Umrah and Hajj FAQ

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of year. Its rites are entering ihram at the Miqat, tawaf around the Kaaba, sa‘i between Safa and Marwah, and shaving or trimming the hair.

The rites take about three to five hours. Most pilgrims stay seven to fourteen nights to pray in Makkah and visit Madinah.

Ramadan carries the greatest reward but is the busiest. For calmer conditions, consider the weeks after Ramadan or the winter months outside school holidays. Makkah is very hot from June to September.

There is no limit. Many scholars encourage spacing them out and spending time in worship in the Haram rather than repeating Umrah many times in one trip.

Visiting Madinah is not part of Umrah, but praying in Masjid an-Nabawi is highly rewarded and most pilgrims include it.

Nusuk is Saudi Arabia’s official platform for Umrah permits, Rawdah appointments and other pilgrim services.

Most visitors need a visa. Many nationalities can use the Saudi tourist eVisa for Umrah outside the Hajj season; others use an Umrah visa through an authorised provider. GCC nationals travel with their ID.

Meningitis ACWY is commonly required and is mandatory for Hajj. Check the latest Saudi Ministry of Health requirements and speak to your doctor.

International Umrah visas are generally not issued during the Hajj season, roughly from late Dhul Qa‘dah to mid-Dhul Hijjah.

Ihram with intention at the Miqat, seven rounds of tawaf, two rak‘ahs, seven laps of sa‘i, then shaving or trimming the hair. See how to perform Umrah.

No fixed dua is established for each round. Make any dhikr and dua; between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah…”.

Build on the number you are sure of and complete the rest. Our tawaf counter helps.

Wudu is required for tawaf. For sa‘i it is recommended but, according to the majority of scholars, not required.

Saudi regulations allow women aged 18 and over to travel for Umrah without a mahram. Scholars differ on the religious ruling; see our guide for women.

She can enter ihram and do everything except tawaf, which she performs once she is pure.

Yes. A child’s Umrah is valid and rewarded, though it does not replace the obligatory Umrah after puberty for those who hold it obligatory.

Yes, with planning: hotels close to the Haram, wheelchairs or carts for tawaf and sa‘i, and rest days.

It depends on your country: Nusuk Hajj for many Western countries, national schemes elsewhere. Use our Hajj route finder.

Hajj 1448 is expected around 14–19 May 2027, with the Day of Arafah around 15 May, subject to moon sighting.

No. Hajj requires a Hajj visa and permit through the official system.

Costs vary with dates, flights, hotel distance and group size. We prepare an accurate tailored proposal instead of misleading starting prices.

Use our quote form. It takes about three minutes and there is no obligation.

Yes. We plan journeys from the UK, USA, Canada, Pakistan, India, the Gulf, Europe and more. See destinations.

Yes. We guide you through the right visa route for your nationality and can include visa support in your proposal.

Yes. Tell us in your request and we will include airport assistance and wheelchair or cart arrangements where available.