What is Umrah?
Umrah is called the lesser pilgrimage, as opposed to Hajj, the greater pilgrimage. On this page you can read what Umrah involves, which steps you go through and what to arrange medically before departure.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca. It is not obligatory, can be performed all year round and consists of ihram, tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba), sa'i (seven times between Safa and Marwa) and cutting or shaving the hair. The rites usually take two to four hours.
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 step by step
- Entering ihram at the miqat: the sacred state, with the intention (niyyah) and the talbiyah
- Tawaf: seven circuits around the Kaaba, counter-clockwise
- Two units of prayer behind the Maqam Ibrahim
- Sa'i: seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa
- Halq or taqsir: shaving the head or trimming the hair, which ends the state of ihram
Difference with Hajj
Hajj takes place once a year in the month of Dhul Hijjah, lasts five to six days and includes Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina. Umrah can be performed almost all year round and consists only of tawaf and sa'i. Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those able to perform it; Umrah is not.
Medical preparation
Saudi Arabia requires Umrah travellers to hold valid proof of Meningococcal ACWY. Have it administered at least ten days before arrival and bring your international vaccination certificate. We also advise on hepatitis A and a DTP booster. See lcr.nl and who.int for current advice.
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
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.
How long does Umrah take?
How much time do the Umrah rites themselves take and how long does an average Umrah trip from the Netherlands last?
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.