If you are flying directly from the UK to Madinah and visiting Madinah before travelling to Makkah for Umrah, you do not need to enter Ihram before landing in Madinah. When you later leave Madinah for Makkah to perform Umrah, you enter Ihram at the appropriate Miqat.
For travellers departing from Madinah, that Miqat is Dhul-Hulayfah, commonly known as Abyar Ali. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah specifically identifies Dhul-Hulayfah for residents of Madinah and people passing through it.
Can I Fly to Madinah in Normal Clothes?
Yes.
If Madinah is genuinely your first destination and you are not going to Makkah for Umrah before your stay there, you can arrive in normal permissible clothing.
You can spend several days visiting Madinah without being in the state of Ihram.
When it is time to travel from Madinah to Makkah, you prepare for Ihram before crossing the Miqat.
Our complete Ihram guide explains the intention, clothing and restrictions in more detail.
Where Do I Enter Ihram From Madinah?
The Miqat for someone travelling from Madinah towards Makkah is:
Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali)
It is located outside central Madinah and is commonly visited by pilgrims before beginning their journey towards Makkah.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah describes it as the Miqat for residents of Madinah and those passing through Madinah on their way to perform the rites.
Many pilgrims take a shower and put on their Ihram clothing at their hotel before leaving Madinah, then make their intention at or before crossing the Miqat.
When Do I Make My Niyyah for Umrah?
Wearing the white Ihram garments and actually entering the state of Ihram are not exactly the same thing.
For men, the two white cloths can be put on before reaching the Miqat.
The intention for Umrah is made when approaching the Miqat, followed by the Talbiyah:
Labbayka Allahumma ‘Umrah
The Saudi Ministry’s current Umrah guidance similarly explains that the intention is made when aligning with the Miqat before entering into the rites.
You can then continue towards Makkah and perform the rituals explained in our step-by-step Umrah guide.
What If I Am Taking the Haramain Train From Madinah to Makkah?
Do not wait until you arrive in Makkah to think about Ihram.
It is usually much easier to:
- perform ghusl at your Madinah hotel
- put on your Ihram clothing before leaving
- travel to the station already prepared
- make your Umrah intention before crossing the Miqat
The important issue is not crossing the Miqat while intending Umrah without having entered Ihram.
Our guide to travelling between Makkah and Madinah also explains the main transport options.
What If My Flight Lands in Jeddah First?
This is different from flying directly to Madinah.
The Saudi Ministry’s current guidance states that a pilgrim whose first arrival is Jeddah Airport should wear the Ihram garments and make the Umrah intention on the aircraft when the plane approaches the Miqat.
Therefore, do not apply the “Madinah first” rule to an itinerary simply because you plan to travel to Madinah after landing in Jeddah.
Your actual flight route and the Miqat you cross matter.
If your itinerary is unusual—for example, UK → Jeddah → Madinah → Makkah—confirm the Ihram requirement with a knowledgeable scholar or your Umrah operator before departure rather than deciding at the airport.
Is Madinah a Miqat?
Madinah itself is not a requirement for every Umrah pilgrim.
However, pilgrims who are leaving Madinah for Makkah use Dhul-Hulayfah as their Miqat.
This is one reason many first-time pilgrims find a Madinah-first itinerary straightforward: they can arrive, rest and visit Madinah before preparing for Ihram when the Makkah portion of the journey begins.
Planning a Madinah-First Umrah From the UK?
A Madinah-first itinerary can be convenient, particularly for first-time pilgrims who want to settle into the journey before performing Umrah.
If you are comparing flights, hotels and transport between Madinah and Makkah, contact Hajj Umrah Travels and we can help arrange the journey from the UK.
