Umra Essentials
As you prepare for this holy pilgrimage, you may be wondering what to bring with you to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience. That’s where we come in. We will give you a comprehensive list of all the essential items you’ll need for your journey.
1. Travel documents
Important travel documents include:
- Passport and its photocopies
- Visa
- Flight tickets
- Vaccination certificates
- Hotel booking confirmation copies
- Receipts of payments made for Umrah
- Passport size photographs
- Relationship certificate (in case, you are travelling with your spouse)
- Saudi Riyals
- Debit/Credit card
- Travel itinerary
- Emergency contact numbers
2. Prayer essentials
During the Umrah pilgrimage, there is a dress code that must be adhered to. For men, this dress code is known as Ihram, which requires them to wear two pieces of plain, white, unstitched cloth. The Ihram is meant to symbolize the purity and equality of all pilgrims before God.
On the other hand, women are not required to wear the Ihram. Instead, they may wear normal clothing that covers their entire body, with only their hands and face exposed.It is important to note that while women are not required to wear the Ihram, they should still dress in a modest and respectful manner.
In addition you will need a Tasbiha for Dhikr, a pocket Quran, and a portable prayer rug.These items are crucial for every pilgrim to pack.
3. Clothing
People from various parts of the world travel to Makkah to perform Umrah, which typically involves long flights and road journeys that can be exhausting. Therefore, it is important to wear and pack lightweight, comfortable clothing. Another crucial consideration is the weather in Makkah, which is typically hot throughout the year. When packing, it is essential to choose light-colored and breathable fabrics that will not cause discomfort, even in sweltering temperatures.
In Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to dress modestly so as not to offend the cultural sentiments of the locals. Men usually wear formal attire such as shirts and trousers, while women often opt for salwar kameez or abaya.
Both men and women should pack several pairs of comfortable shoes, a waist pouch, bathroom slippers, a string bag, a light jumper, sunglasses, safety pins, a prayer hat, and a folding umbrella. Additionally, there are several other Umrah essentials for women, including:
- Three to five Abayas or Jilbabs
- Five to ten light and breathable hijabs
- Hijab accessories
- Socks
- Slips or light clothing for wearing under abaya
- Light pyjamas
- Blister patches
It’s important for men to pack regular clothing as well since they will need to change their clothes after completing Umrah. For example Thobes.
4 Basic First-aid Kit and medication
Including basic medicines and first-aid items on the Umrah essentials list is crucial. This should consist of cold and flu remedies, pain relief medication, travel sickness remedies, cough syrups and throat lozenges, diarrhea tablets, bandages, sunblock without fragrance, cotton, antiseptic cream, muscle pain relief ointments, oral rehydration salts, plasters and antibiotics.
5. Self-care essentials
Self care essentials can include a lot of things ranging from hygiene essentials to vanity products. These may include:
- Large and small towels
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (Fragrance-free for Ihram)
- Unscented shampoo and conditioner
- Fragrance-free soap (bar or liquid form)
- Pocket tissues
- Fragrance-free wet wipes for Ihram
- Hand sanitiser
- Hairbrush/comb (only to be used outside the Ihram state)
- Anti-perspirant
- Nail cutter
- Small scissors
- Razors or shaving machine
- Sanitary pads
- Unscented moisturiser or cream
- Toiletries bag
- Alarm clock
- Notebook and pen
- Empty water bottle for filling it with ZamZam as it is important to remain properly hydrated at all times.
- Sleeping accessories (including inflatable pillow, bedsheet and a sleeping bag)
- Snacks and packets of juices
6. Electronics
Carrying a smartphone is important for the Umrah journey as it helps pilgrims stay in touch with their families and friends. However, before embarking on the journey, it is important to ensure that the phone is unlocked. It is also advisable to purchase local sim cards at the earliest. Some other packing essentials for Umrah are a universal travel adaptor, mobile phone charger, power bank, kindle or tablet, headphones/earphones, wristwatch and flashlight.
