Your first Umrah is a journey you will remember for the rest of your life. Most of the stress pilgrims feel comes from small things left to the last minute — a passport that is about to expire, a missing vaccination card, or not knowing what happens after landing in Jeddah. This checklist walks you through everything in the order you will need it.
1. Check your passport first
Before you book anything, look at your passport's expiry date. It should be valid for at least six months from your travel date and have at least two blank pages. Renewing a passport in Pakistan can take several weeks, so do this before you pay for flights or hotels.
2. Get your vaccinations done
Saudi Arabia requires pilgrims to be vaccinated against meningitis (ACWY), and the vaccine must be taken at least 10 days before arrival. Keep the vaccination certificate with your passport — you may be asked for it during visa processing or on arrival. Ask your doctor whether you also need a seasonal flu shot, especially if you are travelling with elderly parents.
3. Choose the right package for your family
When comparing Umrah packages, look beyond the price:
- Distance of the hotel from the Haram. A cheaper hotel 1.5 km away can mean long walks five times a day, which is hard for elderly pilgrims.
- Number of nights in Makkah and Madinah. Many families prefer more time in Madinah to rest between Umrah and ziyarat.
- Transport. Private transfers between Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah are far more comfortable than shared buses, especially with children.
- Ziyarat. Check whether guided visits in Makkah and Madinah are included.
Tip: If you are travelling with parents, ask for a room on a lower floor or near the lifts. It makes a real difference during the busy prayer times.
4. Documents to keep in your hand luggage
- Passport and printed copy of your Umrah visa
- Return air tickets and hotel vouchers
- Vaccination certificate
- CNIC and a few passport-size photos
- Emergency contact numbers, including your travel agent's WhatsApp
5. What to pack
Men: two sets of ihram, a belt with a pouch, and comfortable sandals. Women: loose, comfortable abayas and scarves. Everyone should pack a small prayer mat, unscented soap and toiletries (scented products are not allowed in ihram), a refillable water bottle, any regular medicines with a prescription, and a light shawl — air-conditioning inside the Haram can be cold.
6. Know your miqat
If you fly from Pakistan directly to Jeddah, you will cross the miqat before landing, so you must be in ihram on the plane. Many pilgrims change at home or at the airport and make their niyyah when the crew announces the miqat. If your trip starts in Madinah, you will enter ihram later, at Dhul Hulayfah, before travelling to Makkah.
7. Plan your days
A simple rhythm works well for most families: perform Umrah soon after arriving in Makkah while you have energy, rest, and then spend the remaining days in prayer, tawaf and ziyarat. In Madinah, use the Nusuk app to book your visit to the Rawdah — slots fill up quickly, so book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Ready to plan your Umrah?
Our team arranges Umrah visas, flights, hotels close to the Haram and private transfers from Karachi. See our Umrah packages or message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose the right dates and hotels for your family.