🌙 Welcome to Our Umrah Guide
Simple, flexible, and guided — your journey made easy.
Perform Umrah Yourself
Performing Umrah is a beautiful and spiritual journey.. And the good news is, you can do it yourself without the need for a travel agency. Many people are unaware that organizing your own Umrah can often be more affordable and flexible, and we want to help remove the fear or hesitation that it might be too difficult to arrange on your own.
Of course, choosing to travel with or without a group is entirely a personal preference, and every traveler should do what feels most comfortable.
Our goal is simply to empower and guide you with practical tips, resources, and advice, including how to perform Umrah with (young) children.
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Please note: Rules, requirements, and procedures (such as visa policies, entry regulations, or app requirements) can change at any time.
Always double-check all information with official and up-to-date sources before making any plans.
Makkah or Madinah First?
Think carefully about whether you want to start your journey in Makkah or Madinah but it’s entirely a personal choice.
We chose to begin in Makkah, because we’ve often heard that some travelers fall ill during their stay in Madinah, and we wanted to ensure we could perform Umrah while feeling our best.
Smart travel tips and family-friendly advice for a smooth journey.
✈️ Flights
Start by searching for flights on websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. It’s also worth checking directly on airline websites such as Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Saudia, or Flynas.
A useful tip is to look for flights arriving at or departing from smaller airports, as these can sometimes be cheaper.
Family Tip
When we travelled with young children, we decided to fly to Istanbul first and stay overnight in a hotel near the airport (since many flights to Saudi Arabia include a stopover anyway).
The next day, we continued our journey to Jeddah feeling well-rested. On our return, we stayed two nights in Istanbul to relax and recover after our beautiful Umrah experience, something we truly recommend for families!
Additional Tips
▪︎ During the flight, most airlines announce when you are passing the Miqat (the boundary for entering Ihram).
→ Confirm this with your airline beforehand.
▪︎ If you have a layover in Istanbul, whether you’re flying through Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you’ll find convenient places where men can change into their ihram and prepare for the sacred journey ahead.
Both airports have dedicated prayer rooms (mescit) and ablution (wudu) areas, which are clean, well-maintained, and open 24/7.
These spaces are perfect for performing wudu, changing into ihram, and praying before continuing your journey to Saudi Arabia.
Istanbul airport
At Istanbul Airport (IST), you’ll find several prayer rooms throughout the terminal both before and after security as well as a large mosque located just outside the terminal near the airport hotel (YOTEL).
At Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), there are also men’s and women’s prayer rooms with ablution facilities available near most departure gates.
On your return, each traveler is entitled to 5 liters of Zamzam water.
You can purchase this at Jeddah or Madinah airports and hand it in at the special Zamzam counter.
Bring a thick marker to clearly write your full name and phone number on the container.
Accommodation
You can find and book halal-friendly accommodation through My Halal Stay, an excellent resource for families and individuals looking for trusted, Muslim-friendly stays.
Essential tips for transport, visas, and traveling between Makkah and Madinah.
Getting Around During Umrah
Getting Around
Check if your hotel offers private transfers from the airport.
If not, you can easily find taxis or use Uber (note that in busy areas, Uber may have restricted access).
Public buses are also available (airport to Makkah), and if you hold an Umrah visa, transport is often free.
✅ Tip: Always confirm the current routes, schedules, and pick-up points, as they may change.
Visa & Travel Documents
All travelers, including children, must have a valid Umrah visa.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your travel date.
Always double-check the latest visa requirements before applying.
You can apply for an e-visa here:
👉 https://visit.visitsaudi.com
Travel Between Makkah and Madinah
You can travel by high-speed train between the two cities, but be aware of strict luggage size limits.
If your bags exceed the allowed size, they may be shipped separately, and you’ll need to collect them later at the station.
Because we were traveling with small children, we decided to rent a car through SunnyCars. Picking it up in Makkah and driving to Madinah.
The journey was smooth, affordable, and flexible, and it allowed us to visit Badr along the way, a meaningful stop that saved us an extra day later in the trip.
Booking tip
Book train tickets at sar.hhr.sa and check your hotel checkout and departure times carefully.
Arrive at the station well in advance.
Practical tips, family resources, and meaningful places to explore together.
Umrah with Children
Performing Umrah with Children
If you’re performing Umrah with a small child who cannot walk, a baby carrier is essential.
→ Strollers/prams are not allowed in the main tawaf area near the Ka’bah.
→ However, they are allowed on the upper levels, where the distance is longer.
For older kids, use a safety wristband or parent–child strap, as it can get very crowded.
Both Haram areas offer children’s wristbands with QR codes linked to your phone number, very useful in case a child gets lost.
Helpful Resources
Many Instagram pages offer Umrah guide cards, explaining each step of Umrah and including duas (adiyaat) to recite.
For us, these were a must-have! They made every round of tawaf and sa’i more meaningful.
Search for such pages in your own language; most offer these for a small fee.
Sacred sites and spiritual landmarks every family should visit.
Exploring Makkah & Madinah
In both Makkah and Madinah, you can hire local taxi drivers to take you to religious and historical sites.
Discuss your route and agree on a fixed price beforehand.
If you plan to stop and explore, mention it, the price may be higher as the driver will wait.
Below are some recommended ziyārah (visiting) spots, perfect for families and children. Educational, spiritual, and unforgettable.
Ziyārah in Makkah
1. Jabal al-Nour (Mountain of Light)
Cave of Hira, where the first revelation was sent. (A steep climb, in our opinion not suitable for very young children.)
2. Jabal Thawr (Mount Thawr)
Refuge of the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) during the Hijrah.
3. Mina, Muzdalifah & Arafat
Learn about Hajj rituals in these sacred areas.
4. Masjid Aisha (Masjid at-Tan’eem)
A miqat point to renew Ihram for additional Umrah.
5. Jannat al-Mu’alla Cemetery
Burial site of Khadijah (RA) and other relatives of the Prophet ﷺ.
6. The Clock Tower & Zamzam Well
Visit the Islamic Museum and drink blessed Zamzam water.
Ziyārah in Madinah
1. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
Pray near Rawdah and send salām to the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr (RA), and Umar (RA). Plan your visit using the Nusuk app and stick to your booked time slot. It can be crowded, be careful with children and the elderly.
2. Jannat al-Baqi Cemetery
Resting place of many companions and family members of the Prophet ﷺ. Located near Masjid an-Nabawi. Sometimes closed so check opening times.
3. Masjid Quba
The first mosque built in Islam; praying two raka’at here holds great reward. Note: Small children are not allowed inside the women’s section; check with the guards first.
4. Masjid al-Qiblatayn
Where the qiblah changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.
5. Masjid al-Ghamamah
The place where the Prophet ﷺ prayed Eid.
6. Mount Uhud
Site of the Battle of Uhud; visit the graves of the martyrs, including Hamza (RA).
Museums & Family Experiences in Madinah
1. As-Salam Museum
Modern and interactive, near the Prophet’s Mosque.
2. Dar Al-Madinah Museum
Features 3D models and rich exhibits about the Prophet’s era.
3. The Holy Qur’an Exhibition
Displays ancient Qur’an manuscripts.
4. Hejaz Railway Museum
Old Ottoman train station, great for kids who love history and trains.
5. Madinah Date Market (Souq al-Tamr)
A cultural stop to taste different date varieties and experience local hospitality.
🕋 Notable Sites Further Away
1. The Battlefield of Badr (Ghazwah Badr)
Between Makkah and Madinah — the site of the first major battle in Islam. A powerful place for reflection.
2. Ta’if
A mountain city about 1.5 hours from Makkah. Famous for its cool weather, rose gardens, and the story of the Prophet’s ﷺ visit. Perfect for a short family getaway.
✨ We hope this guide helps you feel confident and inspired to plan your own Umrah — whether solo, as a couple, or with your family.
May Allah accept your journey, your efforts, and your prayers. 🤍