More Pakistani women now travel for Umrah with friends, sisters or a women’s group. Saudi rules allow this. This guide covers what the rules say, how ihram works for women, what to do about periods, and practical tips for a safe, calm trip.
In this guide
Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah answers this directly: yes, a woman is allowed to come for Umrah without a mahram. The visa is not refused because you travel without a male relative.
- Pakistani Umrah companies can set their own conditions, such as travelling in a group. Ask before you book.
- Choose a women-friendly group with a female coordinator if you can.
Ihram for women
- No special clothes: wear your normal loose, modest clothes in any colour, with a hijab. White is not required.
- Face and hands: most scholars say not to wear a niqab or gloves while in ihram. Many women lower a cloth over the face in front of men.
- No perfume after entering ihram, including scented lotions.
- Talbiyah: women recite it quietly.
- Tawaf and sa’i: women walk at a normal pace throughout; the brisk walk is for men only.
Periods during Umrah
A woman may enter ihram during her period, but she waits until she is pure and has bathed before doing tawaf. Sa’i follows the tawaf. If you are worried about your dates, plan a few spare days in Makkah, and speak to your doctor and a scholar before you travel.
Cutting the hair
Women never shave. Gather the hair and cut about a fingertip’s length (around 2.5 cm) from the ends. Do it in private, in your hotel room, not in public.
In the two mosques
- Women have separate prayer areas and separate Rawdah times in Madinah; book your slot in Nusuk.
- Pick quieter times for tawaf, such as late morning, and use the upper floors when the ground floor is packed.
- Children under 12 can use the childcare areas in Masjid al-Haram.
Safety tips
- Agree a meeting point with your group, away from the busiest gates.
- Keep your hotel card, a passport copy and your group leader’s number on you.
- Keep your phone charged; your Nusuk permits are on it.
- If you are lost or need help, go to one of the 9 guidance centres around Masjid al-Haram, or call the ministry care centre on +966 920002814.
WhatsApp us “UMRAH” for our free checklist, with a women’s section and what to ask your Umrah company.
Questions people ask
Can a woman perform Umrah without a mahram in 2026?
Saudi rules allow it: the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says a woman may come for Umrah without a mahram. Whether to do so is a religious choice to discuss with a scholar.
What should a woman wear in ihram?
Her normal loose, modest clothes in any colour, with a hijab. Most scholars say not to wear a niqab or gloves in ihram.
Can I do Umrah during my period?
You can enter ihram, but wait until you are pure and have bathed before tawaf. Sa’i comes after tawaf.
How much hair do women cut after Umrah?
About a fingertip’s length, around 2.5 cm, from the ends of the hair. Women do not shave.
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.
