Hajj checklist

It’s best to start planning for Hajj at least a year before you travel.

Here’s a Hajj checklist to help you plan your journey:

Prepare your travel essentials

• • Check the entry requirements with the Saudi Arabian embassy and make sure you are okay to travel
  • Organise your tours beforehand. This is usually done via a travel agency (including flights and hotel stays)
  • Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for travel guidelines
  • Ensure you have enough local currency and emergency funds (e.g. debit card), as well as pounds for the journey/airport
  • Plan your itinerary before and after Hajj. This should include transport and hotel stays.
  • Check the NHS Fit for Travel guide to see if you need any vaccinations before your trip

Prepare spiritually

• • Seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and those you have wronged
  • Make sure your intention for wanting to go to Hajj is sincere
  • Learn the steps and rituals of Hajj long before you travel so you are prepared!

Inform your loved ones

• • Tell your friends, family, and workmates about your trip. Leave emergency contact details and information about where you will be staying, in case something goes wrong
  • Arrange with friends, family, or neighbours to check in on your home and see that everything is fine

How Do Muslims Prepare For Hajj?

There’s a lot of specifics you’ll need for Hajj as you’ll be moving around difficult terrain during your journey. Before and after Hajj, you may also want to explore Madinah and other areas of Saudi Arabia.

Take note of the religious requirements of Ihram (sacred state) and perfumes etc. At least three months before your departure, prepare well in advance and sort out the items you need to take with you. For more information on visiting the Kaaba and how to prepare for Hajj, check out our step-by-step guide to performing Hajj.

Please do check with Saudi authorities, airline carriers and relevant airports about luggage guidelines and what medication are allowed, and the same goes for any other items. Here are our essential items to pack for your journey:

Paperwork

• Visa (check requirements)
• Passport and any copies
• Passport-size photos
• Money, including cash and card

Spiritual supplies

• Ihram, including headscarf for women
• Notebook
• Pens
• Du’a book / app
• Travel prayer mat
• Qur’an (ideally small)
• Tawaf counter
• Optional garments when not on Hajj for mosque: kufi and thoub for men. Abayat/spare prayer outfit(s), scarves, caps (optional) and pins for women

Clothing and shoes

• Flip-flops for the bathroom
• Shoe covers
• Comfortable walking sandals
• Plenty of clean underwear!
• Comfortable cotton outfits (x 2 per day during Hajj)
• Clothes (including pyjamas for before/after Hajj)

Toiletries and medical

• Nail clippers
• Scissors
• Sun cream and after-sun. Make sure that it is unscented
• Soap, shampoo, shower gel and conditioner (all unscented)
• Razors and shaving cream
• Unscented moisturiser/oil
• Sanitary items for women
• Deodorant (unscented)
• Vaseline (unscented)
• Disinfectant spray
• Hydration tablets
• Energy tablets/drinks for when you are low on energy
• Hand gel (unscented)
• Hand wipes (unscented)
• Flushable toilet wipes (unscented)
• Tissues (min packs)
• Zip lock and unscented nappy bags (for storage / rubbish)
• Gloves (several pairs)
• Bottle/lota for toilet
• Anti-diarrhoea medication
• Medication for constipation
• Plasters (various sizes)
• Micropore tape and dressings
• Unscented disinfectant cream
• Cough sweets
• Cold and flu tablets
• Any regular medication with prescription (please check Saudi import guidelines)
• Any other medication: hay-fever, allergies
• Mosquito plug-in repellent for hotel room (pre/post-Hajj)

Travel/daily essentials

• Snacks
• Bags: Drawstring bag to store supplies, a small backpack for Hajj, extra collapsible large bags for shopping (1-2 depending on shopping list)
• Suitcases and carry-on bag
• Personal alarm for women, in case of danger
• Labels for your luggage
• Small padlocks and keys
• Fan for the hot weather
• Flannel
• Hat for the hot weather
• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Money belt/pouch
• A water bottle that can collapse
• Plastic bags for general use
• Sleeping bag liner
• Small blanket
• Umbrella
• Ear plugs
• Eye cover or a sleeping mask
• Clothesline and pegs
• Travel size washing detergent (unscented)
• Mini pillow
• Sewing kit
• Phone charger
• Portable phone charger
• Old phone
• International power adapters
• Camera and charger
• Spare camera battery
• Memory cards for your phone and camera
• Extension cord with multiple outlets
• Power banks and cables
• Masking tape
• Scissors

Please check airline/airport and Saudi guidelines for entry. Find out the guidelines on importing, purchasing, and exporting medication, liquids, food, and sharp items.

Don’t worry, it may seem like a lot, but you’ll be prepared in no time. Embrace this amazing journey and say alhamdulillah!

From everyone at Islamic Relief, we’d like to wish you all the best on your spiritual journey, insha’Allah. We hope this Hajj checklist is useful for your journey – click here to learn some essential Hajj facts for your journey!

Travel To Saudi Arabia From UK

The rules around applying for Hajj have changed. Instead of registering with reputable Hajj agencies, anyone wishing to travel from the UK to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj must apply directly with the Saudi authorities. You must now apply directly through the Motawif portal during the open application period.

When Should I Apply For Hajj?

Due to the sheer number of pilgrims wishing to attend the Hajj, there have been recent updates to the application process by the Saudi government and it can be a long process – it’s best to start as early as possible!

You are now required to submit your application directly through the Saudi authorities’ Motawif portal during their open application period, which takes place during the month of Dhul Qadah. The precise dates are published on the Motawif portal in advance so keep an eye out! They also appear to shift forward in the Gregorian Calendar approximately 11-12 days each year, as the application period is based on the Islamic Calendar which runs on the lunar cycle.