How to Pack Your Luggage for Hajj & Umrah - A Complete Checklist

Umrah and Hajj are significant journeys that require extensive planning and budgeting before they even begin. However, knowing what materials and items to take during the journey and what you actually can take is extremely crucial.

Here's some information about luggage capacity for Hajj in Bangladesh: 

• According to Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• Hajj pilgrims traveling with Biman Bangladesh Airlines can bring two bags, one for luggage and one for a handbag. The maximum weight and dimensions for each bag depend on the class of travel: 
  • Business class: Up to 56 kg of goods, with each bag weighing no more than 28 kg 
  • Economy class: Up to 46 kg of goods in two bags 
  • Cabin baggage: No more than 7 kg 
• Baggage submission
• Pilgrims must submit their baggage at designated spots in Mecca and Madina. 
• Prohibited items
• Pilgrims are not allowed to carry food items, water, sharp objects, or aerosols. 

Here we present a checklist of items that you should carry with you and pack in your luggage for your Umrah or Hajj pilgrimages to Makkah and Medina.

Essential Documents for Hajj and Umrah

Passport

First things first. Your entry to any travel destination is your passport. The authorities will check it on your arrival in Saudi Arabia, so make sure to have it with you for your trip.

Visa and Related Documents

Your Hajj and Umrah Visas should be with you along with relevant documents. You should know the process and documents needed for these types of travels to Saudi Arabia. Make sure to have your passport-size photographs with you as well.

Air Tickets

Keep your flight tickets in a safe place with you or in your luggage. You wouldn’t want to get into trouble at the airport.

Vaccination Certificates

With COVID-19 vaccinations now mandatory for travel abroad, you should keep these as well. Showing you are safe and healthy makes a good impression on your travel.

Hotel Booking Confirmations

Another document that you should have is your hotel booking confirmation slip. This informs the authorities and the travel agent how many days you will be staying. 

Know about different accommodation packages for Hajj to select the best one for you.  

Clothing and Ihram

During Hajj and Umrah, wearing Ihram is a requirement for both men and women. For men, it entails wearing two white unstitched pieces of clothing. On the other hand, women are required to wear modest attire that covers their entire body, with the exception of their faces and hands.

Besides Ihram, you should also pack your luggage with:

• Comfortable and loose-fitting clothing for daily wear.
• Extra sets of Ihram in case the original set is damaged.
• Comfortable footwear suitable for long walks and standing.
• Appropriate and required undergarments.

Ensure your clothes require little to no ironing, are easily washed, and are appropriate for the journey. Women may go for the Abaya as a top option.

Footwear

You should take some decent waterproof slippers that can be worn to the bathroom. Besides that, when you’re not in the state of Ihram, you can try footwear like sneakers. These are ideal for performing holy rituals like Rami with proper grip and balance.

Monetary Matters

Take a sufficient amount of money which will help you with your immediate expenses upon arrival in Saudi Arabia until you become familiar with getting your money exchanged locally. If possible, get your Taka converted to Saudi riyal before reaching the country. But you may also exchange money in Makkah or Madinah through a sarraf.

You should chalk out a reasonable budget before departure. Keep your debit or credit cards with you in case you run out of cash. It would help to withdraw money from an ATM if your money runs out.

Holy Quran and Other Books

To enhance your comfort during prayers at the mosque, we recommend bringing your own copy of the Quran. This will allow you to remain seated throughout the prayer, eliminating the need to get up to locate and return a shared copy, which may disrupt your position and focus.

Dua Book

On your journey, carry a compact book of supplications or Du’as from the Quran and Sunnah that fits in your pocket. These books often include translations for each supplication, ensuring you understand the meaning behind your recitations.

Dua List

Create a list of du’as you’d like to make during your journey. Most notably during the Day of Arafat, keep the du’as in a notepad in Bangla language unless you are fluent and comfortable with Arabic text.

Enhancements for Your Namaaz

The first thing you would need for your rituals and Namaaz is the Zayn Namaz or Prayer Mat. The mat can be used outside the Haram or on roads due to traffic or crowds. It can prove very useful during travel and can double up as a sun shield.

You can get travel prayer mats that are super light and easy to carry around. They're small enough to fit in your bag so you can take them with you wherever you go.

You may also need a compass for the Qibla during travel so that you know where to face during your prayers or other rituals.

Electronics and Accessories

Staying connected and capturing memories is important during these Holy pilgrimages. For that, you must have the following electronic devices and accessories:

• Mobile phone and charger.
• Power bank.
• Travel adapter.
• Notebook and pens.

Toiletries

Another crucial category of items you need to pack in your luggage for your Umrah or Hajj travel is toiletries. You will need these to keep yourself clean, fresh, and safe from the heat of the Arab lands.

Make sure to have the following with you:

1. Two or more towels. 
2. Toothbrush and toothpaste. The toothpaste must be fragrance-free in Ihram.
3. Fragrance-free shampoo in Ihram. The same goes for soap bars or body wash. You should have adequate soap to keep yourself clean. 
4. Anti-bacterial hand sanitizers are recommended. However, they should also be fragrance-free. 
5. Take Atar or perfume with you. Though not to be used during Ihram. 
6. If you want to shave/cut your hair yourself, rather than go to the barber. Don’t pack razors in your hand luggage at the airport as they will be confiscated.
7. You may also take a nail cutter with you. But again, don’t pack this in your hand luggage at the airport as it may be confiscated.

Medication and Health Materials

To minimize the risk of heat and ultraviolet rays that could damage your skin, take sunblock creams with you. You may also take ointments for emergency cuts, bruises, or pains in your joints/muscles. If you take any medicine regularly, you should carry those too.

We also suggest carrying sufficient water and juices with you given the weather in Saudi Arabia. However, you may find a sufficient amount of these in your destination.

The Luggage

Finally, the main thing you need to carry well is the luggage itself. Make sure to know about how much weight you can carry to your Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage before anything else. It would determine how much luggage and what size you can take. For more details, contact Obokash.

For optimal security, opt for a hard-case suitcase with an integrated locking system. When preparing your luggage, our Hajj packages can provide further guidance on what to bring and how to pack efficiently. Steer clear of soft vinyl suitcases as their vulnerability makes them easy targets for thieves or individuals with malicious intent.

To ensure your cherished and expensive belongings remain safe and undamaged during your travel, we advise bringing a medium-sized suitcase with a maximum dimension of 70 centimeters. A medium-sized suitcase provides a practical and versatile option. It offers sufficient space to pack all your essential items without being overly bulky or difficult to handle. Furthermore, it is more likely to fit within the carry-on baggage size limits, allowing you to avoid the hassle of checking your luggage and the associated fees.

Consider opting for one made from durable materials such as hard-shell plastic or aluminum. These materials offer superior protection against impact and moisture, ensuring your belongings stay safe and secure during transit. Also, look for features like sturdy wheels and a comfortable handle to ensure effortless maneuverability.

Umrah and Hajj Packing Checklist for Ladies

When preparing for Umrah, it's essential to have a packing list tailored to your needs as a woman. This list will help ensure you are comfortable and appropriately equipped for the pilgrimage.

1. Clothing Essentials

• Loose, Modest Clothing: Bring several sets of loose, modest clothing that adhere to Islamic guidelines. Consider lightweight fabrics that breathe well in hot weather.
• Hijabs and Scarves: Pack several neutral-colored hijabs or scarves. They should be comfortable for long wear and easily manageable.
• Abayas: An abaya is essential, with at least two to alternate between. Choose those that are easy to wash and quick to dry.
• Undergarments: Ensure you have enough comfortable and breathable undergarments. Cotton is a good option for the heat.
• Socks: Bring multiple pairs of socks, including some thicker ones for cooler mosque floors.
• Sleepwear: Modest sleepwear that you can wear comfortably around others.

2. Footwear

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Pack a pair of comfortable, slip-on walking shoes, as you will be on your feet for extended periods.
• Sandals or Slippers: A pair of sandals or slippers that are easy to take off and put on, especially for entering and exiting mosques.

3. Personal Care Items

• Toiletries: Include all necessary toiletries, ensuring they are fragrance-free to adhere to Umrah regulations.
• Sanitary Products: Bring an adequate supply of sanitary pads or tampons, as these may not be readily available.
• Small Towel: A quick-drying, small towel is handy for personal hygiene.
• Unscented Moisturizer and Lip Balm: The desert air can be drying, so pack a good, fragrance-free moisturizer and lip balm.
• Travel Size Wet Wipes: These are useful for freshening up during the day.

4. Accessories

• Small Crossbody Bag: A small crossbody bag to carry your essentials like your phone, money, and ID while keeping your hands free.
• Prayer Mat: A compact, lightweight prayer mat that you can easily carry with you.
• Travel Iron or Steamer: A small travel iron or steamer can be useful if you prefer wrinkle-free clothing.

5. Documents

• Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport and visa are in a safe, accessible place.
• Medical Insurance: Carry a copy of your medical insurance and any important medical documents.
• Health Essentials: Include any prescription medications you may need, along with a basic first aid kit.

To Sum Up

We hope the items mentioned above give you a solid idea of what to take and how to take your Hajj or Umrah journeys. These Holy journeys are important parts of a Muslim’s life and need proper planning and execution. The materials and items mentioned above would help you in the right direction. For personalized assistance and detailed package options, check out our comprehensive Umrah packages and Hajj packages. We wish you the best of luck with the next Hajj or Umrah that you participate in.

If you are aiming to perform Hajj next year, you should pre-register to book your seat now. Ready to start your journey? Explore our services and packages at Obokash today.