A Practical, Step-by-Step Handbook for a Smooth and Blessed Journey

1. Your First Umrah in 2025

Performing Umrah for the first time is a profound spiritual milestone. Whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or with a guided group like Almazarat Travel, good preparation ensures a smooth and deeply meaningful journey.

The 2025 Umrah season brings upgraded facilities in Makkah and Madinah, improved visa systems, and more user-friendly travel apps that help pilgrims book flights, hotels, and transportation easily. This guide covers everything—from rituals to packing lists and recommended apps.

2. Understanding What Umrah Is

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah performed at any time of the year consisting of:

• Ihram

• Tawaf

• Sa’i

• Tahallul

Short, simple, but spiritually transformative.

3. Umrah Visa Requirements (2025 Updates)

A. Visa Options

2025 offers multiple visa types:

• Umrah Visa

• Tourist eVisa

• Transit Visa (via Saudia/Flynas)

B. Requirements

• Passport (valid for 6+ months)

• Passport photo

• Return ticket

• Accommodation proof

• Vaccination documents (if applicable)

C. Approval Time

Usually 24–72 hours.

4. Recommended Travel Apps for Booking and Planning (2025)

Travel technology makes Umrah preparation easier than ever. These apps help you book your flight, hotel, transportation, and navigate within Saudi Arabia.

A. Flight Booking Apps

• Skyscanner – best for price comparison across airlines

• Agoda Flights – integrated with hotel booking for bundled deals

• Google Flights – good for date-flexible searches

• Saudia App – ideal if you prefer direct flights or Jeddah/Madinah arrivals

B. Hotel Booking Apps

• Agoda – excellent for hotels near Masjid al-Haram and Masjid Nabawi

• Booking.com – flexible cancellation, variety of rooms

• Traveloka – trusted by Southeast Asian pilgrims

• Hotels.com – rewards and free-night bonuses

C. In-Saudi Transport & Navigation Apps

• Uber & Careem – safe and reliable rides

• Haramain High-Speed Train App – for fast travel between Makkah–Madinah–Jeddah

• Nusuk App – mandatory for Raudhah booking and some permits

• Google Maps – essential for navigating hotel areas

Using these apps ensures you get the best prices and avoid last-minute issues.

5. Choosing the Right Umrah Package

Selecting the right package determines your comfort level.

A. Consider:

• Hotel distance

• Flight timing

• Mutawif service

• Meals

• Group size

• Transport type

B. Package Types

1. Budget

2. Standard (best for first-timers)

3. VIP / Exclusive

6. Packing Checklist (2025 Edition)

A. Men

• Ihram cloth

• Sandals

• Lightweight clothing

B. Women

• Abayas

• Comfortable hijabs

• Socks for Sa’i

C. General Items

• Passport & visa

• Power bank

• Refillable bottle

• Unscented toiletries

• Mini first-aid kit

• Universal adapter

• Dual SIM or eSIM

7. Step-by-Step Umrah Ritual Guide

1. Entering Ihram

• Ghusl

• Wear Ihram

• Niat

• Talbiyah

2. Tawaf

• Begin at Hajar Aswad

• Seven circles

• Two rak’ah after Tawaf

3. Sa’i

• Seven rounds from Safa to Marwah

4. Tahallul

• Men: shave or short cut

• Women: trim fingertip length

Umrah completed.

8. Practical Tips for First-Time Pilgrims

A. Managing Crowds

• Avoid peak hours

• Choose upper-floor Tawaf areas for comfort

B. Health Tips

• Drink water often

• Wear light clothing

• Stretch before Sa’i

C. Financial Tips

• Use e-wallets (Apple Pay, STC Pay widely accepted)

• Bring some cash

D. Safety Tips

• Save hotel location on Google Maps

• Keep passport in hotel safe

9. Must-Visit Places in Makkah & Madinah

In Makkah

• Gua Hira

• Jabal Thawr

• Museum of the Two Holy Mosques

In Madinah

• Raudhah

• Masjid Quba

• Jabal Uhud

• Baqi Cemetery

10. Best Time for Umrah in 2025

Recommended months:

• Feb

• Apr–May

• Oct–Dec

Massive crowds:

• Ramadan

• School holidays

11. Final Spiritual Preparation

Before departure:

• Seek forgiveness

• Increase dhikr & Quran

• Learn basic Umrah fiqh

• Make a clear intention

Your journey begins with your heart before your feet touch the holy land.

Performing Umrah for the first time is a beautiful spiritual journey that requires proper planning, knowledge, and the right tools. With the help of modern travel apps like Agoda, Skyscanner, Nusuk, and reliable transport apps such as Careem and Haramain Train, your 2025 Umrah experience can be smoother, safer, and more organized than ever.

Whether you are preparing your documents, choosing a package, booking hotels, or learning the step-by-step rituals, remember that the goal of Umrah is to bring your heart closer to Allah. Plan well, travel smart, and maintain sincerity throughout the journey.

If you need additional help—whether it's about choosing the right package, understanding the rituals, or planning your route—you can always contact our Almazarat Travel team for FREE.
We are here to guide you every step of the way so your Umrah becomes a blessed and unforgettable experience.

Related Article:
>> Complete Umrah Guide for First-Time Pilgrims (2025 Edition)
>> Review of Hotels with Kaaba / Haram View
>> How Much Does Umrah Cost in 2025? (Complete Budget Breakdown)
>> Best Umrah Travel Insurance Options
>> How to Plan a 5-Day Umrah Itinerary (Step-by-Step Guide)
>> 7 Best Kaaba-View Hotels in Makkah
>> The Difference Between Hajj and Umrah: Tracing Their Historical Roots