Umrah Guide for Women 2025: Practical, Spiritual and Travel Tips
For many Muslim women, performing Umrah is a lifelong dream. Whether you are travelling with family, in a ladies’ group or for the first time on your own, planning properly can make your journey smoother, safer and more spiritually rewarding.
This updated Umrah guide for women combines the latest Saudi regulations, practical travel advice and a clear overview of the rituals, especially for sisters travelling from Pakistan and abroad.
1. Latest Umrah Rules for Women
Can women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has relaxed restrictions and now allows women of all ages to perform Umrah without a Mahram, provided they are travelling in an organised group or through an approved travel agency.
However, Islamic rulings on travelling without a Mahram differ between scholars and schools of thought. Every woman should follow the opinion she trusts, and consult a reliable scholar or local imam before finalising her plans.
Updated Umrah Visa and Entry Rules
Saudi Arabia has been actively updating its religious tourism system:
- Umrah visas are now generally valid for one month from the date of issuance, rather than three months, and unused visas are cancelled after 30 days.
- A confirmed hotel booking through official channels is now required when applying for an Umrah visa.
- Many types of Saudi visas now allow Muslim visitors to perform Umrah (for example, some tourist and visit visas), expanding access for pilgrims worldwide.
- The Nusuk Umrah platform and app are used to view authorised service providers and manage bookings and permits.
Because regulations can change, always confirm the current requirements with a trusted travel agency such as Malik Express before you book.
2. Spiritual Preparation for Sisters
Umrah is more than a journey to another country; it is a journey of the heart. Before you travel:
- Renew your intention and seek forgiveness from Allah.
- Study a short, authentic guide to the rites of Umrah, according to your Madhhab.
- Memorise a few duas for travel, entering the masjid, Tawaf, Sa’i and general supplication.
- Try to establish regular salah, Quran recitation and dhikr at home so your heart is ready when you arrive in Makkah and Madinah.
3. Ihram and Dress Code for Women
What is ihram for women?
Ihram is the state of spiritual consecration you enter before performing Umrah. For women, there is no specific colour or style required. The main conditions are modesty, loose clothing and covering the entire body except the face and hands, according to the majority opinion.
Common choices include:
- Loose abaya or jilbab with a simple hijab
- Comfortable long tunic and wide-leg trousers under an abaya
- Neutral, non-transparent fabrics that do not attract unnecessary attention
- Women should not cover the face or wear niqab or gloves while in ihram, according to widely accepted rulings.
Footwear
Choose flat, comfortable shoes or sandals with good grip. You will walk a lot inside the Haram and on marble floors which can become slippery.
4. Packing List for Women Performing Umrah
A well-planned suitcase keeps your mind free to focus on worship. Suggested items include:
- Travel documents: passport, visa, flight tickets, hotel vouchers, travel insurance and a few passport photos
- Several loose abayas or long dresses, preferably in breathable fabric
- Under scarves, plain hijabs and pins or magnetic clips
- Comfortable walking shoes and an extra pair of simple sandals
- Socks and undergarments in sufficient quantity
- Unscented toiletries for ihram (soap, moisturiser, lip balm, wet wipes)
- Basic medication: pain relief, rehydration salts, plasters and any prescribed medicines
- Small cross-body bag or waist pouch for money, phone and room card
- Light shawl or cardigan for air-conditioned areas
- Folding umbrella or light rain jacket (for sun or sudden rain)
- For sisters travelling with babies or children, add nappies, extra clothing, snacks and a small first-aid kit.
5. Step-by-Step Overview of Umrah for Women
Details can vary slightly according to Madhhab, but the basic sequence of Umrah is similar for everyone. Always follow your scholar’s guidance.
At the miqat or before your plane passes it, make your intention for Umrah and recite the talbiyah.
- Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba)
In Masjid al-Haram, perform seven circuits around the Kaaba, starting and ending at the Black Stone.
Women do not need to uncover their shoulder or rush during tawaf. Modesty and calmness are preferred.
- Two rakahs behind Maqam Ibrahim
After completing tawaf, pray two rakahs if possible near Maqam Ibrahim or elsewhere in the masjid, then drink Zamzam water.
- Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Proceed to Safa and make intention for Sa’i.
Walk seven times between Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah, making dua and dhikr as you go.
After Sa’i, women cut a small portion from the ends of their hair, often about the length of a fingertip, from all around. This should be done after leaving the Sacred Mosque area or in a suitable location.
Once hair is cut, you leave the state of ihram and your Umrah is complete.
Special Considerations for Women
Dealing with crowds
- The Haram in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah can be very crowded, especially during weekends, Ramadan and peak seasons.
- Stay close to your group and agree meeting points in case someone is separated.
- Avoid the most congested parts of the mataf if you are elderly, pregnant or travelling with small children; you can perform tawaf on upper levels where it is usually calmer.
- Keep your valuables secure and carry only what you need for that prayer or tawaf.
Women travelling with children
- Use a simple baby carrier rather than a stroller, as pushchairs may not be allowed in busy areas of the Haram.
- Plan your tawaf and Sa’i at quieter times to avoid overwhelming the child.
- Carry snacks, water and a small blanket or shawl for comfort.
Menstruation and Umrah
Questions about menstruation during Umrah are sensitive and depend on fiqh opinions. If your period begins or continues while you are in Makkah:
- You should not perform tawaf while menstruating, according to the majority of scholars.
- Focus on dua, dhikr and other forms of worship until you are pure again.
- Always ask a qualified scholar for guidance before travel and, if needed, when you are there.
Health and Safety Tips for Sisters
- Stay hydrated. The climate can be hot and dry, even at night.
- Eat light, balanced meals to maintain energy without feeling sluggish.
- Rest between rituals; do not feel pressured to stay in the masjid all day if your body needs sleep.
- Keep a small card with your hotel name, room number and group leader’s contact details.
- Respect local customs and laws, especially regarding modesty and public behaviour.
Using the Nusuk App and Digital Services
Saudi Arabia encourages pilgrims to use the Nusuk app and platform for a smoother experience. It allows you to:
- View authorised Umrah service providers
- Manage Umrah permits and time slots for entering the Grand Mosque
- Access some official packages and services
- If you are not comfortable with apps, your travel agency can handle most of these formalities on your behalf.
How Malik Express Travel & Tours Supports Women Pilgrims
As a trusted travel agency based in Islamabad with more than 35 years of experience, Malik Express Travel & Tours understands the specific needs of women performing Umrah.
Malik Express can help you by:
- Arranging ladies-friendly Umrah packages with carefully selected hotels close to the Haram for safety and convenience
- Managing visa processing, hotel bookings and ground transportation in line with current Saudi regulations
- Organising group departures where sisters can travel together in a safe, organised environment
- Offering guidance on what to pack, how to prepare and what to expect in Makkah and Madinah
- Customising itineraries for families, elderly mothers, first-time travellers and working women with limited annual leave
By travelling with an experienced agency, you gain support at every step, from Islamabad airport to your return home, leaving you free to focus on your ibadah.
Final Thoughts
Performing Umrah as a woman is a deeply moving experience that combines spiritual renewal with the practical realities of travel. With the latest Saudi regulations, expanding visa options and tools like the Nusuk app, it is now easier than ever for sisters from Pakistan and around the world to visit the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.
By preparing well, understanding the basic rules and travelling with a reliable partner such as Malik Express Travel & Tours, you can perform your Umrah with confidence, comfort and peace of mind, Insha’Allah.