Preparing for Umrah is part of the journey. Between the visa, the Nusuk permit, the vaccination certificate and the packing, there is a lot to remember, and the last thing anyone wants is a missed document at the airport. This checklist brings everything UK pilgrims need into one place, with a free printable version you can tick off as you go.

Rules for Umrah change from season to season, so we have linked to the official sources throughout. Everything below was checked in November 2026 against GOV.UK travel advice for Saudi Arabia.

Download the free Umrah checklist (PDF)

Before you book: protect yourself from Umrah fraud

The UK Foreign Office warns that organised crime groups in the UK target people planning Hajj and Umrah every year, and that many victims are over 65. Its advice is simple and worth following even when a company comes recommended:

• Book with an ATOL-protected operator and research the company before you pay.
• Pay by credit card where you can, and keep every receipt and email.
• Get your booking confirmation and terms and conditions in writing.
• Be wary of deals that look unusually cheap, even from licensed companies.
• Report suspected fraud to Action Fraud or your local police.

Documents checklist

• Passport valid for at least six months from your travel date.
• Visa. Outside the Hajj season, British nationals can apply for a Saudi eVisa or an electronic visa waiver. Many agents also arrange a dedicated Umrah visa as part of the package.
• Umrah permit through the Nusuk app. Permits to perform Umrah, and to visit the Rawdah in Madinah, are issued through Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk platform. Most agents book these for you. Screenshot them so you can show them without signal.
• Meningitis ACWY certificate. You need a valid certificate, with the vaccine given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia. This applies to children aged one and over as well as adults.
• Travel insurance with medical cover.
• Flight, hotel and transfer confirmations.
• Copies of everything, both printed and saved on your phone.

Timing your Umrah

Umrah can be performed at any time of year, but Umrah visas are not issued for a period around Hajj. Hajj 2027 is expected in mid May, so if you are hoping to travel in the spring, check the season deadlines with your agent early. Ramadan, expected from 8 February to early March 2027, is the busiest and most sought-after time for Umrah, so book flights, hotels and Rawdah permits well in advance. Our Ramadan 2027 dates guide has the expected dates in full.

Health checklist

• Pack enough of your regular medication for the whole trip, plus extra in case your return is delayed.
• Carry prescriptions or a doctor's letter for any medicines.
• Bring plasters and blister care. Tawaf and sa'i involve a lot of walking, so break in your footwear before you go.
• Take rehydration sachets and a refillable bottle. Summer temperatures can exceed 50°C, so drink often and avoid direct sun where you can.
• Pack unscented sunscreen, hand sanitiser and a few face masks for the crowds.

Clothing and packing checklist

• Ihram garments for men, with a spare set.
• Comfortable, modest clothing for women.
• Comfortable sandals or shoes that are already broken in.
• Light layers for air-conditioned mosques and hotels.
• Unscented toiletries, as perfume is not used while in the state of ihram.
• A small drawstring bag for shoes.
• Phone, charger and power bank.
• Prayer mat, tasbeeh and a dua book.
• A hotel card with the address in Arabic.
• Some Saudi riyals in cash.

The printable checklist also has space to write down the duas friends and family have asked you to make for them, so nobody is forgotten.

Coming home: Umrah Mubarak gifts

Returning pilgrims are often welcomed home with a gift that marks the journey. Each of these is printed on clear acrylic in our Northampton studio and personalised with names and the year of Umrah.

For a family who travelled together: the Family at Madinah and Kaaba Plaque, from £16.99.

For a couple: the Hijab Couple Characters Plaque, from £16.99.

For her: the Pink Floral Heart Plaque, from £17.99.

For a child's first Umrah: the Boy in Ihram Kaaba Block, from £12.99.

With a photo from the trip: the Floral Kaaba Photo Plaque, from £16.99.

See the full Umrah and Hajj gifts collection, or read our guide to celebrating Umrah Mubarak.

Umrah checklist: frequently asked questions

What documents do I need for Umrah from the UK?

You need a passport valid for at least six months, a Saudi visa (an eVisa, electronic visa waiver or Umrah visa), an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app, and a meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate. Carry your booking confirmations and travel insurance details too.

Do I need a meningitis vaccine for Umrah?

Yes. You need a valid meningitis ACWY certificate, with the vaccine given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia. Children aged one and over need it too.

What is the Nusuk app?

Nusuk is Saudi Arabia's official platform for Hajj and Umrah. Umrah permits and Rawdah visit permits are issued through it. Many UK agents arrange your Nusuk permits as part of the package.

How do I avoid Umrah scams?

Book with an ATOL-protected operator, research the company first, pay by credit card where possible and get everything in writing. Be cautious of unusually cheap deals and report suspected fraud to Action Fraud.

Can I print and share the Umrah checklist?

Yes. The checklist is free to print and share for personal and community use, including mosques and Umrah groups.

Checked November 2026. Always confirm the latest requirements with GOV.UK travel advice for Saudi Arabia and your travel agent before you book and again before you travel.