslims around the world, the Umrah a crucial pilgrimage in Islam is a dream come true. As more families organize their Umrah travels, concerns regarding the practicalities such as children’s ticketing needs come up frequently. To guarantee a seamless and hassle-free pilgrimage experience, it is crucial to comprehend the regulations regarding kid tickets for Umrah, regardless of the age of the child accompanying you. This blog will include age restrictions, visa requirements, airline ticket policies, Umrah requirements for kids, and advice on how to have a comfortable trip with kids. Let’s examine the specifics.

Is a Child Umrah Ticket Required?

Yes, a ticket is required for minors to travel for Umrah, regardless of age. Every person traveling on an international trip, regardless of age, needs to have a ticket. But when it comes to rules and prices, different age groups receive varied treatment.

Child Ticket Age Groups

Based on age, airlines typically split up their passengers into three groups:

Babies (under 2 years old): Typically, infants pay about 10% of the full ticket price, which is a small portion of the adult rate. They can sit on an adult’s lap during the flight but do not have a separate seat. Babies may be subject to a nominal fee from some airlines, and long-haul flights typically have baby sleeper seats available.

Children (2 to 12 Years Old): Tickets for children between the ages of 2 and 12 are typically priced between 50 and 75 percent less than those for adults. Children, in contrast to babies, need their own seat, and you might be able to get them special food and entertainment.

Teens (12 and Over): Most airlines charge full adult fares for teenagers over 12, who are generally regarded as adults when it comes to ticketing. However, based on the airline’s and the travel agency’s policies, some airlines might give youth or student discounts.

It’s critical to comprehend these categories since they have a big impact on the overall cost of your family’s Umrah journey. After discussing tickets, let’s look at children’s visa needs.

Do Kids Need a Visa to Perform the Umrah?

Yes, a visa is necessary for everyone traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, including minors. Children must obtain an Umrah visa in a similar manner as adults, except they need to provide a few more documents.

Important Records for a Child’s Umrah Visa

Here are the essential documents needed for a child’s Umrah visa application:

Passport: The child’s passport must be current and have at least six months remaining on it after the date of travel. Make sure there are enough vacant pages in the passport to accommodate visa stamps and that it is current.

Application Form: Children must fill out an Umrah visa application form, just like adults do. Usually, you may fill out this form online via the Saudi consulate or a licensed travel agent.

Birth Certificate: In order to confirm the child’s relationship with their accompanying parent or guardian, a copy of the child’s birth certificate is typically needed. Verify whether this document needs to be translated into Arabic or English.

Photos: As part of the application procedure, the youngster must submit recent passport-sized photos. These must conform to the particular standards established by the Saudi authorities, which typically call for a white background and particular dimensions.

Parent Consent Form: A letter of consent from the parent who is not traveling with the kid may be needed if the child is traveling with just one parent or another guardian. This paperwork guarantees that the trip is disclosed to both parents.

Proof of Relationship: In order to get a visa, extra proof of relationship may be needed if the youngster is traveling with grandparents or aunts, for example.

Vaccination Records: Certain immunizations, such meningitis, may be required for children traveling to Saudi Arabia. Having current immunization records is crucial, particularly if the child is older than one.

The application process for the child’s Umrah visa can go more smoothly if you have these documents ready. Working with a licensed travel agent is essential since they can help you through the process and make sure everything is in order.

How Much Do Child Umrah Tickets Cost?

There are a few variables that affect the price of a child’s Umrah ticket: the airline, the itinerary, and the time of year. Child tickets are typically less expensive than adult tickets, especially for those under the age of twelve.

Younger Tickets
The majority of airlines charge roughly 10% of the adult fare for infants under two, though exact rates may differ. Some parents choose to buy a separate seat for the infant even though they don’t occupy a seat in order to increase comfort, particularly on lengthy journeys. You will probably have to pay the child fare instead of the newborn fare if you select this option.

Children’s Tickets
Airlines typically give discounted tickets to kids between the ages of two and twelve. Usually, these rates range from 50% to 75% of the cost of an adult ticket. On some airlines, the youngster will receive a separate seat and may be qualified for child-specific services including meals, entertainment, and toys.

Tickets for Teens
Teenagers (those 12 years of age and above) are typically treated as adults when it comes to airfare, as was previously indicated. Nonetheless, some airlines provide child discounts, particularly in cases where the teenager is traveling with family. Make sure to inquire about any special discounts from your travel agency or airline.

Advice for Taking Kids on an Umrah Trip

It can be difficult to travel with kids, particularly on lengthy flights and in congested airports. Here are some pointers to ensure the easiest possible travel to Makkah:

Plan Ahead: To get the best deals and guarantee availability during busy times like Ramadan, reserve your travel, lodging, and Umrah package well in advance.

Select Family-Friendly Flights: A lot of airlines offer services that are conducive to families, such as in-flight entertainment for kids, kid-friendly food, and bassinet seats for small children. Prior to making a reservation, confirm if these services are offered by the airline.

Pack Light but Carefully: Try to make your luggage reasonable even if it can be tempting to overpack for kids. To keep youngsters entertained throughout the journey and in the airport, pack necessities like baby food, snacks, toys, and entertainment.

Remain Hydrated: Ensure that your kids consume an ample amount of water throughout the journey. Because airplane cabins are frequently dry, it’s critical for everyone’s comfort to stay hydrated.

Get Ready for rites: If your kids are old enough to take part in the Umrah rites, give them a rundown of how it works in advance. This will assist students in appreciating the significance of the pilgrimage and proper conduct in places of worship.

Take Breaks: The Umrah can be physically taxing, particularly for young people. Throughout the rites, especially with Makkah’s heat weather, make sure to drink enough of water, take breaks, and sit in the shade.

Conclusion

Umrah travel with kids is a fulfilling experience that helps families grow closer spiritually and solidify their ties to Islam. To guarantee a trouble-free vacation, it is essential to comprehend the needs for children’s visas and tickets. Whether you are traveling with a young kid or a teenager, making advance plans, purchasing the appropriate tickets, and attending to your child’s needs will all contribute to a memorable and spiritually rewarding Umrah experience for your family.