How long does Umrah take?
Two questions are often mixed up: how long the rites take, and how long the trip lasts. Both are covered below.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
The Umrah rites usually take two to four hours: tawaf, sa'i and cutting or shaving the hair. When crowded, such as during Ramadan, it can take six hours or more. An Umrah trip from the Netherlands usually lasts seven to fourteen days, including a visit to Medina.
Planning your vaccination
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
The rites
- Tawaf: roughly thirty to ninety minutes, depending on how crowded it is
- Sa'i: roughly thirty to sixty minutes
- Cutting or shaving the hair: a few minutes
- During Ramadan and at weekends everything can take two to three times longer
The trip
Most packages last seven, ten or fourteen days, with a few days in Medina. Older travellers and people with a chronic condition are better off choosing a longer programme with rest days and a hotel close to the Haram.
Information about registration and packages is based on the official Nusuk Hajj platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Registration and payment take place there only; DKliniek provides the medical preparation.
Official sources
- hajj.nusuk.sa — Official registration and packages
- haj.gov.sa — Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- visa.mofa.gov.sa — Saudi visa information
- lcr.nl — Dutch national travel health centre
- who.int — World Health Organization
Arrange your vaccinations in time
Meningococcal ACWY is required for entry to Saudi Arabia and must be given at least ten days before arrival. We also advise you on DTP, hepatitis A and your certificate.
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
- Groups and families vaccinated in one session
Frequently asked questions
Continue reading
What is Umrah?
A clear explanation of Umrah: what it is, which rites it involves, how long it takes and how it differs from Hajj.
Preparing for Umrah: health and vaccinations
Which vaccinations are required and recommended for Umrah, when to get them and how to stay healthy in Mecca and Medina.
How much does Umrah cost?
What does Umrah cost from the Netherlands? An indication of package prices, what is and is not included and the costs people often forget.