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Umrah Guide
Visa requirements, documents and every ritual of Umrah explained step by step.
Umrah visa requirements
Pilgrims can perform Umrah on a dedicated Umrah visa, and — for eligible nationalities — on a tourist eVisa, a visa on arrival, or a valid US, UK or Schengen visa. Which route applies to you depends on your nationality and residency, and the rules are updated by the Saudi authorities from time to time.
Umrah can be performed throughout the year except during the Hajj season, when access is restricted. Women under 45 no longer need to travel with a mahram under current Saudi rules, though many families still prefer to travel together. We confirm the exact requirements for your passport before you book — just get in touch.
Documents you need
- Passport valid for at least six months from your date of travel
- Confirmed return flight tickets and hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah
- Recent colour passport photograph on a white background
- Proof of meningitis (ACWY) vaccination, and any other vaccinations required at the time of travel
- Mahram documentation where applicable (marriage or birth certificate)
Requirements change; always treat this page as a starting point and confirm details with us or the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before travelling.
Before you travel
Flights
Fly into Jeddah for Makkah first, or Madinah if you plan to begin with the Prophet's Mosque.
Book flights →Hotels
Choose how close to the Haram you want to stay — walking distance saves time on every prayer.
See hotels →Transfers
Arrange airport pickups and Makkah–Madinah transfers in advance so nothing is left to chance.
Ground transport →Travel with a scholar
Learn the rituals as you perform them, with daily talks and guidance from a qualified scholar.
Umrah with a scholar →Pack light: ihram garments and a belt, comfortable sandals, an unscented toiletry kit, a small prayer mat, and copies of your documents. Extending your journey afterwards? See our trip extensions.
Step-by-step rituals of Umrah
Umrah consists of four essential acts — ihram, tawaf, sa'i and shaving or trimming the hair. Below is the full sequence in the order you will perform it.
1. Enter ihram at the miqat
Before crossing the miqat boundary, perform ghusl or wudu, wear the two white unstitched cloths (men) or modest everyday clothing (women), pray two rak'ah where permitted, and make the intention for Umrah. From this point the restrictions of ihram apply: no perfume, no cutting hair or nails, no clipping of the beard, no marital relations and no hunting.
2. Recite the talbiyah
Recite "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk" frequently and aloud (men) or quietly (women) from the miqat until you begin tawaf. This is the pilgrim's answer to the call of Allah and sets the tone for the journey.
3. Perform tawaf around the Ka'bah
On reaching Masjid al-Haram, begin at the Black Stone and circle the Ka'bah seven times anti-clockwise. Men perform idtiba (uncovering the right shoulder) and raml (brisk walking) in the first three circuits where possible. There is no fixed obligatory du'a — supplicate in your own words.
4. Pray two rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim
After tawaf, cover both shoulders and pray two rak'ah behind or near Maqam Ibrahim if space allows; anywhere in the mosque is acceptable when crowded. Then drink Zamzam water and make du'a.
5. Complete sa'i between Safa and Marwah
Walk seven lengths between the hills of Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah. Men jog lightly between the green markers. Each single length counts as one, so Safa to Marwah is one and the return is two.
6. Shave or trim the hair (halq or taqsir)
Men shave the head completely (halq, the more rewarded option) or trim evenly (taqsir); women trim a fingertip's length from the end of their hair. With this the Umrah is complete and the restrictions of ihram are lifted.
Visiting Madinah
Visiting Madinah is not part of Umrah, but almost every pilgrim goes. Pray in Masjid an-Nabawi, send salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ, and visit sites such as Masjid Quba and Uhud. Most travellers spend three to five nights there before or after Makkah.
How Ibadah Travel can help
We handle visas, flights, hotels and transport as one package, so you can focus on your worship. Explore our Umrah services, read more about us, or plan ahead for Hajj.