Most Umrah problems are preparation problems, and nearly all of them are solvable weeks in advance. This checklist is organised by when to do things rather than by category, because timing is what actually goes wrong.
Two to three months before
- Check your passport. Machine-readable, with sufficient remaining validity. Renewal takes time.
- Book the package. Earlier means better hotels at better rates, particularly for Ramadan.
- Start the vaccinations. Meningococcal ACYW must be given a period before departure. Use an authorised centre so the record registers in the digital system — see our vaccination guide.
- Arrange leave. Get it approved in writing.
- Begin learning the rites if this is your first Umrah. Knowing the sequence removes most of the anxiety.
One month before
- Confirm the visa is in process and that your documents were accepted.
- Verify the digital vaccination certificate resolves against your CNIC and matches your passport name.
- Arrange travel insurance if not included.
- Buy ihram and unscented toiletries. Do not leave this to the last week.
- Visit a doctor if you have ongoing conditions. Get a letter for prescription medication.
- Start walking. Pilgrims routinely walk far more than they are used to. Building up now pays off.
Two weeks before
- Confirm flights and hotels in writing and save the confirmations to your phone.
- Arrange currency. Take some Saudi riyals in cash; cards are widely accepted but not universally.
- Tell your bank you are travelling so cards are not blocked.
- Photograph your documents and store them in cloud storage and on paper separately from the originals.
- Check baggage allowances for both the outbound and return legs — they can differ.
The final week
- Pack, then remove a third. You will need space for Zamzam and gifts on return.
- Charge everything and pack a power bank and adapter.
- Print the essentials: tickets, hotel vouchers, visa, vaccination certificate, insurance.
- Settle your affairs. Clear debts where you can, seek forgiveness from those you have wronged, and make your intention sincerely.
- Write down your du'a list. People genuinely forget what they meant to ask for. Keep a note on your phone.
Packing list
Documents
- Passport and copies
- Visa printout
- Digital and paper vaccination certificates
- Flight tickets and hotel vouchers
- Insurance policy
- CNIC
- Passport photographs
For ihram
- Two ihram sets (men)
- Ihram belt with a zip pocket
- Modest everyday clothing (women)
- Unscented soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant
- Comfortable sandals
Health
- Regular medication in original packaging with prescriptions
- Paracetamol, rehydration salts, plasters
- Antiseptic cream and blister plasters
- Lip balm and moisturiser — the air is very dry
Practical
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Small drawstring bag for shoes
- Light prayer mat
- Folding umbrella for sun
- Refillable water bottle
- Small padlock for luggage
Money
Carry a mix: some cash in riyals for small purchases, transport and charity, and a card for larger payments. Keep cash divided between two places rather than all in one wallet. Budget separately for gifts, Zamzam and any additional transport — these add up more than people expect.
Phone and connectivity
Buy a local SIM at the airport on arrival — data is inexpensive and makes coordinating with your group far easier. Download offline maps for both cities before you travel, and save your hotel's name and address in Arabic on your phone. A taxi driver who cannot read the Latin script will recognise it immediately.
Finally
Preparation is worth doing well, and then worth setting aside. The point of all of this is that once you land, you are not thinking about logistics at all.
Need help with your travel plans?
Our consultants can answer your questions and arrange the whole trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beyond the package cost, budget for meals not included, local transport, gifts, Zamzam and charity. The amount varies widely by how you travel — our consultants can give you a realistic figure for your itinerary.
Airlines operating from Saudi Arabia generally permit a specified allowance of Zamzam per passenger, handled separately from your normal baggage. Confirm the allowance with your airline, as it varies.
Scented toiletries for the ihram period, anything prohibited by airline security, and roughly a third of what you initially packed. You will want the space on the way back.
