Before You Travel
Good preparation turns a stressful trip into a focused act of worship. Here is what to sort before you go.
Most pilgrims arrive tired because of avoidable oversights. Working through the categories below — and using the Umrah Planner to track them — makes the journey calmer and lets you focus on worship.
Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Umrah visa or the relevant permit for your travel type
- Travel insurance
- Vaccination record (for example, meningitis, where required)
- Flight and accommodation confirmations
- Digital and paper copies of everything, kept separately
Health
- Pack regular medications with prescriptions
- A small first-aid kit and rehydration sachets
- Sunscreen and lip balm for the heat
- Comfortable, well broken-in footwear
Packing essentials
- Ihram clothing (men) and modest clothing (women)
- Unscented toiletries while in Ihram
- A prayer mat, tasbih and a small shoe bag
- A refillable water bottle and a universal power adapter
Money
- Set a clear budget and notify your bank you are travelling
- Carry some cash in Saudi Riyal, plus a backup card
- Check live rates with our Currency Exchange Calculator
Spiritual preparation
- Learn the Talbiyah and key duas
- Review the rites of Umrah
- Set your intention sincerely, and seek and give forgiveness before you go
Travel dua
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.
“Glory to Him who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it by our own efforts. And indeed, to our Lord we will surely return.”
Source: Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:13–14
Please note: Requirements such as visas and vaccinations change over time. Check the latest official guidance and confirm religious matters with a qualified scholar.