Umrah travel and planning can pose a real challenge for first-time travelers arriving through Umrah packages from London and other cities. As they don’t know much about what to take and what to leave in addition to the pressure of international travel and performing holy rituals for the first time.
However, there’s no need to worry as we’ve prepared a complete checklist for your Umrah essentials.
Travel Documents.
You must always carry your travel documents along wherever you go. However, in this regard, carrying original ones at all times is not advised because they might get misplaced or lost. So, store your original travel documents in a safe place in your hotel and bring copies along.
The essential travel documents include;
Passport.
Ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months from the time you submit your visa application form to the embassy with sufficient blank visa pages available.
Umrah Visa.
It is essential for the pilgrims to carry a valid visa to perform Umrah rituals. In this regard, you can either get a specific Umrah visa from a Saudi MoHU-authorized travel agency or opt for e-vis services for a tourist visa (also available on arrival for specific countries). Both of these visas remain valid for Umrah's performance.
Identification.
Carry your government-issued ID card, PR, or any other form of identification that you possess from your residing region/country.
Itinerary.
Always possess a copy of your hotel reservations, flight itinerary, and all the other sorts of things included in your December umrah packages 2023 that you’ve made for your Umrah trip
Money and Financial Essentials.
It is advised that you budget all of your Umrah expenses while also keeping something in reserve for the case of any emergency.
Local Currency.
Carry Saudi Riyals (SAR) for local purchases like transportation, food, shopping, etc. because not every shop would accept your credit/debit car there.
International Debit/Credit Cards.
Ensure that your bank credit/debit cards are activated for international use to avoid any payment hassles in foreign.
Travel Insurance.
In order to cover any medical emergency or unforeseen incidents, purchase travel insurance before your departure.
Medications and Personal Health.
Pilgrims must carry their medicines along because you might not find every sort of medication for use there (they may or may not suit you).
Prescription Medications.
If you are on some sort of medical treatment, then carry your prescription medicines along.
Basic First Aid Kit.
Carry a basic first aid kit consisting of pain relievers, antiseptic ointment, band-aids, antibacterial wipes, etc.
Clothing.
Clothing and accessories must be taken in accordance with the weather and your needs while traveling.
Personal Hygiene Items.
Carry a separate bag for your personal hygiene items consisting of your toiletries like toothbrushes, shaving kits, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc.
Ihram Garments.
Men can only wear a specific type of clothing for their Ihram which is two simple, white-coloured sheets (unstitched). Women, on the other hand, can wear their ordinary clothes for their Ihram i.e., modest and simple.
Comfortable Clothing.
You should also carry comfortable clothing for your daily wear in the kingdom (outside of your Ihram).
Footwear.
Carry at least two pairs of sneakers and chappals to wear in Saudi Arabia while performing the holy rituals. Make sure that they’re comfortable, lightweight, airy, and durable – all at the same time.
Accessories.
Travel Adapter.
All of the pilgrims must carry a universal travel adapter to charge all of their electronic devices at once without any socket issues.
Electronics.
You must carry a mobile phone and charger with you for the holy trip. If you are also accompanying children, carry an iPad/Tablet as well to keep them distracted and busy.
So, these are the necessary items to carry for your Umrah pilgrimage.
