Preparing for Umrah, the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah, requires careful planning and packing. Having the right items can make your spiritual journey more comfortable, allowing you to focus on worship rather than worrying about forgotten essentials. This comprehensive Umrah packing list provides everything you need to know about what to pack for Umrah, with specific guidance for both men and women.
Essential Documents and Money
Regardless of gender, all pilgrims should prioritize these critical items:
- Passport with valid Umrah visa (keep physical and digital copies)
- Vaccination certificates (meningitis is mandatory; others may be required based on your country)
- Flight tickets and itinerary (physical and digital copies)
- Hotel reservations (printed and digital)
- Travel insurance documents
- Emergency contact information
- Cash in Saudi Riyals (approximately 1,500-2,000 SAR recommended)
- Credit/debit cards (notify your bank of international travel)
- Money belt or secure pouch (worn under clothing)
- Passport-sized photos (4-6 extras for potential documentation needs)
Men’s Packing List for Umrah
Ihram Essentials for Men
The proper Ihram garments are mandatory for male pilgrims:
- 2 sets of Ihram cloths (two white, unstitched pieces of cloth)
- Upper cloth (Rida): approximately 2 x 1.5 meters
- Lower cloth (Izar): approximately 1.25 x 2 meters
- Ihram belt with secure pockets for valuables
- Safety pins or clips (6-8) to secure the upper garment
- White unscented soap for washing Ihram if needed
Footwear for Men
- Open-toed sandals (2 pairs) that expose the ankle bones and top of the foot
- Comfortable walking shoes for non-Ihram days
- Flip-flops/bathroom slippers for hotel use
Regular Clothing for Men (for non-Ihram periods)
- Lightweight, modest clothing (4-5 sets)
- Thobes/jubbahs or loose pants and shirts
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes and shorts above the knee
- Undergarments (7-10 pairs)
- Socks (3-4 pairs)
- Prayer cap/kufi (2-3)
- Light jacket or sweater (seasonal, especially for evening prayers)
Women’s Packing List for Umrah
Ihram Essentials for Women
Women don’t wear specific Ihram garments but must observe modest dress:
- Prayer abayas (2-3, preferably lightweight and breathable)
- Hijabs/scarves (4-6, including some lightweight options)
- Prayer clothes that cover completely during worship
- Face covering (if culturally practiced, though not mandatory)
Footwear for Women
- Comfortable walking shoes with good support (closed-toe recommended)
- Open sandals for ease during wudu (ablution)
- Flip-flops/bathroom slippers for hotel use
Regular Clothing for Women
- Loose, modest outfits (4-5 sets)
- Long dresses, abayas, or loose pants with long tops
- All clothing should be non-transparent and loose-fitting
- Undergarments (7-10 pairs)
- Socks (3-4 pairs)
- Light jacket or cardigan (for air-conditioned spaces or evening prayers)
- Slip-on skirt (useful for placing over pants during prayers)
Prayer Essentials for All Pilgrims
- Pocket-sized Quran or Quran app on smartphone
- Prayer mat (lightweight, travel-sized)
- Dua (supplication) book with translations
- Tasbeeh/prayer beads for dhikr
- Seven-bead counter for tracking Tawaf and Sa’i rounds
- List of personal duas you wish to make
Toiletries and Hygiene Items
For Men
- Unscented soap, shampoo, and body wash (essential during Ihram)
- Unscented deodorant (for use after Ihram)
- Toothbrush and unscented toothpaste
- Miswak (natural toothbrush, widely available in Saudi Arabia)
- Shaving kit (for after Halq/Taqsir)
- Nail clippers
- Unscented sunscreen
- Unscented lip balm
For Women
- Unscented soap, shampoo, and body wash
- Unscented deodorant
- Toothbrush and unscented toothpaste
- Miswak (natural toothbrush)
- Feminine hygiene products (bring ample supply)
- Unscented wet wipes
- Unscented moisturizer
- Unscented sunscreen
- Unscented lip balm
- Hair ties and pins (for securing hijab)
Shared Hygiene Items
- Hand sanitizer (unscented during Ihram)
- Toilet paper/tissues (pocket packs)
- Unscented wet wipes (very useful during travel)
- Small towels (quick-dry recommended)
- Larger bath towels (if not provided by hotel)
- Laundry soap for hand-washing clothes
Medications and Health Supplies
- Prescription medications (in original packaging with doctor’s note)
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen/paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Oral rehydration salts
- Antacids
- Cold/flu medicine
- Throat lozenges
- Bandages and first aid supplies
- Muscle pain relief cream (unscented during Ihram)
- Insect repellent (unscented during Ihram)
- Vitamins and immune boosters
- Face masks
- Blister pads/moleskin (for foot care during extensive walking)
Electronics and Accessories
- Smartphone with useful Hajj/Umrah apps
- Power bank/portable charger (high capacity recommended)
- Universal travel adapter
- Charging cables (bring extras)
- Headphones (for listening to lectures or Quran)
- Camera (if not using smartphone)
- Wristwatch (to keep track of prayer times)
- Alarm clock (backup for wake-up calls)
Practical Accessories
- Lightweight backpack/day bag for carrying essentials during rituals
- Reusable water bottle (insulated to keep water cool)
- Umbrella (for sun protection, white recommended)
- Spray bottle (for cooling down in hot weather)
- Sunglasses (for eye protection from sun and dust)
- Sleeping eye mask and earplugs (for better rest)
- Small lock for luggage
- Plastic bags for dirty clothes or shoes
- String bag for carrying shoes in the Haram
- Sewing kit for emergency repairs
- Foldable tote bag for shopping
Special Considerations for Different Seasons
Summer Umrah (May-September)
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Cooling towels
- Handheld fan or battery-operated fan
- Extra water bottle
- Electrolyte supplements
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Winter Umrah (November-February)
- Light jacket or sweater
- Long-sleeved shirts/tops
- Warm socks
- Light gloves (mornings can be cool)
- Scarf for additional warmth (women may already have hijabs)
Packing Tips for Umrah
- Pack light – you’ll likely acquire items during your journey
- Choose lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics
- Use packing cubes to organize and compress clothing
- Wear your bulkiest items during travel to save luggage space
- Bring a half-empty suitcase if you plan to shop extensively
- Label all luggage clearly with your name and contact information
- Distribute important items between carry-on and checked luggage
- Remember the fragrance restriction during Ihram – all toiletries must be unscented
What Not to Pack
- Perfumes or scented products (prohibited during Ihram)
- Valuable jewelry or unnecessary expensive items
- Excessive cash (use cards when possible)
- Tight or revealing clothing
- Political or controversial materials
- Non-essential electronics
- Prohibited items (check Saudi Arabia’s customs regulations)
Ihram Guide: Special Considerations
The state of Ihram involves specific restrictions that affect your packing choices:
For Men:
- No stitched clothing can be worn during Ihram
- No covering of the head (avoid hats, umbrellas are permitted for shade)
- No covering of the face
- No closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the foot or ankle
For Women:
- No face veils that touch the face (hanging veils are permitted)
- No gloves
- Regular modest clothing is worn (no special Ihram garments required)
Final Checklist Before Departure
- Review all travel documents and make digital copies
- Confirm all reservations (flights, hotels, transportation)
- Check weather forecast for Makkah and adjust packing accordingly
- Ensure all electronics are fully charged
- Pack a change of clothes and essentials in carry-on luggage
- Inform family and friends of your itinerary
- Set up international calling/data plan for your phone
- Download useful apps (prayer times, Quran, maps, translation)
Conclusion
This comprehensive Umrah packing list should help ensure you have everything needed for a comfortable and spiritually fulfilling journey. Remember that while being prepared is important, Umrah is fundamentally a spiritual journey. Pack what you need, but don’t let material concerns overshadow the profound religious experience ahead.
Many items can be purchased in Saudi Arabia if forgotten, particularly in the shopping areas surrounding the Haram in Makkah. Focus on the essential documents, appropriate clothing, and personal medications that may be difficult to replace.
May Allah accept your Umrah and make your journey easy, comfortable, and spiritually rewarding.