How do you perform the Umrah?

The Umrah has four steps: (1) entering ihram with the intention and the Talbiyah, (2) tawaf: seven circuits around the Kaaba, (3) sa’i: seven times between Safa and Marwa, (4) halq or taqsir: shaving or trimming the hair.

How long does an Umrah take?

Usually three to four hours. Tawaf and sa’i each take about two hours, depending on the crowds, your pace and the breaks you take.

What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?

The Umrah can be performed all year round and has four steps. The Hajj is tied to fixed days in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, lasts several days and includes extra rites such as Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.

How many circuits do you walk in the tawaf?

Seven circuits anticlockwise, with the Kaaba on your left. You begin and end at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

What do you wear during ihram?

Men wear two unstitched white cloths (izaar and ridaa) with the head uncovered. Women wear ordinary modest clothing; a face veil and gloves are not permitted during ihram. Perfume is forbidden for both.

Is Umrah during Ramadan special?

Yes. According to a narration from the Prophet ﷺ, an Umrah in Ramadan equals the reward of a Hajj.

How do I get from Jeddah airport to Makkah?

By the Haramain high-speed train from the station at the airport, about half an hour, or by a licensed taxi or Uber and Careem. The train runs roughly every 30 to 45 minutes. Expect about 65 riyal (economy) for the train and 180 to 250 riyal for an ordinary taxi. These are the carrier’s base fares, excluding VAT and fees; the actual price depends on your travel date and how full the train is.

Do I need a permit for Masjid al-Haram?

Yes. Besides your visa, Saudi Arabia requires an Umrah permit before you enter the Haram. It is free, and according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah you arrange it exclusively in the Nusuk app, not on the website.

Can I perform umrah on a tourist visa?

Yes, if you are from a country eligible for the tourist eVisa. That visa is valid for a year, allows multiple entries and lets you stay up to 90 days per visit. Since October 2025 umrah is moreover allowed on almost any visa type.

How do I book a visit to the Rawdah in Madinah?

Only through the Nusuk app; it cannot be done on the website. The booking is in your own name and passport, so nobody can do it for you. You may book the Rawdah once every 365 days. Slots open about a week in advance and are gone within seconds.

How do I get from Makkah to Madinah?

On the Haramain high-speed line a train runs every one to two hours. Expect about 162 riyal (economy) or 455 riyal (business). Be at the station an hour before departure. These are the carrier’s base fares, excluding VAT and fees; the actual price depends on your travel date and how full the train is.

Where do I buy a SIM card in Saudi Arabia?

At an official STC, Mobily or Zain shop, at the airport or in the city. Bring your passport and visa; they handle the registration on the spot. Do not buy from a street vendor: a Saudi number must be in your own name, so a card that already works is registered to someone else and will be blocked.

When is Masjid al-Haram at its quietest?

Between 23:00 and 03:00 at night, or just after the Fajr prayer between 06:00 and 08:30. Midday is both the busiest and the hottest. Around prayer times it fills up everywhere, including at night.

Travel & arrival

From the airport to Makkah, and what to know along the way.

All prices and times are estimates and may change

Haramain high-speed train

Route: Jeddah Airport → Makkah
How often: several departures a day
Journey time: check the current journey time when booking
Price: ca. 65 / 101 SAR

Book your ticket in advance on the official Haramain website, or check the current timetable and fare there shortly before you travel.

Running hours: Roughly 07:30 to 23:30. During Ramadan and Hajj until about 03:00 at night.

Be at the station an hour before departure.

From the station in Makkah you still need a taxi or bus to your hotel.

These are the carrier’s base fares, excluding VAT and fees; the actual price depends on your travel date and how full the train is.

sar.hhr.sa/travel/fares

Taxi or ride-hailing app

The ride to Makkah usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and where your hotel is.

Licensed taxis wait outside at the marked pick-up point. From Terminal 1 you can also use Uber, Careem, Bolt and Jeeny, which have their own spot there.

Expect around 200 to 250 riyal for a regular taxi to Makkah. If someone asks a lot more, you are being overcharged. Prices change from year to year and hour to hour, so check in the app before you confirm.

Do not go with someone who approaches you

In the arrivals hall people will call out to you offering a ride. Do not take it up: they charge far more, drive without a meter and carry no passenger insurance. Just keep walking outside. That is where the licensed taxis wait, at the marked pickup area.

Visa and permit

Two separate things, and people often mix them up. Your visa gets you into Saudi Arabia. Your permit gets you into Masjid al-Haram.

If you come from a country eligible for the tourist eVisa, you may perform Umrah on it. That visa is valid for a year, multiple entry, and lets you stay up to 90 days per visit.

The other route is the classic Umrah visa, through Nusuk or an approved travel agent. For some nationalities that is the only option.

Since October 2025 you may perform Umrah on almost any visa type, including a visit, transit or work visa.

Note for the Umrah visa: since November 2025 you must enter the country within 30 days of issue, and the application asks for your flight, your hotel in Makkah and Madinah, and your transport between them.

The permit for Masjid al-Haram

Besides your visa, Saudi Arabia requires an Umrah permit before you enter the Haram. It is free and takes a few minutes. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah this is done exclusively in the Nusuk app — not on the website.

Only download the app from the official app stores.

Take a screenshot of your QR code. Near the mosques the mobile network often drops out because of the crowds.

nusuk.sa

SIM card or eSIM

Walk into the airport and look for the STC, Mobily or Zain shop — they have their own name above the door. Bring your passport and your visa; they handle the registration on the spot. Allow ten to twenty minutes.

Rather arrange it beforehand? An eSIM you buy at home and it works the moment you land. Then there is nothing to do on arrival.

Do not buy a SIM card from a street seller

A Saudi number must be registered to your name and your passport. A card that already works is therefore in someone else's name and will be blocked, sometimes within hours. Then you are without a connection in a city you do not know.

Quietest times

23:00–03:00 at night, or just after the Fajr prayer between 06:00 and 08:30.

The middle of the day is both the busiest and the hottest.

Sources

Prices and timetables change. Always check the official source before you travel.

Checked on 2026-08-19

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