Umrah Essentials
A Complete Umrah Checklist For First-Time Pilgrims
From documents to daily needs—everything first-time pilgrims should carry and know before departure.
Browse categories
All
Baggage
Clothing
Documents
Electronics
Financial
Hygiene
Medication
Other
Prayer Items
Travel Essentials
Passport
Must have a minimum of 6 months' validity from the date of departure.
Ensure at least 2 blank pages are available.
Carry the original passport in hand luggage.
Keep 1–2 photocopies separately from the original.
Save a soft copy on your phone and email/cloud storage.
Umrah Visa
Carry a printed copy of your Umrah visa (mandatory).
Keep a soft copy saved on your phone and email/cloud storage.
Ensure visa details match your passport information exactly.
Air Ticket (Very Important)
Carry a confirmed return ticket printout.
Keep a soft copy on your phone.
Baggage allowance (check-in & cabin)
Transit visa requirement (if layover is long or the country requires it)
Terminal number & reporting time
Arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before international departure.
Air Ticket (Very Important)
Carry a confirmed return ticket printout.
Keep a soft copy on your phone.
Baggage allowance (check-in & cabin)
Transit visa requirement (if layover is long or the country requires it)
Terminal number & reporting time
Arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before international departure.
ID Proof (India)
Take at least 4 additional photographs with you to Saudi Arabia. These may be needed for documents and procedures during your journey.
PAN card (not required for Saudi immigration, optional only)
Hotel Booking Confirmation
Makkah & Madinah hotel visiting cards.
Hotel address + contact number saved
Hotel Booking Confirmation
Makkah & Madinah hotel visiting cards.
Hotel address + contact number saved
Proof of Vaccination
All pilgrims from all countries must produce a valid certificate of vaccination against quadrivalent (A/C/Y/W135) meningococcal meningitis.
Travel Insurance
Often included with a visa
Keep a soft copy on your phone
Baggage
Backpack
If you're performing Hajj, pack a lightweight backpack or travelling bag for your stay and journey between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Hard-Shell Suitcase
A good quality suitcase with a hard case and a built-in locking system is recommended.
Avoid soft, vinyl suitcases as these can easily be cut open by thieves or ill-intentioned individuals.
Clothing & Accessories
Ihram x 2
Avoid buying a very thin cotton Ihram – these may stick to you and become uncomfortable if you sweat.
The thicker cotton garment or towelling (terry cloth) is preferable and can later double up as towels/blankets, etc.
Take another set just in case the first set becomes impure.
Waist Pouch or Neck Pouch
Keep your valuables, such as money, documents, debit/credit cards, and hotel keys, in a high-quality waist or neck pouch.
Wear your pouch at all times and ensure you don’t leave your accommodation without it.
Be vigilant of pickpockets and thieves, particularly in crowded areas.
Hold on to your pouch in crowded areas to ensure it doesn’t get stolen.
The authorities may inspect your pouch at the entrances of the Haramain in Makkah and Madinah.
Sandals x 2
Whilst you're in Ihram, your ankles and the top part of your foot (around the shoelace area) need to remain uncovered.
A flat, soft pair of walking sandals is recommended.
You will be doing a lot of walking during the days of Umrah or Hajj, so they must be comfortable.
Buy a pair well in advance of your journey and wear those shoes regularly so they can be worn in and become more comfortable.
Comfortable, Loose-Fitting Clothes
Take comfortable, loose-fitting garments for when you're not in Ihram.
Take clothes that require little to no ironing, are easily washed and are appropriate for the journey.
One set of clothes usually lasts one day.
For men, the Saudi Thobe/Jubbah and the Indo-Pak Shalwar Qameez are ideal.
For women, the Abaya is the best option.
Shoe Bag/String Bag
When entering the Haramain, you can put your footwear inside the bag and take it with you to avoid losing it.
Your shoes can be left on the racks, although there is a chance you may lose them.
Jumper/Jacket
If travelling during the winter (November to February), it can get fairly cool during the night and the early part of the morning, so you may want to pack a jumper/jacket.
Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses around the Haramain can protect you from the sun's glare, which often reflects off the white marble, potentially causing problems for those with sensitive eyes.
Headwear
Prayer hat/scarf for men to protect their head from the sun (when not in Ihram).
Hijab for women.
