Umrah is a special act of worship that brings together intention, submission, patience, and the feeling of spiritual renewal. For guests visiting the Holy Lands for the first time, many questions may arise regarding Umrah preparations, entering the state of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'y, and accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
How is Umrah performed? What should be taken when going for Umrah? How long do Umrah tours last? On what basis are Umrah prices determined? Which services are included in an Umrah package?
In this comprehensive Umrah guide, we have gathered the essential topics to know, from pre-travel preparations to the performance of rituals, program durations, and hotel selection.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is an act of worship completed by entering the state of Ihram at or before the Miqat boundary, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, performing Sa'y between Safa and Marwa, and shaving or trimming the hair.
The Quran-Kitab says:
"Complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah."
Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 196
This verse reminds us that the foundation of the Umrah ritual is the intention to seek Allah's pleasure.
One of the Hadiths of Hz. Prophet (PBUH) regarding the spiritual value of Umrah is as follows:
"Two Umrahs serve as expiation for the sins committed between them."
Bukhari, Umrah, 1; Muslim, Hajj, 437
Regarding Umrah performed in the month of Ramadan:
"An Umrah performed in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj."
Tirmidhi, Hajj, 95
This Hadith points to the virtue of Umrah performed in Ramadan. This similarity refers to the reward; an Umrah in Ramadan does not replace the obligatory Hajj.
What is the Difference Between Umrah and Hajj?
Hajj and Umrah are two separate acts of worship performed in Makkah. While Hajj is performed only on specific days determined in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed at any time except during the periods restricted for Hajj.
Hajj includes practices such as standing at Arafat, staying at Muzdalifah and Mina, and stoning the devil. The basic practices of Umrah consist of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'y, and shaving.
Performing Umrah does not remove a person's obligation to perform the obligatory Hajj.
When is Umrah Performed?
Umrah can be performed at different times of the year. However, when selecting a travel date, weather conditions, crowd levels, school holidays, the month of Ramadan, holy nights, flight availability, and hotel prices should be evaluated together.
Prominent Umrah periods include:
- Ramadan Umrah
- School Break Umrah
- Interim Holiday Umrah programs
- Holy Night periods
- October, November, and December programs
- Shawwal Umrah
- Summer season Umrah tours
During the Ramadan period, the spiritual atmosphere and demand increase, while hotel, flight, and program prices may also change. Those seeking a quieter journey can consider periods with lower crowds.
How to Prepare for the Umrah Journey?
Umrah preparations are not limited to luggage and document procedures. The spiritual, physical, and organizational aspects of the journey must be considered together.
Spiritual Preparation
Before going for Umrah, it is important for the individual to review their intention, learn about worship knowledge, and be careful regarding rights of others.
Before the journey:
- A sincere intention can be formed.
- Repentance and seeking forgiveness can be made.
- Reconciliation can be sought with those who are upset.
- Debts and trusts can be settled.
- Tawaf, Sa'y, and Ihram rules can be learned.
- Duas to be recited can be reviewed.
- The spiritual importance of Makkah and Madinah can be researched.
Memorizing all duas to be recited during Umrah is not mandatory. A person can recite the duas they know, engage in Dhikr, and pray in their own language.
Physical Preparation
Due to Tawaf, Sa'y, visit programs, airports, and hotel transfers, the daily walking distance in the Umrah journey can be high.
A few weeks before the trip:
- Regular walking can be done.
- Comfortable shoes can be started to be used.
- Attention can be paid to sleep and nutrition routines.
- Doctor check-ups can be completed.
- Necessary precautions can be taken for chronic diseases.
It is important for individuals with health problems to consult their doctors before the journey.
Documents Required for Umrah
The documents required for Umrah may vary according to current entry, visa, and health regulations. Therefore, the exact document list should be learned from the travel agency during registration.
Generally, the following documents may be needed:
- Passport with sufficient validity period
- Application information required for Umrah visa
- Biometric photo
- Identity information
- Flight documents
- Travel insurance
- Current health or vaccination certificates
- Consent letter possibly required for children
- Prescription or health report regarding medications used
The name and surname information in the passport must match the airline ticket. It may be beneficial to carry digital copies of documents on the phone and printed copies in the hand luggage.
Health Preparation for Umrah
Crowded environments, hot weather, air conditioning use, and intense walking during the Umrah journey can cause physical fatigue.
The following preparations can be made before the journey:
- Undergo a general health check-up
- Prepare regularly used medications
- Carry prescriptions and health reports
- Carry medications in their original packaging
- Select comfortable and previously worn-in shoes
- Prepare products suitable for sun protection
- Keep masks and personal hygiene products
- Check current vaccination requirements
Carrying medications in hand luggage instead of large suitcases facilitates access to medication in case of flight or baggage delays.
What to Take When Going for Umrah?
When preparing the Umrah suitcase, a light, simple, and practical arrangement should be created rather than taking too many items.
Basic needs for Umrah suitcase
- Comfortable clothes suitable for the season
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Slippers
- Underwear and socks
- Light cardigan or shawl
- Sleepwear
- Small towel
- Personal care products
- Wet wipes and paper tissues
- Sunscreen
- Mask
- Medications and prescriptions
- Phone charger
- Portable charger
- Plug adapter
- Light prayer mat
- Book of Duas
- Neck or waist bag
- Water bottle
Men may find it beneficial to keep more than one set of Ihram in case of replacement. Care should be taken that care products used while in Ihram are unscented.
How is Umrah Performed?
The basic stages of Umrah are Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'y, and shaving. Since some details may vary according to schools of thought in applications, the guidance of religious officials should be followed throughout the journey.
1. Preparation for Ihram
Ihram is not just a clothing but a special state of worship starting with intention.
Before entering Ihram:
- Ghusl or Wudu can be performed.
- Nails can be trimmed.
- Required personal cleaning can be done.
- Men can prepare their Ihram coverings.
- Women can wear clothes appropriate for Hijab standards.
- Ihram prohibitions can be learned.
Men use a two-piece Ihram covering. There is no special Ihram clothing for women as there is for men. Women enter Ihram with simple, comfortable, and Hijab-appropriate clothes.
The place where Ihram will be entered varies according to the travel route. In programs where Madinah is visited first, Ihram preparation is generally done during the movement from Madinah to Makkah. In programs heading directly to Makkah, preparation is completed before reaching the Miqat boundary.
2. Intention and Talbiyah
After Ihram preparation, intention is made for Umrah and Talbiyah is recited.
Talbiyah is as follows:
"Labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal hamda wan-ni'mata leke wal-mulk. La sharika lak."
Meaning:
"O Allah! I answer Your call. You have no partner. Praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."
After intention and Talbiyah, Ihram prohibitions begin.
3. Ihram Prohibitions
Among the basic prohibitions to be observed after entering Ihram are:
- Cutting hair or nails
- Using perfume and scented care products
- Hunting or harming living creatures
- Arguing and behaving offensively
- Intimacy between spouses
- Men covering their heads
- Men wearing normal stitched clothes
The scope of Ihram prohibitions and what to do in case of violation should be consulted with religious officials.
4. Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba
Tawaf is performed by circling the Kaaba seven times. Each circuit is called a Shawt. Tawaf starts from the level of Hajar al-Aswad and is performed keeping the Kaaba on the left side.
During Tawaf:
- Avoid pushing people
- Do not make sudden movements in the crowd
- Do not block passageways
- Know the group meeting point
- Priority should be given to elderly and disabled persons
- Respect the worship peace of others
There is no need to force through the crowd to approach Hajar al-Aswad. Greeting from a distance is possible.
There is no obligation to read a specific dua book from start to finish during Tawaf. A person can recite the Quran, send blessings, engage in Dhikr, or pray in their own language.
5. Tawaf Prayer and Zamzam
After completing Tawaf, two rak'ahs of Tawaf prayer can be prayed in a suitable place. Care should be taken not to obstruct people's passage during crowded times.
Then, Zamzam water can be drunk and prayers can be made. During this stage, the group's movement times and the guide's instructions should be followed.
6. Sa'y Between Safa and Marwa
Sa'y is performed as seven Shawat between Safa and Marwa.
The Quran-Kitab says:
"Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah."
Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 158
The journey from Safa to Marwa is the first Shawt, and the return from Marwa to Safa is the second Shawt. The seventh Shawt is completed at Marwa.
During Sa'y:
- Maintain a balanced walking pace
- Do not stop suddenly in the crowd
- Consume enough water
- Rest in suitable areas when tired
- Follow the caravan order
7. Shaving and Exiting Ihram
After completing Sa'y, men shave their hair completely or trim it. Women cut a necessary amount from the tips of their hair.
With the completion of this process, one exits Ihram and the Ihram prohibitions end. Guidance from religious officials should be followed regarding where and how the hair cutting procedure will be done.
Acts of Worship That Can Be Performed in Makkah
After completing Umrah, the time spent in Makkah can be utilized with prayer, Tawaf, Quran recitation, Dhikr, and Dua.
In Makkah:
- Prayer can be performed in Masjid al-Haram.
- Nafl Tawaf can be performed.
- The Quran-Kitab can be read.
- Engage in Dua and Dhikr.
- Participate in visits within the program scope.
- A balance can be established between rest and worship.
To avoid health problems due to fatigue, it is important for the individual to act according to their own strength rather than filling every moment with an intense program.
Places to Visit in Makkah
Within the scope of Umrah tours, depending on the program content, some important points around Makkah can be visited:
- Arafat
- Jabal al-Rahmah
- Muzdalifah
- Mina
- Jabal Thawr
- Jabal Nur
- The area where Cave Hira is located
- Masjid Jinn
- Jannat al-Mu'alla
Visit programs may vary according to the scope of the selected tour, traffic conditions, and local regulations.
Visit to Madinah
Madinah is the city where Masjid al-Nabawi and the grave of Hz. Prophet (PBUH) are located. In a significant portion of Umrah programs, accommodation in Madinah along with Makkah is included.
In Madinah:
- Prayer can be performed in Masjid al-Nabawi.
- Sending blessings and salutations to Hz. Prophet can be done.
- Visits can be carried out according to the guidance of officials.
- Time can be utilized with Quran, Dua, and Dhikr.
- Historical and spiritual places within the program scope can be visited.
In Masjid al-Nabawi, one must not speak loudly, push through the crowd, and respect the worship rights of other visitors.
Places to Visit in Madinah
Depending on the program scope, the following points can be visited:
- Masjid al-Nabawi
- Kuba Mosque
- Masjid Qiblatain
- Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery
- Seven Mosques area
- Jannat al-Baqi
- Khandaq area
The visit sequence and scope may vary according to the selected Umrah tour.
How Long Do Umrah Tours Last?
Umrah tours can be prepared according to different leave durations, budgets, and comfort expectations. Programs lasting 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, and longer can be encountered in the market.
Niltur's seasonal Umrah tours generally consist of 8, 10, and 14-day alternatives. Program durations and accommodation arrangements may vary according to the travel date.
7-day and 8-day Umrah tours
Short-term Umrah tours can be considered for guests with limited annual leave or those preferring a more intensive program.
In these programs, rituals, visits, and transfers are carried out with a tighter schedule.
10-day Umrah tours
10-day Umrah programs can offer a balanced option between short and long programs. While sufficient accommodation time is created in Madinah and Makkah, the program pace can be planned more evenly.
14 and 15-day Umrah tours
14 or 15-day Umrah tours are suitable for guests who want to spend more time in the Holy Lands.
In long programs:
- More time for worship in Makkah may be available.
- More time can be allocated for rest.
- Visits can be carried out more comfortably.
- The pace may be more balanced for elderly guests.
The length of the program does not mean it is the best option for every guest. Health status, leave duration, budget, and hotel location should be evaluated together.
On What Basis Are Umrah Prices Determined?
Umrah prices are not determined based on a single criterion. Flight tickets, hotels, program duration, travel period, and room type affect the total price.
The basic elements affecting Umrah prices are:
- Flight dates
- Airline company
- Direct or connecting flights
- Total duration of the program
- Hotels in Makkah and Madinah
- Distance of hotels from the Haram
- Hotel category
- Number of people per room
- Meal services
- Transfer scope
- Visa and insurance services
- Ramadan, holy nights, and holiday periods
- Guidance and visit programs
Therefore, it is not possible to give a single number valid for all programs to the question "How much is Umrah?".
How Should Umrah Prices for 2027 Be Compared?
Guests researching Umrah prices for 2027 should not look only at the total fee. In a program appearing low-priced, the hotel being far from the Haram, meals not being included, or some services being offered for extra fees can increase the total cost.
When comparing 2027 Umrah prices, the following information should be examined in the same table:
- How many days is the program?
- How many nights are spent in Makkah?
- How many nights are spent in Madinah?
- Which hotels will be accommodated?
- How far are the hotels from the Haram?
- How many people per room?
- Is the flight ticket included?
- Are visa processes included?
- Are breakfast and dinner included?
- Are airport and intercity transfers included?
- Are visit programs included?
- Is guidance service provided?
- Is travel insurance included?
- What are the services requiring extra payment?
Niltur Umrah prices for 2027 may vary according to travel period, program duration, hotel, room type, flight plan, and service scope. Current prices and quotas must be checked from the relevant tour pages.
Guests planning early can compare different programs and room options more easily. However, early reservation opportunities, payment terms, and price advantages may differ in each program.
10-Day Umrah Prices
10-day Umrah prices vary according to the hotel location, room type, flight plan, and service scope.
The per-person price for a double room may not be the same as the price for three or four-person rooms. There may also be a price difference between programs accommodated in nearby hotels and those in serviced hotels.
When evaluating 10-day Umrah prices, the distribution of nights in Makkah and Madinah should also be checked alongside the tour duration.
15-Day Umrah Prices
15-day Umrah prices may differ from short programs due to the longer accommodation period. However, price comparison should not be made solely based on the number of days.
Hotel distance, room layout, meal scope, flight times, and guidance services are determinants on 15-day Umrah prices.
If the current program duration offered for sale at Niltur is 14 days, it would be more correct for guests to compare 14-day programs with 15-day options based on the service scope.
Bursa Umrah Tours
Bursa Umrah tours are heavily searched by guests wishing to go to the Holy Lands from Bursa and surrounding provinces.
Flights within the scope of Bursa-departure Umrah tours can mostly be realized from airports in Istanbul. Depending on the program content, group transfer from Bursa to the airport may be provided.
When evaluating Bursa Umrah prices, the following issues should be checked:
- Is Bursa-Istanbul transfer included in the price?
- Where is the meeting point in Bursa?
- From which airport will you fly?
- Will Bursa transfer be provided on return?
- Is participation from different cities via domestic connections possible?
Guests searching for "Umrah prices 2026 Bursa" or "Umrah tours Bursa" should compare not only the price but also the transportation service from Bursa to the airport.
In Niltur's programs, Istanbul Airport transfer may be planned for guests participating from Bursa depending on the program scope. Guests coming from different cities in Turkey can join the caravan with suitable domestic connection flights.
Which Services Are Included in the Umrah Package?
While the scope of Umrah packages varies according to the program, the following services may be provided in Niltur's relevant programs:
- Istanbul-Medinah economy class flight ticket
- Jeddah-Istanbul economy class flight ticket
- Umrah visa processes
- Travel and liability insurance
- Accommodation in Makkah and Madinah hotels
- Buffet breakfasts
- Buffet dinners
- Airport transfers
- Makkah-Madinah transportation
- Visit programs
- Guidance services
- Umrah guidebook
- Travel bag
- Shoulder bag
- Zamzam within the program scope
The exact service scope must be checked from the detail page of the selected tour.
Services Not Included in the Umrah Package
Depending on the program, the following expenses may be outside the package:
- Lunches
- Foreign departure tax
- Personal expenses
- Extra baggage fees
- Extra services inside the hotel
- Special transfers outside the program
- Special visit requests
- Personal phone and internet expenses
Examining included and excluded services in writing before reservation prevents misunderstandings that may occur later.
What to Consider When Choosing an Umrah Hotel?
When choosing an Umrah tour, the location of the hotel is as important as its star rating.
Makkah Hotel
When evaluating a Makkah hotel, the following points should be examined:
- Actual distance to Masjid al-Haram
- Walking route
- Whether shuttle service will be used
- Room size
- Food quality
- Elevator capacity
- Ease of access during peak hours
Madinah Hotel
When evaluating a Madinah hotel, the following issues should be considered:
- Distance to Masjid al-Nabawi
- Access to men's and women's entrances
- Meal services
- Room capacity
- Access to visit programs
Especially for elderly guests, families with children, and those with mobility difficulties, a nearby hotel can provide a significant advantage.
How Does Room Type Affect Umrah Price?
Umrah prices mostly vary according to the number of people in the room. The following options may be offered in programs:
- Single room
- Double room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
- Family arrangement
As the number of people in the room decreases, the accommodation cost per person generally increases. When choosing a room, not only the price but also personal space and comfort expectations should be taken into account.
Recommendations for Women for Umrah
It is important for women to learn basic information about Ihram, clothing, Tawaf, Sa'y, and special states before the Umrah journey.
- Comfortable and simple clothes should be selected.
- Non-slip shoes suitable for long walks should be used.
- Extra headscarves and bonnets can be kept.
- The security of bags in the crowd should be ensured.
- Religious rulings regarding special states should be consulted with authorized religious officials.
- Group meeting points should be learned.
- The hotel card should be carried continuously.
Recommendations for Men for Umrah
Men can learn practically how to tie the Ihram before the journey.
- At least two sets of Ihram can be kept.
- An Ihram belt or secure waist bag can be used.
- Care should be taken regarding religious rules for products worn under the Ihram.
- When shoulders should be open or closed should be learned from the guide.
- The shaving procedure should be done in a reliable and hygienic place.
- Comfortable slippers should be preferred.
Can One Go for Umrah with Children?
Children can go for Umrah if current entry conditions are met. However, families with children must carefully evaluate flight times, room capacity, hotel distance, and program pace.
When traveling with children:
- Identity and documents must be prepared completely
- Required consent letters must be checked
- Child's medications must be carried
- Contact cards must be used in the crowd
- Areas where strollers can be used should be researched
- Nearby hotels can be preferred
- Rest hours must be preserved
Program Selection for Elderly People for Umrah
For elderly guests, the daily pace of the program is as important as its duration.
The following features can be prioritized:
- Hotel near the Kaaba
- Accommodation near Masjid al-Nabawi
- Hotel with sufficient elevator capacity
- Balanced visit program
- Regular transfers
- Experienced guidance
- Travel with a companion
- Program allowing time for rest
Guests needing wheelchairs or special support must inform their requests before reservation.
Recommendations to Avoid Getting Lost in the Crowd During Umrah
Makkah and Madinah can be particularly crowded during prayer exits.
- The caravan card must be carried continuously.
- The guide's phone number must be saved.
- The hotel name and location must be found on the phone.
- Hotel business cards must be carried.
- Group meeting point must be learned.
- Phone charge must be checked.
- Internet connection must be kept ready.
- Family members must determine a common meeting point.
In case of getting lost, panic should not be shown, and contact should be made with the caravan official.
Common Mistakes Made During Umrah
The common mistakes made by those going to Umrah for the first time are:
- Selecting a tour based only on price
- Not researching hotel distance
- Packing more luggage than necessary
- Using uncomfortable shoes
- Not learning Ihram prohibitions
- Leaving the group during Tawaf
- Trying to worship continuously without resting
- Not consuming enough water
- Being late for meeting times
- Putting medications in large suitcases
- Making reservations without reading included services
Moving in a planned manner, adhering to the caravan order, and following the guides' instructions can prevent a significant part of these problems.
Questions to Be Asked When Choosing an Umrah Tour
Before reservation, the answers to the following questions should be learned:
- How long does the program last?
- How many nights are spent in Makkah and Madinah?
- Which hotels are they?
- How far are the hotels from the Haram?
- Is the flight direct?
- Which airports will be used?
- Is the visa included in the price?
- Are meals included?
- How many people per room?
- Are visit programs included?
- Is there guidance service?
- How will Makkah-Madinah transfer be done?
- What are the services not included in the price?
- Is there transfer from Bursa to the airport?
- What are the cancellation and change conditions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Umrah?
Umrah prices vary according to program duration, travel period, hotels, room type, flights, and service scope. Current prices must be checked from the detail page of the relevant Umrah tour.
On what basis do Umrah prices for 2027 change?
Umrah prices for 2027 may vary according to hotel costs, flight tickets, exchange rates, room type, program duration, and demand for special periods.
Can 2027 Umrah prices be paid in TL?
The payment currency and TL equivalent may vary according to the selected program. Current exchange rates and payment options should be learned from Niltur consultants during reservation.
How many days do Umrah tours last?
Umrah tours can generally last 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, or longer. The duration of Niltur programs varies according to the travel period.
How many days should first-time Umrah guests choose?
Individuals with limited leave can consider short programs, while those wanting more worship and rest time can evaluate 10 or 14-day programs.
Is a passport required for Umrah?
Yes. The passport must have the sufficient validity period specified in the current entry rules.
Is the Umrah visa included in the tour price?
The Umrah visa may be included in the price in Niltur's relevant packages. The exact scope must be checked from the detail page of the selected program.
Are there meals in Umrah tours?
In Niltur's relevant programs, buffet breakfast and dinner may be provided. Lunches are mostly outside the package.
Which currency is used for Umrah?
Riyal is used in Saudi Arabia. Although card payment is widespread, some cash should be kept for small expenses.
Are there Umrah tours departing from Bursa?
Depending on the program structure, transfer from Bursa to Istanbul Airport may be provided. The exact departure point and transfer scope must be learned from the tour detail.
Can women go for Umrah alone?
Women's travel and entry conditions must be evaluated according to current Saudi Arabian regulations. Current conditions must be confirmed from the travel agency before registration.
Is it necessary to memorize all duas during Umrah?
No. A person can recite the duas they know, engage in Dhikr, read the Quran, or pray in their own language.
Plan Your Umrah Journey with Niltur
The right Umrah program consists not only of flight and hotel reservations but also of the holistic planning of rituals, transfers, visits, and guidance services.
You can examine Niltur's Umrah tours prepared with different durations, periods, hotels, and room options; you can get information from our travel consultants to determine the program suitable for your needs.
Information and reservation for Niltur Umrah programs:
444 0 658
