Umrah Essentials

Time to book your flights & hotels

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

· 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

Deciding to book on your own or with a travel Agency?

Guidlines on deciding on going with a group or DIY IF choosing a travel agent, skip to to step#6 and #7 as your travel agent will take care of most of the other stepsIF choosing to book on your own, follow each step carefully:Should you book the umrah trip on your own, or go with a group/travel agencyRule #1: If you've never been for Umrah before, always go with a group or travel agent, no matter how much you think you’ll save by going solo.Rule #2: If you think you might get confused at any point—whether it's about the rules of Umrah, transportation logistics, or handling hotel issues—go with a group or travel agent. The peace of mind is worth far more than the potential cost savings.Rule #3: The benefits of traveling with a group are invaluable. You’ll benefit from lectures and reminders by knowledgeable scholars (shuyookh), meet fellow Muslims from around the world, and have all accommodations—transportation, luggage handling, hotel check-in, and more—handled for you. You’ll also enjoy more insightful and spiritually enriching visits to historical sites, making your trip far more meaningful.While booking Umrah on your own may be cheaper, unless you’re familiar with the entire process—from both a spiritual and logistical perspective—it won’t be as fulfilling. This is particularly important for families. For a family of four or more, having a capable leader to guide them safely through the experience can make all the difference, especially when working within a budget.

Guidlines on deciding on going with a group or DIY

IF choosing a travel agent, skip to to step#6 and #7 as your travel agent will take care of most of the other steps

IF choosing to book on your own, follow each step carefully:

Should you book the umrah trip on your own, or go with a group/travel agency

Rule #1: If you've never been for Umrah before, always go with a group or travel agent, no matter how much you think you’ll save by going solo.

Rule #2: If you think you might get confused at any point—whether it's about the rules of Umrah, transportation logistics, or handling hotel issues—go with a group or travel agent. The peace of mind is worth far more than the potential cost savings.

Rule #3: The benefits of traveling with a group are invaluable. You’ll benefit from lectures and reminders by knowledgeable scholars (shuyookh), meet fellow Muslims from around the world, and have all accommodations—transportation, luggage handling, hotel check-in, and more—handled for you. You’ll also enjoy more insightful and spiritually enriching visits to historical sites, making your trip far more meaningful.

While booking Umrah on your own may be cheaper, unless you’re familiar with the entire process—from both a spiritual and logistical perspective—it won’t be as fulfilling. This is particularly important for families. For a family of four or more, having a capable leader to guide them safely through the experience can make all the difference, especially when working within a budget.

You need a Valid US Passport

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 HERE or online if you meet certain criteria

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 HERE or online if you meet certain criteria

Here is how to apply for a tourist visa

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

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

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

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

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

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 youriPhoneAndroid

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 NabawiØ 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) onThursday evening at 10pm CSTORFriday 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/times2. 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

Download this app for TWO Reasons

Helping you pack for peace of mind, one essential at a time. Visit Packing Essentials Page for details!

Ihram Related Gear

Check out our own Premium Ihrams available for sale

Turkish Made Ihram

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

How to Wash Brand located in Walgreens

Kirks Soap Bar: keep bar in a separate bag WITHIN your bag to prevent it rom getting everywhere

Ihram Clothing Turkish Made Ihram comes w/ the top piece(and rida) and Izar(bottom piece). This is an Excellent Turkish Quality Ihram. Avoid Chinese made ihram clothing at all costsIf your journey starts in Mecca, be sure to pack you ihram in your carry on to make sure you land in Jeddah in a state of ihramIf your journey starts in Medinah, no need to purchase one here and just purchase it when landing in Medinah to lighten the travel

Ihram Clothing

Turkish Made Ihram comes w/ the top piece(and rida) and Izar(bottom piece). This is an Excellent Turkish Quality Ihram. Avoid Chinese made ihram clothing at all costs

If your journey starts in Mecca, be sure to pack you ihram in your carry on to make sure you land in Jeddah in a state of ihram

If your journey starts in Medinah, no need to purchase one here and just purchase it when landing in Medinah to lighten the travel

Ihram Belt Need space to place your phone, and other small items, all the while helping keep up you Izar(the bottom portion of your ihram clothing), this is a great Ihram belt to consider

Need space to place your phone, and other small items, all the while helping keep up you Izar(the bottom portion of your ihram clothing), this is a great Ihram belt to consider

Ihram Friendly and Comfortable Sandals The Archies Sandals are not only unbelievably comfortable, but very durable. I have done Hajj TWICE with these sandals AND a Umrah. And many have appreciated this recommendation. When purchasing new sandals, make sure to break them in and wear them at least 1 week ahead of your journey to prevent blisters.