Umrah questions answered

Short, direct answers to what pilgrims ask most about Umrah, Hajj, Makkah and Madinah.

Information only. Rules, permits and timings change, so confirm with official sources and your scholar before you travel. We do not sell, book or guarantee anything.

What questions

What is Umrah?

Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage to Makkah that can be done at any time of the year. It has four acts: ihram, tawaf around the Kaaba, sai between Safa and Marwa, and shaving or trimming the hair. See our step by step guide.

What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage on fixed days from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah and is obligatory once for those who are able. Umrah is shorter, can be done at any time, and does not include Arafat, Muzdalifah or Mina. See the Hajj guide.

What is ihram?

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters at the miqat with the intention for Umrah. Men wear two plain white unstitched cloths and women wear modest everyday clothes. Certain things such as perfume and cutting hair or nails are not allowed until Umrah is complete.

What is tawaf?

Tawaf is walking seven times around the Kaaba, starting and ending at the Black Stone line, with the Kaaba on your left.

What is miqat?

The miqat is the boundary where a pilgrim must be in ihram before going on to Makkah. Pilgrims arriving by air usually put on ihram before boarding or when the crew announces the miqat.

What is the Rawdah?

The Rawdah is the area inside the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah between his house and his pulpit. Visits usually need a slot booked through the official Nusuk platform.

What to wear for Umrah?

Men wear two unstitched white cloths in ihram and sandals that leave the heels and top of the foot open. Women wear loose modest clothes with a scarf and no face covering in ihram, and comfortable shoes. Bring a light jacket for cold air conditioning. See our checklist.

When questions

When can I do Umrah?

Umrah can be done at any time of the year, subject to the permits and the season rules published by Saudi authorities on the Nusuk platform.

When is the best time for Umrah?

The weather is mildest from late autumn to early spring. Crowds are usually lighter outside Ramadan, school holidays and the days around Hajj. In a day, the Haram is often quieter after Fajr and in the early afternoon.

When is Ramadan 2027?

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on 8 February 2027, based on astronomical calculation, and is subject to the moon sighting. Eid al Fitr is forecast around 10 March 2027.

When is Hajj 2027?

Hajj 2027 is expected in mid May 2027, with the Day of Arafat on about 15 May and Eid al Adha about 16 May, subject to the moon sighting. Confirm with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Where questions

Where is the miqat?

There are five main miqat points: Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) for those coming from Madinah, Al Juhfah near Rabigh, Qarn al Manazil, Yalamlam, and Dhat Irq. Your route decides which one applies, so ask your agent.

Where to stay in Makkah?

The closest areas are Ajyad, the Clock Towers and Jabal Omar, a short walk from the Haram. Aziziyah is farther and needs a bus or ride. Use our directory and landmarks page to compare distances.

Where to stay in Madinah?

The central area next to Masjid an Nabawi is the most convenient, and Quba is quieter and a little farther out. Check walking distance on the landmarks page.

Where to eat in Makkah?

Food courts in the malls near the Haram and restaurants in Ajyad and Jabal Omar are the easiest options. See our food guide and the malls page.

Where is Cave Hira?

Cave Hira is on Jabal al Nour, north east of the Haram. The climb takes a few hours up and down, so go early and carry water. See the landmarks page.

Where is Quba Mosque?

Quba Mosque is in the south of Madinah, a short ride from the Prophet's Mosque. It is the first mosque built in Islam.

Who questions

Who can perform Umrah?

Muslims who are able and have the required visa and permit can perform Umrah. Rules for age, vaccines and travel documents change, so check the Nusuk platform and your embassy.

Who can enter Makkah?

Only Muslims may enter the Haram area of Makkah. Non Muslims are not allowed. Confirm current rules with official sources.

Why questions

Why do pilgrims do tawaf?

Tawaf is an act of worship that shows devotion to Allah and follows the practice of the Prophet. The Kaaba is the direction of prayer for all Muslims.

How questions

How to perform Umrah step by step?

Enter ihram at the miqat, make the intention and say the Talbiyah, perform tawaf, pray two rakat, do sai between Safa and Marwa, then shave or trim the hair. The full explanation is in our Umrah guide.

How to wear ihram?

Bathe, then wrap one cloth around the waist and the other over the shoulders, and use a belt that does not stitch the cloth. Uncover the right shoulder during the first tawaf only. Women wear modest everyday clothes.

How to do tawaf?

Start at the Black Stone line, keep the Kaaba on your left and walk seven rounds. Stay in wudu and keep calm in the crowd. Pray two rakat afterwards.

How to do sai?

Walk from Safa to Marwa for one lap and continue until you finish seven laps at Marwa. There is a separate lane for wheelchairs.

How long does Umrah take?

The rites usually take from two to five hours depending on the crowd and your pace. Plan extra time to reach the Haram and rest.

How many days do I need for Umrah?

The rites themselves can be done in a day. Most pilgrims stay several days in Makkah and visit Madinah as well. Your visa and package decide the final plan.

How to get from Makkah to Madinah?

The Haramain high speed train takes about two and a half hours. A private taxi usually takes four to five hours, and a bus takes longer because of stops. See our train guide and ride guide.

How far is Madinah from Makkah?

It is roughly 420 to 450 kilometres, depending on the route.

How to get from Jeddah airport to Makkah?

The distance is around 90 to 100 kilometres. You can take the Haramain train from the airport station, a bus or a taxi. Plan extra time in busy seasons.

How to get an Umrah visa?

Most pilgrims apply through the official Saudi e visa channels or through an authorised agent. Check the current rules on the Nusuk platform and the Ministry website. We do not process visas.

How to get a Nusuk permit?

Install the Nusuk app, create your account and request your Umrah permit for your chosen date. Permit rules change, so follow the app and official announcements.

How much does Umrah cost?

Cost depends on your country, season, hotel distance and length of stay, so we do not show prices. Compare written offers from licensed agents and check what is included.

How to avoid crowds in Makkah?

Choose quieter times such as after Fajr or in the early afternoon, avoid Ramadan and Friday peaks if you can, and use less busy gates. Keep a meeting point with your group.

Which questions

Which is better, Umrah or Hajj?

They are different acts of worship. Hajj is obligatory once for those who are able, and Umrah is highly recommended. Scholars explain how they relate, so ask a qualified scholar for your case.

Can questions

Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?

Saudi Arabia no longer requires a mahram for women performing Umrah, and applicants must be adults. Some home countries and some scholars still differ, and visa routes vary by nationality. Check the current rules on Nusuk, with your agent and with a scholar.

Can a woman do Umrah during her period?

A woman in her period should not perform tawaf until she is pure. Ask a scholar how to plan your trip and what to do. This page gives general information only.

Can I perform Umrah more than once?

Scholars allow repeating Umrah. Permit and visa rules apply, so check Nusuk for current limits.

Can I use my phone in the Haram?

Yes, but keep calls short, keep it silent in prayer areas and avoid taking photos in the tawaf area so you do not block others.

Is questions

Is Umrah mandatory?

Scholars differ. Many consider Umrah highly recommended and some consider it obligatory once. Ask a qualified scholar.

Is the Nusuk app required for Umrah?

Saudi Arabia uses the Nusuk platform for Umrah permits and for booking Rawdah visits. Follow current official guidance.

Is there a train from Makkah to Madinah?

Yes. The Haramain high speed train links Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah.

Do and Does questions

Do I need a visa for Umrah?

Yes, most visitors need a valid Saudi visa that allows Umrah. Citizens of some countries have special arrangements, so check the official channels.

Do I need a vaccine for Umrah?

A meningococcal vaccine has long been required for pilgrims. Other requirements change, so check the Saudi health ministry list before you travel.

Does an Umrah visa allow me to visit Madinah?

Umrah visas generally allow travel to Makkah, Madinah and other cities, but check the conditions of your own visa.

Is there a metro in Makkah?

There is no regular public metro for visitors in Makkah. A seasonal metro runs between Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina in Hajj season only.

References

Sources and review

Reviewed by the Makkah Madina Guide editorial team on 20 October 2026. Always check the latest rules with the Nusuk platform and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and ask a qualified scholar for religious rulings.