Mecca Bound? Everything You Need to Know for Hajj and Umrah Travel

First things first: only Muslims can enter Mecca. Also, if you’re not a resident of Saudi Arabia, you’ll need a tourist visa to enter the country and if you’re visiting for Hajj, you’ll need a special Hajj visa instead. But don’t worry, there are several ways to get a visa, and some let you stay up to 90 days.

eVisa is the quickest and best option for most people:

●      Apply in advance via the Saudi eVisa Portal

●      Costs SAR 395 (about €92)

●      Valid for one year with multiple entries, but it’s not valid for Hajj

●      Lets you stay up to 90 days in total

This is a flexible option for those who didn’t get an eVisa in time:

●      Apply at the immigration checkpoint before entering Saudi Arabia

●      Costs SAR 395 (about €92)

●      Valid for one year, but multiple entries aren’t guaranteed, and it’s not valid for Hajj

●      Lets you stay up to 90 days in total

This is ideal for short Umrah trips before you head off to another destination:

●      Apply in advance at the Saudi embassy in your country or when booking flights with Saudia or Flynas airlines

●      Free if you’re applying through Saudia or Flynas (and about SAR 100 if you’re not)

●      Lets you stay up to 96 hours

Required for anyone visiting Mecca for Hajj:

●      Apply in advance through an authorised travel agent

●      The visa is free, but travel agents may charge an additional fee

●      Valid for the Hajj period only

Travelling to Mecca requires thoughtful planning and timing, especially if you’re going for Hajj or Umrah. 

Hajj takes place on certain dates in the Islamic lunar calendar and these dates change every year. In 2025, Hajj takes place from June 4 to 9. But if you’re looking ahead to your next Hajj pilgrimage, it’s not too early to start planning for 2026. Hajj bookings usually open 9 to 12 months in advance, so it’s a good idea to start planning well in advance.

Umrah can be performed at any time of the year (except during Hajj). This gives you the flexibility to choose dates depending on your budget and preferences:

●      October to early February: Cooler weather and smaller crowds make this a comfortable time to visit Mecca for Umrah.

●      Ramadan (mid-February to mid-March, 2026): A popular time for Umrah, but one of the busiest. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.

●      April to September: The hottest months in Mecca, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. If you can stand the heat, this season often has lower prices on flights and hotels.

Mecca doesn’t have its own airport, but there are a couple of routes you can take to get there:

●      Jeddah: Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport is about 95 kilometres west of Mecca. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to Mecca.

●      Medina: Medina’s Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is about 500 kilometres north of Mecca, but it may be less crowded than Jedda. From Medina, you can take a 2-hour-25-minute high-speed train ride to Mecca.

If you’re travelling to Mecca for Hajj, keep in mind that you have to book your flights, transfers, and accommodation through Nusuk Hajj, Saudi Arabia’s official online platform for Hajj. Before booking anything, you’ll need to create an account and submit a Hajj application on Nusuk Hajj. Keep an eye on their site or subscribe to their newsletter to find out when Hajj packages and flight bookings become available.

Tip: Bookings on Nusuk Hajj are first come, first served, so start planning early for your 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

At the heart of Mecca is Al Masjid Al Haram, the largest mosque in the world. There’s no doubt your Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage will be centred here, so we recommend booking accommodations near this sacred site. Not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered in this Mecca travel guide.  

For easiest access to Al Masjid Al Haram, stay within walking distance. This will give you the flexibility to take breaks, freshen up, or enjoy a nap on long days. Here are our top picks:

●      InterContinental Dar al Tawhid Makkah: 5-star hotel, 4.7 rating on Google, 8 minutes walk to the mosque

●      Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah: 5-star hotel, 4.4 rating on Google, 8 minutes walk to the mosque

●      Raffles Makkah Palace: 5-star hotel, 4.7 rating on Google, 12 minutes walk to the mosque

●      Address Jabal Omar Makkah Hotel: 5-star hotel, 4.7 rating on Google, 14 minutes walk to the mosque

Travel Tip: Don’t be intimidated by these 5-star hotels — some are quite affordable compared to other parts of the world.

Hotels farther from Al Masjid Al Haram may be more budget friendly – and many offer free shuttle services to the mosque. Here are some of our favourites:

●      Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher Alsharqi: 4-star hotel, 4.4 rating on Google, free 24-hour shuttle bus service to the mosque

●      Le Méridien Towers Makkah: 5-star hotel, 4.2 rating on Google, 24-hour shuttle bus service to the mosque, even during Hajj

●      Elaf Bakkah Hotel: 4-star hotel, 4.1 rating on Google, free shuttle service to the mosque, except during Ramadan

Remember, if you’re looking for accommodations for Hajj, you’ll need to book them through Nusuk Hajj.

Packing for Mecca isn’t like packing for your typical holiday. Focus on packing efficiently with things that’ll keep you comfortable, connected, and respectful of the local customs:

●      Ihram clothing: Hajj and Umrah require special Ihram clothing. Men should wear two pieces of unsewn white fabric and comfortable sandals that show the ankles and toes. Women should wear plain, loose, modest clothing that covers the entire body (except for the face and hands). Women also need a headscarf or hijab and comfortable covered shoes.

●      Other modest clothing: When you’re not taking part in Hajj or Umrah, focus on modest, comfortable clothing. Think: long pants and long-sleeved shirts for men, and loose-fitting long skirts or pants, long-sleeved shirts, and headscarves for women. In the hotter months, opt for cooler, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.

●      Sun protection: Mecca’s temperatures can climb well into the 40s, so sun protection is essential. High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and aftersun lotion are must-haves. A light-coloured umbrella can offer extra shade.

●      Medications: Don’t forget your prescription meds – and pack them in your carry-on so they’re always with you. Over-the-counter meds like pain relievers, anti-nausea pills, and antacids may come in handy too.

●      Chargers and adapters: Saudi Arabia has the same electrical plugs as Ireland and the U.K. (3 rectangular prongs). Grab a universal travel adapter to ensure all your electronics work.

●      Power bank: For long days when you can’t charge your phone, a power bank can be a lifesaver. Choose one that’s lightweight and compact with a high capacity (6,000 to 10,000mAH should be enough).

Travel Tip: During Hajj, you’ll also get a Hajj Smart Card. This is a personalised smart card will help you navigate the holy sites.

Staying connected during your pilgrimage in Mecca is crucial for navigation, communication, and access to important apps.

While sim cards are available from local Saudi carriers, they come with hurdles like in-store activation, biometric registration, and passport verification.

That’s why an eSim for Saudi Arabia is the best way to go. With an eSim, you can set up your data plan before you embark on your Mecca pilgrimage, so you can connect instantly to a local network when you land. We have highlighted the best eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia below.

10 GB eSIM

Saudi Arabia

+Roaming

Orange FR

Duration

31 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G

Price

$32.00

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Best Value

20 GB eSIM

Saudi Arabia

Smartroam (VN)

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

 

Price

$69.25

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Your health and safety are a top priority when embarking on a sacred journey in Mecca. From vaccinations to safety tips, here’s what you need to know.

If you’re travelling to Mecca for Hajj, make sure you get the necessary vaccinations and bring your vaccination certificates.

Quadruple meningitis vaccine:

●      Required for everyone

●      Must be given 10 days before you arrive in the Hajj areas

●      Two types accepted: quadruple (ACYW) polysaccharide vaccine and quadruple conjugate (ACYW) vaccine

Polio vaccine:

●      Only required if you’re coming from an areas where poliovirus is prevalent

●      Must be given between 4 weeks and 12 months before you get to Mecca

●      Two types accepted: one dose of the bivalent oral polio vaccine or inactivated polio vaccine

Yellow fever vaccine:

●      Only required if you’re coming from a country where yellow fever is present

●      Must be given at least 10 days before you arrive in Mecca

Mecca is a safe city with high security and a low crime rate. But it’s still important to take safety precautions, especially during peak times like Hajj:

●      Keep an eye on your valuables: As in any crowded city, pickpocketing can happen, especially when you’re surrounded by millions of people. Keep your things safe in a crossbody bag or money belt – and lock up anything you don’t need in your hotel’s safe.

●      Beware of fake tour guides and travel agencies: To protect yourself from Hajj scams, only book your trip through the official Nusuk Hajj website.

●      Keep emergency numbers handy: Useful numbers include 999 and 911 for police, and 937 for call centre services during Hajj. Also store the numbers for your country’s consulate and your travel insurance.

Finally, a few more Hajj and Umrah travel tips can make your pilgrimage much more comfortable: 

●      Drink lots of water: Long days and scorching heat can wear you out quickly. Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

●      Take breaks: Don’t rush or overexert yourself during Hajj or Umrah. Listen to your body and take breaks (and naps) when you need to.

●      Eat a balanced diet: For a stress-free Hajj experience, book a package that includes meals. Carry healthy snacks like dates and nuts to boost your energy throughout the day.

●      Use bug spray: In the warmer months, mosquitos are prevalent in Mecca. Bring insect repellent to keep them at bay.

With thoughtful planning and timing, your journey to Mecca can be smooth, stress-free, and deeply rewarding.