Makkah Hotels Near the Haram for Umrah and Hajj

Umrah can be performed at any time of year except during the days of Hajj. Visitors from the United States can travel on a Saudi tourist eVisa, which allows Umrah outside the Hajj season, or on an Umrah visa arranged through an approved provider. Within Saudi Arabia, permits and time slots are managed through Nusuk, the official platform of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which also books visits to the Rawdah in Madinah. Hajj requires a Hajj permit and visa issued through Nusuk; American pilgrims book through authorized providers listed there.

Our luxury Umrah and Hajj guide covers premium packages, private guides who explain each rite, and VIP transfers. For the spiritual and historical background, see Faith and Heritage and great mosques and Islamic sites.

Enter the state of ihram at the appropriate miqat before reaching Makkah; when flying to Jeddah, many pilgrims change at home or on the plane. Dress simply and modestly, keep your Nusuk permit on your phone, and carry little. The Grand Mosque is busiest after the Isha prayer and on Thursday and Friday nights, so many pilgrims perform tawaf in the early hours. Drink zamzam water often, wear comfortable sandals and use the wheelchair and golf-cart services if needed.

Ramadan, especially the last ten nights, is the most crowded and most sought-after time; book many months ahead. Quieter periods are the weeks after Hajj and the cooler months from November to February.