Hajj Umrah Essential List

Early preparedness reduces the expected fatigue.

Packing List and Tips for Hajj & Umrah

When you travel for the holy land of Mecca & Madina is great journey that is not only far off but is also a journey that reminds us of after life and our duties to the people behind us.
According to Islam you should clear all your liabilities and pay off all your dues before the spiritual journey. You are also bound by Islam to write a Will before you leave.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME

  • Plan to do hajj with the intention of obeying Allah’s command while avoiding riya
  • Pray two rakahs salah and seek help from Allah and pray for a safe journey.  Ask Allah for His help and protection from the harm of evil.  At the departure gate, take taqwa with you and leave behind your heartfelt duas for your family so that they may remain in Allah’s protection
  • Check all your travel documents (i.e. passport, airline tickets and all relevant coupons, verify with airline yourself)
  • Make extra copies of your passport, visa, tickets and the traveler’s cheques.  Take one set with you and place it in a separate location along with a couple of identification photos.  Leave an extra set of documents at home.
  • Make a few personalized identification tags or marks that you can spot from a distance
  • Your carry on bag should contain survival items for 2 to 3 days, just in case your main bag gets lost
  • When loading and unloading to and from bus or taxi, be sure to check your baggage.  Make sure that what you pack belongs to you
  • If you break away from the group, you are on your own, don’t put the blame on your tour operator for leaving you behind
  • Get to know your travel companies and your group leader before hand, in order to understand the schedule and one anthers expectations
  • Learn Arabic: at least a few words and phrases will be helpful.  Most of the locals understand some English and other eastern languages rather well

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME FOR THE AIRPORT

  • Call the airport beforehand to find out the status of your departure flight. 
  • Be on time at the airport as instructed by your group leader. If you miss your flight, you are responsible for costs incurred
  • Leave your home early enough to arrive to the airport on time for your flight. Consider the weather, road conditions, and traffic laws
  • Check all your travel documents once again before you leave your home

DURING THE FLIGHT

  • Use the washroom as soon as you feel the need. Do not wait too long
  • If you are in Ihram, do not use cologne/perfume products available on the flight
  • When you come out of the washroom, make sure you leave it very clean, with no water on the floor, or used tissues in the sink or wash basins

Hajj Umrah Essential Items List

Paperwork

  • Visa (check requirements)
  • Passport and any copies
  • Passport-size photos
  • Money, including cash and card

Spiritual supplies

  • Ihram, including headscarf for women
  • Notebook / Pens / Du’a book / Prayer Mobile app
  • Travel prayer mat / Qur’an (ideally small) / Tawaf counter
  • Optional garments when not on Hajj for mosque: kufi and thoub for men. Abayat/spare prayer outfit(s), scarves, caps (optional) and pins for women

Clothing and shoes

  • Flip-flops for the bathroom / Comfortable walking sandals / Shoe covers
  • Plenty of clean underwear! / Comfortable cotton outfits (x 2 per day during Hajj)
  • Clothes (including pyjamas for before/after Hajj)

Medical & Toiletries

  • Nail clippers / Scissors
  • Sun cream and after-sun. Make sure that it is unscented
  • Soap, shampoo, shower gel and conditioner (all unscented)
  • Razors and shaving cream / Unscented moisturiser/oil
  • Sanitary items for women
  • Deodorant (unscented) /Vaseline (unscented) / Disinfectant spray
  • Hydration tablets /Energy tablets/drinks for when you are low on energy
  • Hand gel (unscented) / Hand wipes (unscented) / Flushable toilet wipes (unscented)
  • Tissues (min packs) / Zip lock and unscented nappy bags (for storage / rubbish)
  • Gloves (several pairs) / Anti-diarrhoea medication / Medication for constipation
  • Plasters (various sizes) /Micropore tape and dressings / Unscented disinfectant cream
  • Cough sweets / Cold and flu tablets / Any regular medication with prescription
  • Any other medication: hay-fever, allergies

Travel/daily essentials

  • Bags: Drawstring bag to store supplies, a small backpack for Hajj, extra collapsible large bags for shopping (1-2 depending on shopping list)
  • Suitcases and carry-on bag
  • Personal alarm for women, in case of danger
  • Labels for your luggage / Small padlocks and keys / Fan for the hot weather
  • Flannel / Hat for the hot weather / Sunglasses / Towel
  • Money belt/pouch / A water bottle that can collapse / Plastic bags for general use
  • Sleeping bag liner / Small blanket / Umbrella /Ear plugs / Eye cover or a sleeping mask
  • Sewing kit /Phone charger /Portable phone charger /Old phone /International power adapters
  • Power banks and cables / Masking tape / Scissors
  • Snacks

Please check airline/airport and Saudi guidelines for entry. Find out the guidelines on importing, purchasing, and exporting medication, liquids, food, and sharp items.