Your Umrah
journey, end to end

The group flies from Melbourne to Jeddah and back — the gateway to Makkah. Return flights from Melbourne are included in the package.

Baggage allowances depend on the airline and are confirmed before departure. Please keep luggage to a minimum — you'll move between cities by bus and walk a fair amount — and keep your Ihram and essentials in your hand carry.

Yes — in your hand luggage only, never in checked baggage, and switched off in flight. Most airlines allow capacities up to about 100 Wh; anything larger may need prior airline approval, so check before you travel.

Your Umrah visa is arranged as part of the package. Bring a passport with sufficient validity, and complete any health requirements (such as vaccinations) that are in force at the time — these are confirmed before departure.

When it's time for salaat, let the crew know and ask for space, such as the rear of the cabin. Use a prayer mat or a blanket, and face the Qibla — the crew can help with the direction. If turbulence prevents standing, pray seated facing the direction of travel and repeat the prayer afterwards.

You enter Ihram before crossing the Meeqat on the flight to Jeddah. Many pilgrims shower and put on the Ihram cloth before leaving home or at the airport; others change on board beforehand. Putting on the cloth is separate from making the intention.

The niyyah and Talbiyah are made in the air, on the flight to Jeddah, just before the Meeqat. An announcement about the Meeqat is made roughly 35 minutes before landing, and the group leaders guide you on exactly when. Until then, normal clothing rules apply; before the Meeqat you remove everything except the two pieces of Ihram.

Footwear must leave the area over the lace/instep open. Thong-style sandals are suitable; closed shoes and many strapped sandals that cover the lace area are not permitted in Ihram.

Sins are even more strongly to be avoided. Specifically prohibited: foul language, arguing and fighting; any intimacy with one's spouse; for men, stitched everyday clothing like shirts, trousers and hats; perfume and fragrance; removing, combing, plucking, trimming or cutting hair; clipping nails; footwear covering the lace area; for men, covering the head, and for anyone, covering the face so something touches it; hunting or helping in a hunt; and killing lice. For religious rulings and any penalties, follow your group leaders and qualified scholars.

Men shave or trim the whole head — shaving is the more rewarded option — and may do it themselves or visit a barber. Women trim about an inch (a fingertip's length) from the hair and no more, and may do it themselves. Once the hair is cut, you exit the state of Ihram and the Umrah is complete.

Entry to the Rawdah (Riyadh ul-Jannah) in Madinah is only by booking through the Nusuk app, which each person sets up and books individually using their passport and visa details. A useful tip: a slot just before a Fard prayer can let you pray the congregation in the Rawdah, as the Imam leads from there.

Wudu is necessary for Tawaf. For Sa'ie it is not required, though it's good to be in a state of purity. Engage in dhikr and du'a throughout both.

In Makkah you stay at the Anjum Hotel (Option 1) or the Al-Ghufran Safwah Hotel (Option 2), both within reach of Masjid al-Haram. In Madinah, the Mysk Al Balad Hotel is a short walk from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Rooms are twin-share, with triple and quad options available on request.

Arrange any required vaccinations and bring your personal medicines, including prescriptions for common travel ailments such as an upset stomach. Masks are recommended in crowds (but not while in Ihram). An umbrella for sun is handy and easy to buy once in Saudi Arabia. This is general guidance — speak to your GP or a travel-health clinic for advice specific to you.

WhatsApp calling doesn't work within Saudi Arabia. A local Saudi SIM is provided for each adult in the package, and it helps to download an app like Botim, which supports voice and video calls there.

Return flights from Melbourne and the Umrah visa; 6 nights in Makkah and 4 nights in Madinah (Mysk Al Balad), twin-share; daily breakfast and dinner; bus transport between the cities; guided Ziyarah in both; Ihram (2 pieces) and belt; 5 litres of Zamzam water per adult; a Saudi SIM per adult; and an Umrah preparation talk in Australia. The two package options differ by the Makkah hotel — Anjum ($4,300) or Al-Ghufran Safwah ($5,300), per person twin share.

Your passport, Umrah visa and airline ticket, and your Rawdah booking made through the Nusuk app. Keep these in your hand carry, not the checked bag.