Umrah packing list

If you have bought a new pair, try them on a short walk before travelling. Check that they do not rub your feet or slip off easily.

Under the ihram prohibitions for men, sandals must be open at the toes and heels. If you are a man, choose the sandals you will wear in ihram to meet this requirement.

A small, lightweight bag for your sandals also makes entering and leaving a mosque easier.

For women, prepare comfortable clothing that is not see-through and meets Islamic modest dress requirements. For comfort throughout the journey, choose fabrics that allow easy movement, bearing in mind long walks and hot weather.

Pack spare ihram cloths or clothing as needed. It may seem like a small detail, but choosing the right clothing helps you focus on your worship rather than your clothes.

Saudi Arabia’s official eVisa system requires your passport to remain valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the country. Since this requirement may vary for other visa types or special circumstances, also check the official requirement that applies to your own application.

Check that the full name and passport number on your passport match the details on your visa, flight ticket and reservations. Keep a digital copy of your passport’s photo page somewhere secure, but always keep the original passport within easy reach in your carry-on bag.

An “Umrah visa” is not the only visa type used for Umrah. Other visa types may also permit Umrah under the applicable rules. Make sure your visa is suitable for performing Umrah.

Save a digital copy of your visa on your phone so you can access it offline. Having a printed copy will also help if your phone runs out of battery or you have connection problems.

Carry the same passport you used for your visa application when you travel.

After paying, check that the payment has been recorded. Keeping the digital receipt on your phone will also be useful in case of a check or technical problem.

This travel procedure varies by country. If you are starting your journey outside Türkiye, check the departure fees or similar procedures in your own country.

If you take a medicine regularly or one that requires special storage, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you travel. If needed, also carry a prescription, a medical report for the medication, or a document showing the medicine’s active ingredient.

Do not pack medicines you will need during the day in checked baggage. Carry them in your carry-on bag, within easy reach. Check your airline’s rules for liquids or special medical products in advance.

It is safer to make informed preparations for your own health needs than to recommend the same painkiller, muscle relaxant or vitamin to everyone.

Choose a mat that is small enough to fit in your day bag, is easy to clean and does not slip on the ground. Very thick, heavy prayer mats can be burdensome to carry all day.

In crowded areas, take care not to lay your mat where it would block passageways or disrupt the safe flow of people. At the Two Holy Mosques, follow staff directions and the arrangements for the area you are in.

Rather than displaying your home address on the outside for everyone to see, it is safer to use a phone number and, if needed, tour or group details. You can add a distinctive ribbon, strap or coloured mark to help you recognise your suitcase from a distance.

Take a photo of your suitcase before your flight. If you need to report lost baggage, it will be much easier to describe its brand, colour and appearance.

If you wish, also place a second small card with your full name and contact details inside your suitcase. This card may help if the outer tag comes off.

To keep your feet healthy, pack a comfortable pair of orthopaedic sports shoes with soft soles that will not rub. If they are new, wear them a few times before your journey to try them out. Even a small spot that rubs can cause serious discomfort on long walks.

The aim is not style, but being able to move comfortably all day. The better you look after your feet, the easier it will be to stay focused during worship and visits.

Choose sunglasses with UV protection that fit your face well and will not easily fall off while walking. A hard case protects your glasses from breaking in crowds or in your bag.

If you wear prescription glasses, bring a spare pair too, if possible. A small screw coming loose or losing your glasses can cause unnecessary difficulty during your journey.

Instead of something thick and bulky, choose a layer that folds easily and fits in your day bag. It can be especially useful on long bus journeys, at night or in cool indoor spaces.

It may seem like a small detail, but it helps keep you comfortable and protected throughout the journey.

Try them before your journey. Make sure they are not too tight, do not slip off as you walk and do not cause discomfort on long walks.

If possible, finish your main preparations a day in advance. On the final night, try to get enough sleep, eat regularly and rest. Your body also needs to be ready for the long flight, transfer, settling into the hotel and the worship that follows.

Instead of pushing yourself by saying, “I don’t want to sleep during Umrah; I’ll make the most of every minute,” pace yourself. Rest helps you continue your worship with greater focus and peace of mind.

One of the best ways to prepare today is to avoid making tomorrow more tiring.

Divide your cash sensibly rather than carrying it all in one place. Keep the amount you will use each day in your wallet and the reserve somewhere more secure.

If you plan to bring dollars or euros, factor in the need to exchange them and exchange rate differences. It is safer to plan how much you need than to carry too much cash.

Carrying small-denomination riyals can also be practical for giving sadaqah.

Before setting off, connect your headphones to your phone and check the sound and battery charge. If they are wireless, remember the charging case and the necessary cable too. On long days, a small technical oversight can leave you unable to listen to the guide when you need it.

In crowded areas, do not turn the volume so high that you shut out all surrounding sound in both ears. Stay aware enough of your surroundings to hear directions, safety announcements and your group.

In mosques and during worship, use them quietly and carefully so you do not disturb those around you.

Do not pack your power bank in checked baggage. Power banks with lithium batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage. Since capacity and quantity limits can vary by airline, check your own airline’s current rules before your flight.

Having readable capacity information on the power bank is useful. Do not take a damaged, swollen or overheating device on your journey.

Make a daily habit of charging your power bank, just like your phone, as you get ready to leave the hotel.

Check not only the plug shape but also the input voltage marked on your charger. Many phone and computer power adapters today support the 100–240 V range. If you have a special device that does not support this range, a plug adapter alone may not be enough.

Since your hotel room may have a limited number of sockets, a good-quality adapter with more than one USB port can be useful. Before setting off, test the adapter and your cables together.

Download the app before your journey, not after arriving in Saudi Arabia. Create your account, make sure your passport and personal details are correct, and check that you can log in. Keeping notifications enabled may help you avoid missing appointment or service updates.

Check the permits and appointments you need as far in advance as possible. Since rules and availability can change over time, follow Nusuk’s current guidance rather than relying on old screenshots or outdated explanations on social media.

Remember your app login details and keep them accessible in case you change phones or need to log in again.

Use a secure, easy-to-reach zipped compartment rather than carelessly putting your passport in an open pocket of your bag. You will take it out repeatedly at the airport, so keep it where you will not have to search for it each time.

Keep digital copies of your passport and visa on your phone. It may also be useful to keep a copy of important documents in a secure cloud account or somewhere accessible to a trusted loved one.

Your checked baggage may be lost or delayed, but as long as your passport and essential documents are with you, you remain in control of your journey.