Everything You Need to Know Before Your Umrah Pilgrimage

Hajj and Umrah, being two of the most important pilgrimages in Islam, are attended by many every year. In Islam, this is done to fulfil one’s religious duties. More than 18.5 million people took part in this pilgrimage in 2024, and the number is said to increase in the current year. However, taking part in Hajj or Umrah isn’t just about getting a Saudi Umrah Visa. 

So, if you are planning to take part in this pilgrimage from abroad, then you must know the basics about it. This way, you will be able to have a guided experience where the chances of facing any issues will be low. Ultimately, helping you have a successful experience that makes it easier for you to feel closer to your God.  

Understanding the Differences Between Hajj and Umrah

Both Hajj and Umrah are important Islamic pilgrimages, and are mainly done to seek forgiveness from Allah and strengthen their connection with the Almighty. However, they have quite a few differences.

Let’s consider them below. 

When to Go: Best Time to Perform the Pilgrimage

Picking the right date depends on which pilgrimage you are going for, and a few other important things. Some of these considerations are: 

Hajj Dates and Umrah Season

The timing of the Hajj stays the same every year, as it is done during the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar, named Dhul Hijjah. In 2025, the Hajj dates are going to begin from the 8th day and last till the 13th day of the month. 

On the other hand, you can perform Umrah throughout the year. However, we always suggest people choose Safar and Rabi’ al-Awwal, which come right after the Hajj season. That’s because you will not find many crowds during this period. 

Climate Considerations  

The entire process of Hajj or Umrah isn’t done while staying indoors. Rather, you are required to stay outside to carry on your duty. This is exactly why it is always best to consider the climate when going on a pilgrimage. 

While most people like to travel with a Saudi Umrah Visa during winter, some choose the summer months. If you also fall into the second category, then you must think about the heat and the challenges that it brings.    

Pros and Cons of Off-peak Umrah 

The month of Ramadan is generally considered the peak season for Umrah due to its religious significance. So you should be prepared to find significant crowds if you go for Umrah during this month. 

If you wish to perform your Umrah when it’s less crowded, it’s best to go between the months of May and September. 

Visa & Documentation Requirements

Saudi Arabia offers multiple visas to all people who travel to this country. From a Saudi tourist visa to a business visa, the list is truly endless. However, since you wish to undertake the Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage, you will need to apply for a Umrah or Hajj visa. 

These are two separate visas, but their application process is more or less the same. Other than that, the validity of the Hajj visa is restricted to the month of Dhul Hijjah, and the Saudi Umrah visa comes with a 3-month validity. 

We will be focusing on the online application process for Saudi Hajj or Saudi Umrah visa, as that is more convenient. The steps that you will have to follow during this process are: 

• Visit the online portal for visa application.
• Fill out the application form and mention all the necessary details 
• Add scanned copies of your valid passport (one with a minimum of 6 months’ validity beyond your travel date and at least two blank pages), recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, travel itinerary, inwards and outward flight tickets, and additional documents related to the Hajj or Umrah*. 
• Pay the fee for your Saudi Hajj or Saudi Umrah visa through your debit or credit card. 
• You will then have to wait for a few days until the authorities process the application 
• After the visa is approved, you will receive the relevant letter in your email 
• Print out the visa approval letter, and carry the same with you to the airport. 
• Inform the Helpdesk if you face any delays or rejection during this process. 

*Additional documents related to Hajj or Umrah include:

• Documents that prove an individual is Muslim, as only Muslim pilgrims can get this visa. 
• Documents from the mosque or Islamic organization for people who have converted to Islam but do not have a Muslim name. 
• A vaccination certificate stating that you have been inoculated against Meningococcal Meningitis. The certificate should have been issued not more than three years ago, or at least ten days prior to the trip. 
• Proof of relation for women or children travelling with a man. Otherwise, a woman isn’t allowed to travel alone till a certain age. 
• A no-objection letter from a male guardian or Mahram for women who are above 45 years old and performing Hajj with a group. (Women above 45 years old are allowed to perform the trip alone.) 

Packing Checklist for Pilgrims

Packing the right kind of clothes and other things is extremely important for any trip, even if you’re just visiting for tourism purposes with a Saudi tourist visa. This is especially true if you’re about to undertake a pilgrimage for Hajj or Umrah.

Essential Clothing 

Remember to carry Ihram garments (for men) and Abayas (for women) as these play the most important roles. Other than these, you must also carry sandals and other comfortable clothing to be worn after the pilgrimage. 

Personal Care

Pack all your necessary toiletries with you. But make sure they are unscented items and do not have any cosmetic items in them. 

Important Items

Carry all the important documents like identity proof and other things related to Hajj or Umrah. Other than that, you should also carry your prayer items and any snacks of your choice. Most important of all, you should carry your necessary medicines and a small first aid kit. Lastly, you must also carry power banks, safety gear, and water and electrolytes to stay hydrated. 

Note: Take rest in case of fatigue.

Travel & Accommodation Planning

When choosing an accommodation with your Saudi Umrah visa, you should remember the following things. 

• Choose the right Hajj/Umrah package that meets your budget.
• Stay close to the Haram in a budget-friendly place.  
• Choose buses, trains, or even walking when travelling within Saudi Arabia. 

Spiritual Preparation

Hajj or Umrah isn’t just a one-time event. Rather, it also demands a lot of prior preparation from your side.

• Strengthen your intentions or niyyah and mindset  
• Learn du’as, rituals, and meanings beforehand  
• Prepare mentally for crowds, patience, and humility  
• Seek forgiveness and make personal prayer lists  
• Remember to visit different places in Makkah and Madinah, like Masjid al-Haram, Zamzam Well, Quba Mosque, and others. 

Returning Home: What Comes After the Pilgrimage

There are some things that you must do after you return home from Hajj or Umrah. Some of these things include: 

• Practice spiritual aftercare and maintain your religious habits and prayers  
• Share the experience with loved ones to motivate them to take part in the experience.   
• Clean the Ihram garments only if they have become dirty; otherwise, keep them as it is for future Umrah. 
• Give souvenirs to your loved ones. 

Ready to Take Part in a Pilgrimage With Your Saudi Umrah Visa? 

Taking part in Hajj or Umrah is an excellent experience for anyone who wants to seek forgiveness from the Almighty and become a more religious person. 

However, taking part in a pilgrimage of this kind involves more than just applying for a Saudi Umrah visa. That’s because you should understand the deeper aspects of the pilgrimage. This is the only way that can help you find absolution. 

So, start your preparation for the trip in advance, and apply for your visa on time for a successful experience. In case you face any visa-related issues, get in touch with the Helpdesk.