Umrah Packing Checklist for Travelers from the USA and Canada

Documents and money

• Passport, valid for at least six months (US: six months beyond arrival; Canada: six months beyond departure from Saudi Arabia)
• Saudi visa (printed and on your phone)
• Nusuk app installed, with your Umrah permit and any Rawdah booking
• Flight, hotel and transfer confirmations
• Meningococcal (ACYW) vaccination record
• Travel medical insurance details
• Canadian PR card or US green card, if you are a permanent resident, for your return
• Copies of passports and visas, stored separately from the originals
• Credit or debit card with low foreign transaction fees, and some Saudi riyals in cash
• Emergency contacts and your travel agent’s number

Ihram (men)

• Two sets of Ihram (two white, unstitched sheets each), one in your carry-on
• Ihram belt or money belt for passport and cash
• Safety pins or clips
• Sandals that leave the top of the foot uncovered

Clothing for women

• Loose, modest clothing and abayas (two or three)
• Headscarves and underscarves
• Comfortable closed shoes or sandals and socks

General clothing

• Light, breathable clothes for daytime
• A light jacket or layer for air-conditioned mosques and cool winter nights in Madinah
• Warm layers for the journey if you are leaving North America in winter
• Comfortable walking shoes you have already broken in
• Sleepwear and enough underwear to wash in rotation

Toiletries

• Unscented soap, shampoo and deodorant for use in Ihram
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and miswak
• Unscented sunscreen and lip balm
• Petroleum jelly or anti-chafing balm for long walks
• Small travel towel and wet wipes
• Nail clippers (useful before entering Ihram)

Health

• Prescription medicines in their original packaging, plus a copy of each prescription
• Enough medicine for the trip and a few spare days
• Pain relief, rehydration salts and blister plasters
• Face masks for crowded areas
• Hand sanitizer

Electronics and apps

• Phone and charger
• Plug adapter (Saudi Arabia uses 230-volt power; check your chargers support it)
• Power bank
• International data plan, eSIM or local SIM (you need your passport to buy a local SIM)
• Apps: Nusuk, your airline’s app, a maps app, WhatsApp and a prayer-times app

Prayer and worship

• Small Qur’an or app, and a du’a booklet
• Compact prayer mat
• Tasbih
• A step-by-step Umrah guide

Bags and useful extras

• A carry-on with Ihram, medicines and one change of clothes
• A small drawstring bag for your shoes inside the mosque
• Refillable water bottle
• Small umbrella for sun
• Space for Zamzam water and gifts on the way home (check your airline’s rules)