Umrah Guide: Step-by-Step for a Smooth Umrah Trip

Umrah is a sacred and deeply spiritual journey in Islam – a blessed journey to the holy city of Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year (unlike Hajj, which is annual and time-specific). It involves a set of sacred rituals in Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque) in Makkah. This Umrah guide will walk you through everything you need for a successful Umrah trip – from planning and visas to a step-by-step breakdown of how to perform Umrah. We’ll also include tips on travel arrangements (including choosing an Umrah package or going DIY) and important requirements to ensure your pilgrimage is spiritually rewarding and hassle-free. PDF

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Planning Your Umrah Trip

1️⃣ Choose the Right Time

Umrah can be performed year-round, so decide when to go based on your schedule and crowd levels. Ramadan is a popular time due to its great reward, but it’s also very crowded. Other times of the year (excluding Hajj season in Dhul Hijjah, when Umrah visas are paused) may be less congested. Whenever you go, plan for a trip of at least a week if possible – this gives you time to perform Umrah calmly, recover energy, and perhaps visit Madinah as well.

2️⃣ Ensure Your Travel Documents

A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates) is required. Only Muslims are allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and central Madinah, so you must be Muslim to perform Umrah. It’s also recommended to carry your national ID and a few passport-sized photos, though these are generally not needed for the new e-visa process. Make sure to have certificates for any required vaccinations (more on health requirements below).

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Obtaining an Umrah Visa (Updated Process)

Saudi Arabia has introduced an easy online visa system that many travelers can use themselves, without a travel agent in most cases. Here’s what you need to know:

Tourist eVisa (Online Umrah Visa)

Saudi Arabia launched a tourist e-visa in 2019 that allows entry for tourism and Umrah (outside Hajj). This is a one-year multiple-entry visa, permitting stays of up to 90 days in total, and it comes with mandatory health insurance included. Pilgrims from 66+ eligible countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, most of Europe, etc.) can apply online in minutes through the official Saudi eVisa website

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Umrah eVisa

1. 1. Create an account on the eVisa portal and start a new application. here

1. 1. Fill out the online form with your personal details (full name, date of birth, passport info, address, etc.) and a valid email.

1. 1. Upload the required documents – usually a passport scan and a passport-style photo.

1. 1. Pay the visa fee online by credit or debit card.

1. 1. Submit the application and wait for approval. Approval is usually fast—many applicants receive their eVisa via email within minutes to a few hours. However, it’s wise to apply at least a few days before your trip in case of any delay.

1. 1. Download and print your eVisa. This will be an electronic visa that you present at immigration in Saudi Arabia.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform Umrah

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2️⃣ Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)

Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, begin Tawaf.

✔ Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): If possible, touch or kiss it (not obligatory); otherwise, point towards it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.” ✔ Circle the Kaaba 7 times counterclockwise while making du’a and remembering Allah. ✔ Men (Sunnah Practice): Keep the right shoulder exposed during Tawaf (Idtiba’) and walk briskly in the first three rounds (Ramal). ✔ After completing Tawaf:

• • Pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the mosque).

• • Drink Zamzam water, making a personal supplication.

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3️⃣ Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)

✔ Proceed to Safa: Face the Kaaba and make du’a before starting. ✔ Walk between Safa and Marwah 7 times:

• • One trip from Safa to Marwah is one round.

• • Jog lightly between the two green markers (for men only).

• • Make du’a at both Safa and Marwah. ✔ Completion: After seven rounds, you will finish at Marwah.

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4️⃣ Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming the Hair)

✔ Men: Either shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir) evenly. ✔ Women: Trim a small portion (about a fingertip length) from their hair. ✔ Ihram Ends: Once hair is cut, all Ihram restrictions are lifted. Your Umrah is now complete! 🎉

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Travel Agencies and Umrah Packages

It’s no longer mandatory to book an Umrah package through a travel agency just to get a visa (for most countries). You can apply directly online for the eVisa and arrange your own travel. However, using a reputable travel agency is still an option for convenience.

When to Use an Umrah Package:

✔ If you prefer all-in-one services (visa processing, flights, hotels, transport, guides).
✔ If you’re from a country that requires a registered agent to apply for an Umrah visa (e.g., Pakistan, India, etc.).
✔ If you want a guided group experience or are unfamiliar with Saudi travel rules.

When to Plan Your Own Trip:

✔ If you qualify for the tourist eVisa and prefer flexibility in choosing flights, hotels, and itinerary. ✔ If you want to travel beyond Makkah & Madinah (the tourist visa allows visits to Riyadh, Jeddah, etc.). ✔ If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option by booking directly. Scroll all the way to the  bottom to find package

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With these updates, your Umrah planning and visa process should be smooth and hassle-free. Always check the latest official guidelines before traveling. May Allah accept your Umrah! 🤲🏼

Sources:

PDF 

• • Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah – Official Visa and Health Guidelines gov.uk

• • Saudi Tourist eVisa Portal – Visa rules for Umrah (eligible countries, duration)visa.visitsaudi.com

• • Travel Advisory (UK & US) – Umrah entry requirements and safety tipsgov.uk travel.state.gov

• • Verified Islamic Resources – Umrah rituals step-by-step (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Halq) bayangroup.ae