Travelling for the first time? Start here.

1. Enter the state of ihram at the miqat

   Before crossing the appointed boundary (miqat), bathe, put on the two white unstitched garments (men) or ordinary modest clothing (women), and make the intention for Umrah. From this point, the restrictions of ihram apply.

2. Recite the talbiyah

   Begin the talbiyah — Labbayk Allahumma labbayk — and continue reciting it aloud (men) or quietly (women) until you begin tawaf.

3. Enter Masjid al-Haram

   Enter with the right foot and the supplication for entering the mosque. On sighting the Ka'bah, make du'a; this is a moment of accepted supplication.

4. Perform tawaf — seven circuits

   Begin at the Black Stone corner, keeping the Ka'bah on your left, and complete seven circuits. Men in ihram uncover the right shoulder (idtiba) and hasten in the first three circuits (raml) where the crowd allows.

5. Pray two rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim

   Then drink Zamzam.

6. Perform sa'i between Safa and Marwah — seven laps

   Begin at Safa and end at Marwah. Safa to Marwah is one lap; Marwah to Safa is the second, and so on to seven.

7. Shave or shorten the hair

   Men shave the head (halq) or shorten it (taqsir); shaving carries greater reward. Women cut a fingertip's length from the ends of the hair. With this, the Umrah is complete and the state of ihram ends.

This guide is a summary for orientation. Rulings on omissions, mistakes and expiations vary. Our resident scholar delivers a full session at every pre-departure training, and travels with the group to answer questions on the ground.

• Nigerian international passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of travel, with at least two blank pages
• Recent passport photographs on a white background, meeting Saudi specification
• Completed and signed Al Mubarak booking form
• Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination certificate
• Yellow fever vaccination card (required for travellers from Nigeria)
• Polio vaccination certificate — confirm the current position with us before travel
• Proof of relationship for family groups (marriage certificate, birth certificates) where applicable
• For minors: parent/guardian consent and documentation as required

• Meningococcal ACWY — required of all pilgrims aged one year and above, administered at least ten days before arrival, within its validity window
• Yellow fever — required for travellers departing Nigeria
• Polio — required of travellers from polio-affected countries; confirm the current requirement before travel
• Seasonal influenza and COVID-19 — recommended, and periodically required; check the position close to your travel date

Vaccinations are available at accredited port health facilities in Lagos, Abuja and Ilorin. Our consultants will direct you to the nearest recognised centre.

Physical preparation: the rites involve several kilometres of walking, often in heat and in crowds. Begin walking daily at least six weeks before departure.

If you have an existing medical condition: tell your consultant at the point of booking — not at the airport. Bring a written summary from your doctor, and carry your medication in its original packaging with the prescription. We arrange wheelchair assistance, accessible rooms and shorter walking distances where needed.

1. A written contract

   Setting out every inclusion, exclusion and payment date before you pay.

2. A numbered receipt

   Issued in the company's name, for every payment made.

3. Payment into a corporate account

   In the registered company name — never into a personal account.

4. The accommodation you paid for

   At the distance stated, for the full duration stated.

5. A published refund and cancellation policy

   Shown to you before you paid.

6. A named contact

   You can reach in Nigeria and in the Kingdom.

7. Recourse

   Where a licensed operator fails to deliver a service you paid for, you may complain to NAHCON's Inspectorate and Compliance Division.