Quick answer: Practical umrah preparation covers six things: choose a licensed umrah agency, sort out your passport and visa, get the meningococcal vaccine at least 10 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia, build walking stamina, prepare money and clothes that suit the weather, and plan your food. For matters of worship, follow your agency’s umrah course and refer to your mutawwif, JAKIM or Tabung Haji.
Many people start planning umrah with the same question: what needs to be ready, and when? This umrah preparation guide lays out the practical steps from a few months before departure to the last day before you head to KLIA. It is written for Malaysian pilgrims travelling on an agency package, whether for the first or second time.
More hajj and umrah guides
Hajj and umrahUmrah Packing List: Complete Checklist for Men and WomenAn umrah packing list grouped by category, with separate lists for men and women and tips for packing your bags.
Hajj and umrahHow Many Days for Umrah? Typical Package Lengths and How to ChooseTypical umrah package lengths, the Makkah and Madinah split, and what makes a trip longer or shorter.
Hajj and umrahUmrah Vaccine: What Is Required, What Is Recommended and When to Get ItRequired and recommended vaccines for umrah pilgrims from Malaysia, based on current official sources.
Hajj and umrahHajj Preparation: Practical Steps from Offer Letter to DeparturePractical hajj preparation steps: Tabung Haji process, health screening, vaccines, fitness, documents and food.
Hajj and umrahBringing Food to Saudi Arabia: What Is Allowed and Safer Back-up FoodWhat SFDA and Tabung Haji say if you bring food to Saudi Arabia, and the meat-free back-up food that is safer for…MakanHubb is a food company, not a religious authority. We do not explain rukun, wajib, niat or doa. Those are better learned in the umrah course run by a licensed agency, and checked against official references such as Lembaga Tabung Haji and JAKIM.
Other umrah and hajj guides
- Umrah packing list for men and women
- How many days for umrah and what sets the package length
- Umrah vaccine and health requirements
- Bringing food to Saudi Arabia: what is allowed
- Hajj preparation for Tabung Haji pilgrims
Umrah preparation starts with a licensed agency
The first step is choosing an agency. In Malaysia, agencies selling umrah packages must be licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Check the agency’s licence status before paying a deposit, and keep the receipt and a copy of the package contract.
Questions to ask the agency:
- Departure and return dates, and the number of nights in Makkah and in Madinah.
- Hotel names and their distance from Masjidil Haram and Masjid Nabawi.
- Whether meals are included, and how many a day.
- Who the mutawwif is, and when the umrah course is held.
- What the price includes: visa, tickets, transport, ziarah and insurance.
Package lengths differ between agencies. More on this in our guide on how many days for umrah.
Documents and visa
Agencies usually handle the umrah visa for pilgrims. Your job is to prepare the documents they ask for early. These include:
- A valid passport. Check the minimum validity your agency asks for, and renew early if it is close to expiring.
- Passport-size photos to the agency’s specification.
- A copy of your MyKad and any other documents requested.
- Your vaccination record.
The official Saudi platform for pilgrims, Nusuk, is used for matters such as e-visas and permits. Ask your agency which parts they handle and which parts you must do yourself. Keep digital copies of every document on your phone and in your email.
Health preparation before umrah
The 1447H umrah health requirements document from the Saudi Ministry of Health sets the meningococcal vaccine for all pilgrims from abroad. The vaccine must be taken at least 10 days before arrival. Conjugate vaccines are valid for 5 years, while polysaccharide vaccines are valid for 3 years. The Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) also reminds Malaysian pilgrims to take this vaccine before they leave.
The same document lists proof of COVID-19 vaccination for high-risk groups, such as people over 65, pregnant women and patients with certain chronic illnesses. These requirements can change, so check the latest with your licensed agency and clinic before taking any jab. More details are in our umrah vaccine guide.
- Get a health check, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
- Ask for a doctor’s letter and prescription for regular medication, and bring medicine in its original packaging.
- Bring basic medicine such as fever, cold and stomach medicine, and oral rehydration salts.
Physical umrah preparation
Umrah involves a lot of walking, inside the mosque, from the hotel to the mosque and during ziarah. Many pilgrims are surprised by the distance they cover each day, especially when the mosque area is crowded.
- Start walking 30 to 45 minutes a day a few weeks before you fly.
- Train in the slippers or sandals you will bring, so your feet get used to them.
- If you have knee problems or tire easily, talk to your doctor and agency about a wheelchair or scooter.
- Sleep well in the last week. The flight to Jeddah or Madinah is quite long.
Money, phone and communication
Change some money into Saudi riyal before you leave for early expenses. Debit and credit cards are accepted in many shops, but carry cash in small notes for small purchases. Tell your bank before you travel overseas.
For your phone, choose between an international roaming plan, an eSIM or a local SIM card. Save the numbers of your agency, mutawwif and roommates. A powerbank and plug adapter are also useful.
Clothes, packing and weather
Makkah is hot all year, and very hot in summer. Madinah can feel cold at night in winter. Choose light, loose cotton clothes, and bring a thin jacket if you travel between December and February.
The full list for men and women is in our umrah packing list. The general rule: pack a light bag, because large bags are not allowed into Masjidil Haram and Masjid Nabawi. Tips on organising your bag are in our travel packing tips.
Food as part of umrah preparation
Eating in Makkah and Madinah
Many umrah packages include meals at the hotel, and the areas around both mosques have plenty of places to eat. Ask your agency how many meals are provided. If you have special dietary needs, tell them early.
Can you bring food from Malaysia?
Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) rules allow food for personal use that is labelled and has an expiry date, but the prohibited list also names homemade food and meat products. So do not bring meat dishes. If you want a small back-up, choose meat-free items in their original packaging and put them in checked luggage. The full explanation is in our guides on bringing food to Saudi Arabia and food on a plane.
Light back-up food and stock for your return
MakanHubb White Rice is rice in a 200 g pouch with no meat. It needs no fridge and can be warmed by soaking the pouch in hot water from the hotel. Bring one or two packs for the first night, following your agency’s advice.
Meat dishes are better kept at home. Eat before leaving for KLIA, and keep a few packs of dishes and rice in the kitchen so there is food ready when you come home tired. Prices from RM12.90 a pack.
Umrah preparation timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3 to 6 months before | Choose a licensed agency, pay the deposit, check your passport |
| 2 months before | Health check, start walking practice, submit visa documents |
| 1 month before | Attend the umrah course, get vaccinated, buy what you still need |
| 2 weeks before | Make sure the vaccine is more than 10 days before arrival, change money |
| 1 week before | Pack, weigh your bag, save document copies, stock food at home |
| Departure day | Eat first, arrive at the airport early, keep medicine in your cabin bag |
Umrah preparation tips for first-timers
- Attend every session of the agency’s umrah course and note down questions for your mutawwif.
- Get to know your group members and save their numbers.
- Wear the group wristband or ID card given by the agency.
- Rest enough. Do not use up all your energy on the first day.
- Drink water often to avoid dehydration.
- If you also plan to perform hajj in future, read our hajj preparation guide.
FAQ about umrah preparation
How much time do I need for umrah preparation?
Ideally start 3 to 6 months before departure. That gives enough time to choose an agency, sort out documents, get vaccinated and practise walking.
Is a vaccine compulsory for umrah?
The Saudi Ministry of Health sets the meningococcal vaccine for all pilgrims from abroad, at least 10 days before arrival. Check the latest requirements with your agency and clinic.
Where can I learn how to perform umrah?
In the umrah course run by a licensed agency, guided by a mutawwif. Also refer to official materials from Tabung Haji and JAKIM.
Can I bring dishes from Malaysia?
Meat dishes are not advisable because meat products are named in the SFDA prohibited list. A small labelled meat-free back-up is safer. Ask your agency first.
How do I make sure an umrah agency is legitimate?
Check the agency’s licence status with MOTAC before making any payment, and make sure you get a receipt and package contract.
Still have questions?
WhatsApp the MakanHubb team at 012-540 0263. We reply during office hours, Monday to Friday.