Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim performs by completing 4 sequential rites — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir — inside Masjid al-Haram, after registering through Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform and obtaining an Umrah visa. Saudi Arabia received 13.5 million Umrah pilgrims in 2023 and targets 30 million annually by 2030. A first-time pilgrim can complete Umrah in 2–3 hours under normal off-peak conditions.
What Is Umrah and Who Can Perform It?
Umrah — the "lesser pilgrimage" — is a voluntary journey to Makkah in which a Muslim fulfils 4 consecutive rites inside Masjid al-Haram. Umrah is distinguished from Hajj by three defining characteristics: (1) it is performable year-round across all 12 Islamic calendar months, (2) it consists of 4 rites rather than Hajj's 12, and (3) its legal classification differs by school.
The Hanafi and Hanbali schools classify Umrah as Sunnah Mu'akkadah (confirmed Sunnah). The Shafi'i and Maliki schools classify it as Wajib (obligatory) — once in a lifetime. All four schools unanimously encourage its performance.
What Is the Islamic Ruling on Umrah?
Hanafi / Hanbali
Umrah is Sunnah Mu'akkadah — a strongly confirmed Sunnah. Evidence: the Prophet's (ﷺ) response in Ibn Majah (2989) described Hajj as obligatory and Umrah as tatawwu' (voluntary). Nonetheless, performing it once with sincerity expiates all minor sins since one's previous Umrah.
Shafi'i / Maliki
Umrah is Wajib — obligatory once in a lifetime. Evidence: Quran 2:196 — "Complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah." Both acts are conjoined with the same imperative verb, indicating equal obligation.
What Are the Eligibility Conditions for Performing Umrah?
Four conditions must be met before Umrah is obligatory or valid:
Hanafi, Hanbali, and Maliki: A woman must be accompanied by a Mahram (husband or unmarriageable male relative). Saudi government enforces this via Nusuk — Mahram verification is required for women under 45.
Shafi'i: Permits a woman to travel with a trusted group of Muslim women without a Mahram.
Saudi 2021 policy: Women aged 45 and above may travel in organised Umrah groups without a Mahram, subject to group registration on Nusuk.
Can Children Perform Umrah?
Yes — Umrah performed by a child is valid and spiritually rewarded. It does not fulfil the adult obligation if Umrah is Wajib in the child's school — the Umrah must be repeated after puberty. The parent or guardian enters Ihram on the child's behalf: declaring Niyyah for the child and guiding through each rite.
Sahih Muslim 1336 — "The child who performs Hajj and then reaches puberty must perform Hajj again." The same principle applies to Umrah under the Shafi'i and Maliki positions. Saudi Arabia requires a passport or birth certificate for all children including infants. There is no minimum age for an Umrah visa.
When Is the Best Time to Perform Umrah?
Umrah is performable across all 12 Islamic calendar months. Two frameworks guide the choice of timing: spiritual optimisation and logistical optimisation. Saudi Arabia hosts up to 2 million pilgrims simultaneously during the final 10 days of Ramadan, making first-timer logistics significantly more challenging.
During off-peak months (Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal — approximately October–December in Gregorian calendar), Tawaf and Sa'i together take approximately 90 minutes versus 6–8 hours during Ramadan peak.
Is Umrah During Ramadan Better?
The spiritual reward of Ramadan Umrah is unparalleled. This applies to any day within Ramadan. Performing Umrah during Laylat al-Qadr (most likely the 27th of Ramadan) multiplies the reward exponentially — equivalent to worship over 1,000 months (Quran 97:3).
First-timers choosing Ramadan must plan for three significant challenges: extreme crowd density, heat of 38–42°C in Makkah, and waiting times of 4+ hours for Tawaf. Book Nusuk slots, hotels, and flights 6–12 months in advance for Ramadan packages.
Which Months Have Fewest Crowds?
Muharram, Safar, and Rabi al-Awwal host approximately 300,000–500,000 pilgrims — compared to 2 million during Ramadan peak. Four practical advantages for first-timers choosing off-peak months:
- Shorter Tawaf queues — 30–45 minutes versus 4 hours at Ramadan peak
- Accessible Hajar al-Aswad touching — 10–15 minutes wait versus hours
- Lower package costs — 20–40% below Ramadan pricing
- More personalised Mutawwif service with smaller groups
Hajj season months (Shawwal, Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah) see elevated crowds as Hajj pilgrims perform Umrah concurrently. Nusuk publishes real-time crowd forecasts for Masjid al-Haram on its platform.
How Does a First-Time Pilgrim Register for Umrah Through Nusuk?
Every Umrah pilgrim must register through the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) — mandatory for all international pilgrims since 2022. Nusuk replaced the previous manual permit system in 2021. Registration is required to obtain a Tawakkalna permit, Zamzam water allocation, and Masjid al-Haram entry slots. Without valid Nusuk registration, a pilgrim cannot legally enter Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf. Licensed operators complete Nusuk on behalf of their clients; independent travelers register directly via the Nusuk app.
What Is the Nusuk Platform?
Nusuk (نُسُك) is Saudi Arabia's official government digital platform, operated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Its three primary functions are: (1) pilgrim identity verification and Umrah permit issuance; (2) Masjid al-Haram time-slot booking during peak seasons; (3) Mahram relationship verification for women under 45.
Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) in Arabic, English, Urdu, Malay, French, and Turkish. Saudi citizens and residents may use Nusuk to book independently without an Umrah visa.
How Does a Pilgrim Create a Nusuk Account?
What Services Does Nusuk Provide Beyond Registration?
Nusuk provides 8 major services for pilgrims:
- Masjid al-Haram entry slot booking — time-slot reservations during peak seasons
- Masjid an-Nabawi visit scheduling — including Rawdah al-Sharifah slot booking
- Zamzam water ordering — up to 5 litres for home delivery (Saudi government initiative 2022)
- Qurbani booking — official sacrifice service
- Real-time crowd monitoring — displays capacity levels for ground floor, first floor, and Sa'i corridor
- Hotel booking near Masjid al-Haram
- Transport booking between Makkah and Madinah
- 24-hour multilingual pilgrim support — Arabic, English, Urdu, Malay, French, Turkish
Nusuk integrates with Tawakkalna for vaccination and health verification at Masjid al-Haram entry gates.
What Is the Umrah Visa and How Do Pilgrims Obtain It?
The Umrah visa is a single-entry or multiple-entry Saudi visa issued exclusively for pilgrimage purposes. It is obtained through a licensed Umrah operator or directly via the Nusuk platform. The Umrah visa grants entry to Makkah and Madinah only — non-holy sites (Riyadh, Jeddah Beach, tourist areas) require a separate tourist visa. Saudi Arabia opened independent tourist visas in 2019; combined Umrah and tourism itineraries are possible by securing both visa types separately.
What Are the Types of Umrah Visa?
Three types of Umrah visa are issued:
- Standard Umrah Visa — Single entry, obtained through a licensed operator. Processing time: 3–7 working days.
- Electronic Umrah Visa (e-Umrah) — Issued directly through Nusuk for 50+ countries including UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and Japan. Issued within 24 hours of approval. No operator required.
- Umrah Transit Visa — For pilgrims transiting Saudi airports en route to Makkah; shorter validity and restricted movement.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia must use registered Umrah operators due to bilateral quota agreements with Saudi Arabia. Direct e-Umrah visa is not available to nationals of these countries; all bookings must go through licensed operators registered with Saudi Umrah authorities.
What Documents Are Required?
How Long Is the Umrah Visa Valid?
Standard Umrah visa: Valid 90 days from the date of issue, permitting a stay of 30 days inside Saudi Arabia. Overstaying the 30-day limit risks deportation and a 3-year re-entry ban. Extensions must be applied for through Saudi Jawazat (passport authority) before expiry.
E-Umrah visa: Valid for 30 days from the date of first entry. Each Umrah trip requires a new visa application; Umrah visas are not re-usable across calendar years without fresh application.
What Are the Types of Umrah Packages?
Umrah packages fall into three tiers based on hotel proximity, accommodation sharing, transport, and Mutawwif service level. All three tiers include airfare, Nusuk registration, Umrah visa processing, hotel, airport transfers, and a licensed Mutawwif.
What Is Included in a Standard Umrah Package?
A standard Umrah package includes 7 core components:
- Return airfare from the pilgrim's country of origin
- Umrah visa processing through the operator's licence
- Nusuk registration completed by the operator on behalf of the pilgrim
- Hotel in Makkah (optionally plus Madinah)
- Airport-to-hotel transfers on arrival and departure
- Licensed Mutawwif guide for all 4 Umrah rites
- Optional Zamzam water delivery upon return through Nusuk's home delivery service
Most packages include 10–14 nights in Makkah. Madinah add-ons include 3–5 nights near Masjid an-Nabawi for Ziyarah. Meals: included in VIP and most 4-star standard packages; economy packages typically offer breakfast only or room-only rates. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for medical emergencies in Saudi Arabia.
How Much Does Umrah Cost?
Economy from South Asia: $1,200–$2,500 USD. Standard from Europe and North America: $3,000–$6,000 USD. VIP from any origin: $8,000–$20,000+ USD. Ramadan packages command a 40–80% premium above off-peak rates. The most significant single cost variable is hotel proximity to Masjid al-Haram — rooms within 200 metres cost SAR 2,000–8,000 ($530–$2,130 USD) per night during Ramadan.
For current Umrah package pricing and booking options from verified Indian operators, find a verified operator.
What Is the Difference Between Economy, Standard, and VIP?
| Feature | Economy | Standard | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel distance from Masjid al-Haram | 2–5 km | 500m–2 km | Within 500m (Abraj, Swissotel, Makkah Clock Tower) |
| Room sharing | 4–8 pilgrims per room | 2–3 pilgrims per room | Single or double occupancy |
| Transport | Shared coach | Semi-private van | Private vehicle with dedicated driver |
| Mutawwif service | Group sessions (20–50 pilgrims) | Semi-private (8–15 pilgrims) | Dedicated 1:1 Mutawwif |
| Meals | Breakfast only or room-only | Breakfast + dinner | Full board |
| Best for | Young, independent, healthy pilgrims | Families and first-time pilgrims | Elderly, disabled, or premium-seeking pilgrims |
How Does a First-Time Pilgrim Prepare for Umrah?
Preparation spans four categories: spiritual (learning rites, Du'as, and rulings), logistical (Nusuk registration, visa, package selection, flights), physical (fitness for approximately 5.5 km of walking in heat), and material (packing Ihram garments, medications, and documents). Begin preparation 3–6 months before travel — and 6–12 months for Ramadan packages. A pilgrim without adequate knowledge of rite procedure risks Ihram violations that require dam (expiation sacrifice).
What Should a Pilgrim Learn Before Travelling?
Six essential topics every first-time pilgrim must study before departure:
- The 4 Umrah rites in correct sequence — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, Halq/Taqsir
- Ihram prohibitions (14 acts) and their penalties
- The correct Miqat station for your travel route
- The Talbiyah text in Arabic with meaning
- Sunnah supplications for Tawaf and Sa'i — particularly the Du'a at Safa and Marwah
- Correct use of the Nusuk platform — QR code, entry points, crowd monitoring
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj provides free Umrah learning materials in 20+ languages through the Nusuk app and haj.gov.sa.
What Should a Pilgrim Pack?
- Men: 2 sets of unstitched Ihram garments (Izar + Rida), open-toed sandals (Na'l), money belt for Ihram security
- Women: 3–4 sets of loose full-length modest clothing (Abaya or Jilbab), comfortable flat shoes for 5.5 km walking, no scented perfume or nail polish
- Both: Lightweight breathable clothing for 38–45°C Makkah heat for days outside Ihram
- Unscented soap, shampoo, and deodorant
- Nail clipper (for use ONLY after Halq/Taqsir)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (unscented) for outdoor movement between mosque and hotel
- Personal prescription medications — minimum 14-day supply
- Oral rehydration salts for dehydration prevention
- Blister plasters for walking on marble and stone floors
- Meningococcal ACYW135 vaccination certificate (mandatory at entry)
- Original passport (minimum 6 months' validity)
- Nusuk digital permit QR code — save offline in case of internet failure
- Umrah visa — printed and digital copy
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Return flight ticket
- Emergency contacts: Saudi emergency 911; Hajj Ministry hotline 920005000
What Physical Preparation Does Umrah Require?
Completing the 4 Umrah rites involves approximately 5.5 km of walking, plus 1–2 km daily between hotel and mosque, all in 38–45°C heat. A recommended 6-week preparation programme: 45-minute daily walks on hard surfaces, which simulates Masjid al-Haram's marble floors and significantly reduces blister and joint pain risk.
Pilgrims with cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or mobility impairments should consult a physician 8 weeks before travel. Saudi Arabia provides electric wheelchair assistance services inside Masjid al-Haram at SAR 50–100 per session, available at all main gates.
How Does a Pilgrim Travel to Makkah for Umrah?
Pilgrims arrive via King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah). Direct flights serve 80+ countries including London Heathrow, New York JFK, Dubai International, Kuala Lumpur International, and Karachi Jinnah. The Haramain High Speed Railway connects Jeddah airport to Makkah in 30 minutes and to Madinah in 2 hours. Taxis and licensed pilgrim coaches from Jeddah airport to Makkah take 60–90 minutes (79 km).
Critical rule: Ihram must be entered during the flight — NOT upon landing in Jeddah. Jeddah airport lies inside the Miqat boundary; landing without Ihram constitutes a violation requiring dam (expiation).
What Is the Miqat and When Must I Enter Ihram?
The Miqat is the geographic boundary surrounding Makkah at which every pilgrim intending Umrah must enter Ihram before crossing. An air pilgrim must enter Ihram on the aircraft approximately 30–45 minutes before landing in Jeddah, when the flight path crosses the Miqat boundary.
| Miqat Station | Route Served | Key Nationalities |
|---|---|---|
| Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) | Madinah route | Pilgrims travelling from Madinah to Makkah |
| Al-Juhfah / Rabigh | Northwest — coastal road | Pilgrims from North Africa, Syria, Egypt, Morocco |
| Qarn al-Manazil | Najd / Gulf region | Gulf states (UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) |
| Yalamlam | Yemen / South Asia (air) | India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia — cross ~30 min before Jeddah landing |
| Dhat Irq | Iraq / Iran / East | Pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, and Central Asian countries |
For all 5 Miqat stations, country-by-country routing, in-flight Ihram protocol, and landmark identification, read Miqat for Umrah: What Pilgrims Need to Know.
Should a Pilgrim Arrive in Madinah or Jeddah First?
Both sequences are valid. The Sunnah sequence is Madinah first — visiting the Prophet's Mosque before Makkah. The pilgrim travels from Madinah to Makkah by road or the Haramain Railway (2 hours), entering Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah (the Miqat for Madinah). Arriving Jeddah first: enter Ihram during the flight at Yalamlam or Al-Juhfah (depending on origin).
Most operators structure packages as: Madinah (3–5 nights) → Makkah (7–10 nights) for the spiritually recommended sequence, though Makkah-first is equally common among pilgrims with limited leave.
How Are the 4 Umrah Rites Performed in Makkah?
The 4 Umrah rites are performed in a fixed sequence inside Masjid al-Haram. Total walking distance: approximately 5.5 km. Duration: 2–3 hours off-peak, 6–8 hours during Ramadan peak.
For the complete procedural guide with all Du'a, circuit counts, Sunnah acts, and mistake remedies for all 4 rites, read Umrah Rites Step by Step.
Rite 1 — Ihram: How Does a Pilgrim Enter the Sacred State?
Ihram is entered by: (1) wearing the Ihram garments, (2) declaring Niyyah (intention for Umrah), and (3) reciting the Talbiyah — all completed at or before the Miqat boundary. Ihram activates 14 prohibitions that remain in force until Halq or Taqsir.
Men: 2 unstitched white garments (Izar — lower wrap, Rida — upper wrap) with open-toed sandals. Women: Full modest clothing with face and hands uncovered. Men recite the Talbiyah aloud; women quietly. Talbiyah is maintained continuously until the Kaaba becomes visible upon entering Masjid al-Haram.
For Ihram garments, the 14 prohibitions, fidya and dam penalties, and school-by-school rulings, read Ihram for Umrah: Complete Guide.
Rite 2 — Tawaf: How Does a Pilgrim Circumambulate the Kaaba?
Tawaf consists of 7 complete counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba, each beginning and ending at the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone). The Kaaba must remain on the pilgrim's left throughout. Wudu (ritual purity) is required for valid Tawaf.
Men's Sunnahs: Idtiba (right shoulder exposed for all 7 circuits) + Raml (brisk walking for circuits 1–3). At the Hajar al-Aswad: kiss or gesture toward it saying "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar". Between Rukn al-Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad: recite Quran 2:201 ("Rabbana atina fi al-dunya hasanah..."). After completing the 7th circuit: perform 2 rakats at Maqam Ibrahim (reciting Al-Kafirun and Al-Ikhlas), then drink Zamzam water before proceeding to Sa'i.
For Tawaf types, upper-floor validity, wheelchair ruling, and a 9-mistake reference table, read Tawaf: Complete Guide for Umrah Pilgrims.
Rite 3 — Sa'i: How Does a Pilgrim Walk Between Safa and Marwah?
Sa'i consists of 7 circuits between Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah. It is performed immediately after Tawaf and the 2-rakat prayer. Circuit direction: odd circuits (1, 3, 5, 7) end at Marwah; even circuits (2, 4, 6) end at Safa.
Men's Sunnah: Harwala (brisk jogging) between the two green fluorescent markers (approximately 50m zone) during every circuit. Women walk normally throughout. At Safa and Marwah: face the Kaaba direction and recite the Tawhid supplication 3 times with personal Du'a between repetitions.
For Sa'i conditions, Harwala rules, hill-top supplications, and a 7-mistake reference table, read Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah: Complete Guide.
Rite 4 — Halq or Taqsir: How Does a Pilgrim Exit Ihram?
Immediately after completing Sa'i, the pilgrim performs either Halq (complete head shaving) or Taqsir (trimming a minimum of one finger-length from all sides of the hair). Halq is for men only. Women are restricted to Taqsir only — no head shaving.
All 14 Ihram prohibitions are restored to permissibility instantly after Halq or Taqsir. The pilgrim changes into regular clothing. Umrah is now complete.
What Should a Pilgrim Do in Masjid al-Haram Beyond the Rites?
Six recommended acts inside Masjid al-Haram after completing the 4 Umrah rites:
Etiquette Rules Inside Masjid al-Haram
What Should a Pilgrim Do During the Madinah Visit?
Visiting Madinah is not a Umrah rite. It carries no Ihram obligation and has no specific timing requirement. Most Umrah operators include 3–5 nights in Madinah as standard in their packages.
Is Visiting Madinah Part of Umrah?
No — the Madinah visit is an independent recommended Sunnah act, entirely separate from the Umrah rites. A pilgrim in Madinah is not in Ihram and observes no pilgrimage restrictions. Madinah has no Miqat boundary — pilgrims entering for Ziyarah (visitation) are not crossing any sacred threshold that requires Ihram. The visit to Madinah does not affect the validity or completeness of Umrah in any way.
What Are the Key Sites to Visit in Madinah?
| Site | Significance | Location from Masjid an-Nabawi |
|---|---|---|
| Rawdah al-Sharifah | "A garden from the gardens of Paradise" (Bukhari 1196). Du'a here is accepted. Must book Rawdah slot through Nusuk in advance. | Inside Masjid an-Nabawi |
| Masjid Quba | 2 rakats here = reward of 1 Umrah (Bukhari 1193). The first mosque built in Islam. | 5 km south |
| Masjid al-Qiblatayn | Site where the Qibla changed from Jerusalem to Makkah during prayer (2 AH / 624 CE). | 4 km northwest |
| Uhud Mountain | Site of the Battle of Uhud (3 AH / 625 CE). Graves of 70 Companions. Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it." | 5 km north |
| Al-Baqi' Cemetery | Graves of Companions, the Prophet's family, and wives. Visitation is strongly recommended — the Prophet visited regularly. | Adjacent to Masjid an-Nabawi |
| Masjid al-Fath | Site of the Prophet's (ﷺ) 3-day supplication during the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq, 5 AH / 627 CE). | 4 km northwest |
Entry to the Rawdah al-Sharifah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his minbar) requires a time-slot booking through the Nusuk app. Slots fill rapidly — book as soon as you arrive in Madinah. Attempting to enter without a slot results in denial of entry by Saudi authority staff.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes First-Time Pilgrims Make?
Twelve common first-time Umrah mistakes spanning preparation, travel, rite performance, and etiquette — with their ruling and remedy:
| Mistake | Stage | Ruling | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not registering on Nusuk before travel | Preparation | Cannot enter Masjid al-Haram | Register on nusuk.sa or through operator before travel |
| Landing in Jeddah without Ihram | Travel | Dam of 1 sheep required | Return to Miqat boundary or pay dam |
| Applying perfume after reciting Talbiyah | Ihram | Fidya required | Fast 3 days / feed 6 poor persons / sacrifice 1 sheep |
| Circumambulating the Kaaba clockwise | Tawaf | Entire Tawaf invalid | Restart counterclockwise from Hajar al-Aswad |
| Cutting through Hijr Ismail during Tawaf | Tawaf | That circuit invalid | Repeat the affected circuit entirely outside Hijr Ismail |
| Beginning Sa'i at Marwah | Sa'i | First circuit invalid — only 6 valid circuits completed | Add 1 Safa-to-Marwah circuit to reach 7 valid circuits |
| Women wearing Niqab in Ihram | Ihram | Fidya in majority schools | Remove Niqab; use a loose khimar held near the face |
| Performing Halq before completing Sa'i | Halq / Taqsir | Premature Ihram exit — dam required | Pay dam; complete the remaining Sa'i circuits |
| Underestimating heat and dehydration | Physical | Health emergency risk | Carry at least 1 litre of water; use Zamzam dispensers every circuit |
| Attempting to carry unlimited Zamzam home | Post-Umrah | Saudi law permits maximum 5 litres per passenger | Book home delivery through Nusuk Zamzam service (up to 5 litres) |
| Photography inside the Kaaba | Masjid al-Haram | Prohibited by Saudi authority — confiscation risk | Photograph only from outside the Kaaba perimeter |
| Ignoring Rawdah al-Sharifah slot booking | Madinah visit | Entry denied without Nusuk Rawdah slot | Book Rawdah slot through Nusuk app immediately upon arriving in Madinah |
Browse verified Indian Umrah operators who have submitted their licensing credentials — including MOHUA registration — for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What it is: A voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah consisting of 4 sequential rites — Ihram, Tawaf (7 counterclockwise circuits), Sa'i (7 circuits Safa to Marwah), and Halq or Taqsir. Total walking distance ≈ 5.5 km. Duration: 2–3 hours off-peak, 6–8 hours Ramadan peak.
Legal status: Sunnah Mu'akkadah (Hanafi, Hanbali) or Wajib — once in a lifetime (Shafi'i, Maliki). All 4 schools unanimously encourage its performance.
Registration: Nusuk (nusuk.sa) registration is mandatory since 2022 for all international pilgrims. Without it, Masjid al-Haram entry is prohibited. Licensed operators handle Nusuk for package travelers.
Best time (spiritual): Ramadan — reward equivalent to Hajj (Bukhari 1782). Best time (first-timer logistics): Muharram / Safar — lowest crowds, shortest queues, lowest cost.
Key documents: Valid passport (6+ months), Nusuk permit QR code, Umrah visa, hotel confirmation, return flight, meningococcal vaccination certificate.
Madinah visit: Not a Umrah rite — independent Sunnah, no Ihram required. Book Rawdah al-Sharifah slot through Nusuk before arriving in Madinah.