Learn how to perform Umrah step by step. This guide is based on personal experience to teach beginners how to perform Umrah. For example, pre-Umrah preparations to post-Umrah, everything you will face will be mentioned in this blog.
For first-time travelers and seasoned pilgrims, you will get first-hand experience from beginning to end.
Key Takeaways of this article:
- Essential Documents for Umrah
- Hiring Certified Travel Agency for Umrah
- What luggage you can carry?
- How to put Ihram?
- Main Steps to Perform Umrah
Step 1: Legal and Documentation
Legal and documentation process of Umrah
This is one of the top things one should never ignore when traveling for Umrah (especially for first-timers). Having the right documentation is key to hassle-free travel.
Visa requirements and how to apply
Understanding the Visa
For Umrah, pilgrims should get a special Umrah visa different from regular tourist visas. It is common for travel agencies licensed by the Saudi government to provide this visa.
If you belong to a country that qualifies for the Saudi Tourist e-Visa, you can also use that same visa to perform Umrah. Still, the Umrah visa is preferred because it gives more specific permissions regarding pilgrims.
There are generally two types of visa UK citizens can apply for Umrah:
1: Umrah Visa Simple
Umrah visa is a specific visa for Umrah pilgrims. It offers certain benefits, like bringing Zamzam water back to the UK.
2: Saudi Arabia Tourist e-visa
While primarily for tourism, e-Visa for Umrah can also be used to perform Umrah. It’s generally easier to obtain and has less stringent requirements.
Additionally, there’s a transit visa option for those transiting through Saudi Arabia for a short period, allowing them to perform Umrah during their transit.
Application Process
You have two main routes to apply for an Umrah visa.
- By Booking Through UK Approved Hajj Umrah Travels Agency
Most pilgrims apply through UK travel agencies that provide All-inclusive Umrah packages. Hajj Umrah Travels agency facilitates the application and follows all the processes needed in Saudi Arabia.
- Via Official Portals Directly
You can also apply directly via the official apps of the Saudi government, such as “Eatmarna” or “Muqeem.” This option may give you greater control of your application but requires an understanding of the process.
Documents Required
In general, when applying for an Umrah visa UK flights, you will generally be required to prepare some documents:
- A passport which has a minimum of six months validity after your entry date
- Passport size photograph (recently clicked ) as per defined specifications
- A form filled out for the Umrah visa application
- Documentation of marriage if traveling with a spouse (where applicable).
- A certificate of medical fitness indicating vaccinations (Meningitis, COVID-19, etc.) is required by Saudi authorities.
- A return air ticket from UK to Saudi Arabia has been confirmed.
These are the documents you need to ensure your visa application is not delayed.
Visa Processing Time
An Umrah visa usually takes 5 to 10 working days to process. Hence, it’s better to apply for it before your travel dates to avoid any late surprises. Travelers have mentioned longer processing times from time to time during peak seasons.
Step 02: Hire An All-Inclusive Umrah Travel Agency
Umrah planning can seem like a very daunting process with many arrangements required. Most pilgrims rely on travel agencies to make the journey hassle-free. Umrah Travel Agency remains the key player in making your holiday hassle-free, which makes its selection very important. So, take it one step at a time. So, take your first step with cheap Umrah packages.
Research and Choose Wisely
When choosing a travel agency. You need to work with a reliable and experienced agency. First, search for one licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah—they are qualified to arrange travel bookings for Umrah. This is where reviews become your best buddy. Go for online reviews or take suggestions from friends or family who performed Umrah.
The second thing to consider is if the agency provides complete Umrah Packages from UK. Most of the agencies club the necessary services, for instance, visas, traveling tickets, and accommodation, as well as mobility, in a single package.
Things to Look for in Umrah Package
The first is that the agency typically handles visa processing, ensuring you never have to deal with the system alone. Most Budget Umrah packages include round-trip flights and hotel stays in Mecca and Medina. Transportation for the rituals (such as travel between holy sites).
Subsequently, choose your favourite Umrah package deals that suit your budget.
Step 3: Preparing Spiritually
The journey of Umrah is more than the physical journey. It is about cleansing your heart and mind to approach Allah in this sacred worship.
Intention and Purification
Your intention (niyyah) is the starting point of every act of worship in Islam. Your purpose in carrying out Umrah should be transparent and sincere. This journey is undertaken only for the sake of Allah with no worldly rewards or appreciation.
You do it for the sake of no one but Allah. Reflect on why you perform Umrah, and remember that you do it in worship.
Purification of your heart is equally important. Take some time to ask Allah to forgive your sins before you perform Umrah.
Repentance: Asking for Forgiveness
Use this opportunity to repent sincerely for your misdeeds. Repentance is not that you beg God for forgiveness, but rather it is to avoid repeating the same behaviour firmly.
Acknowledge your mistakes and sincerely regret them. And then allow yourself some time to turn to Allah سبحانه وتعالى and make tawbah with a heart full of humility, feeling sincere regret of what you have done. Lastly, pledge to never go back to those actions again.
Significance of Spiritual Preparation
Preparing your heart and mind for Umrah’s meaning is essential spiritually. It helps you remove worldly life’s boundaries and devote yourself to your relationship with Allah. Instead, it is an opportunity to break the human ego, which sometimes inflates and reminds you to put yourself before your Creator.
With a purified intention, a clean heart, and an intention to change positively, you will be ready to take full advantage of this sacred experience. In Ramadan Umrah packages, you have the opportunity to experience a holy journey.
Step 4: Essential Packing Items to Perform Umrah
A smoother journey starts with well-planned packing decisions. So here it is, what you need to think of, mainly about Ihram clothes and the rest of the essentials:
Ihram Clothes
Understanding Ihram
First, the Ihram is not simply just a piece of clothing. It represents both cleanliness and equality between pilgrims. The Ihram for men are two unstitched white clothes. This piece will flow around the waist, covering the body like a sheet of cloth from the navel to the ankle, also known as Izar.
The second piece is called the Rida, which sits on the shoulder and covers the body’s top part of the body. The right shoulder is exposed for certain rituals like Tawaf (the circumambulation of the Kaaba).
Women must enter the state of Ihram, but no specific clothes are required. Instead, they must use simple, humble clothing covering their body, face, and palms behind. White or light-colored gowns are usually favored; however, any gown that fulfills Islamic clothing codes is permitted.
Other Essentials
Toiletries are necessary but do not bring any strong perfume or anything that contains alcohol, as this is not allowed in the state of Ihram. If you plan to do some spiritual practices, you must bring a prayer mat and a Quran.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot, and wear sandals that expose your ankles.
Bring a small water bottle and snacks to maintain energy levels during long days. A small first-aid kit with painkillers/band-aids is also good.
Remember your documents for traveling. Prepare your passport, visa, flight ticket, accommodation, emergency contacts, and everything you will need when traveling to your new adventure.
Health Considerations
Talk to your doctor about any health advice or vaccinations you might want before you go. Some standard vaccinations you will need while performing Umrah are meningitis; others are only required from Saudi authorities. This is an essential stage for remaining healthy during the pilgrimage.
Step 05: Visit Saudi Arabia
Knowing what happens when you get there and how to reach Mecca will help you start this sacred pilgrimage in the right direction.
Arrival at the Airport
The first stop after entering Saudi Arabia will be immigration and customs checkpoints. There are dedicated counters for Umrah pilgrims at the airport.
You will show your Umrah visa and other travel documents in this area. It’s an easy process, although you may still need to show your passport, visa, proof of accommodation, or even a return flight if requested.
What are Common issues Pilgrims Face on Airport Arrival?
- Language barriers: Those who do not speak Arabic or English will face problems while communicating with airport staff and others.
- Long queues and wait times: During seasonal Umrah packages, you can face crowded airports. You will have to wait at the immigration counter.
- Visa and passport issues: Make sure your documents are complete to avoid delay and that your passport validity is more than six months.
- Transportation challenges: Difficulty finding transportation to their accommodations if they aren’t part of an organized group.
- Book transportation in advance: Be responsible for arranging transportation to their accommodation before they get there.
Transport to Mecca
Travel arrangements from the airport to Mecca differ based on your travel plan. If you reserved a package through an Umrah travel Agency, then scratch what transportation commonly consists of. Hajj Umrah Travel Agency has comfortable buses and vans that take you directly to your hotel in Mecca.
If you’re traveling on your own, it’s no big deal. There are a lot of options to choose from. Taxis are available at the airport and can drop you off at your destination directly. Public buses also run from the major airports to Mecca, a more affordable alternative.
Health and Safety Issues
Be aware of health regulations and safety protocols in Saudi Arabia before traveling. The basic requirement is vaccination or health declaration to enter Saudia. Pilgrims are commonly required to be vaccinated against meningitis and various COVID-19 vaccines.
Step 06 – Putting on Ihram
Ihram
Fundamentally, Ihram is a sacred condition of purity and devotion to Allah. The physical concept of Ihram is wearing certain types of clothes, but the essence of Ihram is much more than the attire itself. Ihram is an intention to give full attention to Allah only.
Entering Ihram is a declaration of humility and equality before Allah. The simple dress of the pilgrims removes all distinctions based on wealth, status, or nationality. It reminds us that before Allah, everyone is equal.
When and How to Enter Ihram
You enter the state of Ihram before you arrive in the city of Mecca. You will enter it at the designated location called Miqat. Miqat are fixed boundaries at which pilgrims begin this holy journey.
If air travel, most airlines will announce the Miqat location during the flight. It will give you sufficient time to enter the niyyah into Ihram.
Take a ghusl (a full-body ritual purification) to enter Ihram if feasible. Then, men should wear the two white unstitched clothes of Ihram. One is tied around the waist, and the other is used as a shawl.
Women should dress in modest clothes that follow the guidelines of Islam, not in flashy clothes or tight clothes.
Dressed accordingly, you make your intention, the Talbiyah, a prayer that you are going to Umrah:
Restrictions During Ihram
When you wear Ihram, you need to follow some rules. This limitation aids in keeping your mind focused on piety and the sacredness of each action.
Keep your hair and nails uncut
This means that you don’t change your external body structure, but you believe in purifying yourself internally.
No Sexual Relations
Ihram means that the pilgrim is in devotion to Allah. Any physical activity is not allowed during this state.
Do Not Hunt
Hunting or killing animals is prohibited under all circumstances, except in specific situations that impart an appreciation of Allah’s creation.
No Perfume or Scented Products
No perfumes, scented soaps, or deodorants. Avoid any luxuries and extravagance; this is not what Ihram is about; Ihram is about simplicity and humbleness.
Why Ihram is Essential?
Go through this step cautiously, and when entering Ihram — with consciousness. It lays the foundation for how your Umrah will go. It keeps you grounded, humble, and appreciative of every step taken to establish this divine worship.
Step 07: How to perform Umrah?
This is the main part; how to perform Umrah step by step? Every step is practical, and share personal insights.
Tawaf (Circumambulation)
When you reach Mecca, your first act will be Tawaf. This includes circling the Kaaba seven times in the anti-clockwise direction. It is an action that represents your commitment and obedience to Allah.
First, do wudu (ablution) and head towards the Kaaba, commencing your actions with the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone).
In each round of the circuit, keep the Kaaba on your left. Ramalan is a brisk walk that can be performed for the first three rounds. Here, you take small steps and stand tall.
You can take normal time for the rest of 4 rounds. You can recite prayers, supplications, or your own duas during Tawaf. Instead, it is wording your prayers to Allah however you like; there are no particular prayers that you have to say.
The Method of Tawaf
- Ensure you are in Wudu (ablution).
- Wear Ihram (white garments for men, modest clothing for women).
- Make your intention (Niyyah) for Tawaf.
- Start at the Black Stone (Hajr Aswad).
- Face towards the Black Stone and say, ” بسم اللہ۔۔۔اللہ اکبر”
- Walk counterclockwise around the Kaaba.
- Complete seven circuits, starting and ending at the Black Stone.
- Recite Dhikr, duas, or prayers while walking.
- Pause at the Multazam (if possible) for a special dua.
- After seven circuits, offer two units of Salah behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the Haram).
- Drink Zamzam water and make dua.
- Proceed to Sa’i or the next ritual.
Important Note: Between each round, say this dua “سبحان الله، والحمد لله، والله أكبر.”
Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwa)
Once your Tawaf is complete, you will continue for the Sa’i, the seven walks between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Hagar’s desperate search for water for Isma’il is what this ritual commemorates. A reminder of her faith and willpower.
As you walk between here and these two hills, remember what Hagar fought, what she endured. There are no specific prayers for Sa’I. You can recite any duas.
The Method of Sai
Shaving or Trimming Hair – Halq or Taqsir
Upon completing your Sa‘i, you will perform Halq or Taqsir, which completes your Umrah. Men should shave their heads (Halq). It symbolizes renewal and humility. But if shaving is impossible, Taqsir (a small portion of hair trimmed) is also acceptable. Also, women should cut a little off.
Note: Between Safa and Marwa during Sa’i, say “رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ”
Step 08: Returning Home
Coming back home from performing Umrah is a reflective and humbling experience. And it means bringing what you learned and experienced during your pilgrimage to your everyday life.
Documentation
When leaving Saudi Arabia, getting all your paperwork in order is very important. Keep these documents safe and know where they are. This will make your return more accessible and less stressful.
Passport
Your passport is the most important document when travelling internationally. Ensure it is six months longer than your return date so you will not have any problems at customs.
Umrah Visa
This document allows you to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah. Keep it safe with your passport, as you may need to show it when leaving the country.
Flight Tickets
Keep the tickets for your onward and return journey with you always. These tickets are proof of your itinerary that may be asked of you during check-in or immigration.
Accommodation
Have your hotel or accommodation information readily available. This can come in handy when you must show where you stayed during your pilgrimage.
Health certificates
If you had any vaccines before travelling, like meningitis or covid-19, keep the certificates, you might need them for new travels or health quizzes.
Emergency Contacts
Have a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and local contacts in Saudi Arabia. This means you can reach someone if needed while you’re gone.
Step 09: Legal and Ethical Aspects
Before doing your Umrah pilgrimage, you must know the law and what you do not include. In turn, this knowledge will aid you in encountering potential challenges and having a fulfilling experience that treats your body right.
Avoiding Fraudulent Agencies
Not all travel agencies could be genuine. It can cause plans to go awry; you may even fall victim to a scam. Always check if the agency is legitimate before proceeding to avoid falling prey to this.
Before you reach out to the agency, the best place to start is simply by researching the agency online. Search for testimonials from prior customers and check if they are registered with essential authorities. Get recommendations from family or friends who have performed Umrah before.
Rights and Responsibilities
As a pilgrim, you have a great set of rights to keep you safe and comfortable on your journey. Awareness of these rights is crucial so you can stand up for yourself for any problems.
Safety
Keep yourself safe first and foremost. This means secure travel, a protected home, and possible emergency services.
Reasonable Accommodation
You deserve to stay in a reasonable room that fulfills the guarantee specified in your December Umrah package. These include a clean space, necessities, and nearby religious places.
Delivery of Services
You deserve the services promised while booking the package- transportation or guided tours. If it is not what you expected, speak to the agency.
If the experience is noted—such as poor accommodation or insecurity—ask for help as soon as possible. Most agencies have some sort of back office or support staff to help resolve issues.
Responsible Tourism
You must practice responsible tourism during your pilgrimage. This practice of ethical consumption involves being mindful of how your actions affect your locality and the environment.
Respect local customs
All visitors should respect the deep-rooted traditions and culture of Saudi Arabia. Learn about the dress code, behavior, and any local customs you will likely have to follow before your arrival.
Summary
After reading this, you must have understood every single method of how to perform Umrah step by step. If this is the first time you are performing Umrah from UK, you may face some challenges in processing your documents. Moreover, there can also be accommodation and transportation challenges.
Therefore, Hajj Umrah Travels provides cheap Umrah packages for UK citizens. Our team handles everything from applying visa to processing every single document. Furthermore, we also have affordable Ramadan Umrah packages, which include the last 10 days of Umrah packages and December Umrah packages.
