Essential Umrah travel tips: accommodation, packing and planning
Umrah guide · February 7, 2024
1. Decide the order of the cities
Most pilgrims arriving in Jeddah go to Makkah first for Umrah, then to Madinah for Ziyarah. Arriving in Madinah first lets you start rested and enter ihram at Dhul Hulaifah on the way to Makkah.
2. Book the hotel before the ticket
Hotel availability near the Haram is tighter than flights, especially in Ramadan, school holidays and the weeks around Hajj. Fix the accommodation first, then the flights.
3. Match the hotel to the group
Couples usually prefer a compact hotel close to the Haram; families and groups are better served by hotel apartments with kitchens. Check the maximum occupancy of each room type before you request a quote.
4. Packing checklist
- Ihram garments (two sets for men), comfortable sandals, a small bag for shoes inside the mosque.
- Unscented soap and toiletries for the state of ihram.
- A light prayer mat, a refillable bottle for Zamzam, a power bank.
- Copies of passport, visa and hotel vouchers — printed and on the phone.
5. In Madinah
The Central Area around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is compact: almost every hotel there is within a 5–10 minute walk. See our hotels in Madinah.
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Makkah hotels