Umrah Arrival Guide for Jeddah Airport

Before you travel

• Make sure you have the right visa, and your Umrah permit on the Nusuk app if required at the time of travel.
• Book your hotel and save its address in Arabic on your phone.
• Pack your ihram clothing and Umrah essentials in your hand luggage.
• Arrange airport transport in advance if you're travelling with family or landing at night.

On the plane: ihram

Flights to Jeddah pass the miqat before landing, so most pilgrims enter ihram on the plane when the crew announces it. It's recommended to bathe and prepare before the flight, then put on ihram and make the intention for Umrah at the miqat. If no announcement is made, ask the crew roughly when you'll pass the miqat.

At the airport

• Immigration: have your passport and visa ready; it can take longer in peak season.
• Luggage: collect it from your flight's belt and count your bags before leaving.
• Phone: a local SIM or eSIM makes it easy to reach your driver and hotel.
• Money: carry a small amount of riyals, though cards are accepted in most places.

Getting to Makkah

Choose transport based on your group size, luggage and arrival time. If you booked a private transfer from Jeddah Airport to the Haram, your driver will be in arrivals; otherwise see all available options. The drive to Makkah takes about 60–90 minutes.

In Makkah

Drop your bags at the hotel if possible — most hotels hold luggage at reception even before check-in — then head to Masjid al-Haram for Umrah. Save your hotel's location on your map app to find your way back, especially after prayers when streets are crowded.

Common first-timer mistakes

• Packing ihram clothing in checked luggage instead of hand luggage.
• Not booking transport and arriving late at night with family and lots of bags.
• Not saving the hotel address in Arabic.
• Going to the Haram with big suitcases before stopping at the hotel.
• Underestimating traffic when leaving Makkah on departure day.