Umrah, from intention to completion
Labbayk.
لَبَّيْكَ اللّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ
A calm, complete guide to performing Umrah, with the practical things pilgrims ask about most: where to stay by real walking time, how to get there, what to eat and when to pray.
The four rites
Umrah can be completed in a few hours. Each rite has its own page with steps, duas and common questions.
- 01IhramالإحرامEnter the sacred state at the miqat with intention and talbiyah.Step 1
- 02TawafالطوافSeven circuits around the Kaaba, counter-clockwise, from the Black Stone.Step 2
- 03Sa'iالسعيSeven lengths between Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa.Step 3
- 04Halq · Taqsirالحلق والتقصيرShave or shorten the hair, and the Umrah is complete.Step 4
Plan with live data
- Hotels by walking timeEvery hotel near both mosques, ranked by the real walking route to the nearest gate.94751 ≤ 5 min
- Flights to Jeddah & MadinahFrom your city, with a reminder of where your plane crosses the miqat.JED · MED55 ✈
- Food from homeIndonesian, Pakistani, Turkish and more near the Haram, with pharmacies and supermarkets.111Food
- Prayer timesUmm al-Qura times for Makkah and Madinah, updated daily.أم القرىUmm al-Qura
From the journal
Journal →Guides
Ihram on the plane: a calm routine for flights to Jeddah
Flying from Asia, Africa or Europe straight to Jeddah? Here is a simple routine so the miqat never catches you out.
1 min read
Planning
Why we rank Makkah hotels by walking time, not distance
"300 metres from the Haram" can mean a 4-minute stroll or a 12-minute climb. Here is how our hotel finder measures it.
1 min read
Planning
Choosing your dates for 2027: crowds, heat and the Hijri calendar
Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier every year. Here's what that means for crowds and weather if you're planning Umrah in 2027.
1 min read
Questions pilgrims ask
All questionsWhat is the best time to perform Umrah?
It depends on what matters most to you. Ramadan carries the greatest reward but is extremely crowded. November to February is cooler with moderate crowds. June to August is very hot. Umrah visas are usually paused for several weeks around Hajj.
Do I need vaccinations?
Yes. The meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine is required for Umrah pilgrims and should be taken at least 10 days before travel. Other requirements change, so check the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or your Nusuk visa page before you book. Flu and routine vaccines are recommended.
How much money should I bring?
As a rough guide, budget 7,500–10,000 SAR for 10 days excluding flights and visa: mid-range hotels, food, local transport and gifts. Carry some cash for small vendors; cards work almost everywhere else.
Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?
Saudi regulations no longer require women to travel with a mahram to obtain an Umrah visa or permit. Scholars differ on the religious ruling of travelling without a mahram, so ask a scholar you trust.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes. Holders of the Saudi tourist eVisa may perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, booking a permit in the Nusuk app where required.