Umrah checklist

In the order things actually matter, from the day you decide to the day you fly home. Print it, or work down it in the chat with us.

As soon as you decide

Check your passport: at least six months valid beyond travel, with two blank pages.
One passport-size photograph on a white background, for each traveller.
A copy of the CNIC, for Pakistani passport holders.
For women and children travelling without the head of the family, the family relationship documents.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination, which is the standard requirement for an Umrah visa. Ask about seasonal flu and routine vaccines at the same time.
Tell us early about mobility, wheelchairs, cots, dietary needs or anything that makes one hotel right and another wrong. It changes which hotel we recommend, and it is much easier to get right before the booking than after.

Once your package is confirmed

Install the Nusuk app and set up an account for every traveller.
Book the Rawdah permit for Madinah as early as you can. Slots are per person, men and ladies are separate, and they fill days ahead in high season.
Save every permit to your phone and print a paper backup. The gates scan the QR code.
Keep the insurance reference from your visa with your travel documents.
Send us your flight numbers so your transfers can be met even if the flight runs late.
Note your hotel check-in and check-out times. Hotels in the Haramain commonly check in at 16:00 and out at 12:00, and early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability and charged extra.
Carry the passport, or the identification your hotel asks for, to every check-in.

Ihram, for men

Two sets of unstitched white cloths, so one can be washed.
An Ihram belt with a pocket for documents and cash.
Sandals that are easy to slip on and off.
Unscented soap, unscented shampoo, unscented sunscreen.

Ihram, for women

Ordinary modest clothing. There is no special garment, and while in Ihram the face-covering niqab and gloves are not worn.
Loose, light, easy-to-wash clothes for a hot climate, and a comfortable prayer set.
Unscented toiletries, the same as everyone else.

What everybody should pack

Comfortable sandals you can take off quickly, and a small drawstring bag to carry them in.
A refillable water bottle. You will drink far more than you expect.
An umbrella for shade, and sunglasses.
A small first-aid kit, blister plasters, and rehydration sachets.
Prescription medicines in their original packaging, with the prescription.
A plug adapter and a power bank.
A light shawl or blanket for cold mosque air conditioning at night.
A folding prayer mat, a Quran or a phone app, and a small dua book if you use one.

Money and your phone

The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR). Cards and contactless work almost everywhere.
An eSIM bought before you fly, or a SIM at the airport, is the simplest way to stay connected.
Tell your bank you are travelling so a card is not stopped on the first purchase.

In your hand luggage

Passports, visa printout, permits and your package document.
Medicines, spectacles and anything you cannot replace.
One set of Ihram, because Ihram is entered before you land.

On the flight

If you are flying into Jeddah, enter Ihram before boarding or during the flight. The crew announce the meeqat as the aircraft approaches it. If you are travelling to Makkah from Madinah, you enter Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) instead.

Between the cities

The Haramain train runs Jeddah airport, Makkah and Madinah, and takes roughly two to two and a half hours between the two holy cities. Its luggage limits resemble airline cabin rules, so keep large cases with the hotel transfer coach where your package includes one.

Coming home

Buy sealed five-litre Zamzam only at an approved point. Airlines commonly allow one per pilgrim on Saudi routes, but confirm it with your carrier.
Check your room for chargers, documents and the permits you printed.
Keep your invoice and receipts. They are also always available on your own package page.

Start your plan

Tell us the city you fly from, how many of you are travelling, when you want to go and how many nights you have. That is the whole checklist, and the package is built from live prices while you wait.

Plan your Umrah with Ibrahim or write to support@umrahcompanions.com.