Umrah is a unique journey that Muslims worldwide take to Makkah, the holy city. It’s a time to connect with Allah and seek blessings. So, if you’re planning for the journey, you’ll need to book an all-inclusive Umrah package from the UK and have a checklist to avoid any problems.
This guide will give you the vital information and tips you need for a smooth, stress-free journey. There are a lot of things to add to your luggage, so let’s get started!
Umrah Travel Documents
Let’s start with the basics. Make sure to keep all the documents mentioned below in a safe and secure place, such as a travel pouch or wallet. It is also a good idea to have copies of all your documents in case you lose the original ones.
1. Passport
Make sure it is valid for at least six months from your arrival in Saudi Arabia.
2. Umrah Visa
Also, you need to contact an authorised Islamic travel agency to apply for the visa. They will guide you through the process and help you obtain the necessary documents.
3. Flight Tickets
Booking your flights in advance is best to avoid any last-minute hassle.
4. Accommodation Booking
Make sure to choose a hotel close to the holy sites that offer all the necessary amenities. An Islamic travel agency UK might come in handy in this case!
5. Health Certificates
You need to be vaccinated against Meningococcal Meningitis to perform Umrah. Moreover, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia requires all visitors to have a valid vaccination certificate for one of the following vaccines:
- Pfizer/BioNTech. 2 doses
- Oxford/AstraZeneca: 2 doses
- Janssen. 2 doses
- Moderna. 2 doses
- Sinopharm. 2 doses
- Sinovac. 2 doses
- Covaxin. 2 doses
- Sputnik V. 2 doses
- Nuvaxovid. 2 doses
- Covovax. 2 doses
Prayer Essentials
Additionally, these basics will help you stay focused and complete prayers easily and comfortably:
- Ihram
- Hijab (preferably a breathable fabric)
- Prayer Mat
- Tasbeeh
- Quran
- Duas
- A Spiritual Mindset
What to Wear?
Although the basics of clothing, Ihram, and Hijab have been mentioned above, here are a few other things to remember.
1. Footwear:
Wear comfortable and durable footwear as you will be walking long distances during Umrah. Choose shoes that are easy to wear and take off, such as sandals or slippers.
2. Weather Considerations
The climate in Saudi Arabia can be extreme, with high temperatures during the summer months. Therefore it’s important to wear lightweight and breathable clothing to stay cool and comfortable. Carry a light jacket or shawl during the winter months to keep warm.
3. Modesty and Respect
When you dress for Umrah, it’s important to keep in mind the Islamic values of modesty and respect. Stay away from tight or revealing clothing, and dress in a conservative way to show respect for the sacred place.
Stay Connected and Charged
In today’s digital age, electronics have become a significant part of our lives, even during Umrah. So, here are some tips on what electronics to carry during your Umrah journey:
1. Mobile Phone
Make sure to keep it silent during the prayers.
2. Power Bank
Carry a portable power bank to keep your phone charged, especially during long walks and when you’re away from your hotel room.
3. Camera
Capture the memories of your Umrah journey with a digital camera or mobile phone. However, it’s important to remember that photography is prohibited inside the Holy Mosque.
4. Smartwatch
A smartwatch can be a convenient gadget to keep track of prayer times, count your steps during Tawaf, and monitor your heart rate during the journey.
Pack Your Health
To start with, it’s essential to bring along some necessary medications such as painkillers, cough drops, and fever reducers. These will help you handle minor sicknesses or discomfort during your journey.
Next, if you’re taking any prescribed medication, bring it in its original packaging along with a copy of the prescription. Before your journey, talk to your doctor and get enough medication to last the trip.
Additionally, the sun can be extreme in Saudi Arabia, especially in the summertime. That’s why it’s important to bring sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from sunburn and other damage.
Finally, keeping yourself hydrated throughout your Umrah journey is important, especially when participating in long walks or outdoor activities. Therefore, bring along plenty of hydration packets.
Umrah Packages All Inclusive
Did you know you can make your Umrah easier and more comfortable? You can choose all-inclusive Umrah packages provided by Islamic travel agencies. These packages include everything you need, like where you will stay, how you will get around, and other services. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about planning, and it can also be cheaper.
Choosing the Right Islamic Travel Agency
Finally, before you select an Islamic travel agency for your Umrah journey, it’s essential to do your research. You can check their reputation, read reviews from other people who went to Umrah with them, and see how much experience they have. It’s also a good idea to look for packages that fit your budget and what you want to do.
