Planning a journey for Umrah is a very serious matter. You trust a travel agency with your financial details, your flights, your accommodation in Makkah and Medina, and many months of planning. It is precisely for that reason that ATOL cover is important to know about before booking.
The acronym ATOL means Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. This is a form of financial protection system operated by the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This system came into existence in 1973 after several travel companies went bust, leaving tourists stranded in foreign lands with no refund or money back.
All British travel firms that sell package tours which include flights are obligated by law to have ATOL licences. The travel firms contribute to a common pool of funds that serve to protect travellers in case the firm folds up.
There is need to explain ATOL as something else rather than what it is. For instance, ATOL is not travel insurance and it doesn’t compensate people for health problems, luggage problems, or even trip cancellations due to ill-health or unexpected incidents.
When you book an ATOL protected Umrah package with Taqwa Tours, it means the flights, hotels, and any transport included in your package are financially protected as a bundle. If Taqwa Tours were ever unable to continue trading, ATOL would step in to make sure pilgrims aren’t left stranded or lose the money they’ve paid.
This protection applies specifically to package bookings, meaning a combination of at least two travel elements, such as flights and accommodation, sold together for a single price. It’s the standard way most Umrah packages are structured, which is why ATOL protection is so relevant to pilgrims booking their trip.
If your Umrah package is ATOL protected, and your travel company stops trading, you’re covered in two main situations:
Before you travel If the company fails before your trip begins, you’re entitled to a full refund of the money you’ve paid.
During your time away Should the tour operator fail when you are already in Saudi Arabia for the Umrah, ATOL will assist in helping you remain in your accommodation if possible, pay back any costs incurred, and make sure you fly back home.
This will be especially comforting to the Umrah pilgrims, considering that most pilgrims book their travels and payments in advance and travel in groups.
ATOL protection has limits. It doesn’t cover:
For issues unrelated to a company ceasing to trade, such as a problem with your hotel room or itinerary, you’d raise this directly with your travel provider rather than through ATOL.
There are three simple ways to confirm your booking is protected:
ATOL certificate is a very vital document. Keep a copy for yourself and carry it along when traveling as it contains all the information needed in case you have to make any claim.
Any legitimate ATOL holder will display this on their website, brochures, and marketing materials.
By law, you should receive this as soon as you make any payment, even just a deposit. It confirms exactly what’s protected and includes instructions for making a claim if needed.
You can verify the ATOL number(Like Taqwa Tours ATOL – 74904) of any travel firm on the official website of CAA.
Umrah trips are usually planned in advance, up to six months or more, where there is an initial payment that includes airfare, hotel bookings at Haram, and local transportation. This extended period of time means that there is greater need for protection financially compared to short holiday trips.
Pilgrims are also often travelling with elderly family members or in groups, where the disruption of a failed travel company would be far more difficult to manage independently, especially while abroad for a religious pilgrimage. ATOL protection gives peace of mind that, regardless of what happens with the travel company, your journey and your return home are safeguarded.
No. ATOL only protects your money if the travel company stops trading. You’ll still need separate travel insurance to cover things like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost belongings.
Not usually. Flight-only bookings are only covered in specific cases, such as when you don’t receive your ticket immediately after payment, which is uncommon with most airline bookings today.
ATOL will help you stay in your accommodation if possible, reimburse costs you’ve had to pay yourself for protected parts of your trip, and arrange flights to bring you home.
Check for the ATOL logo, request your ATOL Certificate after paying any deposit, and confirm our ATOL number through the CAA’s official checking tool.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
The blessings of Ramadan promise the most rewarding …
Written By Yasir Ali – Taqwa Tours You …
Written By Yasir Ali – Taqwa Tours Are …
Written By: Yasir Ali
A senior advisor at Taqwa Tours with over a decade of Umrah planning experience. Every article is written by our in‑house travel experts who have guided thousands of pilgrims from the UK. We share only accurate, up‑to‑date information to help you prepare for your journey.
What Details to Check in your Umrah Package A spiritual pilgrimage such as Umrah necessitates careful planning and consideration. In contrast to …
8 Tips to Find Cheap Umrah Packages from the London In today’s era of rising prices, the cost of everything is increasing …
What is an Umrah Consultant? An Umrah Consultant is a person or a firm that renders qualified advice and smooth services to …
