ARTICLE #57:—
Complete DIY Umrah Guide 2025 (Step-by-Step Without a Travel Agent)
Performing DIY Umrah is now easier than ever. Saudi Arabia has opened its borders, simplified visas, improved transportation, and modernized Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid Nabawi. This means anyone can perform Umrah without using a travel agency, safely and comfortably.
This guide explains everything:
✔ Requirements
✔ Cost breakdown
✔ Booking flights & hotels
✔ Visa application
✔ Step-by-step Umrah rituals
✔ Travel tips for beginners
✔ Mistakes to avoid
Perfect for solo travelers, families, couples, and first-time pilgrims.
⭐ 1. Requirements for DIY Umrah (2025)
To perform Umrah on your own, you need:
✔ Valid Passport
At least 6 months before expiry.
✔ Umrah Visa / Tourist Visa
Apply online via Nusuk or Saudi e-Visa portal.
✔ Sufficient Travel Funds
For flights, hotels, food, transport.
✔ Basic Knowledge of Umrah Rituals
Very simple: Ihram → Tawaf → Sa’i → Tahallul.
✔ Phone with Internet
For:
Google Maps
Uber/Careem
Nusuk App (Raudhah booking)
Flight & hotel apps
⭐ 2. How Much Does DIY Umrah Cost? (Estimated 7 Days)
Category Cost (USD)
Flight $500–$900
Hotel (Makkah + Madinah) $250–$450
Visa $120–$150
Transport (train/bus/taxi) $50–$120
Food $80–$150
SIM + misc. $20–$40
Total Estimated DIY Umrah Cost:
👉 $1,000 – $1,600 (depending on season)
DIY is often cheaper than agency packages.
⭐ 3. Step-by-Step: How to Plan DIY Umrah
Step 1: Apply for Umrah Visa
You can use either:
✔ Nusuk Visa (Recommended)
Official Umrah platform.
Fast approval: 24–72 hours.
✔ Saudi Tourist Visa
Also allows Umrah, sightseeing, and travel to other cities.
Requirements:
Passport
Passport photo
Payment by card
Step 2: Book Flights
Best airports:
Jeddah (JED) — closest to Makkah
Madinah (MED) — ideal if starting in Madinah
Flight tips:
✔ Avoid peak seasons (Ramadan, school holidays)
✔ Compare prices on Skyscanner / Google Flights
✔ Pick return flight from Jeddah (usually cheaper)
Step 3: Book Hotels in Makkah & Madinah
✔ Makkah (Choose near Masjid Al-Haram)
Best areas:
Ajyad
Clock Tower area
Ibrahim Khalil Road
Walking distance saves time & energy.
✔ Madinah (Near Masjid Nabawi)
Best areas:
North or South of Gate 327–328
Near women’s prayer gates (for female travelers)
Hotel booking apps:
Booking.com
Agoda
Expedia
Step 4: Book Transportation (Between Cities)
Options:
✔ High-Speed Train (MOST recommended)
Route: Makkah → Madinah
Comfortable
Fast (2 hours)
Easy online booking
Safe for families
✔ Bus
Cheapest option (5–6 hours).
✔ Private Car
Most comfortable (4 hours), but pricier.
Step 5: Prepare Ihram Items
For men:
✔ 2 pieces of white Ihram cloth
✔ Ihram belt
✔ Comfortable sandals
For women:
✔ Modest, loose clothing
✔ White/black abaya
✔ Hijab pins
Other essentials:
Unscented soap
Unscented shampoo
Prayer mat
Water bottle
Mini bag for shoes
⭐ 4. Step-by-Step: How to Perform Umrah
Perform these steps at Masjid Al-Haram (Makkah):
① Enter Ihram (State of Ihram)
At the Miqat point (Bir Ali if coming from Madinah).
Pray 2 rakaat
Intend:
“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah”
Start reciting Talbiyah
② Tawaf (7 rounds around the Kaaba)
Start from Hajar Aswad (Black Stone area).
Walk counterclockwise for 7 circuits.
Make du’a & dhikr calmly.
③ Sa’i (7 rounds between Safa & Marwah)
Walk between the two hills, remembering the story of Hajar (AS).
- Safa → Marwah = 1
- Marwah → Safa = 2
Total: 7 rounds, finishing at Marwah.
④ Tahallul (Exit Ihram)
Men: cut at least 1 inch of hair
Women: cut a fingertip-length of hair
Your Umrah is complete.
⭐ 5. Recommended Order of Cities (Best Route)
Option A — Start in Madinah (Best for beginners)
- Fly to Madinah
- 2–3 days ibadah in Masjid Nabawi
- Travel to Makkah
- Perform Umrah
- Fly out from Jeddah
✔ Smooth
✔ Less tiring
✔ Very spiritually peaceful
Option B — Start in Makkah
- Begin Umrah immediately
- Go to Madinah later
✔ Suitable if flights to Jeddah are cheaper
⭐ 6. What to Do in Madinah (Before Umrah)
✔ Masjid Nabawi — prayers & reflection
✔ Raudhah (book via Nusuk)
✔ Masjid Quba
✔ Jabal Uhud & Martyrs’ Cemetery
✔ Masjid Qiblatain
✔ Date Markets
✔ Islamic historical sites
⭐ 7. What to Do in Makkah (After Umrah)
✔ Tawaf Sunnah
✔ Visit historical places:
Jabal Nur
Jabal Thur
Arafah
Mina
Muzdalifah
Masjid Jinn
✔ Attend lectures in Masjid Al-Haram
⭐ 8. Mistakes to Avoid During DIY Umrah
❌ Rushing tawaf or sa’i
❌ Wearing scented items during ihram
❌ Forgetting to book Raudhah slot
❌ Choosing hotels too far from the mosque
❌ Traveling during peak heat (12 PM–3 PM)
❌ Not staying hydrated
⭐ 9. Tips for a Smooth DIY Umrah
✔ Travel between October–March
✔ Bring comfortable walking shoes
✔ Always keep a small bag for shoes
✔ Drink Zamzam regularly
✔ Be patient and calm
✔ Focus on intentions and spiritual goals
⭐ Conclusion
DIY Umrah is now extremely easy, safe, and affordable.
With this guide, you can perform Umrah at your own pace, choose your own flights, hotels, transport, and enjoy a deeply personal spiritual journey in Makkah and Madinah.
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