Umrah Packing Checklist

Pack light, pack early and keep the essentials in your carry-on. You will walk a great deal, often in heat and crowds, so comfort matters more than variety. Use this list as a starting point and adjust it for your season, health and family. For the reasoning behind each item, see our guide What to Pack for Umrah.

Tip: Check your airline’s baggage allowance in your booking. Allowances vary by airline, route and fare, and your quote will state what is included.

• Passport (valid at least six months beyond travel) plus photocopies kept separately
• Saudi visa approval and Umrah permit confirmations, printed and saved on your phone
• Green card or U.S. visa, if you are not a U.S. citizen
• Flight, hotel and transfer confirmations
• Vaccination records, including any certificate required for pilgrims
• Travel insurance details and emergency contacts
• Credit or debit cards (tell your bank you are traveling) and some Saudi riyals in cash
• Your specialist’s contact details and the hotel addresses

Men

• Two Ihram sets (two unstitched white sheets each); one in your carry-on
• Ihram belt or money belt
• Open sandals that leave the top of the foot uncovered

Women

• Modest, loose, breathable clothing and comfortable head coverings
• Several abayas or long dresses that are easy to walk in

Everyone

• Unscented soap, shampoo, deodorant and lip balm for the period in Ihram
• Small prayer mat and a pocket dua book or app
• Small drawstring bag for shoes inside the mosques
• Tasbih (prayer beads), if you use one

• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or sandals; avoid brand-new footwear
• Light, breathable clothing for the heat; a light layer for air-conditioned mosques, hotels and flights
• Socks (useful on hot or cold marble floors when appropriate)
• A warmer layer for winter evenings, especially in Madinah
• Sleepwear and a modest set of clothes for travel days

• Prescription medicines in original packaging, enough for the trip plus extra, with a copy of prescriptions
• Basic first aid: pain relief, plasters, blister pads, rehydration salts, anti-chafing balm, throat lozenges
• Unscented sunscreen, sunglasses and an umbrella for shade
• Face masks for crowded spaces
• Hand sanitizer and pocket tissues
• Refillable water bottle (Zamzam is freely available in the mosques)

Speak with your doctor about vaccines and health conditions well before travel. The CDC Travelers’ Health page for Saudi Arabia lists current recommendations.

• Phone with an international plan, eSIM or a plan to buy a local SIM
• Saudi plug adapter (Type G is most common; some outlets accept other types)
• Power bank (in carry-on, within airline limits) and charging cables
• Offline maps and the official Nusuk app, if you are using it for permits

• Lightweight foldable stroller or baby carrier for crowded areas
• Identity cards or bracelets for children with a parent’s phone number and hotel name
• Snacks and a familiar comfort item for young children
• Portable seat or cane seat, if mobility is limited (check mosque rules)
• Spare glasses, hearing-aid batteries and mobility-aid chargers
• Medication schedule written out in case a companion needs to help

• Valuable jewelry and unnecessary valuables
• Scented toiletries you would use while in Ihram
• Bulky luggage you cannot manage yourself on stairs or in crowds
• Any items prohibited by Saudi customs. Check official guidance if you are unsure about medications