Packing for Umrah is simpler than it looks: fewer clothes than you think, a few things that make Ihram and long walks comfortable, and your documents and medicines where you can reach them. This checklist is written for pilgrims flying from Hyderabad and other Indian cities. Airline and Saudi rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.

Documents and money (in your hand baggage)

• Passport valid for at least six months from your date of travel, with blank pages.
• Umrah visa — a printed copy and one on your phone — plus flight tickets, hotel details and your group leader's phone number.
• Vaccination certificate, especially meningococcal (ACWY), which Saudi health authorities require for pilgrims. Confirm the current requirement before you travel.
• An Indian photo ID such as Aadhaar, photocopies of your passport and visa kept apart from the originals, and a few passport-size photographs with a white background.
• Your Indian SIM with international roaming switched on, or a plan to buy a Saudi SIM on arrival. Keep your Indian number active: you will need it for bank OTPs.
• Some Saudi riyals in cash for small purchases, and a debit, credit or forex card enabled for international use. Tell your bank you are travelling.
• The Nusuk app installed and set up on your phone (it is used for permits such as the Riyadh ul-Jannah visit).

Ihram for men

• Two sets of Ihram — one to wear, one spare. Soft cotton or towel-type cloth is comfortable in the heat.
• An Ihram belt to hold the lower sheet and keep your passport and cash safe.
• Sandals that leave the top of the foot uncovered. In the Hanafi school, the raised bone on the upper part of the foot should stay uncovered.
• Keep your Ihram in your hand baggage. Flights from India to Jeddah cross the Miqat in the air, so you must be in Ihram before that point; many pilgrims change at home or at the airport and make the niyyah and begin the Talbiyah on the plane. If your group goes to Madinah first, you will enter Ihram later at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) on the way to Makkah.

For women

• A woman's Ihram is her normal modest clothing, in any colour. Pack two or three abayas or loose outfits that wash and dry easily, scarves that stay in place and under-scarf caps.
• In Ihram, women do not wear the niqab or gloves (Sahih al-Bukhari). Scholars explain how to screen the face from non-mahram men when needed; ask a trusted scholar for the details.
• Socks, comfortable closed shoes you have already worn in, and a light shawl for the air-conditioned mosques and hotels.

Clothing for everyone

• Light cotton clothes; for men, kurta-pyjama and a prayer cap for after Ihram.
• A light jacket or sweater from November to February, when nights in Madinah can be cool.
• Comfortable footwear you have already walked in. New shoes cause blisters.

Toiletries (unscented for Ihram)

Perfume and scented products are not allowed in Ihram, so choose unscented soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, sunscreen and wet wipes. Add petroleum jelly to prevent chafing, a toothbrush and miswak, sanitary items, and small scissors for cutting hair after Sa'i (packed in checked baggage).

Medicines

• Your regular medicines for the whole trip plus a few extra days, in original packaging, with the doctor's prescriptions, in your hand baggage.
• Some medicines, such as certain strong painkillers, sleeping tablets and anxiety medicines, are controlled in Saudi Arabia. Carry the prescription and check the rules before you travel.
• A small kit: paracetamol, ORS sachets, an antacid, medicine for loose motions as your doctor advises, throat lozenges, plasters and blister pads, antiseptic cream, face masks and unscented hand sanitiser.
• For diabetics: glucometer and strips, glucose tablets, and insulin in a cool pouch in your hand baggage.

Worship and your everyday bag

• A small, light prayer mat, a pocket Qur'an or Qur'an app, and a dua book. Our Masnoon duas are on the resources page.
• A tasbih or small finger counter to keep count of the circuits of Tawaf and the laps of Sa'i.
• A small backpack, a cloth shoe bag, and a refillable water bottle; Zamzam is available throughout the two Holy Mosques.
• A power bank (hand baggage only), charging cable and a universal travel adapter.
• An umbrella for shade, and a cap for men to wear after Ihram. Men may not cover the head in Ihram, but scholars generally allow the shade of an umbrella.
• Sunglasses, a neck pillow for the flight, a small lock, and luggage tags with your name, phone number and group name.

For elders travelling with you

• Ask the airline for wheelchair assistance when booking, or at least a few days before the flight. In the Haram, your group leader can help you find a wheelchair.
• Knee support, a walking stick, a spare pair of spectacles and hearing-aid batteries.
• A pocket card with their name, hotel, group leader's number, blood group and medicines, and copies of recent medical reports.

What not to pack, or check first

• Zamzam: airlines set their own rules. Many allow one sealed can per passenger, sometimes only an official pack collected at a set counter, and do not accept Zamzam packed in ordinary bottles inside your suitcase. Confirm with your airline before your return flight.
• Prohibited items: narcotics, alcohol and pork products are prohibited in Saudi Arabia, and drones need special permission. Never carry a parcel for someone else without knowing exactly what is inside.
• Cabin rules: liquids over 100 ml, scissors and knives go in checked baggage; power banks and spare batteries go in hand baggage only.
• Weight: the baggage allowance depends on your airline and fare. Check your ticket, and leave room for dates and gifts on the way back.
• Valuables: leave expensive jewellery at home.

A printable version of this checklist is on our resources page, along with our Umrah guide and Masnoon duas. If you are travelling with Umrah with Ateeq and are unsure about any item, ask us before you pack.