Complete Guide How to Perform Umrah – Updated for 2025

Introduction – How to perform umrah

Planning to perform Umrah? Our complete guide on how to perform umrah covers visa requirements, umrah steps, travel tips, costs, and common mistakes — everything you need to prepare confidently for your journey to Makkah

Performing Umrah is a deeply rewarding act of worship that holds great significance in Islam. It is a Sunnah highly encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, offering pilgrims a precious opportunity to draw closer to Allah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their faith.

With an overwhelming amount of information about Umrah available online, it’s easy for pilgrims to feel confused and uncertain. That’s why we’ve created this clear, up-to-date guide — to give you straightforward, reliable steps to perform your Umrah confidently and correctly.

Visa Requirements for Umrah: Tourist Visa vs Umrah Visa — Which Is Better?

Tourist Visa is better if:

• You want to perform Umrah independently (DIY Umrah, no group/ agent)
• You are eligible for Saudi Arabia’s Tourist eVisa (countries like Malaysia, Singapore, USA, UK, EU). Click here to view the full list of eligible countries
• You prefer flexibility in booking your own flights, hotels, and transportation
• You might want to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times within a year

Umrah Visa is better if:

• You are from a country not eligible for the Saudi Tourist eVisa (such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh) This requires you to apply for Umrah Visa through authorised local travel agencies. It is not possible to apply for a standalone Umrah Visa entirely by yourself without using a licensed provider. However, if you are a US, UK or EU permanent resident or a US, UK or Schengen visa holder or a GCC resident, you might be eligible to apply for the Saudi Tourist eVisa online. Click here to check eligibility via Nusuk.sa
• You prefer a fully guided pilgrimage with hotels, transport, and visas handled by an agent (especially for first-timers)
• You are focusing only on Umrah and not interested in touring other parts of Saudi Arabia
• You want a lower upfront cost through agent package deals

To help you navigate the visa requirements accurately, we have provided links to official sources where you can find the most up-to-date information:

• Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Official source for Hajj and Umrah regulations and updates
• Nusuk.sa: Platform to book Umrah visas, packages, and services through approved agent
• Visa.visitsaudi.com: Portal to apply for Saudi Tourist eVisa, which allows performing Umrah independently

Vaccination and Health Requirements You Should Know

Before performing Umrah, pilgrims must meet specific health and vaccination requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Health. These measures help protect all visitors during the pilgrimage. For the latest updates, refer to the Saudi Ministry of Health – Pilgrims Health page.

Below is a list of the required vaccinations and who needs to take them:

• Meningococcal Meningitis (ACYW135): Mandatory for all pilgrims aged 1 year and above
• Polio Vaccine: Required for travellers from countries with active polio cases
• Yellow Fever Vaccine: Required for travellers from yellow fever-endemic countries
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Strongly recommended for all pilgrims
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Strongly recommended according to current guidelines

Carry a printed copy of all your vaccination certificates, especially for meningitis and polio if required. Immigration and airport authorities in Saudi Arabia may request to see proof upon arrival.

Step-by-Step on How to perform Umrah for Pilgrims

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey, and the steps to complete it are easy to follow when understood clearly. With sincerity and calmness, every pilgrim can complete Umrah smoothly and confidently. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you along the way.

1. Enter into Ihram
   • Make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah at the Miqat (designated station)
   • Wear the Ihram garments and recite the Talbiyah: “Labbayka Allahumma Umrah”
2. Proceed to Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah
   • Upon arrival, enter the sacred mosque with the right foot and recite du’a for entering a mosque
3. Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba
   • Make seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
   • Recite prayers, du’as, or dhikr during each circuit
4. Pray Two Rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim
   • After completing Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere within the mosque
5. Drink Zamzam Water
   • Drink Zamzam water with the intention of healing and blessings, and make du’a
6. Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
   • Walk briskly between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah
   • Du’a and dhikr are encouraged throughout the Sa’i
7. Shave or Trim Your Hair (Tahalul)
   • Men should shave their heads (recommended) or trim their hair; women should cut a small portion of hair (about the length of a fingertip)
   • This act completes your Umrah and releases you from the state of Ihram

For a more detailed understanding of each Umrah step, it’s always best to refer to trusted official sources. Platforms like the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Nusuk.sa offer comprehensive and up-to-date guidance to help ensure your Umrah is completed correctly and with peace of mind.

Helpful Travel Tips to Prepare You for a Well-Planned Umrah

With Umrah demand increasing throughout the year, especially during Ramadan and school holidays, careful planning has become more important than ever. To help you prepare effectively, we’ve compiled these essential travel tips based on the most common questions and concerns raised by fellow pilgrims.

Book Early, Pay in Full, and Choose Weekdays 

Booking your hotel a few months in advance gives you better rates and more options. To avoid cancellations or price changes, it’s recommended to pay the full amount upfront. In Saudi Arabia, the weekend is on Friday and Saturday, when many locals and regional travellers perform Umrah. Hotel prices typically rise from Thursday night to Saturday, so choosing weekday stays can help you save with lower rates.

Plan Your Stay Near Masjid Al-Haram for Easy Access

Staying close to Masjid Al-Haram saves time, conserves energy, and allows you to attend prayers easily. Here are some popular areas within walking distance of the Haram:

• Clock Tower (Abraj Al Bait Complex): Directly across from the Haram, the Clock Tower offers luxury hotels such as Fairmont, Swissotel, and Raffles. You’ll also find food courts, shopping malls, and prayer areas conveniently located inside the complex
• Ajyad Area: Located just behind and to the sides of the Clock Tower, offering a range of mid-range and budget hotels within a 5 to 10 minute walk to the Haram. It is quieter and cheaper which is ideal if you’re staying for longer period
• Jabal Omar: A modern cluster of hotels close to the Haram, including popular names like Hyatt Regency, Conrad, and Marriott. It’s a great choice for those who prefer new, spacious rooms with direct paths to the mosque. There are escalators and pedestrian paths connecting Jabal Omar hotels to the Haram, making the 10 minute walk manageable even for families and elderly pilgrims
• Ibrahim Al Khalil Street: A more budget-friendly area with hotels about a 10–15 minute walk from the Haram, it is a popular choice for families and larger groups seeking affordable accommodation. The street is lively, with plenty of shops and restaurants along the way
• Misfalah Area: Offers affordable hotels with shuttle services to the Haram and plenty of nearby shops. However, it’s farther from the mosque around 20-30 minutes walking, with older hotels and potential shuttle crowding during peak times. Good for those prioritising budget over distance

Download These Essential Apps:

• Make your Umrah experience easier by downloading these key apps before you travel. They will help you manage permits, navigate the cities, arrange transport, and stay updated throughout your journey:
  • Nusuk: Book Umrah permit, get information on mosque gates, Tawaf and Sa’i areas, locate essential facilities such as wheelchair services, and reserve prayer slots in advance for visiting Rawdah in Madinah
  • Google Maps: Find your way easily around Makkah, Madinah, hotels, restaurants, and key landmarks with live walking navigation
  • Careem: Popular ride-hailing app in Saudi Arabia. Quickly book rides to your hotel, the Haram, airports, train stations and other places

How to Get Mobile Service and Data:

Staying connected during Umrah is essential for navigation, communication, and using key apps. Below, we’ve listed the main service providers offering SIM and eSIM options to help you stay connected throughout your time in Saudi Arabia:

• STC (Saudi Telecom Company): Best overall coverage and reliable customer service with many branches and kiosks, but packages are slightly more expensive
• Mobily: Good network coverage with cheaper plans, customer service might not be as accessible as STC
• Zain: Cheaper packages but coverage may be weaker
• Airalo: Instant eSIM activation with affordable plans starting from as low as USD 5 for 1GB, making it ideal for short-term visitors; however, it provides data-only service without calls or SMS

Where to Eat Near Masjid Al-Haram

• Al Baik: Saudi made and famous for its fried chicken and value-for-money meals. Very popular among locals and pilgrims, however expect long lines during peak hours
• Food Courts in Clock Tower and Safwah Tower: Wide selection of international and local food chains, making them ideal for families and groups looking for variety. You’ll also find plenty of dessert shops and cafés, perfect for a quick coffee or sweet treat between prayers
• Al Romansiah (Jabal Omar): Traditional Saudi dishes like kabsa, mandi, and grilled meats. Good for those wanting a full local meal experience
• Restaurants along Ibrahim Al Khalil Street: Budget-friendly Pakistani, Indian, and Middle Eastern food options. Perfect for affordable, filling meals after prayers

Conclusion

We hope this guide has made preparing for your Umrah easier and clearer.

As your next steps, finalise your visa and vaccination requirements, book your flights and accommodation early, download the essential apps, and prepare your travel essentials.

May Allah accept your Umrah, bless your efforts, and grant you a safe, peaceful, and spiritually fulfilling journey, InsyaAllah.