Marhaba Answers
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Real questions from pilgrims, answered by Marhaba's team — dated, sourced, and free of sales noise.
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How do we plan Umrah for parents who walk slowly?
Choose a hotel with a short, flat walk; start in Madinah to settle in; use wheelchairs or carts for tawaf and sa'i; perform Umrah at quieter hours; and build rest days between big efforts. Keep medicines, documents and water with someone at all times.
Official answerElderly & family travel1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Can we take a baby pram into the Grand Mosque in Makkah?
Not onto the ground floor of the Mataf around the Kaaba. Under the rule announced in 2024, prams may be used on the upper floors and in the Mas'a (sa'i area), but can be refused when those areas are crowded. A baby carrier is often easier.
Official answerElderly & family travel1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026When can women visit the Rawdah in Madinah?
With a Rawdah permit booked in the Nusuk app, women visit after Fajr until 11:00 am (9:00 am on Fridays) and after Isha until 2:00 am, according to the schedule announced on 20 October 2026. Times change for Ramadan and Hajj, so go by the slot on your permit.
Official answerWomen's travel1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Do children need their own Umrah visa and vaccinations?
Yes. Every child needs their own passport and visa, and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health requires all Umrah pilgrims to be vaccinated against meningitis. Ask your child's doctor which vaccine suits their age, and get it at least 10 days before arrival.
Official answerElderly & family travel1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Can we get a wheelchair at the Haram in Makkah?
Yes. Wheelchairs and electric carts are available at Masjid al-Haram, and porters can push wheelchairs for a fee. Many families also bring a light folding wheelchair. Plan where you'll collect it and which floor you'll use for tawaf.
Official answerElderly & family travel1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Is there an age limit for Umrah?
As of October 2026, Saudi Arabia's published Umrah requirements set no upper age limit. Pilgrims over 65 must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity under the Ministry of Health's Umrah rules, alongside the meningitis vaccine everyone needs.
Official answerElderly & family travel1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Can we visit Taif or Badr during our Umrah trip?
Yes — both are popular day trips. Taif is a cooler mountain city a few hours' round trip from Makkah, with historic mosques and gardens. Badr, between Madinah and the coast, is the site of the Battle of Badr. Umrah visa holders may travel to other cities during their visa.
Official answerZiyarat1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Can we climb to the Cave of Hira, and is there an easier way up?
Yes. The path to the Cave of Hira starts in the Hira Cultural District and is open 24 hours, but it's a steep, stepped climb. The announced cable car isn't listed on the district's official site as of October 2026, so plan to climb or visit the exhibitions instead.
Official answerZiyarat1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026
Official answers
How do we plan Umrah for parents who walk slowly?
Choose a hotel with a short, flat walk; start in Madinah to settle in; use wheelchairs or carts for tawaf and sa'i; perform Umrah at quieter hours; and build rest days between big efforts. Keep medicines, documents and water with someone at all times.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Can we take a baby pram into the Grand Mosque in Makkah?
Not onto the ground floor of the Mataf around the Kaaba. Under the rule announced in 2024, prams may be used on the upper floors and in the Mas'a (sa'i area), but can be refused when those areas are crowded. A baby carrier is often easier.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026When can women visit the Rawdah in Madinah?
With a Rawdah permit booked in the Nusuk app, women visit after Fajr until 11:00 am (9:00 am on Fridays) and after Isha until 2:00 am, according to the schedule announced on 20 October 2026. Times change for Ramadan and Hajj, so go by the slot on your permit.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Do children need their own Umrah visa and vaccinations?
Yes. Every child needs their own passport and visa, and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health requires all Umrah pilgrims to be vaccinated against meningitis. Ask your child's doctor which vaccine suits their age, and get it at least 10 days before arrival.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Can we get a wheelchair at the Haram in Makkah?
Yes. Wheelchairs and electric carts are available at Masjid al-Haram, and porters can push wheelchairs for a fee. Many families also bring a light folding wheelchair. Plan where you'll collect it and which floor you'll use for tawaf.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Is there an age limit for Umrah?
As of October 2026, Saudi Arabia's published Umrah requirements set no upper age limit. Pilgrims over 65 must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity under the Ministry of Health's Umrah rules, alongside the meningitis vaccine everyone needs.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026
From the Journal
How to Do a DIY Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Pilgrims (2026)
Plan your own Umrah in eight clear steps — dates, visa route, flights, hotels, transport, Rawdah, ziyarat and budget — for Indian passport holders in India or abroad.
Saudi Visa Options for Umrah: A Guide for Indian Passport Holders in India, the GCC, UK & USA
The main visa routes Indian passport holders use for Umrah — Umrah visa, tourist e-visa for eligible residents and visa holders, and GCC residency — and what to check before you book.
DIY Umrah vs Group Umrah Package: Cost, Comfort and Flexibility Compared
An honest side-by-side of customized (DIY) Umrah and group packages — where each costs more, where each saves, and which suits families, elders and short trips.