A practical step-by-step guide to performing Umrah, from preparing for your journey and entering Ihram to Tawaf, Sa’i, Nusuk, health requirements and visiting Makkah and Madinah.
Complete Umrah Guide
Complete Umrah Guide: How to Perform Umrah Step by Step
Umrah is a deeply personal journey of worship to Makkah and an opportunity to turn to Allah with sincerity, reflection and devotion.
For those travelling for the first time, there can also be a lot to prepare for: Ihram, Miqat, Tawaf, Sa’i, travel documents, vaccinations, Nusuk, hotels, transport and what to expect when you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
This complete Umrah guide brings the key information together in one place, from preparing for your journey through to completing your Umrah and visiting Madinah.
Important: Religious circumstances can differ between individuals and schools of Islamic jurisprudence. This guide provides general information and should not replace guidance from a trusted qualified scholar where you need a ruling specific to your circumstances. Saudi entry, health and permit requirements can also change, so always check current official guidance before travelling.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah in Makkah. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during specified days of Dhul Hijjah, Umrah can generally be performed at other permitted times of the year, subject to Saudi regulations and seasonal restrictions.
The principal rites of Umrah are:
Entering the state of Ihram with the intention of Umrah → performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah → performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah → shaving or shortening the hair.
After completing these rites correctly, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram.
Before You Travel for Umrah
Good preparation can make your journey considerably easier and allow you to concentrate more fully on your worship.
Before travelling, check:
- Your passport is valid for your journey
- You hold the appropriate Saudi visa or entry authorisation
- Your flights and accommodation are confirmed
- You meet the current Saudi health and vaccination requirements
- You understand when and where you will enter Ihram
- You have appropriate travel insurance
- Any medication you require can legally be taken into Saudi Arabia
- You have digital and offline copies of important documents
- You have checked your airline's baggage allowance
- Your phone will work in Saudi Arabia
- Obtain your Umrah permit through the official Nusuk app before performing Umrah, and check any other Nusuk requirements that apply to your visit
Preparing for Umrah is not only about travel arrangements. Take time to learn the rites before departure and prepare physically for the walking and activity involved.
Umrah Visa and Entry Requirements
The visa or entry permission you need depends on your nationality and individual circumstances.
Travelling from the UK: TrustedUmrah.com can assist with your Umrah travel arrangements, including your visa requirements where applicable, alongside your flights and hotel booking.
Travelling from outside the UK: TrustedUmrah.com can arrange your Umrah travel, including flights and hotels, but we do not arrange visas for international customers. You will need to arrange the appropriate Saudi visa or entry permission separately through a reputable visa provider based on the requirements that apply to you.
Visa and entry requirements can change, so please ensure you meet the applicable Saudi entry requirements for your nationality and circumstances before travelling.
Umrah Vaccinations and Health Requirements
Health requirements are particularly important for Umrah because large numbers of pilgrims gather in relatively concentrated areas.
Saudi Arabia publishes specific health requirements for people travelling for Umrah. Requirements can vary depending on factors including where you are travelling from or have recently travelled.
Travellers may be required to provide evidence of meningococcal ACWY vaccination, and additional vaccination or health requirements may apply according to the traveller's circumstances and route.
Because these requirements can change, check the latest Saudi Ministry of Health requirements before travelling.
If you are unsure about vaccinations or your individual health circumstances, speak to your GP, pharmacist, nurse or travel-health clinic.
If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough for your journey and check the Saudi rules concerning bringing medicines into the country. Carry relevant prescriptions or medical documentation where appropriate.
What to Pack for Umrah
What you need will depend on your journey, the season and your personal circumstances.
Useful items can include:
- Passport and travel documents
- Vaccination documentation where required
- Ihram garments for men
- Comfortable, modest clothing
- Comfortable footwear
- Essential medication
- Appropriate toiletries
- Phone and charger
- Portable power bank
- Reusable water bottle
- Small bag for essentials
- Hotel and flight confirmations
- Travel insurance details
- Emergency and family contact information
Keep important information available offline as well as on your phone. Internet access, roaming or battery power should never be your only means of retrieving essential travel information.
Ihram: What Does It Mean?
Ihram is not simply the clothing worn for Umrah. It is the sacred state a pilgrim enters when intending to perform the pilgrimage.
For men, the familiar Ihram clothing consists of an izar and rida.
Women do not wear the same two-piece Ihram garments as men. Women should enter Ihram wearing permissible, modest clothing in accordance with the relevant Islamic guidance.
Before entering Ihram, pilgrims should prepare appropriately. This may include bathing and attending to personal cleanliness before entering the state of Ihram.
Detailed rulings can vary according to individual circumstances, so obtain qualified religious guidance if you are uncertain about what applies to you.
What is Miqat?
The Mawaqit are designated boundaries that a person intending Hajj or Umrah must not pass without entering Ihram.
Which Miqat applies depends upon the direction from which you approach Makkah.
This is particularly important for people flying from the UK and other countries towards Jeddah.
Someone travelling from beyond the Mawaqit and intending to perform Umrah should enter Ihram at the applicable Miqat or when travelling parallel to it.
Can I wait until I land in Jeddah to enter Ihram?
If you are flying towards Jeddah with the intention of proceeding to Makkah to perform Umrah, you should not simply wait until after landing if your flight has already crossed the applicable Miqat.
Airlines carrying pilgrims may announce when the aircraft is approaching or aligned with a Miqat so that pilgrims can enter Ihram at the appropriate time.
It is therefore sensible to prepare in advance rather than trying to change at the last moment.
Your exact circumstances can matter, particularly if you are travelling to Madinah first rather than directly towards Makkah. Seek qualified religious guidance if you are unsure which Miqat applies to your itinerary.
Making the Intention for Umrah
When entering Ihram for Umrah, the intention is made in the heart.
The pilgrim then begins the rite of Umrah and recites the Talbiyah.
A commonly recited form of the Talbiyah is:
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
Continue remembering Allah and reciting the Talbiyah as appropriate while proceeding towards Makkah.
What Should Be Avoided While in Ihram?
Entering Ihram brings certain restrictions that continue until the pilgrim completes the relevant rites and exits Ihram.
These include restrictions concerning matters such as cutting the hair or nails, applying perfume after entering Ihram and marital relations, together with specific clothing and other requirements.
There are important details and differences according to circumstances and gender. Anyone uncertain about a particular act should seek qualified Islamic guidance rather than relying on a short checklist.
How to Perform Umrah Step by Step
The basic sequence of Umrah is:
- Enter Ihram at or before the applicable Miqat
- Make the intention for Umrah and begin the Talbiyah
- Travel to Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah
- Perform seven circuits of Tawaf
- Pray after Tawaf as appropriate
- Perform seven lengths of Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
- Shave or shorten the hair
- Exit Ihram
Here is each stage in more detail.
Step 1: Enter Al-Masjid al-Haram
Enter the Sacred Mosque calmly and respectfully, following the directions of mosque staff and any crowd-management arrangements in operation.
During busy periods, particular entrances or routes may be controlled.
Do not push or obstruct other pilgrims simply to reach a particular location.
Step 2: Perform Tawaf
Tawaf consists of seven circuits around the Ka'bah.
Begin in line with the Black Stone, Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, with the Ka'bah on your left, and move around the Ka'bah counter-clockwise.
Each complete return to the starting line constitutes one circuit.
Complete seven circuits.
Do I have to touch or kiss the Black Stone?
You should not push, hurt or endanger another pilgrim trying to reach the Black Stone.
If it cannot be approached safely because of the crowd, do not force your way towards it.
Your worship should not become a cause of harm to somebody else.
What should I say during Tawaf?
You may remember Allah, make dua and recite Qur'an during Tawaf.
You do not need to have a different compulsory dua memorised for every individual circuit.
Use the opportunity sincerely to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, mercy and whatever is good for you, your family and the Ummah.
Avoid disturbing other worshippers.
Step 3: After Tawaf
After completing the seventh circuit, proceed in accordance with the established rites, including praying two rak'ahs where appropriate and possible without obstructing other pilgrims.
During very busy periods, be considerate about where you stop or pray and always follow instructions from Haram staff.
Step 4: Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
After Tawaf, proceed to Safa to begin Sa’i.
Sa’i consists of seven lengths between Safa and Marwah.
The counting is important:
Safa → Marwah = 1
Marwah → Safa = 2
Safa → Marwah = 3
Continue in this way until all seven lengths have been completed.
The seventh and final length finishes at Marwah.
Remember Allah and make dua during your Sa’i.
There are designated sections where men who are able may increase their pace in accordance with the established practice.
Those who are elderly, unwell, pregnant or have mobility difficulties should prioritise safety and follow appropriate guidance for their circumstances.
Step 5: Halq or Taqsir — Completing Your Umrah
After completing Sa’i, the final stage is shaving or shortening the hair.
For men, this means shaving the head or shortening the hair appropriately.
Women shorten a small amount from the ends of their hair in accordance with the applicable Islamic guidance.
Once the rites have been completed appropriately and the pilgrim exits Ihram, the restrictions associated with Ihram cease.
Your Umrah is complete.
May Allah accept it from you.
Umrah for Women
Women perform the same fundamental rites of Umrah: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and shortening the hair.
However, there are specific rulings concerning Ihram clothing, menstruation and certain other circumstances.
If menstruation begins before or during the journey, do not rely on generic internet advice for your particular circumstances. The timing of Ihram and the rites already completed can affect what you should do.
Seek guidance from a trusted qualified scholar who can consider your individual situation.
Can You Perform Umrah While Pregnant?
Pregnancy does not automatically mean someone cannot travel for Umrah, but whether travel is appropriate depends on the individual pregnancy, stage of pregnancy, medical history, airline requirements and advice from the person's maternity team.
Before booking or travelling:
- Discuss the journey with your midwife, GP, obstetrician or maternity team
- Check your airline's pregnancy and fitness-to-fly policy
- Check whether a medical certificate is required
- Carry relevant maternity information and medication
- Arrange appropriate travel insurance
- Allow substantially more time for walking and rest
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid overheating and unnecessary physical strain
- Consider how crowds may affect comfort and safety
Medical advice should always come from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional who knows your circumstances.
Umrah for Elderly Pilgrims and People With Limited Mobility
Umrah can involve considerable walking.
Distances inside and around the Haram can be greater than they appear, and travelling between your hotel, prayer areas, Tawaf and Sa’i can add significantly to the amount of walking required.
If travelling with an elderly or vulnerable pilgrim:
- Allow extra time
- Build rest into the day
- Avoid unnecessarily busy crowds where possible
- Stay together
- Agree a meeting point in case you become separated
- Keep hotel information available
- Make sure essential medication is accessible
- Remain hydrated
- Ask authorised staff for assistance when required
Wheelchairs and Mobility Assistance During Umrah
Wheelchairs and mobility services may be available for pilgrims who need assistance.
Availability, permitted routes and arrangements can change, so follow current Haram signage and staff instructions.
A wheelchair or mobility aid should be used where it genuinely assists with mobility, health, comfort or safety.
Allow additional time when travelling with anyone who has reduced mobility.
Performing Umrah With Children
Families travelling with children should allow additional time throughout the journey.
Before entering busy areas:
- Make sure children know the name of their hotel where appropriate
- Keep identifying or contact information with younger children
- Agree what to do if separated
- Carry essentials such as water and any required medication
- Avoid unnecessarily congested areas
- Keep children close during Tawaf and movement through the Haram
Do not assume mobile phones alone will solve separation problems. Networks and batteries can fail.
Arriving in Saudi Arabia
On arrival, follow instructions from Saudi immigration, airport and authorised personnel.
Collect your baggage before leaving the arrivals area and keep your passport and travel documents secure.
Families can occasionally be processed separately at immigration because of different passport or entry-authorisation circumstances. If this happens, arrange to regroup after immigration and baggage collection.
Keep your hotel information, booking confirmations and essential contact information accessible.
Mobile Phones, SIMs and Internet Access
Reliable mobile data can be extremely useful during an Umrah journey.
It may be needed for:
- Nusuk
- Maps
- Airline notifications
- Hotel information
- Transport arrangements
- Communicating with family
- Accessing travel documents
You can consider UK roaming, an appropriate eSIM or a Saudi SIM.
Where possible, arrange a working option before arrival rather than depending entirely on buying connectivity after landing.
Keep essential addresses, documents and contact information available offline as well.
Staying in Makkah
Choosing the right Makkah hotel can make a substantial difference to your journey.
A hotel that looks relatively close on a map may still involve significant walking because of entrances, pedestrian routes, gradients and crowd controls.
When choosing accommodation, consider:
Distance from Masjid al-Haram — particularly important for elderly travellers, young children and anyone with reduced mobility.
Your budget — hotels immediately around the Haram generally command higher prices.
Room type and occupancy — check what bedding is actually included.
Meals — these may be particularly useful during Ramadan or longer stays.
Accessibility — consider the route from the hotel to the Haram, not simply the advertised distance.
Views — Haram or Ka'bah views can vary significantly between room categories, even within the same hotel.
TrustedUmrah.com lets you search live availability for Makkah hotels, including 5-star hotels and accommodation close to Masjid al-Haram.
Travelling Between Makkah and Madinah
Many pilgrims combine their Umrah journey with a visit to Madinah.
Travel options between the cities can include rail and road transfers, depending on your itinerary.
Allow sufficient time around departure, particularly during busy periods.
If your itinerary takes you to Madinah first and then to Makkah for Umrah, your Ihram and Miqat arrangements will differ from someone flying directly towards Jeddah to perform Umrah.
Make sure you understand the applicable Miqat before leaving Madinah.
Visiting Madinah
Visiting Madinah is not a rite required to complete Umrah, but many pilgrims understandably wish to visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi during their journey.
The Prophet's Mosque is in Madinah, along with Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, and the city contains a number of important Islamic sites.
Maintain respect and tranquillity when visiting the mosque and follow the directions of mosque staff, particularly when areas are busy.
Rawdah and Nusuk
An Umrah permit and a Rawdah permit are separate. An official Umrah permit must currently be obtained through the Nusuk app before performing Umrah. If you intend to visit Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in Madinah, check Nusuk separately for the required Rawdah permit and available times.
Access arrangements for Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah are controlled and can change.
Where the current system requires a permit, use the official Nusuk service and follow the requirements applying at the time of your visit.
It is sensible to:
- Download or access Nusuk
- Create the required account
- Check current availability
- Do not assume a particular date or time will be available
- Follow the permit shown in the official system
- Follow staff instructions at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Permit rules, availability and procedures can change. Always follow the current official Nusuk system rather than relying on an older process.
Ziyarat in Makkah and Madinah
Some travellers choose to visit historically significant locations during their stay.
These visits should be planned around prayer, your health and your confirmed travel arrangements.
If using an organised Ziyarat service, confirm the departure time and meeting point in advance and follow the instructions of the authorised guide or transport provider.
Remember that visiting additional sites is separate from the essential rites required to complete Umrah.
Heat, Hydration and Crowd Safety
Makkah and Madinah can be hot, and Umrah can involve considerable physical activity.
Practical precautions include:
- Drink sufficient water
- Take regular breaks
- Avoid unnecessary prolonged exposure to intense heat
- Wear suitable footwear where appropriate
- Avoid pushing through crowds
- Follow one-way systems and instructions from staff
- Give elderly and vulnerable pilgrims space
- Seek help if you become unwell
If a crowd becomes uncomfortable or unsafe, prioritise getting to a safer position rather than forcing your way forward.
Travelling With Medication or a Medical Condition
If you have diabetes, asthma, heart disease or another ongoing medical condition, discuss the journey with an appropriate healthcare professional before travelling.
Take sufficient medication for your trip and reasonable contingencies.
Some medications are regulated differently in Saudi Arabia, so check the current rules and carry appropriate prescription or medical documentation where required.
Never stop or alter prescribed medication solely because of general information in an Umrah guide.
Travel Insurance for Umrah
Appropriate travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Consider cover for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Cancellation or curtailment
- Travel disruption
- Lost or damaged baggage
- Existing medical conditions where covered
- The activities and destinations included in your journey
Read the policy wording and exclusions carefully rather than assuming all travel insurance provides the same protection.
Frequently Asked Umrah Questions
How long does Umrah take?
There is no single fixed duration. The rites themselves may be completed within several hours, but crowd levels, walking speed, health, mobility and prayer times can all affect how long it takes.
There is no need to rush.
How many times do you go around the Ka'bah?
Seven circuits are completed for Tawaf.
How many times do you walk between Safa and Marwah?
Sa’i consists of seven lengths, beginning at Safa and finishing at Marwah.
Safa to Marwah counts as the first length. Marwah back to Safa counts as the second.
Do I have to kiss the Black Stone?
You should not push or harm other pilgrims trying to reach the Black Stone.
If you cannot approach it safely because of the crowd, do not force your way through.
Can I enter Ihram at Jeddah Airport?
If you are flying towards Jeddah intending to proceed to Makkah for Umrah, you need to pay attention to the applicable Miqat before the aircraft passes it.
Your itinerary matters, particularly if you are travelling to Madinah first, so seek qualified religious guidance if you are uncertain about your circumstances.
Do women wear the same Ihram as men?
No. Men wear the familiar Ihram garments, while women wear permissible modest clothing in accordance with the relevant Islamic guidance.
Can pregnant women perform Umrah?
Whether travelling is medically appropriate depends upon the individual pregnancy.
Speak to your maternity team or another appropriate healthcare professional and check your airline's pregnancy policy before travelling.
Do I need vaccinations for Umrah?
Saudi Arabia has health requirements for Umrah travellers, and these can change.
Check the current Saudi Ministry of Health requirements for your individual journey before travelling and seek professional travel-health advice where appropriate.
Do I need Nusuk for Rawdah?
Permit arrangements can change. Where the current Saudi system requires a Rawdah permit, follow the official Nusuk process and check availability for your intended visit.
Is visiting Madinah part of Umrah?
No. Visiting Madinah is not one of the rites required to complete Umrah, although many pilgrims choose to visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi as part of their journey.
Can elderly people perform Umrah?
Many elderly pilgrims perform Umrah, but individual health and mobility needs should be considered carefully.
Allow extra time, plan rest, consider appropriate mobility assistance and obtain medical advice where needed.
Planning Your Umrah
Every Umrah journey is different.
Some travellers prioritise staying as close as possible to Masjid al-Haram. Others need particular dates, direct flights, family rooms, a longer stay in Madinah or a package that fits a specific budget.
TrustedUmrah.com lets you search live travel options around your own dates rather than limiting you to one fixed itinerary.
Search Flight + Hotel options for your preferred travel dates.
Compare live hotel availability in Makkah, including accommodation close to Masjid al-Haram.
Find hotels near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and across Madinah.
Search available flights for your journey.
Put together travel arrangements around the dates and preferences that work for you.
If you would rather speak to someone, our UK-based team is available to help with your Umrah travel arrangements.
A Final Reminder Before You Travel
Saudi visa, entry, health, permit and operational requirements can change.
Before departure, check current information from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Ministry of Health, Nusuk and official UK travel advice, alongside your own confirmed travel documents.
For questions of Islamic jurisprudence that depend on your personal circumstances, consult a trusted qualified scholar.
Above all, prepare well, give yourself sufficient time, show patience towards your fellow pilgrims and keep the purpose of the journey at the heart of your preparations.
May Allah accept your Umrah, make your journey easy and safe, and grant you a blessed return. Ameen.
