Umrah FAQ'S
ANY QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If any person has the intention of staying in Makkah for 15 days or more excluding his stay in Mina, Arafat and Muzdhalifa then he won’t do Qasr otherwise he has to do Qasr if he is staying in Makkah for less than 15 days.
Firstly, Tawaf Ziyara cannot be done before the tenth, under any reason or justification. In the event of extreme rush, it can be delayed after the tenth.
Firstly, we wish that Allah makes your trip a blessed one and accept your prayers and worship, Ameen.
Men have two options as they perform Umrah or Umrah; either they can shave their head (which is called Halq) or they can trim their hair (which is called Qasr). The Prophet prayed for those who shaved their head and those who trim it, so both are permissible (Sunan Tirmidhi, Book of Umrah, Hadith No. 837).
It is better to perform Qasr each and every time, and then shave it the last time you perform the Umrah. Do not symbolically snip a few hairs from each side as Qasr. Instead, perform the Qasr at a barber and ensure he does cut an equal amount all over the head.
When a person performs Umrah or Umrah, there are certain ports outside Makkah from where the person must ensure he or she is in a state of Ihram. These ports are called Miqaat, precisely. The following are the names and locations of the Mawaaqits:
- Zul-Hulaifah; this is for those coming from the direction of Madinah Sharif.
- Yalamlam; this is for those coming from the direction of Yemen, India and Pakistan.
- Juhfah; this is for those coming from the direction of Egypt, North Africa and Europe.
- Qaran ul-Manazil; this is for those coming from the direction of Najd.
- Zaat Irq; this is for those coming from the direction of Iraq.
As you rightly pointed out, The people already in Makkah, go to the outskirts of Makkah to Masjid Aisha where they wear the Ihram.
If the children have definitely reached the age of puberty and they perform the Umrah under the guardianship of their parents, then this will count as the compulsory Umrah. When the children are older, they are encouraged to visit the House of Allah again and again, but they will not be doing so with the intention of fulfilling the obligation of Umrah; that has already been done.
ANY QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah with specific rituals, that can be performed any time of the year. It is a Sunnah (recommended), not obligatory like Hajj.
Any sane Muslim (adult or child, male or female) who is physically and financially able, and permitted under current Saudi health/travel regulations.
Any time of the year, except during specific Hajj days (8th–13th Dhul Hijjah, when Umrah is paused).
- Entering Ihram (specific clothing and intention)
- Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah, 7 times)
- Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah, 7 times)
- Tahallul (cutting/shaving hair, symbolizing completion)
Ihram is a state of ritual purity and intent; men wear two unstitched white sheets, women wear modest dress (no face covering or gloves). Enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat boundary (as announced on flights or by group leaders).
It is recommended (not obligatory) to bathe (ghusl), trim your nails, mustache, and remove underarm and pubic hair, and avoid applying scents after donning Ihram.
- Cutting hair or nails
- Using perfume
- Wearing sewn clothing (men)
- Covering the face (women) or head (men)
- Engaging in marriage contracts or intimate relations
- Killing/hunting animals
Reference: Ministry of Hajj guide
No—only Muslims are allowed to enter Makkah and perform Umrah.
The rituals can be completed in a few hours, but pilgrims often stay for several days for extra worship and visits.
As of 2025, you can book independently via the Saudi Nusuk portal or use an agent/group. Advance hotel booking via the Nusuk platform is now required for the Umrah visa.
Yes, you may book through official channels, securing your own flights and hotel—ensure you follow visa, health, and accommodation requirements.
Yes, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah is highly recommended but not compulsory or part of the ritual itself.
Yes, but you must exit the Haram boundary (e.g. go to Masjid Aishah) and re-enter Ihram for each subsequent Umrah.
Yes, after first completing your own. You may do it on behalf of someone deceased or physically/terminally ill.
- Ihram garments (extra if staying long)
- Lightweight, modest clothing
- Unscented toiletries, sanitizer, wipes
- Medications (with prescription and translation if needed)
- Small bag/backpack for rituals
- Plastic bag for shoes, water bottle, snacks
- Umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen
Avoid large bags, sharp objects, excessive valuables, and religious books not necessary for rituals.
Yes, especially for first-timers. Many mosques and agencies offer live and online classes.
- Rushing rituals
- Not being humble and focused
- Pushing/crowding unnecessarily
- Not learning the necessary du’as beforehand
ANY QUESTIONS
FEMALE PILGRIM FAQS
Saudi law typically requires a mahram for women under 45 but may be relaxed for group packages—always check current policy.
Modest dress covering entire body (except face and hands); no niqab/face coverings or gloves in Ihram. Hijab (headscarf) is worn.
She may enter Ihram, travel, and perform all rites except Tawaf. Wait for purity if possible. If unable due to flight timelines, seek religious guidance.
Yes: Separate female prayer zones, WCs, entrances, and volunteer staff throughout both Haram mosques.
Yes, but consult your doctor and inform your group of health needs. Bring supplies like formula, diapers, and documentation for medical support.
ANY QUESTIONS
FAQ FOR ELDERLY, DISABLED, & SPECIAL NEEDS PILGRIMS
Yes—wheelchair access, ramps, priority lines, and helpers are available in both Haram mosques and major ritual areas. Agencies offer accessible packages and transport—book support in advance if needed.
Yes! Special lanes for wheelchair Tawaf/Sa’i, helpers for hire, and group/family may assist.
Essential meds, doctor’s letter, ID, translated info, medical supplies, and emergency contacts.
Yes—hospitals, clinics, and mobile first-aid teams are on hand. Urgent/emergency care for pilgrims is provided and usually free.
Yes. There’s no minimum age, but ensure child identification and be mindful of crowds. Plan extra rest and keep emergency contacts on every child.
ANY QUESTIONS
UMRAH VACCINATIONS, HEALTH & PANDEMIC PROTOCOLS (2025)
- Meningococcal ACWY: Mandatory, certificate required (valid for 3–5 years).
- COVID-19: Fully vaccinated; keep updated for changes.
- Yellow Fever/Polio: If from at-risk area.
- Seasonal Influenza: Highly recommended.
Yes—expect checks on arrival and in mosque areas. Always cooperate and disclose any symptoms.
Yes, and subject to change. Current requirements include COVID vaccination, mask-wearing in crowds or enclosed mosque spaces, social distancing when required, and use of official apps (like Nusuk) for tracking, navigation, or reporting symptoms.
Isolate per Saudi health protocols, inform your group/guide/hotel, and seek help through designated clinics or authorities.
ANY QUESTIONS
SPIRITUAL & PRACTICAL TIPS
It is Sunnah, not mandatory. If crowded, simply point to it and say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar.”
Not required but strongly advised for first-timers.
Yes—prepare main du’as, especially for Tawaf, Sa’i, and general dhikr (remembrance).
ANY QUESTIONS
TRAVEL, VISA, & LOGISTICS
You must book your accommodation through the official Nusuk platform before applying for an Umrah visa. Proof of this booking is required during the application.
Follow airline policy. For Zamzam, current rules allow one official 5-liter sealed bottle per pilgrim (subject to airline/Saudi updates).
Yes—but use respectfully, silence ringtones, and limit photos/videos.
Approach security, mosque staff, or your group leader. Lost and found desks are available in both mosques; keep your ID and emergency contact handy.
Yes. Download Nusuk and Ministry of Hajj/Umrah apps for slots, real-time rules, navigation, schedule changes, and emergencies.