Performing Hajj or Umrah is a spiritual milestone that Muslims all over the world aim to achieve.
Whether you're going to Makkah for the first time or preparing for your second trip, being fully prepared will let you put all your focus on the ibadah without stress.
This comprehensive Hajj and Umrah checklist will guide you through every item you need, from travel documents and clothing to medicines and Dua resource materials.
With expert guidance and tips, this article will make your pilgrimage smoother.
Essential Travel Documents for Hajj and Umrah
Before thinking about what to wear or pack, your documentation should be the first priority.
It’s your job to ensure everything is up-to-date and properly secured.
What Documents Are Needed for Hajj and Umrah?

Ensure you carry original and photocopies of the following documents in both paper and digital formats:
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Valid Passport (at least 6 months before expiry): You can travel without your passport as you will need it for visa processing and airport security. Make sure it’s valid for the entire duration of your pilgrimage before applying for the Umrah visa.
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Saudi Hajj/Umrah Visa: You need to obtain this visa ahead of time. Carry both the original and a copy of the visa with you. All the details need to be correct, so avoid any and all issues when you step into the land of Saudi Arabia. Remember that the Umrah visa is issued for those planning to perform the pilgrimage outside the designated Hajj period.
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National ID Card: In case of any emergency, having your national identity card will help you with identification in case you lose or misplace your passport.
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Recent Passport-Size Photos: Keep at least 4-6 extra passport-sized photographs for any documentation needed during your journey. You will need them for permits, medical documentation, or visa processing.
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Proof of Mahram Relationship (for female travellers, if required): If you are travelling as a woman and need a Mahram, make sure to carry a document verifying your relationship with your Mahram. The verification document can be a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or family register.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate: Depending on the latest Saudi guidelines, you may be required to present proof of vaccination for COVID-19.
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Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Records: You'll need to submit proof of vaccinations for Meningococcal Meningitis and Seasonal Influenza. This is usually applicable when the pilgrims are travelling to or from regions affected by such diseases.
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Flight and Hotel Booking Confirmations: Having your travel details confirmed with airlines and accommodation will unlock smooth immigration clearance and check-in for you. Keep both paper and digital copies of your flight and hotel reservations to avoid any inconvenience.
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Emergency Contact Details: Always have a list of phone numbers of your group leader, local embassy, and family members. You should also keep a hard copy in an easy-to-access location.
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Travel Insurance Policy Printout: In case of medical emergencies or unexpected issues, your travel insurance will become indispensable. It would be helpful for you if you carried a printout of the policy and any emergency assistance numbers.
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Copies of Visa Approval Email and E-Tickets: In case the original documents are lost, having digital copies saved in your storage will let you access them when required.
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Health and Medical Records: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s important that you don’t forget to bring a doctor’s note or medical records about your condition, prescribed medications, and allergies.
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Bank Statements or Financial Documents: Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, may request financial proof that you can support yourself during your stay. Carry recent bank statements that can confirm your account details.
- Digital Backups: Store all documents in digital format on your mobile phone or USB drive. This will help in case of theft or loss of your original documents.
This thorough approach, along with our Hajj Checklist PDF/ Umrah Checklist PDF, will keep you mentally relaxed and well-prepared for any unforeseen situation.
You will be able to focus on the spiritual aspects of your Hajj or Umrah.
Visa, Flight, and Booking Confirmations

Here is the list of things that should be your first and foremost priority as a pilgrimage in 2025:
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Airline tickets (physical/digital)
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Hotel booking receipts
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Transport reservations (if booked in advance)
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Travel insurance details
- Emergency contact numbers
Tip: It’s natural to feel anxious during peak travel days, so plan smartly beforehand.
Keep both digital and printed copies in separate, clear zipper bags to avoid last-minute panic or delays.
Organising these key travel resources will wash away all your logistical worries!
Hajj and Umrah Checklist PDF for Easy Reference
We understand that last-minute travelling anxiety can build up drastically; hence, to make things easier for you, we’ve created a downloadable Umrah packing checklist.
The comprehensive and easy-to-follow list ticks boxes for every category, including Umrah packing list for ladies, Umrah packing list for men's and Umrah packing list for kids.
We recommend that you print out this Hajj and Umrah checklist PDF, so you can easily keep track of your Umrah packing progress.
Clothing Checklist for Men, Women, and Kids
Packing the right clothes is one of the important things for your Hajj or Umrah journey.
The weather in Makkah and Madinah is on the hotter side, so your clothing should actually be light and breathable.
Also, your clothes must follow Islamic guidelines.
You should keep them modest, clean, and simple.
When you’re in the state of Ihram, there are specific Islamic guidelines that you have to adhere to before performing Hajj or Umrah.
Let’s go over what you would most likely need to pack:
For Men:
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2–3 sets of Ihram (plain white towels)
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Comfortable undershorts (when in non-Ihram state)
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Loose-fitting clothing for after Ihram
- Open-toe sandals or lightweight slippers
For Women:

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Abayas (lightweight and breathable)
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Hijabs/scarves (plain and easy-to-pin)
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Undergarments and sleepwear
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
For Kids:
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Light, modest clothing
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Easy slip-on footwear
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Extra underclothes
- Sleepwear
You don’t need to go overboard with packing too many clothes. There are laundry services available in Makkah and Madinah.
Even your hotel would have the facility for laundry. Hence, washing and reusing your outfits won’t become a tedious chore for you.
Also, travelling with light luggage will provide you with extra space to bring dates, prayer mats and souvenirs on your return flight!
Toiletries and Hygiene Essentials for Pilgrimage
Personal hygiene is critical in the hot climate and crowded environment.
Stick to unscented items during Ihram.
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Unscented Soap / Shampoo / Conditioner
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Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Miswaak
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Pocket Tissues / Toilet Rolls / Wet Wipes
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Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitiser
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Deodorant (Unscented)
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Small Mirror, Nail Cutter, Scissors
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Shaving Razor / Trimmer (Men)
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Menstrual Hygiene Products (Pads, Tampons, Menstrual Cups)
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Moisturising Lotion & Lip Balm
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Travel-size Toiletry Bag
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Comb or hairbrush
- Laundry detergent strips (optional)
Tip: Invest in a multi-pocketed zipper pouch so you don’t displace your toiletries.
Health and Medical Items You Must Carry

Protecting your health during Hajj or Umrah is so important because these acts of worship require a lot of physical effort from the pilgrim.
Prepare a small medical pouch that could easily fit into your hand carry or travel bag.
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Personal Prescription Medication
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Cold & Flu Tablets
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Painkillers (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
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Cough Syrup / Lozenges
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Diarrhoea Tablets
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Vitamin C Supplements
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Sunblock / Vaseline
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First Aid Kit (Bandages, Antiseptic Cream)
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Oral Rehydration Salts / Glucose Sachets
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Mosquito repellent
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Thermometer
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Inhalers (if asthmatic)
- Eye drops
Tip: Visit your doctor for a general checkup before your departure so you can cater to your medical needs (if any) in a more efficient way.
Packing Electronics and Important Accessories
In these modern times, one cannot travel without keeping up with the online systems. Here’s what you should pack so you can stay connected digitally:
- My Dua List – Create your very own Hajj dua list using My Dua List for free.
- Mobile Phone + Charger
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Power Bank
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Universal Travel Adapter
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Saudi Sim Card (You can buy it from the airport)
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Earphones / Headphones
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Digital Alarm Clock
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Flashlight / Torch
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Travel Iron / Kettle (optional)
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Extra memory cards or USB drive
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Small notebook and pen
Tip: Download offline maps for ziyarat and prayer time apps to make your pilgrimage journey more convenient
Must-Have Religious Items for Worship

Here are the must-have spiritual tools you’ll need for your ibadah:
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Pocket Quran
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Du’a Book
- Ihram Belt & Accessories (money pouch, clips)
- Hajj and Umrah bag - Anti-theft bag for pilgrimage
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Umrah Dua Cards – We have made an effort to make travelling easier for pilgrims by compiling all the essential Du’as in one place. You can order it here.
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Personal Du’a List
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Digital Tasbeeh / Dhikr Counter
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Seven-Bead Tasbeeh (for Tawaf rounds)
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Portable Prayer Mat
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Pocket-sized Seerah or Hadith book (optional)
Tip: Pack all your religious worship items in a separate bag so you can carry them easily on your ziyarat.
Luggage Guide and Packing Tips for Pilgrims
Choosing the right kind of luggage will make your Umrah travel experience feel like a breeze.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
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Hard-Shell Suitcase (durable and water-resistant)
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Locks & Keys for Suitcases
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Luggage Tags (with contact info)
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Comfortable Backpack
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Waist Pouch / Neck Wallet (anti-theft)
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Shoe Bag / String Bag
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Packing Cubes (for clothes and categories)
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Foldable tote bag for shopping or laundry
- Plastic zip-lock bags (for liquids or snacks)
- Put a clear label on everything you carry so you can identify it easily.
- Keep important documentation and your daily essentials in your carry-on.
Additional Packing Tips for Families and Seniors
Special care and attention are needed when you plan to travel with kids or elderly family members.
Umrah Packing Checklist for Infants and Children
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Baby food/snacks
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Formula or breastfeeding cover
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Extra nappies/diapers
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Baby wipes
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Lightweight stroller (compact)
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Spare clothes (x2 daily)
- Baby sling or carrier
Tip: Keep their favourite toy in your carry-on luggage.
Tips for Elderly and Cold Season Travelers
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Warm shawl or cardigan (for A/C or cooler nights)
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Compression socks
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Walking stick or folding cane
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Medical ID tag
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Small hot water bottle or heating patch
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Extra medication supply
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Thermals (for winter Umrah)
Tip: If you’re planning a Winter Umrah, don’t forget to pack extra gloves and jackets for chilly days.
How to Prepare for Hajj and Umrah Spiritually
Just as you pack your bags, you should also focus on preparing your heart and soul for the holy journey.
Du’as, Books, and Mental Readiness

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Start early with learning essential Du’as
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Read books about the Prophet (ﷺ), the rites of Hajj and Umrah
- Try to reduce worldly distractions before travel
How to Spiritually Prepare for Hajj and Umrah?
You can start by asking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for your past mistakes and sins. Try to mend problems with your family and friends.
Try to be kind to them. If you owe money to someone, do your best to pay it back before they have to remind you about it.
Practice being humble in your daily life. You can also say short prayers (Dhikr) every day to feel calm and ready for this special journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Performed during Dhul Hijjah, it is an obligatory Ibaadah on those who can afford it.
Umrah is not an obligatory Ibaadah, and it can be performed at any time of the year.
What Items Are Prohibited During Hajj and Umrah?
You cannot use perfumed products, wear stitched clothing (for men in Ihram), bring items for trade, or carry sharp tools or weapons with you.
Keep in check with the Ihram guidelines and Saudi laws.
Conclusion – Hajj and Umrah Checklist
Preparation for Hajj or Umrah requires both material and spiritual readiness from the pilgrims.