Missing paperwork is one of the few things that can stop a pilgrimage at the airport. This documents checklist covers what most pilgrims need for Umrah and Hajj, how to store it safely and where to check the latest health and entry rules. Use it alongside our interactive Umrah checklist for packing.
The essential documents checklist
- Passport — valid for at least six months from arrival, with blank pages and in good condition.
- Visa — your eVisa, Umrah visa or Hajj visa, printed and saved on your phone.
- Nusuk permits — Umrah and Rawdah permits with their QR codes.
- Vaccination certificates — including meningitis ACWY where required.
- Travel insurance — policy document and the emergency assistance number.
- Flight tickets and hotel confirmations — with your booking reference.
- Residence permit — if you are applying as a GCC or other resident.
- Children’s documents — passports and any consent letters needed by your country.
- Emergency contacts — family at home, your embassy and your travel provider.
Health and vaccination requirements
Health papers are the part of any documents checklist that changes most often. A meningococcal (meningitis ACWY) vaccination certificate is required for Hajj pilgrims, and health requirements for Umrah are set by the Saudi Ministry of Health and can change by season. Check the current requirements on the Saudi Ministry of Health website and speak to your doctor or travel clinic well before you travel, as some vaccines must be given a minimum time before arrival.
How to prepare your documents checklist
Eight weeks before
Check passport validity and book any vaccinations you need.
Four to six weeks before
Apply for your visa and buy travel insurance.
Two weeks before
Set up Nusuk, book permits and print all confirmations.
Three days before
Make copies, share them with a family member and pack your travel wallet.
Documents checklist: copies and safe storage
Keep originals in a zipped travel wallet that stays with you, not in checked luggage. Carry a set of photocopies separately and store scans in a secure cloud folder or email them to yourself. Leave a copy with a trusted person at home.
Many hotels in Saudi Arabia keep passports at reception during your stay, so carry a photo of your passport and visa on your phone at all times.
The night before you leave, go through this documents checklist one last time with everyone who is travelling. Tick each item as it goes into the travel wallet, and check that phones hold digital copies of visas, permits and insurance. A five-minute review now can save hours at the airport.
Documents checklist for families and elderly pilgrims
Give each adult their own copies, and put a card with the hotel name and a contact number in every child’s pocket. For elderly pilgrims, include a list of medicines with their generic names and a short medical summary from your doctor. Our special assistance article has more advice.
If you are travelling for Hajj, your provider or official Hajj platform may ask for extra documents, such as a photograph to a set specification or proof of vaccination uploaded in advance. Follow the instructions for your country’s route carefully and allow plenty of time for each stage.
Documents checklist: frequently asked questions
How long must my passport be valid?
At least six months from your date of arrival in Saudi Arabia is the usual requirement. Check the latest rules on the official visa portal.
Is the meningitis vaccine required for Umrah?
It is required for Hajj. For Umrah, requirements have varied over time, so check the current Saudi Ministry of Health guidance before travelling.
Should I carry printed copies?
Yes. Phones run out of battery and signal can be weak in crowded areas.
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