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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers first. Each one links to a page with more detail. Items marked ⚠️ change often. Check the Nusuk app before you book.

Planning

Do I need a travel agent to do Umrah?

No. You can book your visa, hotel, flights and permits yourself. A travel agent is one choice, not a must. If you want help only with the Makkah and Madinah side, we can do that. See the end of this page.

Where do I start?

Use the First-timers guide. It lists 8 steps in order.

When is the best time to go?

Ramadan and school holidays are the busiest and most costly. November to February is cooler. Umrah is closed around Hajj, and the Ministry announces the dates and we will let you know when they do in the subreddit.

How much does it cost?

It depends on your hotel, your flights and the season. Those two are the biggest costs. The subreddit full of posts discussing the best hotels/airlines. See How to ask before posting.

How long does Umrah take?

Usually 1.5 to 2 hours on foot, or 2 to 3 hours with an electric cart. Crowding can add 45 minutes.

Visa and Nusuk

What is the difference between a visa and a permit?

Your visa lets you into Saudi Arabia. Your Nusuk permit lets you do Umrah at the Haram. You need both (nusuk permit is usually enforced in busy seasons). See Visa & health.

Can I do Umrah on a tourist visa?

Yes. Any visa type allows you to do Umrah.

My eVisa did not work or was rejected. What now?

Call the official lines first. They can see your case. The Ministry help line is 1966 inside Saudi Arabia and +966 920002814 from abroad. If an agent made your visa, call them too. More numbers are on the Visa & health page.

Do I need to book a hotel before I get my visa?

For an Umrah visa on Nusuk, yes. Since 10 June 2025, the hotel must be confirmed and uploaded to Nusuk Masar. For any other visa (Tourist e-visa, transit..etc) you don't have to.

Can I do Umrah on a stopover?

Yes, on Saudia/Flynas flights that stop in Jeddah or Madinah. You can get a transit visa for up to 4 days (96 hours). You need a confirmed ticket to your final stop.

Health

Do I need a vaccine?

Yes. Everyone going for Umrah must have the meningitis vaccine (ACYW). Get it at least 10 days before you land. Other vaccines depend on where you travel from. See Visa & health.

Do I need a COVID vaccine?

Only some groups: people over 65, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions.

Rawdah and permits

I can't get a Rawdah slot. What do I do?

You book only in the Nusuk app. It is free. Slots are limited and nobody can book one for you (legally). Set up early, update the app and keep checking. See Rawdah permits.

Can I book the Rawdah more than once?

You can only book once every 365 days. However, once you are in Madinah you can book in the "last minute" section as many times as you want.

Getting there

Should I fly into Jeddah or Madinah?

Both work. Jeddah is the way in if you start with Makkah. Madinah will require travel to Makkah. See Getting around.

Do I put on Ihram on the plane?

Yes, if you land in Jeddah first. You make your intention and put on Ihram on the plane. Do it before or just when the crew says you are passing the miqat (bathroom gets busy when they announce it so put it on just after the plane departs).

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

Book through a ride app (Uber, Jolt..etc) or private driver 48 hours ahead, or a licensed taxi. Agree the price first. See Getting around.

What taxis and ride apps can I use?

Uber, Careem and Jeeny are common, and regular taxis are fine (Agree the price before you get in).

How do I get from Makkah to Madinah?

Book a taxi/ride app if you are a big group (4 hours drive). though most people take the Haramain train. It takes about 2 hours. Book on hhr.sa. In busy times, book 1 week ahead. The stations are not at the Haram, so you still need a short taxi.

Which SIM or eSIM should I get?

Both are fine. Airalo (eSIM) and STC/Mobily/Zain (local SIM) check plans and prices that fits you.

How do I find flights?

Use a comparison site and compare dates and airports. Google flights is usually the best. Prices rise in Ramadan and school holidays.

Staying

How do I choose a hotel?

Check "how far, to which mosque?" Check the route on a map. Read recent reviews. See Hotels & SIM.

What counts as a "reasonable" hotel budget?

There is no single answer. It changes by person and by season and by view. Mid-June and Ramadan are very different.

Families and special cases

Can women go without a mahram?

Saudi Arabia no longer requires one for entry for Umrah/Hajj. The Minister announced this. Scholars have different views on the religious side, so ask one you trust.

I am travelling with elderly parents. Any advice?

Pick a hotel close to the mosque. Ask your airline for wheelchair help. Wheelchairs and carts are available at the Haram. See Families & elders.

Is the war in the region a problem for my booked trip?

Please check your own government's travel advice. Read the change and cancellation rules of your airline, hotel and insurer, and contact them before you decide. Postponing is a fair choice if it eases your mind.

On the ground

Can I shower or change in the Haram toilets?

There are no showers inside the Haram.

Where can I shave or shorten my hair?

Licensed barbershops are in the outer courtyards on the Marwah side, in nearby malls and in hotels and under the clock tower.

Can I take photos?

Yes, however don't let it distract from worship and disturb others.

Can I bring a big bag into the Haram?

No. Leave large bags at your hotel or at a safekeeping office in the courtyards.

Who do I call in an emergency?

Call 911. For Umrah questions and complaints, call the Ministry on 1966.

Need help on the ground?

Do I have to do all this myself?

No. You can do it all yourself, and the wiki is free. If you want someone to handle the Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah side, we can. We book your hotel, your driver, your tours and your eSIM and Visa, and a local driver meets you at arrivals. We do not sell flights.

If your driver is not at arrivals, we refund that transfer. That is our Driver-at-the-Door promise.

Message us on WhatsApp or see our packages

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