Umrah, step by step

Guidlines on deciding on going with a group or DIY

Prefer to Travel with an Umrah Provider?

For those who prefer to have their Umrah journey planned through an experienced travel provider, Mabroor Essentials has partnered with Dar El Salam Travel to make it easier to explore organized Umrah options throughout the year.

View their seasonal Umrah packages and partnered journeys, with options available across multiple departure dates.

Consider seasonality when choosing the time and duration of your trip

Seasonality and Its Impact on Flight and Hotel Costs:

Low Season (More Affordable):

The Six Month Rule

A minimum of six months’ validity beyond the date of travel is required, otherwise your visa application WILL be rejected. So apply for passport now before setting up your trip.

Renew your US Passport HEREor online if you meet certain criteria

Official website for tourist visa

Visit The Official Saudi Tourist Visa Website to apply for your visa

Tourist visa application tutorial/walkthrough

This is the The Most Comprehensive Walkthrough/Tutorial on how to Complete the Tourist Visa Application

Resizing your photo

Resize your photo for the tourist application using this FREE & Easy Photo Resizing Tool

Make sure to follow instructions at the bottom of the website

Adding applicants and minors

Protip: its easy to miss “Save & Add Applicant” So DO NOT PAY UNTIL ALL FAMILY MEMBERS ADDED as MINORS WILL need to be linked to an adult on the application)

Visa is granted usually in a few minutes

-Check your SPAM mail

How to Confirm your Umrah visa with the Ministry of Hajj to make sure its legitimate

1-Visit https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/visaservices/searchvisa

2-Entire Visa number for first value, then for second value choose either Passport number or First name. then complete the rest of the items.

Tell us about the 10 year visa?

This 10 year visa is a VERY new concept, here is our recommendations so far

#1 Under NO circumstances should you apply for it online(in fact its not possible as you will have to physically submit your passport for this visa).

What is the visa on arrival?

Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for travelers who prefer not to deal with online visa applications, image resizing, and document uploads. Upon landing at the airport, you can head to the Visa on Arrival desk, located before customs.

At this desk, you will:

Important consideration when booking flights and hotels

If not using Credit card points, we recommend booking directly w/ the airlines website as opposed to 3rd party booking websites

- Protip: if your flight arrives in the middle of the night or very early in the morning(eg. 2am-10am)…DO NOT EXPECT YOUR HOTEL TO ALLOW YOU TO CHECK IN EARLY if the check in time is at 2pm. You MAY NEED TO book your hotel one night earlier to ensure no delays in checking in

·







For example, your flight arrives on Thursday, so you assume that you can book your hotel for Thursday. HOWEVER if check in time is 3pm and your flight arrives 4 am that day…don’t expect them to check you in early, you will need to book the hotel one day earlier so when you DO arrive there wont be any unexpected issues

-For hotel recommendations, check out Hotel Recommendations Page

-Keep in mind, despite hotels have a particular check in time...some hotels have a tendency to start check in AFTER ASR. So please be patient if that happens

Medina hotel map

Check out our MedinaEssentials Page for a map of the hotels and more!

Mecca hotel map

Visit our Mecca Essentials Page For Hotel Details

Ihram Related Gear

Check out our own Premium Muslin Cotton Ihrams available for sale

Ihram Belt

Over the door hooks (hang ihram on doors while changing, showering, etc)

Best/Most Comfortable Flip Flops (during ihram)

Fragrance Free Soap Options

Water Bottle/Hydration/Umbrella

Water bottles

Power Banks/Cords

Power Bank: Choose your specific Power Bank needs for your cables/phone

Powebanks

A power bank is essential to keep your phone charged during the day so you can stay connected with your group and daily plans. While there are many outlets, a power bank gives you the freedom to move around without being stuck near a wall.

Choose your specific needs for your cables/phone

Anker Portable Charger

Extension Cord w/ adapter

This is compactAdaptor and Extension Cordin ONE from a reliable brand!

This adaptor includes the most common type of Adaptor Saudi Uses Type G. Though the grounding plastic unit is a bit difficult to pull out, it does work

Whether its the hotel room, or in the mina/arafah camps, this will help keep your phone, power bank and other items charged. has a USB-C and USB-A port as well. Also, you can get a share in the reward if other guest of Allah use this to charge their devices as well!

*DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!

Organization/Packing

Carabiner Clips (hang bottles and other items from bookbag)

Tagging your luggage or even your kids is even more essential these days with Apple Air Tags

Neon ColoredDuct Tape (find your bags a mile away when you add this to your luggage, bookbag or your Zamzam box- choose any vibrant color or pattern

*DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!

Comfortable non ihram related clothing

Comfortable casual Sandals

Best Mens Boxers in the heat of mecca/medina(❌ ihram)

Wudu Gear Socks:
Useful during travel, NOT while in mecca or Medinah as too hot, but while traveling in the airplane/airport/etc. and NOT during state of ihram

*DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!

Backbags/Cross Body Bags

BackBags/Cross Body Bags

Crossbody Bag for day to day activity from hotel to haram

Nusuk Registeration Tutorial

Visit our Rawda Essentials Page for STEP BY STEP Tutorial on how to Register for the Nusuk App

iPhone/Android Links for Nusuk App

Download the Nusuk App on your

iPhone

Android

Download this app for TWO Reasons

Check out our dedicated Rawda Essentials Page for all the Details as well!

1.





Book a rawdah appointment in masjid al Nabawi

Ø
Subscribe to our Rawda Availability Email list to be notified when umrah openings become available!

Ø
When do do Nusuk rawda appointments become available to book?

-Check 2 weeks ahead of time (when you will be in Medina) on

Thursday evening at 10pm CST

OR

Friday morning at 5:25am CST

-If not available 2 weeks ahead of your arrival to medina , then check 1 week ahead of time on the above
days/times

2.





Book a Umrah appointment. This is important even IF the guards don’t check as you MAY need it when picking up your Zamzam water from the airport. This is to make sure that NOT every single person with a tourist visa gets access to the Zamzam water, only those who made umrah. At the completion of your umrah appointment, you will get a certificate of completion in the nusuk app which you may need to show(in addition to your passport). 1 zamzam bottle per passport

When Do Rawda Appointments Open Up

When do do Nusuk rawda appointments become available to book?

Mohu has changed the date of release, will update you once we note their pattern inshallah. we estimate it to be the 26th of the hijri(or gregorian month)

Rawda Visiting Times for Men

Brothers

Saturday-Thursday

Rawda Visiting Times for Women

Sisters

Saturday-Thursday

Subscribe to be Notified Rawdah Booking Availability

Sign Up Here!

At least ONE MONTH PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, download the Nusuk App

Assist Haramain Electric Wheelchair Service ⭐ FEATURED PARTNER

Mobility Assistance in Makkah & Madinah

For pilgrims who may have difficulty walking long distances, Assist Haramain offers electric wheelchair rentals in Makkah and Madinah, including hotel delivery and pickup, flexible rental durations, and WhatsApp support.

Featured Mobility Partner · Sponsored

Haramain Highspeed Train

if planning to use the Highspeed to travel between Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, we recommend using the app as its less glitchy then their website

Dowload the HHR app on

Iphone

Android

Protips:

Reliable Taxi Services

Reliable Taxi Services: Even if you plan to take the train, you'll still need transportation between the airport or train station and your hotel.

Uber

Uber: A Surprisingly Reliable and Convenient Option

Uber is not only more affordable than a taxi, but it also offers the convenience of easy, ahead-of-time booking. It’s particularly effective in certain areas:

Budget Friendly Bus in Medina

Did You Know? You Can Travel Between Medina Airport or Train Station to Masjid Al-Nabawi for Just $4 USD! / Perfect for those on a budget, Medina’s bus system offers a convenient and affordable option:

Starting February 10th, 2025, meningitis vaccine is required for umrah

Starting February 10th, 2025, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced stricter enforcement of meningitis vaccination requirements for all passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, regardless of visa type.

Background

While the Quadrivalent Meningitis Vaccine has long been listed as a requirement, enforcement on the ground was previously inconsistent. This meant that many pilgrims were able to enter without presenting proof of vaccination. However, with this latest directive, the policy will now be strictly implemented at all entry points into Saudi Arabia.

What You Need to Know

Vaccination Requirements

The Seerah Coach

For those seeking a meaningful and spiritually enriching Ziyarat experience, we highly recommend The Seerah Coach with Sh. Arif. Unlike the common practice of relying on taxi drivers for Ziyarat tours, Sh. Arif offers an in-depth, engaging journey through Medina’s sacred history.

With a background as a Medina University student and a hafith, Sh. Arif brings both knowledge and humility to the experience. Fluent in English and Arabic, he guides you through key historical sites with insights that resonate deeply. The city tour in Medina, lasting about 3.5 hours, takes place in a comfortable vehicle, providing ample opportunity to reflect and connect with the city's profound legacy. This tour costs $200 and is a truly valuable investment in your Umrah journey all while in comfortable Toyota Hiace(7 seater).

For a shorter, yet equally impactful experience, Sh. Arif also offers a Masjid walking tour, which lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours for $110. Each of these options is designed to enhance your journey with genuine understanding and connection to Medina’s rich history.

The Seerah Coach is an excellent resource for those doing their own Umrah without an agent, ensuring a complete and immersive Ziyarat experience in Medinah and Mecca!

The Haramayn Guide

The Haramayn Guide is very reputable Ziyarat Service

Hop on Hop off Bus

For a VERY budget friendly, but not as immersive experience, consider this service

Explore Medina’s historical landmarks with a convenient bus service that visits multiple significant sites. For the best experience, be sure to select the Red Route when purchasing your ticket.

Quba' Walkway

Perhaps one of most beautiful and family friendly walk ways from Medina to Masjid Quba' is the Quba’ Walk Way

Walkway starts on the Northeast Corner of Masjid Al-Nabawi GATE 309. Here is one of the best videos to show you how to find where the walkway starts!

If the distance is too far to walk, there are plenty of golf carts for 10 riyal per person to take you there!

Disclaimer

Mabroor Essentials is not a travel agency. Sponsored partners are clearly identified and do not influence our educational content or reviews.

View Featured Umrah Packages HERE

Booking a Rawdah Appointment

Check out our Rawda Essentials Page, for dedicated page on all things related to the Rawda and the nusuk app!

Booking a Rawda Appointment

Step 1: At least 1 month prior to your travel, download and register via the Nusuk App: See Registration Tutorial Here

Step 2: When to Book a Rawda Appointments on your Nusuk App

Step 3: confirm your booking appointment between 2 hours and 48 hours ahead of your appointment

Step 4: Arrrive at least 30 min to Gate 37 for your Rawdah visiting appointment

When Are the Rawda Visiting Times

Sisters

Daily except Fridays

Morning: 6am-11am

Evening: 9:30pm-12:00am

Visiting Times on Fridays

Morning: 6am-9am

Evening: 9:30pm-12:00am

Brothers

Daily except Fridays

1am-Fajr

Thuhur-Isha

Visiting Times on Fridays

1am-Fajr

Asr-Fajr

For Sisters without a Rawda appointment

-it may be possible to enter without a permit outside Gate 32, however there is a good chance of NOT being inside the Rawda, but near it.

General Packing Guide

Links to all items below are listed on our Essentials Packing Guide

Preparing to arrive to Medinah is very similar to any travel destination in terms of preparation. Nothing about Medinah specifically is required to bring besides reviewing the manners of being in presence of our Beloved Messenger ﷺ and preparing for Umrah spiritually and mentally.

In addition to men and women wearing Islamically appropriate attire

A good crossbody bag
and water bottle will be sufficient for each day in Medinah with a few helpful item to keep in your bag depending on how far your hotel is from Masjid Al-Nabawi

Water bottle, packets of liquid IV

protein bars, snacks of your choice

money, credit cards

medication

printed dua books(see listed
courses for printable PDFs)

phone, powerbank, cable cord

prayer mat(incase you end up praying on the tile)

umbrella

sunglasses

Transportation

If your hotel accommodations starts in Medinah, no need to enter a state of ihram upon arrival to Jeddah or Medina

How to Get FROM Jeddah Airport To Medina

Hight Speed Train: Train station is attached to Jeddah airport and is convenient. Check out our transportation page for details. Keep in mind that once you reach Medinah's trainstation, you will have to take a taxi from Medina train station to your Hotel

Taxi: Use ONLY official taxi services located in the taxi line outside the airport. DO NOT under any circumstances choose someone who randomly shows up. or prebook a taxi service(see our transportation page for details)

If landing in Medinah Airport

Take a taxi to your hotel, again see our Transportation Essentialsfor details

Medina Bus Track #400. great choice if on a budget, see our transportation essentials page for details