Your First Umrah from New York: A Practical Checklist

Performing Umrah for the first time is a dream for many families in New York and New Jersey. The journey itself is spiritual, but the planning is practical: passports, visas, vaccines, flights, hotels and knowing what to expect on arrival. Since 2005, our team in Brooklyn has helped first-time pilgrims prepare step by step. This checklist covers what to sort out before you leave JFK or Newark.

The first-timer checklist

1. Passport and documents (3–4 months out)

• Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry date, with blank pages. We confirm the current rule when you book.
• Non-US passport holders living in New York may face different visa rules. Tell us your passport country early so we can check the current requirements.
• Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa, flight and hotel confirmations.

2. Visa and Nusuk permit (2–3 months out)

• US citizens are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which covers Umrah (but not Hajj). Saudi rules change, so always confirm on the official sites: visa.visitsaudi.com and umrah.nusuk.sa.
• Download the Nusuk app. Every international pilgrim, on a tourist or Umrah visa, must book an Umrah permit in Nusuk before entering Masjid al-Haram. You also book your Rawdah visit in Madinah there, usually one booking at a time.
• Visa decisions are made by the Saudi authorities. Apply early and do not book non-refundable extras until your visa is issued.

3. Health and vaccines (at least 1 month out)

• Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health requires a certificate for one dose of the ACYW135 meningitis vaccine, given at least 10 days and no more than 3 years before arrival. Ask your doctor or pharmacy and keep the certificate with your passport.
• The ministry also recommends a seasonal flu shot, especially for elders, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic illness. Ask your doctor about any medications you take. Carry prescriptions in their original packaging.
• Start walking daily now. Tawaf and sa'i together can mean several kilometers on foot.

4. Choosing dates and flights

• Decide how many nights you want in Makkah and in Madinah. Many first-timers like starting in Madinah to settle in before Umrah.
• Direct and one-stop flights leave from JFK and Newark. As an authorized EgyptAir agent and IATA/ARC accredited agency, we can compare routes for you.
• Ramadan, winter break and school holidays fill up fast. Book early if your dates are fixed. Saudi Arabia also pauses Umrah for regular visitors in the weeks before Hajj each year, so ask us before booking spring dates.

5. Hotels and getting around

• Hotel distance from the Haram matters most for elders, children and anyone with limited mobility.
• Arrange airport transfers and Makkah–Madinah transport ahead of time, by bus, car or the Haramain train.

6. Packing list

• Men: two sets of ihram cloths, a belt or pouch, unscented soap.
• Women: comfortable, loose modest clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Everyone: comfortable sandals, a small backpack, a reusable water bottle, a phone power bank, a pocket du'a book, and any medications.

7. Learning the rituals

• Learn the steps of Umrah before you travel: ihram and the miqat, tawaf, sa'i, and cutting the hair.
• If you fly into Jeddah from New York, you pass the miqat in the air. Plan to enter ihram before or during the flight. If you fly to Madinah first, you enter ihram later at the Madinah miqat (Dhul Hulayfah) on the way to Makkah.
• Traveling with a group and a guide takes the guesswork out of your first time.

Plan your first Umrah with Amana Travel

Amana Travel has served pilgrims from our Brooklyn office at 507 68th St since 2005. We help with flights, hotels, transport and guidance, so you can focus on your worship.

Message us for this season's packages, or call (718) 491-6456.