Umrah Packing List for British Pilgrims
Everything to pack for Umrah from the UK, from documents and Ihram to medicines, plugs and the small things people always forget.
Pack light. You will walk a lot, and you will want space for dates, prayer mats and gifts on the way home. Here is the list we give to every family, based on what British pilgrims actually use.
Documents
- British passport valid for at least six months after your return date
- Visa confirmation, printed and saved on your phone
- Flight tickets, hotel vouchers and travel insurance details
- Vaccination record, including the meningitis (ACWY) vaccine if required that season
- A copy of your passport kept separately from the original
Ihram and clothing
- Men: two sets of Ihram cloths and an Ihram belt with pockets
- Women: loose, breathable abayas or modest clothing in any colour
- Comfortable sandals that you have already walked in at home
- A light jacket for Madinah nights in winter, and for air conditioned mosques
- Socks, because the marble floors can be cold or very hot
Health
- Prescription medicines in original packaging with a copy of the prescription
- Pain relief, cough drops, rehydration salts and something for stomach upsets
- Blister plasters, foot cream and nail clippers (use before entering Ihram)
- Unscented sunscreen, lip balm and soap for the days in Ihram
- Face masks for crowded areas
For worship
- A small Quran or a Quran app
- Your personal list of duas, including requests from family and friends
- A tasbih or counter for Tawaf and Sa'i
- A shoe bag to carry shoes inside the mosque
Money and tech
- A debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees, plus some Saudi riyals in cash
- An eSIM or Saudi SIM plan, since UK roaming can be expensive
- No adapter needed: Saudi Arabia uses the same three pin Type G plug as the UK
- A power bank and a short charging cable
- The Nusuk app, installed and logged in before you travel
What to leave at home
Expensive jewelry, too many shoes and heavy guidebooks. Toiletries and most everyday items are easy to buy near the Haram.
Prefer to tick things off as you go? Use our interactive Umrah Packing Checklist, which saves your progress in your browser.
Quick answers
Can I bring Zamzam water home?
Yes, but airlines usually require the sealed 5 liter Zamzam bottles sold at the airport rather than water packed in your suitcase.
Do I need a plug adapter in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia uses the same Type G three pin plug as the UK, so your chargers will work without an adapter.
Should I bring cash?
Bring some Saudi riyals for small purchases and tips. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and most restaurants.
