Most Umrah problems at the airport come down to one missing paper or vaccine. Use this checklist in the weeks before you fly. It follows the Saudi Ministry of Health’s Umrah health rules and the Pakistan requirements for travellers.
In this guide
Documents
- Passport, with your name matching the visa and tickets exactly. Most companies ask for at least 6 months’ validity.
- Umrah visa (or the visa you are using), printed and saved on your phone.
- Return tickets, and your package contract and payment receipt.
- Hotel details for Makkah and Madinah, and your transport booking.
- Vaccination certificates: meningitis and polio (see below).
- CNIC, and copies of everything in your bag and on your phone.
- Nusuk account set up with your Umrah permit booked. See our Nusuk guide.
Vaccines and health rules
| Requirement | Who | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Meningitis ACYW vaccine | Every pilgrim | At least 10 days before arrival; conjugate valid 5 years, polysaccharide 3 years |
| Polio vaccine (oral or injectable) | Everyone arriving from Pakistan, any age | At least 4 weeks before arrival; oral within 6 months, injectable within 12 months |
| COVID-19 vaccine proof | Over 65s, pregnant women, people with some chronic illnesses | Updated dose, or as the rules list |
| Seasonal flu vaccine | Advised for everyone | Before travel |
The certificate must show the vaccine name and the date it was given. Get your polio certificate early; our polio certificate guide explains where.
Medicines
- Carry enough medicine for the whole trip, in the original packaging, with your prescription or a doctor’s letter.
- Pack pain relief, rehydration salts, blister plasters and anything for colds; crowds spread coughs.
- Drink plenty of water and stay out of the midday sun during the rituals.
Packing list
Two sets of ihram sheets, an ihram belt with a pocket, safety pins, and sandals that leave the top of the foot open.
Comfortable loose clothes in any colour, several hijabs, and comfortable footwear. No special ihram clothes are needed.
Unscented soap and toiletries for ihram, a light prayer mat, a small bag for shoes, a refillable bottle, an umbrella and a power bank.
Some Saudi riyals in cash and a card that works abroad, a SIM or eSIM plan, and offline maps of both cities.
In Saudi Arabia
- Keep your hotel card and your group leader’s number with you at all times.
- Lost your passport? Contact your Umrah company first; if they do not respond, call the ministry’s care centre on +966 920002814.
- Hotel complaints go to the Ministry of Tourism on 930; complaints about your Umrah company go to the ministry care centre.
- Children under 12 can use the two childcare areas in Masjid al-Haram.
WhatsApp us “UMRAH” and we will send it to you as a simple message you can tick off.
Questions people ask
Which vaccines are required for Umrah from Pakistan?
The meningitis ACYW vaccine for every pilgrim, at least 10 days before arrival, and a polio vaccine for everyone travelling from Pakistan, at least 4 weeks before arrival. Some higher-risk pilgrims also need COVID-19 vaccine proof.
Is a polio certificate needed for Umrah?
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires travellers from Pakistan to have a dose of polio vaccine, and Pakistan checks polio certificates when you leave.
Can I take medicines for Umrah?
Yes. Carry them in the original packaging with a prescription or doctor’s letter, and take enough for the whole trip.
What should women wear for Umrah?
Normal loose, modest clothes in any colour, with a hijab. Most scholars say not to wear a niqab or gloves while in ihram.
travelEZ does not arrange Umrah visas or packages at the moment. This guide is free information, checked against official sources in October 2026; Saudi rules change often, so confirm the details with your Umrah company before you pay.
