The Ultimate DIY Umrah Guide: Step-by-Step Planning for 2024

This is the ultimate DIY Umrah guide and the one-stop post you will need when you start planning your own Umrah.

We will cover topics from when is the best time to plan your Umrah, expert tips on saving money on your DIY Umrah package as well as how to perform your Umrah, plus practical advice for solo Umrah, family and the elderly.

Over the past ten years, I have helped over a million readers go for Umrah by assisting them to understand the DIY Umrah practicalities and procedures. 

In this comprehensive DIY Umrah guide post, I will share everything you need to know and suggest other articles you can read for in-depth knowledge.

I perform Umrah several times per year. I used to live in Saudi Arabia, and I keep up with all the latest information. So, I know what I am writing about! 

My first DIY Umrah was in 2013 for under £300. I had to beg an agent for an Umrah visa only.

So, when I talk about how to plan the most amazing do it yourself Umrah, I have a trick or two up my sleeve. No wonder they call me the “Umrah girl”.

Understanding Umrah: Your Spiritual Journey Begins 

What is Umrah? Defining the Lesser Pilgrimage

Umrah, often called the lesser Pilgrimage, is a sacred journey Muslims undertake worldwide. Unlike Hajj, Umrah pilgrimage can be performed at any time of the year.

The rituals of Umrah, including Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, symbolize devotion and submission to Allah, helping pilgrims strengthen their faith and seek forgiveness for their sins.

The whole Umrah process doesn’t take longer than 2 hours, and we will discuss in more detail how exactly it is below.

Can you plan and do your own Umrah package?

I have been writing about Umrah for the past ten years, and yes, you can certainly plan and book your own Umrah package and save thousands on agent fees.

Planning your own Umrah package, especially for countries that can issue tourist visas and all other types, expect your own DIY Umrah package to be approximately 30% cheaper than with an agent. 

DIY Umrah is, without a doubt, one of the cheapest ways to book Umrah yourself by planning and organising everything.

Remember, a DIY Umrah allows you to tailor your trip according to your preferences and budget. However, it also requires more responsibility in managing logistics. Don’t be intimidated – with the right information and this DIY Umrah guide step-by-step approach, you can successfully plan a meaningful Umrah experience.

Saudi Arabia has started promoting tourism, and DIY Umrah is part of this to attract more people. With millions already coming for pilgrimage, it is also the perfect audience to explore other parts of the country.

Their 2030 Saudi vision sees them welcoming 30 million tourists into the country and establishing a tourism industry. I can testify that things are changing.

Planning Your DIY Umrah: First Essential Steps 

Before I start planning an Umrah trip, or any other for that matter, I go through a series of questions and actually plan my whole trip to save as much money as possible. I have a full blog post on this and how / why I do it. 

Plan in Advance to Save Money on Umrah

Deciding you want to go for Umrah and starting to plan the whole Umrah process well in advance can save you hundreds, if not thousands, in pounds. Many people leave it until the last minute.

Then they wonder whether a DIY Umrah package will be cheaper or just booking with an Umrah agent because they don’t have the time to plan it.

If you are planning on going for Umrah, start saving at least six months in advance.

I have a FREE Guide you can download here for the best time and how to plan DIY Umrah & save money 

Best Time to Go for Umrah

In recent years, Umrah has become very popular thanks to budget airlines like Wizzair, which make it easy to go for a weekend trip. The Saudi government has also made the visa process much easier.

Ramadan is particularly special, as the rewards for Umrah during this month are said to be equivalent to Hajj. However, it’s also the busiest and most expensive time.

The winter months (November to February) offer pleasant weather but are also peak season. For a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, consider the months just before or after Ramadan.

Summer (June to August) is the least busy due to the intense heat, but it can be a good option if you’re on a budget and can tolerate high temperatures.

Peak time

• Ramadan
• Major Holidays ( Christmas / Easter) 

Off-peak time

• Summer 
• Just after Hajj 

It is vital to know when you will be going for Umrah. Umrah during school holidays is much more expensive. Also, Umrah during Ramadan and especially the last 10 nights, can be 20x more than going during the off-peak season. 

Now, let’s be clear. Saudi Arabia received 7 million pilgrims last year for Umrah; there is not much of an off-peak season. 

My tip: Your best option is to go a week or two after busy periods like Christmas, Ramadan and school holidays. Also just after Hajj opens it is a little less busy. 

Note: You cannot do Hajj & Saudi closes Makkah

• Can you go for Umrah after Ramadan? 

Umrah Visa Requirements and Application Process

In the past several years, Saudi Arabia has done so much in terms of opening the country to tourists and Umrah pilgrims. Now, there are so many types of visas you can issue that also allow you to perform Umrah that it is almost confusing.

1. Tourist Visa

This visa allows you to go on tourism and also perform Umrah. The visa is provided for 1 year and you can stay in the country for 90 days maximum. You can enter and exit as many times as you want. This tourist visa is open to several countries around the world and also those holding US, UK and Schengen visas. You can also issue this visa on arrival at immigration. 

• You can read all about the Saudi Tourist visa here. 

2. Visa Waiver for UK citizens

This is a new type of visa currently open to UK citizens, and it works similarly to the US ESTA. It is a permission to enter the country, it is only for one-time entrance, and you can stay up to 6 months. This visa also allows you to perform Umrah.

• Read everything on the Visa Waiver Program here

3. Transit Visa with Saudi Airlines 

The transit visa allows you to perform Umrah and stay in the country for 3 days approximately. You must book your flights with Saudia and leave with the same airline. You can only issue this at the time of booking your flight. You can also get free accommodation in some cases. 

• Read everything on the Transit visa here. 

4. Umrah Visa 

If you are a passport holder of a country that cannot issue any of the above visas for Saudi Arabia to do Umrah, then you will need to go to an agent and get an Umrah visa. They have some more restrictions than the above types and can only be issued by agents in your home country. 

More information on the Umrah visa 

With all the available visas for Saudi Arabia, which also allow you to perform Umrah, it has become much easier for people from various countries to plan a DIY Umrah without the need for agents.

DIY Umrah Cost Calculator: Budgeting for Your Umrah Trip

Once you decide you want to go for Umrah at least 3-6 months in advance, you start looking or the package cost. First, however, I always suggest looking at your budget and then the packages. 

We have an idea of always increasing the budget depending on the cost of umrah packages we see online. 

Here is a DIY Umrah guide pricing to keep in mind if you are planning an Umrah package for two people. We also have full DIY Umrah package examples for each month from the UK and USA.

• UK Umrah DIY package for a 3-star hotel/budget airline from £500 per person
• UK Umrah DIY package for a 4/5 star hotel with budget airline from £800 per person
  • UK Umrah package is done yourself with a standard similar to 4/5 Star and airline from £1000 per person.
• For US Umrah packages, I would add around $500 more per person for each package and this is for the flights.

On average, my readers save 25% to 40% doing a DIY Umrah package than booking with an Umrah agent by planning in advance.

• Transportation from Jeddah to Mecca: £40 / $55 for two people on taxi or Uber 
• Transportation from Mecca to Medinah: £70 / $90 for two people on the Haramain train (add double for return if needed)
• Ziara tours depend on you and if you would like them, but around £50 / $65 for two people.  
• The second Umrah from Masjid Aisha, which is a popular option, is 50 SAR / £10
• Halal food in Mecca is obviously not a problem. Prices depend on your personal circumstances; we do spend about £10- £20 ($25) per day per person in the food court, but I also buy from the supermarket and make sandwiches for afternoon snacks and fruits. 

In total, performing a Do-it-Yourself Umrah comes much cheaper than buying an Umrah package as you can make it as expensive or inexpensive as you wish. 

Preparing for Your Umrah Journey Practical Tips

If you are going for Umrah for the first time, it can be very overwhelming to plan your umrah yourself not so much because of the practicalities, which i explain here in detail,l but because of the emotions associated. Many people overcomplicate Umrah planning due to this. 

Start Walking Daily

During your Umrah, you will need to walk at least 20,000 steps. If you are not physically prepared, you will really struggle to make it. The best advice I can give you is to start walking as soon as possible to try to get used to it. The distances in Makkah are huge. Think of you walking several blocks away, even if something looks close. 

Many times, they have crowd management where they block the streets, which means you will detour and walk further. Or if you finish your Umrah and you need to go back to your hotel. You can easily walk between 10,000 to 30,000 daily steps while on your pilgrimage. 

Umrah Packing List for Women and Men: What to Bring

Packing list for men for Umrah: Men are required to wear Ihram from the Meeqat point, which, if you are coming by plane to Jeddah, is around 30 minutes before your landing. The pilot will announce before reaching to change. There are many guides on exactly the Umrah requirements on Ihram. 

After this, you men on Umrah can wear their normal clothes or a thobe. 

Packing list for women for Umrah: Women are the one that stress the more on what to pack for Umrah, as a woman I totally understand this. However, honestly, you don’t need that much. Here is exactly what I look like when I am in Makkah.

For a 10-day trip, here is what I pack for Umrah as a woman. I also have a full article on exactly the products I pack for my own trips. 

• 3 Cotton Abaya ( I love them) 
• 5 pairs of leggings and cotton tops short sleeve 
• toiletries (non-scented moisturiser)
• scissors for cutting my hair after Umrah
• underwear

If I need to wash something there are hotel laundry and many small laundry shops in Mecca and Medinah.

Health Preparations and Vaccinations for Umrah Travelers

You will need to have a meningitis vaccination for anyone over the age of 1 in your family. This needs to be done 10 days before your trip at least and make sure you receive a certificate as proof. You can really all about the vaccine rule here.

I strongly suggest you wear a mask. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, so it is important to make sure they stay healthy. 

I would also like to point out that the waiver visa doesn’t include health insurance, and I have a full video explaining why I feel you should get your own travel insurance for Umrah. 

Step-by-Step DIY Umrah Guide with Visual Aids 

Let’s break down the Umrah process step by step!

I’m not a scholar, but I’ve been blessed to perform Umrah multiple times, and I’ve put together a video guide to help you visualize each step on my YouTube. 

You need to follow specific rules and conditions, but if you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world—Allah knows what’s in your heart!

Entering Ihram: Rules and Rituals

When I first prepared for Umrah, I was a bit overwhelmed by the Ihram rules. But here’s a tip: YouTube is your friend! I found Yasir Qadhi’s videos particularly helpful – his explanations are clear and easy to follow.

Ihram consists of two white, unstitched pieces of cloth for men. For ladies, you can wear any modest, comfortable clothing.

The most important thing is to remember to make your intention (niyyah) and recite the Talbiyah. You can’t scratch, have sexual intercourse, use scented products, or cut your nails while in Ihram. 

Performing Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba

Tawaf is the act of circling the Kaaba seven times, which is truly an amazing experience! Take time during this process and make as much dua as possible. I like performing my Tawaf at the bottom next to the Kabah. 

The best time to do this is to go when it’s hot. It will be pretty empty.

You begin your first Tawaf in the green light, which is basically the Black Stone, ensuring that the Kaaba is on your left. 

Many people want to kiss or touch the black stone, but it is very crowded. I have touched the door and the Kabah, but there is a lot of pushing. 

If it’s too crowded, raise your hand and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”. While circling, feel free to make dua or recite the Quran. If you lose count, doing an extra round is better than missing one. 

Helpful tips: I use the Adhkar counters to keep track of my Tawaf so I don’t miss any

The ground floor can get very crowded, so you may want to consider doing Tawaf on the upper floors if you’re not comfortable with large crowds or if you have children and a pram with you. 

Prams are not allowed on the ground floor.

Once you have finished your seven rounds, you pray two rakah behind Maqamat Ibrahim; you will see the area, as there is usually a robe there, and many people pray. 

Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa: Following Hajar’s Footsteps

After completing the Tawaf, it’s time for Sa’i, which involves walking (women) or jogging (men) between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.

This ritual commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail. It always amazes me how she did that because I can imagine the heat and fear.

You start at Safa and make your way to Marwa, and that counts as one circuit. Don’t forget to recite your dua as you climb each hill.

There are green lights along the way where men are encouraged to jog while ladies can walk normally. It can be quite a workout, especially if the air conditioning isn’t at full blast, so it’s important to pace yourself. Remember, each step you take is considered as erasing your sins, so keep that in mind as motivation. Also, don’t worry if you need to take a break – there are plenty of areas along the way if you need to rest.

Planning your Umrah Duas in Advance

Duas are the best part of Umrah, and considering that, you are pretty much guaranteed a response by Allah. Make the most of them.

In my YouTube video, I share how I plan my duas for Umrah and Hajj, and I have a free PDF template that you can complete. This makes sure your duas are amazing and align with your life goals.

I also love this dua book by Al Yaqeen Institute, so I am including it here. 

How to Save Money on Your DIY Umrah Guide

Book Umrah during a hotel and airline sale 

Many hotels and airlines have sales every few months. If you start planning, as I suggested six months in advance, you will get a sale and save yourself up to 40%. 

Decide which hotels you would like to stay at, sign up for their newsletter ( and mine as I share them), and then book and save once the sale is live. 

During a sale, you can find hotels in Makkah and Medina for as little as £70 per night at Hilton and around £90 for Hyatt. Most of their rooms can also accommodate families with children, up to 4-5 adults or kids. 

I usually book my hotels during the sale period with semi-flex terms, even if they are more expensive. I like the flexibility. It can be about 8 months in advance.

If, for some reason, the rates go down and it’s closer to the time of my Umrah, I will cancel them and rebook the cheaper rate. 

I would suggest that the average price for a week-long DIY Umrah is about £800 per person in a 4—or 5-star hotel, depending on your location and preferences. 

I always find flights with Skyscanner as I love their monthly view and their yearly cheap flight option.

Know when to book your flights: If you have missed the sale period (oops!), you can still find a decent deal by monitoring your flights with Google Flights. I love this as I can see how volatile the flight prices are and how much they fluctuate. 

Use low-cost airlines and split tickets: Sometimes, not booking the entire ticket for Jeddah can save you money. If you are going during peak times, flights can be expensive from London to Jeddah. 

Look for options to book an open-jaw ticket to Medina and return from Jeddah. Many times, this will save you money and hassle. 

Best Hotels for Umrah in Makkah and Madinah

I have included some of my best hotel recommendations for Mecca in this blog post and also the best budget hotels as well as my suggestions for hotels in Medinah. 

There are also reviews of the properties I have stayed at while on my own trips. In the above section, you can also see the DIY Umrah packages I have suggested for you with hotel prices. 

The best hotel really depends on what you are looking for…

Budget hotels for Umrah: they are usually further way from Masjid Al Haram but much cheaper and the newer ones are a great quality too. They offer free shuttles as well. 

Best Kabah views hotels: Then you will need to be looking for hotels in the Clock Tower because they are the highest point offering stunning Kabah views. 

Best Masjid Haram views: Personally, I like the Jabal Omar hotels; they don’t have a Kabah view but offer a Haram view, and I find them a little less busy. 

Hotels in Makkah

Options for 4-5 star hotels with the closest to Haram first

• Makkah Towers (0.3 miles) £600 / $780 for two people 
• Hyatt Makkah Jabal Omar (0.3 miles) £600 / $780 for two people 
• Jumeirah Hotel Makkah (0.3miles) £800 /$1000 for two people
• Hilton Convention Hotel (0.4 miles) £530 / $650 for two people
• Sheraton Makkah Jabal Al Kaaba Hotel (0.5 miles) £330 / $430 for two people 
• M Hotel Makkah by Millennium (1.6 miles) £190 / $250 for two people 

Options for 3-star hotels closest to Haram First 

• Voco Makkah (1.1 miles) £250/ $400 for two people
• Ibis Styles Makkah (1.9 miles) £116 / $150 for two people 
• Three Points Musali Makkah (2.3 miles) £185 / $240 for two people 
• Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem (4.2miles) £145 / $200 for two people 

Hotels in Medinah

• Dar Al Iman Intercontinental (0.1 miles) £600/ $850
• Pullman Zamzam Madina (0.2 miles) £375 / $490
• Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel (0.3 miles) £600 / $780 
• Taiba Hotel Madinah (0.3 miles) £410 / $540 
• Crowne Plaza Madinah (0.3 miles) £334 / $ 420
• InterContinental Dar Al Hijra Madinah (0.5 miles) £355 / $460

My full recommendation of hotels and options for the best places to stay in Mecca you can find them available below.

• Best hotels in Makkah
• Best budget hotels in Makkah
• Best hotels in Medinah

For full reviews of Mecca and Medinah Hotels check out the directory of our Umrah posts

Loyalty points and free nights for Umrah

Loyalty points and miles have paid for my Umrah in Ramadan for several years, saving me once £20,000 over the total cost. They have transformed my life, and I suggest you check out my book and articles on DIY Umrah because you can save a lot of money on peak travel. I once lived in a hotel for a year to earn 1,000,000 Hilton points, which I redeemed for $25,000 worth of travel for free. 

I rarely book via third-party sites unless it is one stay in a place with a significant discount. This is because my travel strategy includes staying in hotel chains to receive points that I can redeem for expensive properties worldwide. 

You can read my full miles and points strategy and how I accumulate and redeem points. It can seem overwhelming at the start, but trust me, it’s worth it. 

Like Makkah during Ramadan. This is how we saved over £2,000 per night during our Hyatt stay in the last 10 nights of Ramadan for several years now in a row. I used all my points with Hyatt to stay there and save. 

If you want to learn how you can take advantage of loyalty points for Umrah make sure to check out my courses and book. 

Cashback on Hotels

If you don’t want to bother with points but still want to save money on your hotel stays I highly recommend using cashback websites like Topcashback to earn throughout the year and on your Makkah hotel of course. 

Many third-party online agents like Expedia, Hotels.com and Booking.com have loyalty programs where you can save money and combine cashback with their offers. 

Navigating the Holy Cities: Mecca and Madinah 

Going between the two cities is not difficult, especially now with the Haramain train. It takes about 2 hours by train to reach Mecca from Medinah and 5 hours by car. Jeddah to Mecca is only 1.5 hours long, so it is convenient even for a quick Umrah.

Within the two cities, you can easily get a Careem taxi, similar to Uber or one of the plentiful taxis waiting outside hotels. They do have meter readings, so you don’t have to haggle unless you want them to spend a day with me showing you around.

Transportation Options for Umrah: From Jeddah to the Holy Cities

I have an extensive Umrah transportation guide that can help you with the best options and prices available for every transport option for Umrah and for travel in Saudi Arabia.

But in short, I would like also to cover them here and make it easier for you. 

Jeddah to Makkah: The best way to arrive in Makkah from Jeddah is to take a taxi from the airport. You can negotiate with a driver once you exit the airport or order an Uber or Careem (the Middle Eastern version of Uber). As a techno girl, I prefer the latter options. The cost is approximately £50. 

The train station is outside Terminal 1 KAIA if you want to use that option as well. But you will need to take a taxi from the Mecca train station to your hotel. Making this the same time with just taking a taxi.

Makkah to Medina: By far, the best option to travel between the Holy cities is to use the Haramain Train. 

It is easy, convenient and comfortable, plus it takes the least time. I don’t enjoy Saudi driving, so I try to avoid it as much as possible. You can book the train online, and if booked in advance you can book for £10 one way in economy or £25 in business class and enjoy the business lounge as well as more comfort.

Taxi is another option, and there are plenty of choices of taxis outside the Conrad and Hyatt hotels. If you are a large family, they usually make sense between the two cities or to Jeddah. You can negotiate with them the rate.

Ziara trips around Makkah, and you can do an hourly rate as well with taxis outside your hotel. Start low and find a price you are comfortable with, but around £20-30 is good for a few hours. You can also get Uber for this as well. 

In Medinah, they have a tour bus that can get you around to Ziara, and it’s a hop-on and off so you can get off and enjoy the sights before getting the next one. Or they even have Careem bikes you can rent.

Medinah to Jeddah: If your flight departs from Jeddah, you can take the train to Jeddah as the train stops just outside terminal 1 KAIA in Jeddah. 

Expert tip: I suggest arriving in Medinah and then departing from Jeddah. Medinah airport is smaller, so easier to get out of, and also, the train now makes it easy to reach Jeddah. On departure, Jeddah is closer and more convenient. 

Locations for Trains in Makkah and Medinah: 

• Haramain Train location in Makkah: Al Rasaifah, Ar Rusayfah, Makkah 24232, Saudi Arabia
• Haramain Train location in Medinah: Al Hadra, Medina 42368 8183, Saudi Arabia

Make sure you read our complete Umrah transportation guide 

Sacred Sites to Visit: Beyond the Main Umrah Rituals 

Things to Do in Mecca:

1. Visit the Cave of Hira: Take a trip to Jabal al-Nour and climb to the Cave of Hira. It’s a bit of a hike, but it’s totally worth it! This is where our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the spiritual atmosphere is indescribable.
2. Explore the Masjid al-Haram: Beyond your Umrah rituals, spend time exploring different parts of the Grand Mosque. Try praying in various spots, like near the Hijr Ismail or the Maqam Ibrahim. Don’t forget to marvel at the beautiful architecture and intricate details of the mosque. The new section is beautiful.
3. Drink Zamzam Water to Your Heart’s Content: Make the most of the blessed Zamzam water available in the Haram. Drink it, make dua, and even fill up some bottles to take back to your hotel. Remember, Zamzam is for what it’s intended for!
4. Visit the Masjid al-Taneem: Also known as Masjid Aisha, this is where you can go to enter ihram if you’re staying in Mecca and want to perform another Umrah. It’s a great opportunity to multiply your rewards!
5. Take a Tour of the Kaaba Exhibition: If you’re curious about the history of the Kaaba, check out the exhibition near the Ajyad district. It’s fascinating to learn about the different stages of expansion and renovation of the holy site.

Things to Do in Medina:

1. Visit the Quba Mosque: Take a short trip to the first mosque built in Islam. Try to visit on a Saturday if you can – it’s sunnah, and the reward is equivalent to an Umrah!
2. Explore the Date Markets: Medina is famous for its dates. Visit the local markets to taste and buy different varieties. They make great gifts for family and friends back home, too!
3. Pay Respect at Jannat al-Baqi: Visit this ancient cemetery where many of the Prophet’s family members and companions are buried. It’s a humbling experience and a reminder of our ultimate destination.
4. Take a Trip to Mount Uhud: Visit the site of the famous Battle of Uhud. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on this important event in Islamic history and visit the grave of Hamza (RA), the Prophet’s uncle.

Considerations for Different Umrah Travelers 

If you are travelling with children or the elderly, there are a few more things I would highly suggest you consider when planning your Umrah. 

Umrah with Children: Family-Friendly Tips

Travelling with young children can be exhausting when on top of this arriving and performing Umrah. If you are travelling for Umrah with young children I would suggest you arrive in Medinah. Spend a few ddays there acclimitising and then going to Mecca. This way you have rested and you are more relaxed. 

Of course, hotels closer to the Holy Mosques are much better for you, depending on your budget. 

You can take your baby pram to Haram without a problem when you go for Umrah or prayers. You will have to use the ramps on each side of the mosque, and it takes you to the second mataf.

You can check these post here:

• The Best Tips for Umrah with a Baby
• Tried and Tested tips for Umrah with Kids that work!

Umrah for Elderly Pilgrims: Accessibility and Assistance

If you are travelling with the elderly who can’t walk, then booking hotels close to Haram will be essential. Look for properties in the Jabal Omar development as they are still close enough but not as expensive. 

Wheelchair for Elderly 

For the elderly, there are free wheelchairs you can use to transport them around so they don’t walk. You can also hire one of the guys to help with Tawaf and Sa’i.

On the second Mataf floor, you will also find the new system for the elderly and those with mobility issues, which is the golf car. They used to have self-operating scooters, but they now have golf cars. 

You can choose to do Sa’i only ( Safa and Marwa), or you can do Tawaf only or the full Umrah pilgrimage on a golf car. 

You will need to pay at the pay point which is located on the back entrance just after the Clock Tower. You then show the receipt to the attendant. 

This is a convenient option for those with young children or with mobility problems. 

Solo Female Umrah Travelers

Solo women’s Umrah is becoming more popular each year since Saudi Arabia now allows women to perform Umrah solo. I have a video on my Youtube channel with my own experience as well as tips. 

Solo Umrah is safe, and since I went with my friend on a girl trip, I have to say it was one of my favourite trips ever. 

Take the safety precautions you would take at home or when travelling anywhere else, but generally, you can navigate Umrah alone. 

Check out my article with my best tips and advice for women doing solo Umrah. 

Maximizing Your Umrah Experience Practical Tips  

Here are some of the most practical tips you will need when you prepare for your trip. These tips can make your Umrah more enjoyable. 

Mobile E-Sim for Umrah

If you don’t have International data for your phone, you can buy a local sim card; it costs £20 / $30 and comes with a local number and data. 

They have tourist SIM cards that are valid for a few weeks. You will need your passport to get them, and the Mobily office in the Jabal Omar development has excellent customer service.

You can also buy them just after you exit the luggage area at the airport. 

I also use an E-SIM provider called Holafly, which I can buy before entering the country. They are super easy to install and use, and I have done so in many countries. You can use my referral link for 5% off your next e-sim

Zamzam water

One of the frequent questions is about ZamZam water and how you can take it. You have to buy it from the airport, though, so it is sealed and packed and ready for transportation.

I think it was about 20SAR for the 5 lit ones, and you buy it from the kiosk outside next to departures at Jeddah & Medinah airport. 

Suppose you are staying longer in Saudi Arabia as a tourist. In that case, you can also buy Zam Zam water from major supermarkets in the country.

If you are on a split ticket, you will have to put water into your suitcase, and it will be from your luggage allowance. And you risk transferring to another country and being taken away on split tickets. Split tickets are those booked like budget airlines or those with two separate bookings.

You can take a few bottles of 0.5 lt of ZamZam in your suitcase, but make sure they don’t leak because they will be removed. So seal them properly. This will also count towards your baggage allowance. 

International Currency Using Credit Cards in Saudi for Umrah

You might be wondering what you should use for currency and whether it is better to exchange it prior to arriving from Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Personally, I use Revolut for pretty much all my international transactions within a country as they don’t have foreign exchange fees for SAR.

Revolut works great for pretty much any country that is visiting Saudi and doesn’t have free foreign exchange fees. I will also take my cash out of Revolut. I do have the free plan, so I think it is around £200 cash per month I can use. I use the cash for a taxi for Ziara and for charity in the Haram mosques.

If you are in the UK, you also have the option for Monzo Bank etc. Personally, I stick with Revolut, and I just transfer the amounts needed for my small shopping expenses like supermarket, gift shops, etc.

For big purchases like hotels and flights, I use my American Express card due to consumer protection. ,

If you are in the US, many banks waive the transaction fees and give you extra points, like Chase or Amex, so you might be better off changing to those providers for your trip. This list contains all my favourite US credit cards that you can use.

If you are new to Revolut, you can use my referral link for extra credit.

Inside the Holy Mosques 

Big cameras are not allowed in Haram, and your bags will be searched, but you can take a small backpack for your shoes, prayer mat and food for kids. You can have your mobile and take photos, though. 

Also i would encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle for Zamzam. They do have signs to not be allowed but the plastic waste is mind boggling to me. I brough my own water bottle and filled it with ZamZam for my hotel and while doing Tawaf. Nobody said anything. 

Also, I would recommend you bring a bag for your shoes as well as a prayer mat. I have linked several on my Amazon account for ease for Hajj & Umrah products I use.

Combining Umrah with an Extended Stay in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a lot of natural beauty, and the city of Jeddah—where I lived—offers a good option close to Mecca if you want to extend your time and enjoy the old town, the corniche, or even go to the water park with your children afterwards. 

Al Ula is also becoming very popular option for tourists to visit. If you also want to explore the North part of Saudi you can take one of the budget flights to Damman which is an excellent city and visit one of the largest Oasis in the world. Read are my recommendations for visiting other parts of Saudi Arabia while on Umrah. 

Umrah During Ramadan: A Unique Spiritual Experience

Umrah in Ramadan is equivelant to Hajj but also one of the most expensive times for plan your Umrah. After spending pretty much every last 10 nights of Ramadan in Mecca here is the best money saving tip I can give you. 

Technology for Pilgrims: Useful Apps 

I have an article with the best apps you will need for Umrah. However the most essential of them all is the Nusuk app through which you will need to book your Rawdah space in Medinah and visit the Prophets grave. 

They are very strict when it comes to those appointments, and they are hard to come by. 

Young children don’t need to have their own Nusuk appointments but adults and older kids will do. 

In order to register for Nusuk you will need to have an active visa so I recommend taking your visa a couple of weeks earlier for you can book your slot. Check several times daily for the slots as they do come available. 

Post-Umrah Reflections and Maintaining Spirituality 

Returning home after Umrah is not the end of your spiritual journey – it’s a new beginning! The challenge now is to maintain that beautiful state of iman and taqwa you experienced in the holy cities. Start by reflecting on your Umrah experience and the lessons you learned.

Try to incorporate new habits into your daily routine, like reading more Quran or offering extra prayers.

Remember, consistency is key!

Download the free life wheel guide I have to help you stick to your goals becasuse hotensly once you are back home the journey begins. It is that time you need to start working towards making your duas come true.

Consider keeping a journal of your reflections or creating a photo album to help you relive those precious moments. Most importantly, make dua that Allah accepts your Umrah and helps you maintain its blessings in your everyday life. This way, you can continue reaping the rewards of your journey long after you’ve returned home.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Umrah

How Many Days is Umrah?

The misconception of Umrah is that it takes as long as Hajj. This is not the case. The rituals of Umrah only take a couple of hours, depending on where you will do your Tawaf. So, in reality, you can do Umrah in one afternoon and then leave. 

I have actually done this as a one-day Umrah when I used to live in Jeddah.

The rest of the time pilgrimgs who visit the stay for a few days or weeks to enjoy the spirituality and during that time you can perfrom as many Tawaf as you want.

Can I Visit Makkah Without Performing Umrah?

You can definitely visit Mecca without performing Umrah especially if you are in Jeddah for example on a business trip. Don’t foget that prayer in Makkah and the Haram area is worth thousands more than normal. 

DIY Umrah vs. Travel Packages: Which is Right for You? 

There is no right or wrong answer. As we saw above you can save a lot of money if you are planning your own Umrah itinerary. However if you feel overwhelmed or if you want to have an Imam or a guide with you then an agency package might be better. 

Enjoying your pilgrimage and every aspect of your Umrah is the most important. 

Here’s an extended FAQ with 10 common questions and long-form answers for “The Ultimate Guide On How To Do A DIY Umrah; Plan Your Own Umrah” in HTML format:

What is a DIY Umrah, and how does it differ from traditional Umrah packages?

A DIY Umrah, or “plan your own Umrah,” is an approach where Muslims organize their Umrah journey independently, without relying on a travel agent or pre-arranged Umrah package. This comprehensive guide to DIY Umrah allows pilgrims to have more control over their itinerary, costs, and overall Umrah experience. Unlike traditional Umrah packages, which often include preset accommodations and schedules, a DIY Umrah enables you to choose your own flights, hotels, and transportation methods. This flexibility can lead to a more personalized and cost-effective Umrah pilgrimage.

How do I obtain a visa for my DIY Umrah trip?

The process is pretty standard for which visa you need. Check the visa types and options above, but here is the procedure.

• 1. Check if you’re eligible for a tourist visa or if you need a specific Umrah visa.
• 2. Visit the official Saudi e-visa portal or the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website.
• 3. Fill out the online application form with your personal details and passport information.
• 4. Upload the required documents and pay the visa fee online.
• 5. Wait for your visa to be processed and approved.

Always check the latest information from the Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate in your country before planning your Umrah trip, as visa requirements may change.

What are the essential steps to plan an Umrah on your own?

The three easy steps are issue your visa, book your hotels and flights and perform your Umrah. Umrah planning is just booking any other holiday you have done in the past. Now, the rituals of Umrah are different so make sure you check them above.

Conclusion

I refuse to believe that Umrah should be a trip you do once, especially now, making it easy to perform Umrah on a budget. I hope this very comprehensive DIY Umrah guide has shown you that it is totally possible and beautiful to plan your own Umrah. I have been writing and encouraging Muslims for years. 

You can save money planning it yourself, you can have more flexibility and also spend as much time as you want in each city.

Start planning your Umrah six months in advance if you want to save money and take advantage of hotel and flight sales. 

Issue your visa for your trip a month in advance to give you a chance to register on Nusuk for your Rawdah spot. Then you will be good to go. 

If you want to have a timeline and a summary of this whole ultimate guide to DIY Umrah then you can get the pdf version below. 

If you would like to read more, please visit our comprehensive DIY Umrah directory. Here, you will find in-depth articles on Umrah, hotel reviews, and more.

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