1. Official Bestway Travel & Tourism Booking Form must be completely filled by the pilgrim.

 2.Payments are to be made in the following order - 25% at the time of booking, 50% after One Month from the date of booking & the balance 25% should be paid One Month prior to the departure.

 3.Cheque or Demand Draft should be drawn in favor of ‘ Bestway Travel & Tourism. International passport for each intending pilgrim is necessary, as traveling will be under Basic Travel Quota Scheme.

 4. Bestway Travel & Tourism accepts no responsibility for Luggage Losses, Injuries, Damages, Accidents, and Additional Expenses due to delay of Flights, Misconnection, Sickness, Bad Weather, Strike, War, Quarantine breakdown or transport breakdown or the closure of Airport due to War etc.

 5. Bestway Travel & Tourismis a Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarat  Tour Organizers only and does not control or operate any Airline, Hotel, Muallim, Transport, Laundry or any other facility or services mentioned in the brochure. We take care in selecting all the elements in the package. The tour operator only selects and inspects them and has no control in running them. The Tour operator shall not be responsible for any delay, improper services provided by any Airline, Transport, Hotel and any other provider of services for any Injury, Death, Loss or damage which is caused by the act or default of the management or employees of any other Hotelier, Airlines, or/and any act or actions of co-passenger which may result in not availing the services during the tour.

 6. Bestway Travel & Tourism shall not be held responsible either for any loss, delay, damage, fading of color, stain of any type or shrinking of clothes by the laundry services.

 7. Bestway Travel & Tourism appoints agents and representatives for the arrangements of hotels, transport, food etc in good faith and takes best possible care of all the pilgrims. However due to unavoidable circumstances, changes and alterations in the package have to be made regarding hotel, bus or staying period or change of flight. Bestway Travel & Tourism reserves the right to make alterations which the pilgrim has to accept, and for which no refund shall be made nor any claim shall be entertained.

 8.After entering into Saudi Arabia no pilgrim of Bestway Travel & Tourismshall be allowed to give up his/her companionship with his/her group. He/she will have to act accordingly and if he/she decides to quit, he/she shall not be entitled to receive any amount whatsoever.

 9.All guests staying with us are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of other guests. If in our opinion or in the opinion of any hotel manager or any other person in authority, your behaviour or that of any member of your party is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any of our other guests or any third party or damage to property, or to cause a delay or diversion to transportation, we reserve the right to terminate your booking arrangements with us immediately. In the event of such termination our liability to you and/or your party will cease and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other service immediately. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party. No refunds for lost accommodation or any other service will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of termination. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you and each member of your party jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you or any member of your party.

 10. Room Service is not available.

 11. Our latest broucher should be referred for inclusions & exclusions of the package in particular chosen by the pilgrim.

 12.If any country hinders or stops any pilgrim(s) or all pilgrims from entering into its boundaries/borders due to any past objectionable references of such a person(s) in that country's record or due to a breakout of an epidemic in the originating country or any country from where the pilgrim has travelled or due to political Strike, War or the closure of Airport or any other reason or enforces any kind of restriction or ban and consequently the pilgrims cannot visit that country wholly or partly, Bestway Travel & Tourism shall not be held responsible for such action by the Government authorities of that country and under such circumstances no refund shall be applicable. All will have to obey and abide by the laws of that country

 13.Free Baggage allowance shall be as per the rules of the Airlines and any extra charges for excess Baggage will have to be borne by the pilgrims.

 14.Satisfaction of the pilgrim is our prime consideration. Any claim or complaint by the client must be intimated to Bestway Travel & Tourism. In the very unlikely event of there being something not to your satisfaction on the pilgrimage that is directly in our control, should be reported immediately so that there is an opportunity to correct / rectify the same. The tour operator shall not accept liability in respect of claims which are not reported to us immediately.

 15.Partly utilized services are also considered as fully utilized. In such circumstances no refund shall be applicable. For all claims, disputes of whatever nature relating to the tours marketed/coordinated by Bestway Travel & Tourism, the courts in Mumbai shall alone have jurisdiction.

 16.Hajj and Umrah can be physically very demanding. Bestway Travel & Tourism will not take any responsibility for pilgrims that have special requirements, unless we are advised at the time of booking. In order to complete the rites of Hajj we require that all pilgrims are fit and able enough to walk for a distance of at least one mile, if not more. In case any pilgrim is not able to do so, he/she should take a wheelchair with them as well as a person who will take responsibility for them. We strongly advise that pilgrims seek medical advice and clearance from a doctor before booking, particularly the elderly.

 Note:Please note that the journey of Hajj or Umrah cannot be equated to holiday travel. During this journey the unexpected is often the norm. Despite our careful planning and organization the Hajj and Umrah journey can never be taken for granted like a normal holiday or vacation. Hotels, transport and public services are all pushed to their limits during the Hajj season. Due to the large number of pilgrims in a small congested area, the crowds can be overwhelming. Due to major traffic congestion, expect very long delays while moving from one location to another. These journeys can be very frustrating and unpredictable.

For pilgrimage, you must have:

• A vaccination certificate prepared for inspection by Saudi authorities at the port of entry. Current vaccination requirements are available from the website of the Saudi Ministry of Health.
• The Saudi identification card and wristband issued by your Hajj travel agent. Keep them with you at all times.
• Valid permit to perform Hajj. The Saudi government enforces strict penalties (fines, detention, and travel bans) on people who perform Hajj without this permit.
• Hajj and Umrah travel plans must be made through a Saudi government-approved travel agent. This is how you obtain entry, accommodation, and transportation in Saudi Arabia. For a list of approved travel agencies, see the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia website and the Saudi Hajj Ministry website.

Please select a reputable, approved travel agent and ensure that you are guaranteed accommodations and transportation, in addition to an entry visa.
Failure to obtain a permit or use an approved travel agent can result in:

• Immediate deportation
• Detention
• Large fines
• Ban on future travel to Saudi Arabia

Do not travel to Saudi Arabia without lodging or transportation arrangements made in advance. You may face difficulties with Saudi immigration and have trouble finding available services once you have arrived.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and Consulates General in Jeddah and Dhahran cannot assist in arranging travel permissions within Saudi Arabia or resolving immigration violations.

U.S. citizens resident in Saudi Arabia must travel with Saudi-government-approved sponsor groups to perform Hajj. Foreign Muslim residents of Saudi Arabia may perform the Hajj once every five years. Advance approval must be obtained from an immigration office and with the approval of their Saudi sponsor.

Keep travel documents (your U.S. passport or U.S. “green card” residency permit) secure during your trip. Make two copies of your passport—including pages stamped with Saudi visas—with one set at home and the other in a safe place while you travel.

Always carry contact information for:

• U.S. Embassy Riyadh and Consulate General Jeddah
• U.S. travel agent and its Saudi representatives
• Your hotel
• Your travel group

Hajj and Umrah are attractive targets for defrauding unsuspecting travelers. Be aware of unscrupulous tour operators who abandon pilgrims, leaving them with unpaid bills, and hoteliers who demand the payment of exorbitant “hidden charges” for the return of passports. Only deal with licensed and established tour operators.

Pick-pocketing and other forms of theft are prevalent in Mecca, particularly in the region of the Grand Mosque, and in Medina. Stay with your travel agency group at all times, and do not leave passports or valuables unattended.

Lost U.S. passports or residency permits (“green cards”):

• Report the loss immediately to your travel agent.
• Obtain a report from the local police.
• Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah for assistance issuing replacement passports to U.S. citizens, and “boarding foils” to U.S. legal permanent residents who lose their residency permits.

The Hijri calendar is used in Saudi Arabia for all official functions. Please review the dates on your visa carefully, and make sure you know when it expires.
Do not overstay your Hajj or Umrah visa. Penalties for overstays may include fines amounting to thousands of dollars, detention pending deportation proceedings, and bans on returning to Saudi Arabia in the future.
br Umrah visas are typically valid for about two weeks. You must depart before the visa expires.

Ask travel agents for updates should the Saudi government revise its requirements. During Hajj, the government may set new departure requirements that limit when you can depart. Local regulations include provisions that may keep you from leaving early. Travelers must comply with all Saudi government travel regulations.

Permitted areas of travel and duration of stay: If you are unsure, be sure to ask for clarification upon arrival.

• Hajj and Umrah (pilgrimage) visas are valid for travel only in the vicinities of Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, and for travel between these cities. These visas are not valid for work or residency. Unapproved travel outside these areas may result in immigration violations and penalties.
• Non-Muslims are forbidden to travel to the holy city of Mecca, and the portions of Medina which are considered sacred. All pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia after Hajj no later than the 10th of Muharram of each year (this year approximately September 20, 2018).
• Pilgrims are forbidden to stay in Saudi Arabia after the completion of Hajj.

Saudi visa rules require that women below the age of 45 must be accompanied by a “mahram” (e.g. a male member of their immediate family) for Hajj or Umrah. Women must travel with their mahram, or be met by them upon arrival; otherwise, they may experience significant delays and/or be denied entry.

Women over 45 may travel within a tour group and without a mahram provided they submit a notarized letter of no objection from someone who could be considered their mahram, authorizing travel for Hajj or Umrah with the named group.

Saudi visa rules require that women below the age of 45 must be accompanied by a “mahram” (e.g. a male member of their immediate family) for Hajj or Umrah. Women must travel with their mahram, or be met by them upon arrival; otherwise, they may experience significant delays and/or be denied entry.

Women over 45 may travel within a tour group and without a mahram provided they submit a notarized letter of no objection from someone who could be considered their mahram, authorizing travel for Hajj or Umrah with the named group.

Be prepared for standards of accessibility and accommodation below the minimum of what is required in the United States. While most of the Holy Sites, such as the Grand Mosque in Mecca, are handicap-accessible, most hotels and transportation options are not. Check with your tour group provider to ensure your needs are well known and can be accommodated.

Make sure your routine immunizations are up to date, and ask your tour operator about the vaccinations required for your visa. Hepatitis A and B and polio vaccinations are also recommended. Make sure to check language on medical needs (get your prescriptions, get your flu shot; meningitis and other vaccinations may be recommended by your doctor).

Carry hand sanitizer, as well as treatments for colds, diarrhea, and anything else you might need.

Heat-related illnesses: Move to a cool area and seek medical attention if you experience profuse sweating, chills, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Temperatures at pilgrimage sites consistently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Stay hydrated, rest, and use protection from the sun.

There are facilities providing water, public accommodations, and other amenities. Due to large crowds, however, travelers should expect long wait times for basic amenities, especially in Mina, Muzdalifa, and Arafat.

At the Airport: Expect Crowded Airport Terminals

• Due to the incredible numbers of people being simultaneously processed at the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, disembarking, immigration and customs processes may take quite a few hours.
• Expect a lengthy wait in hot and humid conditions before leaving the airport. Travelers with only carry-on bags will find their airport experience to be much easier than those with checked baggage.
• Some Hajj pilgrims now fly directly to Medina and proceed to Mecca by road. There is no option to fly to Mecca.
• The Saudi authorities will only permit travelers to leave the dedicated Hajj terminal with their tour groups. Please contact your tour operator directly if they do not meet you at the airport.

Between Ritual Sites

• The Saudi government provides strict timetables to Hajj groups for all travel (bus, light rail, and foot) between the ritual sites. All routes and modes of transport will be extremely congested, and travelers should prepare for long delays.
• Light rail trains are typically overwhelmed, with pilgrims waiting several hours at the train stations at Arafat and Muzdalifah on crowded platforms before being able to board a train. Train cars will also be very crowded. Timetables and light rail movements are outside the control of travel agencies.
• Use maps and smartphone applications to navigate the Hajj ritual sites that stretch from the Grand Mosque (Al Masjid al Haram) to Arafat.

Saudi authorities forbid the taking of photographs (still or video, including those taken with your phone) at the Holy Mosque at Mecca or at the Prophet's Mosque at Medina. Any violation of official instructions is likely to lead to the confiscation of your device. Please exercise good judgment and respect the rules of each site.

See U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for guidance on bringing religious articles back to the United States.

We recommend that travelers returning to the U.S. not bring any food items, including dates, that are not commercially processed and in their sealed, original container. U.S. CBP officers at the port of entry to the U.S. are responsible for deciding which items to allow.

Zamzam water (drawn from the sacred Zamzam well inside the Grand Mosque): Please check with your travel agent and airline for guidance. Most airlines limit each traveler to one container of up to 10 liters (2.64 gallons) of Zamzam water as checked baggage.

• U.S. citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia and the current Worldwide Caution can be found.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• We recommend you get a local SIM card; many plans are offered for the Hajj time period.
• You should never remove your Hajj bracelet; it has all the information that will help to locate your Hajj provider’s location.
• Follow us on Twitter @KSA_ACS and @TravelGov as well as the U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia, Consulate General Jeddah, and Bureau of Consular Affairs Facebook pages.

In the event of an emergency, please use your social media and other accounts to let family and friends know that you are OK. Doing so reassures your loved ones and allows our Embassy and Consulate staff to focus their efforts on helping other people in need of emergency assistance.

Emergency Contact Information for Hajj Authorities

• The National Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims of Turkey and Muslims of Europe, Americas, and Australia

Telephone: +966-920-012-013, Mobile: +966-505-608-150
Fax: 966-920-006-620
Website: http://www.teaa.com.sa/
Street Address: Mecca Al Mukarramah, Al Nuzha Road, near Alnuzha Bridge


• Health Affairs
  
  012-530-8812
  Lost Pilgrims
  012-530-8813


• Emergency Services
  
  Ambulance 997
  Police 999
  Traffic Accidents 993

Note: When dialing the Jeddah area (includes Mecca and Taif) from the U.S., use country code 966 and city code 12. For example, dial 011-966-012-667-0080 to reach us at U.S. Consulate General Jeddah. When dialing the Riyadh area, use city code 11, e.g. 011-966-11-488-3800 for the U.S. Embassy. Cell phone numbers do not use the city code.

Emergency Contact Information for U.S. Citizens

• U.S. Embassy Riyadh: (966) (11) 488-3800
• U.S. Consulate General Jeddah: (966) (12) 667-0080
• U.S. Consulate General Dhahran: (966) (13) 330-3200

Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm local time in Saudi Arabia, Sunday through Thursday for routine inquiries. During regular business hours, please ask for the American Citizens Services Unit.

In 2018, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General will be closed for routine services from August 20-23 for Eid-al-Adha, and September 23 for Saudi National Day.

For emergency cases outside of regular business hours or during holidays, use the same numbers listed above to reach a duty officer for assistance.
In addition, you can call the Department of State from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays):

From the U.S. & Canada: 1-888-407-4747
From Overseas: +1-202-501-4444

What We Can and Cannot Do

We hope that you will have a trouble-free Hajj or Umrah, as thousands of other pilgrims from the United States do each year. If something does go wrong, however, the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah can provide you appropriate consular services, such as:

• Arrange for emergency U.S. passports and “boarding foils” for lost I-551 (“green cards”) for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. After Hajj, please bring a report from the police station regarding the theft or loss, and a copy of your U.S. passport or green card if possible.
• Seek to contact you within 24 hours of being told that you have been arrested.
• Make special arrangements in case of civil disturbances or disasters.
• Provide contact information for local lawyers and hospitals.
• Arrange for a spouse or next of kin to be informed if you are involved in an accident, arrested, or die, and advise them on the appropriate procedures.

We cannot, however:

• Arrange for travel outside of the designated areas in Mecca and Medina.
• Resolve immigration violations.
• Become involved in any disagreements, e.g. pilgrim and travel agency disputes or lost baggage.
• Rearrange airline, hotel, or other travel bookings.
• Pay for hotel, legal, medical, travel, or other bills.
• Obtain someone’s release from prison.
• Provide legal advice or intervene in court cases or criminal investigations

Be prepared for standards of accessibility and accommodation below the minimum of what is required in the United States. While most of the Holy Sites, such as the Grand Mosque in Mecca, are handicap-accessible, most hotels and transportation options are not. Check with your tour group provider to ensure your needs are well known and can be accommodated.