Travelling to Makkah and Madinah for the first time from Europe, North America, Australia or Asia? These tips will make your journey smoother.
- Check your visa: rules change — confirm the right visa for Umrah with your travel agent or the official Saudi visa portal.
- Choose your airport: fly into Jeddah to start in Makkah, or into Madinah to start in Madinah.
- Ihram on the plane: if you go straight to Umrah from Jeddah, prepare to enter ihram before the Miqat. See our Miqat guide.
- Book transport before you fly: after a long-haul flight you will not want to negotiate with taxis. Send your flight number to your driver.
- Time zone: Saudi Arabia is UTC+3 all year. Confirm all pickup times in Saudi time.
- Money: cards work in most hotels and shops, but carry some riyals for small purchases.
- SIM card: buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival for maps and WhatsApp.
- Nusuk app: set it up before you travel for Umrah and Rawdah permits.
- Hotel location: closer to the Haram means less walking, especially for elderly family members.
- Pace yourself: jet lag is real — rest before starting Umrah if you need to.
- Plan Ziyarat: set aside half a day each for Makkah and Madinah Ziyarat.
- Return trip: leave for the airport at least 3–4 hours before an international flight.