What do you take to Umrah?

Umrah for a Muslim means preparing oneself spiritually, physically and practically. While spiritual preparations depend from individual to individual, a complete checklist of things to carry on Hajj or Umrah can make your practical preparations easier.

We present you with a comprehensive list of items or documents that you must need to take with you on the sacred journey of Umrah. We organize this list by keeping the needs of different pilgrims so you can mold it according to your requirements. Pick the items that you feel are necessary for your sacred voyage. You can buy some of these items from the local shops in Makkah and Madina so in case you want to travel light, you can avail the option. Here’s a quick look at what all should make it to your Hajj/Umrah checklist:

Essential Documents

• Passport including Visa Documentation: Packing the travel essential must be your priority so pay special attention to these; otherwise you won’t be able to travel. Upon your arrival in Saudi Arabia, the Hajj authorities will take your passport and return it to you at the time of your departure.                                     
• Proof of Vaccination: Each and every pilgrim must provide proof of vaccination against the quadrivalent (A/C/Y/W135) meningococcal meningitis. Pilgrims from certain countries also need to have valid certificates of vaccination
  
  
  
  against yellow fever and polio.
• Passport Size Photographs: It is recommended to take at least 4 passport-size photos with you. These photographs may be needed for documents and procedures during the span of your Umrah trip. Instead of worrying there, it is better to take it with you.
• Saudi Riyals: Though you can change your currency in Saudi Arabia. It is better to bring a minimum of about 450 SAR for immediate expenses until you get familiar with getting your money exchanged locally. You can exchange money at the airport in Saudi Arabia or at local banks or money changers in Makkah and Madinah.
• Money: No one there will lend you money so pack with you enough amount that covers your expenditure. Plan your budget beforehand.
• Credit Card/Debit: For emergency, purposes take your debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATM.
• Emergency Contact Numbers: Note down all the important numbers in your pocket-size diary. You should have the number of your group leader and the number of your country’s consulate. If you have any relatives in Saudi Arabia write down their number as well.
• Photocopy of Passport: As we already mentioned above that Saudi authorities will take your passport at your arrival so you should have one or two copies of your passport with you.
• Valid tickets and a full travel itinerary also be in your checklist.

Prayer Essentials:

• Pocket Size Quran: You can find the copies of Quran everywhere in the mosques but it is more convenient to have your own. Mini Quran in your pocket allows you to remain seated without the need to get up, possibly causing you to lose your spot in the mosque.
• Book of Supplications: There are many pocket-size dua books available on market. Buy such books which have translations of each supplication so you know the meaning of what you’re reciting.
• Supplication List: Make a list of supplications you’d like to make during your Umrah journey, especially during the Day of Arafat. List the supplications you’d like to make comprising supplications for The Prophet PBUH, dua for your ancestors, yourself, your family and relatives, dua for the entire Muslim community especially those Muslim brothers and sisters suffering around the world, and also for those who passed away.
• Digital Dhikr Counter or Tasbeeh: You must have your tasbeeh in your pocket all the time so you can make dhikr anywhere you want. Digital Dhikr counters are very convenient.
• Seven Bead Tasbeeh: This is specifically needed to count the circuits during Tawaf and Sa’ey.
• Prayer Mat: It is optional but can help you when there is traffic or crowds on Haram or roads. Prayer mats are quite useful during travel and can double up against burning sun shields. Don’t buy a heavyweight or fancy mat instead look for one that fits into your pocket or bag.
• Umrah Guide Book: A pocket-size guide can be useful if you happen to forget anything.

Baggage Essentials:

• Hard-Shell Suitcase: Purchase a good quality hard case suitcase with a built-in locking system. Don’t buy soft, vinyl suitcases as they can easily be cut open, also avoid taking very expensive ones as there is also a possibility of theft. Choose the medium size suitcase as traveling with a huge suitcase can be difficult. Also, take suitcase Locks and Keys and luggage tags.

Clothing and Accessories Essentials:

• Ihram: The dress code for pilgrims should be appropriate. Don’t not buy very thin cotton ihram as they may become uncomfortable if you sweat. Toweling or thick cotton cloth is preferable. Pack an extra Ihram in case the first one becomes impure.
• Safety Pins: Small but necessary item to fasten the upper piece of Ihram so it does not fall from the shoulders.
• Waist Pouch: Take a good quality waist or neck pouch to keep valuable items such as money, credit card/debit, documents and keys. Wear your pouch all the time and don’t leave it at your accommodation. As there are many pick-pocketing cases observed so hold on to your pouch in crowded areas.
• Comfortable Clothes: Pack light-weight, loose-fitting clothes that require little to no ironing and can be washed easily as well as appropriate for the journey.
• Bathroom Slipper: Don’t forget to pack pair of decent, waterproof slippers that you can wear in bathrooms.
• Headwear: Prayer hat for men and hijab for women.
• Socks and underwear: The marble tiles in Haramain can get extremely cold so it is better to wear socks to protect your feet.
• Light Jacket: If you’re performing Umrah during winters, pack a light jacket as nights and early mornings get cold.

Toiletries:

• Unscented soap, handwash, shampoo/conditioner, and toothpaste along with big and small towels are necessary items to pack.
• Pack toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet rolls/pocket tissues, wet wipes, hairbrush, shaving machine/disposable razors, fragrance-free deodorant, suction hooks, small mirror, nail clipper, small scissor, and toiletries bag.

Medication: Basic medicine must be in your bag, pack your current medication prescribed by your physician, cold and flu relief medication, pain relief tablets, travel sickness tablets, moisturizing cream, lip balm, Vaseline, cough syrup/throat lozenges, diarrhea tablets, bandages, sunblock, muscle pain ointment, and antibiotics.

Electronics: Pack the electronics like universal travel adapter, mobile phone, Saudi sim card, mobile phone charger, headphones, wristwatch, alarm clock, and travel iron.