Step-by-Step Preparation Guide for Those Going to Umrah for the First Time (2026)

The excitement of going to Umrah for the first time brings with it many questions: "Where should I start? What documents are required? What should I put in my suitcase? When will I wear Ihram?" In this guide, we cover the entire process step by step, from the decision stage to the moment you stand in front of the Kaaba. Our goal is to leave no question marks in your mind as you travel to the holy land.

Our road map is chronological: first documents and official procedures, then health preparation, luggage list, spiritual preparation and finally the day of the journey and the operation of the Mecca-Medina program.

1. Step: Tour and Date Selection (2-4 Months Before the Trip)

The first and most important step in Umrah preparation is to determine the tour program and period that suits you. Since Umrah is not tied to a specific time like the Hajj, it can be done throughout most of the year; However, each period has its own advantages:

• Ramadan Umrah: It is the most spiritually intense and virtuous period; On the other hand, the crowd and prices are at the highest level of the year. If you are planning to perform Umrah during Ramadan, we recommend that you make your reservation at least 3-4 months in advance.

• Kandil and semester periods: These are balanced periods with intense family participation.

• Intermediate seasons: Ideal for those looking for both a quieter worship environment and more affordable prices.

When choosing a tour, not only the price; Check the hotel's distance from Harem, number of days, Mecca-Medina night distribution and scope of guide service. The experience offered by hotels with a view of the Kaaba or within walking distance of the Harem courtyard and hotels that require a shuttle service are very different from each other. If you need detailed information on this subject, we recommend that you examine the factors affecting Umrah prices. (Internal link: Umrah prices blog post - Will be linked when content number 2 is published)

Our advice for first-time visitors is to start with a 7-10-day guided program. This time is enough to perform Umrah peacefully and to visit the places of pilgrimage in Mecca and Medina. (Internal link: Umrah Tours page)

2. Step: Passport and Umrah Visa Procedures

Check Your Passport

For Umrah travel, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the return date of travel. If you do not have a passport or its validity is insufficient, you can renew it at the civil registration offices by making an appointment via e-Government. Do not leave this process until the last week, as appointment and printing times may be extended during busy periods.

Another point to consider about your passport: worn-out passports with damaged pages may cause problems at the border gates. If you are in doubt, the safest way is to get a new one.

How to Obtain an Umrah Visa?

Saudi Arabia's Umrah visa process has been digitalized in recent years and is carried out integrated with the Nusuk system through accredited agencies. The beauty of this process is this: When you go with an agency, all visa procedures are carried out on your behalf. What is generally requested from you is as follows:

• A photocopy or scan of the valid passport

• Biometric photo

• Identity information

After you submit your documents completely, your agency will follow up on your visa. As Bestur, we handle the visa applications of all our guests with our own operations team and keep you informed throughout the process. (Internal link: Detailed link will be added when the article number 8 "How to Get an Umrah Visa?" is published)

3. Step: Health Preparation and Vaccinations

Umrah is an act of worship that also has a physical aspect: tawaf means walking for approximately 1.5-2 km, and sa'y means walking for 3-3.5 km. When you add the transportation between the hotel and the Harem, it is normal for you to take more than 10 thousand steps a day. Therefore:

• Increase your fitness with regular walks a few weeks before the trip.

• If you have a chronic illness (blood pressure, diabetes, heart, etc.), tell your doctor that you are going to Umrah and have it checked.

• Take the medicines you use regularlywith you in their original boxes, for a few more days than your stay. Keeping a copy of your prescription will make it easier for customs.

In terms of vaccination, the main vaccine requested by Saudi Arabia from Umrah visitors is meningitis (ACWY) vaccine. Since current vaccination requirements may vary from season to season, your agency will inform you about the current official requirements during registration. Do not forget to get your vaccination at least 10 days before the trip.

It would also be useful to prepare a small travel pharmacy with you: painkillers, stomach medicine, band-aid, muscle cream and cold medicines you are used to, if any.

4. Step: Umrah Suitcase Preparation - Complete List

The basic principle when preparing an Umrah suitcase is: few but functional items. There is almost everything you may need in Mecca and Medina; So leave room for souvenirs on your return instead of filling your suitcase.

For Men

• Ihram (2 pieces): Supplied with the travel kit in most tour programs; Still, it is comforting to have a spare ihram.

• Ihram belt (the ones with money and passport compartments are practical)

• Slippers that do not have flip-flops and do not cover the top of the feet (while in ihram)

• Loose-cut, non-sweating cotton clothes for daily wear

For Women

• Loose-cut, non-sweating abaya/dress (no special clothing is required as a condition of ihram; plain clothing suitable for hijab is sufficient)

• Spare headscarves, socks

• Comfortable and familiar walking shoes

Common List for Everyone

• A photocopy of passport, ID, tickets and hotel information (also on your phone). save it)

• Phone charger and plug converter (British type G socket is used in Saudi Arabia)

• Portable charger (powerbank — must be carried in cabin luggage)

• Sunscreen, umbrella or hat (umbrella is important as men in ihram cannot cover their heads)

• A small backpack or waist bag (For water, slipper bag and phone when going to the Harem)

• Slippers bag (to carry your shoes with you when entering the mosque)

• There is no need to bring a jerry can as Zamzam water is transported in packaging in accordance with airline rules on the way back; The convoy management guides you on this matter.

5. Step: Spiritual and Knowledge Preparation

Umrah is not just a journey, it is an act of worship; That's why the real preparation begins in the heart. We recommend that you do the following before the trip:

1. Learn the way of performing Umrah. Knowing in advance how to perform Umrah, which consists of four main pillars of ihram, tawaf, sa'y and shaving, will allow your mind to focus on worship while you are there. (Internal link: "How to Perform Tawaf and Sa'y?" article number 10 and the current "Umrah and Eda" page)

2. Review the basic prayers. Obtain a small prayer book containing prayers that can be recited during tawaf and sa'y, especially Talbiye ("Lebbeyk Allahümme lebbeyk..."). However, it is comforting to know that it is not necessary to recite a specific prayer during circumambulation; You can pray as you wish.

3. Ask forgiveness and review your rights. In our tradition, it is a good sunnah to say goodbye to relatives before the holy journey.

4. Attend guided seminars. Quality Umrah organizations organize pre-travel information meetings. In Bestur groups, our teachers accompany you on the performance of Umrah before departure and throughout the journey.

6. Step: Travel Day and Airport Process

It is essential not to be late for the group meeting time at the airport on the travel day; For international flights, you must be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

The most curious thing for those who will go here for the first time is when to wear the ihram. While flying from Türkiye to Jeddah, the plane passes the miqat line, which is the border where ihram must be worn. Therefore, there are two practical ways:

• Men wear the ihram at home or at the airport, the intention to ihram is made on the plane before the miqat border (cabin crew and guides announce that the miqat is approaching).

• In the programs that go to Medina first, the ihram is entered at the Dhulhuleyfa (Ebyâr-ı Ali) mikat while passing from Medina to Mecca. This is generally a more comfortable scenario for first-timers.

Your guide will detail which scenario applies to your program at the pre-trip meeting; You don't need to worry about this.

7. Step: What Awaits You in Mecca and Medina?

Mecca: Performing Umrah

After checking into the hotel and having a short rest, you go to the Masjid al-Haram for your Umrah worship with a guide. The moment you first see the Kaaba is what many of our guests describe as "the most unforgettable moment of my life". Your Umrah is completed after the tawaf, tawaf prayer, sa'y and shaving.

In the following days, you perform daily prayers in the Harem, perform supererogatory tawafs if you wish, and participate in Mecca visits, including holy places such as Hira and Thawr mountains, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.

Medina: Masjid an-Nabawi and Ravza

In the Medina program. The center is Masjid an-Nabawi, the mosque of our Prophet (pbuh). Today, an appointment system is used for visiting Ravza-i Mutahhara through the Nusuk application; Your caravan organization schedules these appointments for you. Visiting places such as Uhud, Quba Masjid and Qiblatayn Masjid are also part of the Medina program.

We also have special programs for our guests who aim to stay longer in Medina and pray 40 times in the Masjid an-Nabawi. (Internal link: 40 Times Medina Umrah tour page)

Frequently Asked Questions by Those Going to Umrah for the First Time

How many days does Umrah take? The Umrah worship itself is performed in a few hours; However, tour programs are generally between 7 and 15 days. 7-10 day programs are ideal for those who go for the first time.

Is there an age limit to go to Umrah? There is no upper age limit for Umrah. Young children can also go on Umrah with their families; For families with children, specially planned programs and hotel selection should be preferred. (Internal link: Traditional Family Umrah with Children page)

Can women go to Umrah alone? With the regulations in recent years, Saudi Arabia allows women to perform Umrah without a mahram in terms of visa and official procedures. Since the dimension of fiqh differs according to sects, we recommend that you consult your teacher on this issue; On the organization side, all kinds of convenience is provided to our female guests within the convoy.

How to use telephone and internet during Umrah? International packages of Turkish operators can be used; However, most of our guests find it more economical to obtain a local line/eSIM at the airport or in Mecca. Wi-Fi is also common in hotels and around the Harem.

What should I bring as money? The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Currency exchange can be done in Türkiye or at exchange offices in Mecca-Medina. Credit cards are commonly used for large purchases; It is enough to keep some cash riyals with you for daily needs.

Result: Leave Your Preparation to Us, Focus on Worship

Going to Umrah for the first time is not something to worry about, but a journey that will be remembered for a lifetime, when you are with the right organization. Our experienced team carries out the entire operational process, from your documents to your visa, from your hotel to your Ravza appointment; Our teachers will be with you at every step of your prayer.

To examine our 2026 Umrah programs and plan together the most suitable period for you, Our Umrah tours You can browse or pre-register by calling us. May our Lord grant you an accepted Umrah.