Your Reliable Guide to Umrah

All of our souls—citizens, residents, and visitors alike in the blessed land of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—yearn for that moment when our eyes are adorned with the sight of the Holy Kaaba, and our souls find peace in the precincts of the Grand Mosque. The Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, listening to the Takbeerat of the Haram, and praying in the Rawdah Shareefah are not just acts of worship, but a complete lifetime journey that cleanses hearts and renews faith.

With the massive development and major facilities provided by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Umrah journey has become easier and more convenient than ever. To ensure your steps are firm and reassuring, we present to you in this article Your Reliable Guide to Umrah, to serve as your comprehensive companion from the moment you make your intention until you complete your rituals and return safely.

What is the "Nusuk" Platform? Your Digital Portal for the Umrah Journey

Planning for Umrah no longer requires a lot of effort and research; thanks to the pioneering digital transformation in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk platform (Nusuk) to be the official unified gateway for everything related to the guests of Allah.

The "Nusuk" platform and app allow you to easily obtain permits for Umrah and prayers in the Rawdah Shareefah in the Prophet's Mosque. Through this app, you can choose appropriate times to avoid peak hours and crowding, ensuring you perform your rituals in an atmosphere of peace and dignity. Using the app and booking the permit in advance is the first and essential organizational step in the modern Umrah guide.

Types of Visas Available for Performing Umrah: Flexible Options for Everyone

As part of the unprecedented facilities, Umrah is no longer restricted to the traditional Umrah visa only. Today, Umrah has become available through multiple flexible options suitable for everyone:

👉 Swipe left or right to view the full table

Visa Type	Target Group	Features and Umrah Performance
Electronic Umrah Visa	Pilgrims from outside the Kingdom	Issued via the "Nusuk" platform, allowing stay and travel between Makkah, Madinah, and all cities of the Kingdom for up to 90 days.
Tourist Visa (On Arrival or Electronic)	Citizens of eligible countries, Schengen/US/UK visa holders, and GCC residents	Allows performing Umrah, visiting relatives, and traveling freely throughout its validity period.
Transit Pass (Transit Visa)	Travelers via Saudia and flynas	Grants a free stay for 4 days (96 hours), allowing Umrah performance and visiting Madinah.
Personal Visit Visa	Saudi citizens inviting friends and acquaintances	Allows the visitor to travel within the Kingdom, perform Umrah, and visit historical sites.
Family Visit Visa	Residents bringing first-degree family members	Allows the family to perform Umrah and visit the two Holy Mosques with ease.

Steps to Plan Your Trip: A Step-by-Step Umrah Guide

To achieve the maximum spiritual and physical benefit from your journey, you must be fully aware of the pillars and obligations of Umrah. Here is a simplified, practical Umrah guide to perform your rituals according to the purified Sunnah:

1. Intention and Ihram (From the Miqat)

Your spiritual journey begins with the intention and entering Ihram from your designated geographical Miqat (or upon aligning with the Miqat on a plane).

For Men: Bathe, apply perfume to the body (not the Ihram garments), wear two clean white pieces of cloth (Izar and Rida), and avoid covering the head or wearing stitched clothes.
For Women: Bathe, wear loose, modest clothing with no adornments, keeping the face and hands uncovered (unless in the presence of non-mahram men, where a face-covering veil can be draped).
Talbiyah: Begin reciting the Talbiyah immediately after entering Ihram: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak".

2. Tawaf Around the Holy Kaaba

Upon reaching the Grand Mosque, enter with your right foot, reciting the supplication for entering the mosque. Stop the Talbiyah and start circumambulating from the alignment of the Black Stone:

Number of Circuits: Seven complete circuits, each starting and ending at the Black Stone.
Idtiba' and Raml (For Men Only): Idtiba' is exposing the right shoulder throughout Tawaf, and Raml is brisk walking with short steps in the first three circuits only.
Supplication and Forgiveness: There is no specific supplication for each circuit; rather, supplicate with whatever good of this world and the hereafter Allah opens for you, and make sure to recite: "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar" between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone.
Two Rak'ahs of Tawaf: After completing Tawaf, pray two rak'ahs behind the Station of Ibrahim (or anywhere convenient in the Haram), reciting Surah Al-Kafirun and Surah Al-Ikhlas.

3. Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah

Head towards Mount Safa to begin Sa'i, and upon approaching it, recite the verse: (Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah).

Start and End: Start from Safa heading towards Marwah (this is one circuit), then return from Marwah to Safa (this is the second circuit), until you complete seven circuits ending at Marwah.
Jogging (For Men): It is Sunnah for men to jog (lightly run) between the two green markers only.
Remembrance and Supplication: Be sure to stand on Safa and Marwah, face the Qiblah, raise your hands, and supplicate, declaring the oneness and greatness of Allah three times.

4. Halq or Taqsir

This is the release from Ihram, which completes your Umrah:

Men: Shaving (which is better and highly recommended) or trimming the hair of the head entirely.
Women: Trimming the ends of the hair by the length of a fingertip (about 2 cm) from each braid or from the combined ends of the hair.

Golden Tips for a Comfortable and Easy Umrah Experience

To ensure your journey is filled with comfort and serenity, and to avoid physical exhaustion, we present to you in your reliable guide to Umrah a set of practical, time-tested tips:

Choose Calm Hours: The "Nusuk" platform displays crowding levels. Choose early morning hours (after sunrise) or late night hours to perform Tawaf and Sa'i, as temperatures and crowding are at their lowest.
Constant Hydration and Sun Protection: Makkah's climate can be very hot in some seasons. Make sure to drink sufficient amounts of the blessed Zamzam water, and use a sun umbrella when moving during the day.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will cover long distances walking during Tawaf, Sa'i, and transit. Make sure to wear comfortable medical shoes before Ihram (or thick walking socks inside the Haram).
Adherence to Health and Security Guidelines: Follow the directives of the security officers in the Two Holy Mosques; they are there to serve you and facilitate your movement. Maintain cleanliness and follow the designated entry and exit pathways.
Spiritual and Physical Preparation: Engage in light walking exercise days before traveling to prepare your muscles for the rituals, and read up on the jurisprudence of Umrah to be fully aware of your worship.

Updates and Regulations by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the 1446-1447 AH Season

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is committed to continuously updating regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of the guests of Allah. Key updates to be aware of include:

Umrah Visa Validity: The validity of the Umrah visa extends to 90 days from the date of issue. Pilgrims must depart before this period expires or before the end of the annual Umrah season.
Permit Issuance: The "Nusuk" app remains the only official channel approved for booking Umrah and Rawdah prayer permits. Entry to these holy sites is not permitted without an active and confirmed permit on the app.
Adhering to Approved Packages: For overseas pilgrims, it is highly recommended to deal with licensed travel agencies approved via the "Nusuk" platform to guarantee safe accommodation and transport services, avoiding fraudulent campaigns.

Conclusion and Your Next Step

Performing Umrah is a golden opportunity to renew your covenant with Allah, and step away from the daily hustle and bustle of life, to enjoy an unparalleled spirituality that stays with you forever. Thanks to the smart facilities and services provided by our beloved Kingdom, the journey has become safer, easier, and filled with peace.

All you need now is to make the decision, set a sincere intention, then download the "Nusuk" app and start planning your next spiritual journey using this comprehensive Umrah Guide framework.