Your Complete Guide to Performing Umrah
Practical, step-by-step guidance to help you prepare for a meaningful and comfortable Umrah journey.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which takes place during specific days of the Islamic calendar. It involves a set of rituals centred around the Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram, and is often described as the "lesser pilgrimage."
How to Prepare for Umrah
Preparing for Umrah involves both practical and spiritual readiness. On the practical side, ensure your passport is valid, your visa and travel documents are in order, and you have arranged suitable accommodation in Makkah and Madinah. Spiritually, many pilgrims use the time before departure to increase their knowledge of the rituals and set clear intentions for the journey ahead.
Every pilgrim's circumstances are different. For specific religious rulings or guidance on your personal situation, please consult a qualified scholar.
Ihram Guide
Ihram refers both to the state of ritual purity a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah, and to the simple, unstitched white garments worn by men during this state. Ihram is entered at or before the Miqat, and involves specific intentions and restrictions that remain in place until Umrah is completed.
Miqat Guide
The Miqat points are designated boundaries around Makkah at which pilgrims travelling to perform Umrah or Hajj must have already entered Ihram. If you are flying into Jeddah, your Miqat may be reached in the air — our team can advise you on the correct timing based on your flight route.
Umrah Step-by-Step Guide
- Enter Ihram at the Miqat with the intention (niyyah) to perform Umrah.
- Perform Tawaf — seven circuits around the Kaaba.
- Pray two rakats near Maqam Ibrahim, where possible.
- Perform Sa'i — walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Shave or trim the hair to complete the rituals of Umrah.
Umrah Packing Checklist
- Valid passport and visa documentation
- Ihram garments (for men) and modest, comfortable clothing (for women)
- Comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear
- Unscented toiletries suitable for use in Ihram
- A money belt or secure pouch for documents and cash
- Any personal medication, clearly labelled
- A small prayer mat and a copy of the Qur'an or a du'a booklet
Makkah Guide
Makkah is home to Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, the focal point of Umrah and Hajj. Most pilgrims base themselves within walking distance of the Haram where possible — see our hotel-only deals for options featured in our packages.
Madinah Guide
Many pilgrims choose to visit Madinah, home to Masjid an-Nabawi, either before or after their time in Makkah. While a visit to Madinah is not a ritual requirement of Umrah, it holds deep significance for many travellers. See our hotel-only deals for options featured in our packages.
Visa Information
UK travellers can perform Umrah on either the Saudi ETA visa or the Saudi Tourist visa, depending on their passport. Visa processing is included as standard within our Umrah packages. Note that Nusuk is the official Saudi platform used for Hajj permits, not Umrah — see our Nusuk support page if you're booking Hajj.
Common Umrah Questions
For more common questions, visit our full FAQs page, or browse our current Umrah packages.