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Whether it’s your first time or a return journey, travelling for Umrah is a deeply spiritual and emotional experience. But it also requires practical planning, especially if you want the trip to go smoothly. 

From Ihram essentials to staying connected while you’re in Saudi Arabia, here’s everything you need to know before your Umrah pilgrimage, including advice specifically for women travellers, plus information on what to wear and how to prepare. 

Preparing for your Umrah journey

Before you book an Umrah package, make sure you know what you’ll need to prepare before you travel! If you have any questions or if you’re unsure, get in touch with us – our helpful and experienced travel experts have arranged Umrah and Hajj journeys for hundreds of our clients, and we’re happy to help with any questions you might have.

Nusuk app 

Start by downloading the Nusuk app – the official app from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and a must-have for anyone making pilgrimage. The app helps you with managing permits to visit the Two Holy Mosques, as well as offering itinerary management plus some really handy features for those performing Umrah, like a Tawaf tracker to help you count the number of completed rounds around the Kaaba.

You should also bear in mind that new regulations require you to have a pre-booked hotel in order to acquire an Umrah visa, and this will need to be registered in the Nusuk app or platform. 

Vaccinations

You’ll also need to ensure your vaccinations are up to date - specifically, Saudi Arabia requires all travellers to have a valid certificate showing you’ve been vaccinated against the ACWY strains of meningitis, and that you received this at least 10 days before arriving for Umrah.

Physical preparation

Bear in mind that in total, performing Umrah involves hours of walking, up to about 3 miles at least. The Sunnah for men is also to run the first three rounds of Tawaf, and when you’re travelling between Safa and Marwah during Sa’i, it’s Sunnah for men to run between the green lit areas.

If you’re not used to walking this much in a day, or if you have any health concerns, it’s a good idea to start incorporating more walking into your daily routine in the weeks before departure to prepare.

Practicalities 

Make sure you have copies of your travel documents (including boarding passes), vaccination certificates, and hotel bookings in case you need them on arrival. 

Staying connected 

Once you land, consider buying a MiFi device or local SIM card at the airport for data access during your stay. This makes navigation, communication, and checking the Nusuk app much easier. 

Zamzam water 

You’ll find Zamzam water (water from the wellspring beneath Mecca) in designated areas at the Haram for drinking, but many pilgrims bring back a bottle as a meaningful keepsake.

Because Zamzam water is considered a special gift, as long as you have an Umrah visa or a permit in the Nusuk app, many airlines don’t include it in your regular luggage allowance – you can buy a bottle at the airport, and it will be counted separately so you can transport it home.

Umrah for women 

If you’re a woman planning on performing Umrah, most things are the same – but there are a few things to consider that you need to know ahead of your travel. 

Restrictions 

You can’t perform Umrah if you are menstruating, or if you are in your Iddah period (three months after being divorced or widowed). There are a few differences in how you perform Umrah, as well: women don’t need to run during the Tawaf, and only need to trim a few strands of hair to complete Umrah. 

Mahram rules 

Saudi Arabia now allows women to travel for Umrah without a mahram (male guardian), though some conditions may apply. If you’re unsure, get in touch - DW Travel can advise on the latest regulations and safest travel options.

What to wear during Umrah

For men, Ihram clothing (two unstitched white garments) is required once you are in the state of Ihram. These should be easy to slip on and off for prayer and ablution (wudu). You can buy these from markets if you need additional. 

For women, many wear a white abaya. White is not compulsory, but it’s common as it represents equality before the almighty (as well as helping to protect you from the extreme hot weather of Saudi Arabia. While women don’t need to wear Ihram in the same way as men, clothing should still support cleanliness and comfort. Avoid anything sheer or too bright. 

For everyone, comfortable shoes or sandals are vital. Opt for slip-on styles that are easy to remove before entering the mosque and can handle a lot of walking. Considering the amount of walking you’ll do during Umrah (and also when you’re heading out for food or shopping) don’t be tempted to buy new shoes, unless you’ve really planned time to wear them in before your trip!

What to pack for Umrah 

Here’s a quick rundown of must-pack items for your Umrah trip: 

• Ihram garments (men) / modest clothing (women)
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Drawstring bag for carrying shoes at the mosque
• Unscented soap and toiletries (Ihram requires no fragrance)
• Personal prayer mat
• Travel-sized Quran and dua books
• Reusable water bottle
• Wet wipes and tissues
• Power bank and universal adapter
• Photocopies of documents 

Women may also want to bring extra hijabs, a small mirror, and safety pins or hijab magnets.

Why book your Umrah with DW Travel     

Booking your Umrah with DW Travel means you can focus on your spiritual journey while we handle the logistics. Our expert visa support team takes care of the entire application process, and our tailored itineraries are designed to suit your individual pace and needs. 

We only partner with trusted hotels, many located within walking distance of Masjid al-Haram or with regular shuttle services to the Grand Mosque, to ensure your stay is both convenient and comfortable. From airport pickups to intercity transfers, every detail is covered, and our dedicated travel experts are available 24/7 should you need any support.

Ready to find out more? View our Umrah holiday packages, or explore our full range of holidays from Dubai and the UAE.