Official guidelines

Pilgrimage Guide

دليل الحج والعمرة

Essential information for your sacred journey, prepared from official Saudi guidelines and the practical experience of pilgrims travelling to Makkah and Madinah.

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Ihram

Enter the sacred state at the miqat. Men wear two unstitched white cloths; women wear modest dress. Avoid perfume, cutting hair and intimacy from this moment.

Checklist

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Practical tips

•Pack your Ihram cloths in your carry-on so you can change on the plane before crossing the miqat.
•Wear the Ihram cloths at home once to practise wrapping them securely — they slip if tied wrong.
•Use unscented deodorant for the entire journey, not just the day of Ihram.

Avoid these mistakes

✕Using scented products after entering Ihram — this requires a sacrifice (fidyah) to rectify.
✕Covering the head (men) or face (women) with anything that touches the skin.
✕Cutting nails or hair after entering Ihram until Umrah is complete.

Spiritual reflection

Ihram is a leveller — king and pauper stand identical before Allah in two simple cloths. Let this equality settle your heart: you are a servant, nothing more, and the journey ahead is for Him alone.

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Umrah visa & entry

Who can perform Umrah, which visa to request, and the documents to carry at the border.

Umrah is open to Muslims holding a valid Umrah, tourist or visit visa. Pilgrims from many countries can now apply online through the official Nusuk platform.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with at least two blank pages.
Women under 45 travelling without a mahram must travel within an organised group; the rules change regularly, so confirm with your airline or the Saudi embassy before booking.
Carry a printed copy of your visa, hotel confirmation and return ticket. Border officers may ask for all three.
Vaccination requirements follow the seasonal Ministry of Health guidance — check the official Nusuk portal shortly before departure.
Travel insurance covering medical care and repatriation is required for most visa categories.

Nusuk permits & the Rawdah

How the Nusuk app governs entry to the Haram, the Rawdah and the rituals that need a slot.

Download the Nusuk app and register with your passport details before you travel — it is used for Rawdah visits, Umrah permits and some transport services.
A Rawdah visit (the area between the Prophet's pulpit and his house in Medina) requires a booked time slot and is limited to a short stay.
Umrah permits are free but must be reserved for the date you intend to perform the ritual, especially during Ramadan.
Screenshots of your permit are accepted at the gates, but keep the app installed in case a QR code is re-scanned.
Permits are released on a rolling basis; if a date shows as full, check again in the early morning.

The rituals, step by step

A calm, ordered walkthrough of Umrah from the moment you enter Ihram to the farewell Tawaf.

Enter Ihram at the miqat, or before boarding your flight if you are flying directly into Jeddah. Men wear two unstitched white cloths; women wear modest dress with the face and hands uncovered.
Make the intention for Umrah and begin the Talbiyah, repeating it until you see the Kaaba.
Perform Tawaf: seven circuits of the Kaaba starting at the Black Stone, keeping it on your left. Men perform raml (a brisk walk) in the first three circuits when safe.
Pray two rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, then drink Zamzam water.
Perform Sa'i: seven runs between Safa and Marwa, beginning at Safa.
After Sa'i, men may shave or trim their hair; women trim a fingertip's length. Your Umrah is complete.

Inside the Haram

Practical guidance for the busiest hours, gate names, and moving safely with family.

King Abdulaziz Gate (Gate 1) faces the clock tower and is the most crowded entrance; the gates on the eastern side (Gates 18–27) are usually calmer.
Upper floors and the roof offer more space for prayer and a better view for finding your group again.
Agree a meeting point with your family before entering — the Ajyad side near the Marwa end is easy to find.
Carry water, wear shoes you can hold in a bag, and keep your phone charged; power points are limited.
Free wheelchairs and electric carts are available near the main gates, with staffed assistance desks.

What to pack

A compact list that covers the climate, the distances you will walk, and the rituals.

Two sets of Ihram cloths for men, plus a belt and comfortable sandals.
Loose, light clothing in cotton or linen, with a light layer for air-conditioned halls.
A modest prayer garment and a small travel prayer mat.
Refillable water bottle, unscented toiletries (fragrance-free while in Ihram), and a small towel.
Comfortable walking shoes you have already worn in — you will walk several kilometres a day.
A pouch for your passport, hotel key and permit, plus a printed copy of your emergency contacts.

Health & wellbeing

Staying well in crowds, managing heat, and knowing where to get care.

Drink water before you feel thirsty; the marble courtyards reflect heat even in winter.
Carry oral rehydration salts and any regular medication in its original packaging with the prescription.
Free medical points operate inside the Haram; ask any steward in uniform for the nearest one.
Eat lightly before Tawaf and avoid heavy meals in the hours before Maghrib.
Wear a mask if you are vulnerable, and wash hands frequently — respiratory infections spread quickly in crowds.

Money, transport & connectivity

Getting between the Holy Cities and paying for things without friction.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep a small amount of Saudi riyals for porters and small purchases.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway links Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah in under three hours — book seats in advance during peak seasons.
Official taxis use meters; ride-hailing apps are widely available and usually clearer on price.
Tourist SIM cards are sold at the airport with a passport; eSIM plans work well if your phone supports them.
Tipping is not required, but porters and hotel staff appreciate a small gesture.

Questions pilgrims ask

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