Complete Umrah Packing & Preparation Checklist (2026)

2. Ihram and clothing

For men

• Two sets of ihram (two white unstitched sheets each)
• Ihram belt with a pouch for money and phone
• Loose cotton kurtas or thobes for after Umrah

For women

• Loose, modest clothing in breathable fabric — there is no special ihram cloth
• Several hijabs, including under-scarves that stay in place
• Light abaya for travel
• Socks for prayer and cool air-conditioned spaces

Not sure about ihram rules? Read how to perform Umrah step by step.

3. Footwear

• Comfortable sandals that show the top of the foot (for men in ihram)
• Well broken-in walking shoes — you may walk 10–20 km a day
• A small shoe bag to carry footwear inside the mosques

4. Medicines and health

• Regular medicines in original packets, with a doctor's prescription in English
• Paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, throat lozenges, antacids and plasters
• Anti-chafing cream or petroleum jelly — very useful during Tawaf and Sa'i
• A reusable face mask for crowds
• Check Saudi customs rules before carrying controlled medicines

5. Toiletries (unscented for ihram)

• Unscented soap, shampoo and deodorant — perfume is not allowed in ihram
• Small nail clippers and scissors (in checked luggage) for Taqseer
• Miswak, toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen and lip balm

6. Phone, money and gadgets

• Saudi sockets are mostly UK-style three-pin (Type G) — carry a universal adapter
• Power bank (hand luggage only)
• eSIM or local SIM — buy at Jeddah or Madinah airport, or set up an eSIM before you fly
• A card that works abroad, plus some riyals for small purchases
• Offline maps and the Nusuk app installed and logged in

7. Prayer and spiritual items

• Pocket Quran or Quran app
• Dua book or list of duas (including requests from family and friends)
• Lightweight prayer mat
• Tasbih

8. Useful extras

• Foldable bag for shoes and water bottles
• Refillable bottle — Zamzam is freely available inside both mosques
• Umbrella for sun (men cannot cover the head in ihram)
• Hotel card in Arabic and English for elderly family members

9. What not to pack

• Expensive jewellery
• Too many clothes — laundry is cheap near the hotels
• Items banned by Saudi customs
• Liquids over airline limits in hand luggage

10. Coming home: Zamzam and gifts

Most airlines allow one sealed 5-litre Zamzam can bought at the airport. Rules vary — read our Zamzam water rules by airline before you fly back.

Final check before you leave

Print this list and tick each item. To plan your budget, try the Umrah cost calculator. Questions? Ask our assistant or message us on WhatsApp.