Practical Guide

1 min read Map over gates and entrences Masjid-e-Nabawi This map shows the numbered gates and entrances of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. The mosque has more than 40 numbered gates: Bab as-Salam (Gate… 6 min read Women and menstruation A woman who is menstruating may enter Ihram for Umrah and make her intention at the Miqat, but she must not perform Tawaf around… Before you begin your journey 7 min read Before you begin your journey This is the starting point for practical Umrah preparation. Read the section in this order: the complete timeline first, then visa options, spiritual preparation,… Planning Your Umrah Journey 12 min read Understanding Your Visa Options: Umrah Visa vs Tourist eVisa As of mid-2026 there are four routes: the Saudi Tourist eVisa (~SAR 535, 1 year, multi-entry, 90-day stays, 60+ eligible countries), visa on arrival… Planning Your Umrah Journey 12 min read Creating and Using Your Nusuk Account Register in the official Nusuk app before you travel: choose Visitor, enter passport and visa details exactly as printed in your passport, verify by… Planning Your Umrah Journey 13 min read Booking Your Visit to the Rawdah Visiting the Rawdah requires a free permit booked through Nusuk. Slots open only 7-10 days ahead, often around 12:00 Saudi time, and advance permits… Planning Your Umrah Journey 12 min read Choosing the Best Time of Year for Umrah For comfort, go mid-December to February, when Makkah highs sit around 31-33C versus 43-44C in summer. For reward, Ramadan is the peak but hotels… Planning Your Umrah Journey 13 min read Choosing the Right Umrah Package An Umrah package is priced above all on distance to the Haram. As of mid-2026, UK packages run roughly 499-725 GBP budget, 725-1,365 standard… Planning Your Umrah Journey 13 min read Group Travel vs Independent Travel Independent Umrah typically saves 15-20% versus packages (one UK comparison found about £1,000 saved per couple), and the Nusuk Umrah platform (launched August 2025)… Planning Your Umrah Journey 13 min read Booking Flights: Direct vs Connecting Direct flights to Jeddah run from London (Saudia ~17x weekly, BA, Wizz Air), New York (Saudia daily, ~11h40), Karachi, Delhi, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur;… Planning Your Umrah Journey 13 min read Travel Insurance for Umrah Every Saudi Umrah visa or eVisa bundles a medical policy (premium ~SAR 100-180, regulated by the Council of Health Insurance, Tawuniya flagship): emergency care… Planning Your Umrah Journey 13 min read Vaccinations and Health Requirements The quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) is the key requirement for Umrah pilgrims, with a certificate issued at least ten days before arrival, though we… Planning Your Umrah Journey 12 min read Preparing Your Documents Before Departure You need a passport valid for at least six months from arrival with two blank pages, your electronic Umrah visa (printed as a backup),…