Umrah Guide for Women: Updated Rules for Travelers in 2024

Ladies, we are all aware that the proverb "a woman's labor is never done" is true. This is particularly true in regards to caring for the family and participating in religious rites. Umrah is a Muslim woman's religious obligation. A Muslim woman's Umrah experience is frequently distinct from that of a Muslim man.

If you want to do Umrah for women in the near future, you should be informed of the relevant dos and don'ts to make the process as easy as possible. Saudi Arabia Immigration Services will be giving you some advice in this article to make your Umrah travel successful.

1. What does the Umrah for women look like?

Women are equally welcome to participate in all religious rituals, including Umrah, Sa'ee, and Tawaf. If this is your first time, this essay will assist you in comprehending the fundamental Umrah guide for women. Because women will not be concerned about mindlessly following others or being subjected to incorrect rules when they are armed with proper information. There are regulations only for women, but we are confident Fajn will quickly recall them.

Women are equally welcome to participate in all religious rituals, including Umrah

2. How to perform Umrah for ladies?

Umrah guide for females

While the fundamental aspects of conducting Umrah are the same for both men and women, there are several regulations specific to women that are not applicable to males, and they are as follows:

Women must cover their bodies by donning loose-fitting clothing, most often the abaya, even though they are not required to wear the ihram like males are.

Male pilgrims must recite Talbiya aloud, while female pilgrims must repeat Talbiya silently during this sacred recital.

Male pilgrims had their heads shaved at the completion of the Umrah's sacred ceremonies, or taqsir, whereas female pilgrims were compelled to trim a little hair, about the size of a fingernail, to mark the conclusion of their spiritual journey.

Women who are in the middle of their periods are unable to undertake the Umrah until after they have finished. But until she takes the purification bath, such a woman should stay in her hotel or residence and not go to the Masjid-ul-Haram.

A woman in Iddat (the period she must observe following her husband's passing or divorce) is not permitted to make Umrah. She must wait the required amount of time before she may accompany a Mahram on the Umrah.

Umrah guide for females

Are there any prohibitions for women while performing Umrah?

The following activities are forbidden for women when they are conducting Umrah. Watch them closely.

• During Umrah, it's strictly forbidden to engage in bad habits like backbiting, cursing, fighting, pursuing, murdering, or tormenting animals.
• Physical intimacy with partners is a delicate subject that women should avoid when doing Umrah.
• In addition, it is a delicate matter because women who are in their menstrual cycle are not permitted to do Umrah.
• When women perform the Umrah, they are required to have a man accompany them.
• Even though one must go on the pilgrimage with a Mahram, such a companion cannot be a pagan.
• Women's dress for doing the Umrah must likewise be completely covered, with the exception of the hands and face. The white Abaya is the greatest choice.
• Even though wearing makeup, perfume, or jewelry is not forbidden during the Umrah trip, it is preferable for women to refrain from doing so. The community will become aware of this, and the ceremonies may become obstructive and distracting.

Can woman perform Umrah alone?

Now, Saudi Arabian women are able to do the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages without a mahram (male guardian). The decision, which is applicable to female pilgrims from all nations traveling to the Kingdom, was made public by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah at a news conference held at the Saudi Embassy in Cairo.

A woman in Iddat (the period she must observe following her husband's passing or divorce) is not permitted to make Umrah. She must wait the required amount of time before she may accompany a Mahram on the Umrah.

Saudi Arabian women are able to do the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages without a mahram (male guardian)

3. Travel advice for women during Umrah 2024

Can a pregnant woman perform Umrah?

There are several limitations put on daily activities as well as social occasions when a lady is pregnant. For such a significant pilgrimage event as Umrah, it is fortunate that a pregnant lady is still permitted to participate because she is thought to be in a pure ecstatic mood.

What ought ladies to do in preparation for the pilgrimage?

In terms of clothing for women throughout Umrah, it will be somewhat different from men's. Women can wear their usual clothes as long as their appearance remains polite and courteous; there is no difference that attracts too much attention from the surroundings.

What do ladies dress before beginning their pilgrimage?

The White Abaya is a perfect choice for women preparing to join the pilgrimage. White is not a mandatory color, but its color is very suitable for the meaning of equality before God and the hot weather conditions of Saudi Arabia when the pilgrimage took place.

Can women wear socks during Umrah?

Yes, women can wear socks during Umrah. Wearing socks is not prohibited for women performing Umrah. In fact, wearing socks can help maintain modesty and comfort, especially when walking long distances or during colder weather. However, women should ensure that their attire, including socks, maintains modesty according to Islamic guidelines. This means the socks should not be flashy or draw unnecessary attention.

Note that a woman in the state of Ihram may wear whatever clothes she wishes, but she should not wear gloves or a Niqab (face covering).

Can women wear shoes during Umrah?

Unlike men, women can wear closed footwear during Ihram. Choosing the right shoes for Umrah is crucial. Women should pick shoes that fit comfortably—not too tight or too loose. Closed-toe shoes are allowed, but sandals or open-toe shoes are also acceptable.

To keep your feet comfortable and free from blisters, opt for closed-toe shoes. Consider how easily you can put them on and take them off, as you’ll need to do this often when entering and exiting the mosque.

When choosing your footwear, ensure it covers your feet properly. Avoid flashy or revealing designs. Select shoes that balance modesty and practicality for the pilgrimage. Steer clear of high heels or overly decorative shoes.

What ought ladies to do before making the pilgrimage?

Before starting the pilgrimage, a Saudi woman will have to comply with the following regulations:

• Shower clean
• Cut the nail
• Wear Abaya
• Cover your head
• Pronounce the approaches to Miqat
• Continue reciting Talbiyah during the entire procedure in order to become a pilgrim (Muhrim).

Travel advice for women during Umrah

What should the ladies do following Talbiyah?

After Talbiyah, all pilgrims will perform Tawaf. But there is a difference between women and men, strong when men have to perform the ritual of running the first 3 laps, the steady pace is maintained in women throughout the process. Tawaf will end after the seventh circle, after which all pilgrims will proceed to Salat behind Ibrahim station (Maqam Ibrahim).

Travelers applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa

Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa? If you are a female traveler planning to embark on the sacred journey of Umrah to Saudi Arabia, the first step you need to take is to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa. The eVisa application process is usually simpler and more convenient than traditional methods.

• Step 1: Visit the Official Website of the Saudi Arabian Immigration Services

To get started, visit the official website of Saudi Arabian Immigration Services. Look for the visa or eVisa section to proceed with the registration process.

• Step 2: Fill out the eVisa Application Form

Once on the visa application website, you will need to fill out an eVisa application form. The required information includes personal details and passport data.

• Step 3: Attach the Necessary Documents

During the eVisa application process, you may be required to attach certain documents such as passport-sized photographs, a valid passport, round-trip flight tickets, and possibly other documents related to the purpose of your trip.

• Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

After completing the visa application and attaching the necessary documents, you will be asked to pay the e-Visa fee.

• Step 5: Receive the eVisa

If your visa application is approved, you will receive the eVisa through email within 3 business days. Check the information on the eVisa to ensure all details are correct.

(Note: Please be aware that visa regulations and travel guidelines may change over time, so it's essential to check the requirements before making travel arrangements.)