I have been fortunate enough to lead thousands of pilgrims from Sylhet, Chittagong, Dhaka and other places of Bangladesh. For more than 12 years I have been the owner of a travel agency that offers Hajj and Umrah services. I am always there on their spiritual journey to the holy lands. One thing I’ve learned? Most Bangladeshi people who are first-time pilgrims, become anxious and overwhelmed due to confusion over the regulations as well as rituals and culture of performing Umrah. That’s why I created this guide with a lot of care. It draws upon real questions, common mistakes, and stories from people like you. People I have personally helped out. This blog is for you whether you travel alone, with family, or opt for a Ramadan umrah or group package.
1. Understanding What Umrah Truly Is
Umrah is a pristine Sunnah that cleans a person’s heart and brings them closer to Allah. It is not obligatory as a ِHajj but bring a lot of spiritual reward. Many Bangladeshi Muslims perform Umrah many times in their lives and lots of them do it during Ramadan because the reward of Umrah in that month is like Hajj (not compulsory but valuable).
Unlike the Hajj, which has fixed dates, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, except on Hajj days. You can now avail a Tour to perform Umrah from India. And Saudi Arabia has already made it easy for you with a simple Visa Process. You can now perform Umrah with a Tourist Visa.
2. Eligibility & Basic Requirements for Umrah
You’ll need some specific things and meet some criteria to perform Umrah from Bangladesh.
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Minimum age: 18+ for solo travelers. Children can travel with guardians.
- Vaccinations: Having Meningitis and COVID-19 certificates are compulsory.
- Mahram rules: Women below 45 still need a mahram (father, brother, husband). For women above 45, recent Saudi reforms allow group travel without a mahram, but your agency must manage the process responsibly.
I’ve seen many sisters from Sylhet and Chittagong book our ladies-only Umrah Packages with female guides and they’ve had wonderful experiences, alhamdulillah.
3. Mandatory Documents for Bangladeshi Citizens
When booking Umrah through a licensed agency like ours, we take care of all the paperwork. But here’s what you’ll personally need:
- Passport (original and copy)
- 4 Passport-size photos
- Vaccine certificate from a government-approved hospital
- bKash transaction slip or bank statement for payment proof
- NID or Birth Certificate
You’ll also be registered through the Saudi Nusuk platform (previously Eatmarna), which manages mosque access and Umrah slots. Your agent should guide you through it.
4. Dress Code & Ihram Guidelines
This is where most new pilgrims have questions. Here’s what I advise:
For Men:
- Two white, unstitched pieces of cloth (ihram)
- Simple sandals (no socks or covered shoes)
- Avoid scented soap, shampoo, or perfume while in Ihram
For Women:
- Simple, loose-fitting modest dress (not necessarily white)
- No perfume, no tight-fitting or flashy clothes
- Face should remain uncovered during Ihram
If you’re flying from Dhaka to Jeddah, you’ll need to enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat zone. This is usually announced mid-flight. We always remind our clients to change into Ihram at the airport or during the flight before reaching Miqat.
5. The Step-by-Step Rituals of Performing Umrah
Performing Umrah involves four key steps:
1. Niyyah (Intention)
Make the intention for Umrah and recite the Talbiyah after entering Ihram:
“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah.”
2. Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
Make 7 anti-clockwise rounds around the Kaaba. Start from the Black Stone. Keep calm and focused. Don’t push. Ladies, I advise going during off-peak hours if possible.
3. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
Walk seven times between the two hills. Elderly pilgrims may use wheelchairs. Wear comfortable sandals.
4. Halq/Taqsir (Shaving/Trimming Hair)
Men must shave (halq) or trim (taqsir) their head hair. Women should trim a small portion of their hair (a fingertip’s length). After this, you exit the state of Ihram.
6. Prohibited Acts During Ihram
While in Ihram, avoid the following:
- Using perfume or scented soap or any cleanser
- Cutting nails or hair
- Engaging in arguments or foul language
- Hunting or killing animals (not even insects intentionally)
- Engaging in marital intimacy
We had a young couple from Chattogram once forget about the perfume rule. They thought a quick spray wouldn’t matter, but it does. These are sacred rules and violations can require penalties (damm/fidya).
7. Health & Safety Guidelines
Saudi Arabia is safe. But you must be prepared.
- Vaccinate early and keep certificates printed.
- Carry basic medicines, including for fever, acidity, and body aches.
- Use sunscreen and drink Zamzam water regularly.
- For emergencies, keep local hospital contacts handy. We provide a printed safety card with every group package.
During one VIP Hajj group, a diabetic uncle from Kushtia fell ill due to dehydration. Luckily, he was in a group with a guide and was taken to a nearby clinic instantly. Group travel offers that security.
8. Financial & Legal Etiquette
I always tell clients: “Carry what you need, but don’t flaunt it.”
- SR 500–1000/day is a good personal budget.
- Use money exchange in Saudi Arabia, but compare rates.
- bKash is accepted in Bangladesh, but not usable in Saudi. You must carry Saudi Riyal or use an international debit card.
- Be mindful while shopping. Bargaining is okay in local markets. But not in malls or fixed-price shops.
9. Mobile Apps, Maps & Smart Tips
Smartphones make Umrah easier now.
- Nusuk App – Manage bookings and access to the Haram
- Tawakkalna – Used for COVID alerts and health status
- Google Maps – Helps navigate inside Haram and around Makkah/Madinah
- Prayer apps – Set local prayer times and Qibla direction
We often help elderly pilgrims install these apps during our pre-departure training sessions in Dhaka and Sylhet.
10. Women’s-Specific Guidelines
For our sisters, these are the most asked questions:
- Can I travel without a mahram? Yes, if above 45 and traveling in a group.
- Can I wear color? Yes, but keep it modest—no bright or tight outfits.
- Is there space in the Haram? Yes, but women should pray in designated zones for ease and comfort.
We always provide a female guide for our women-only groups who assists with rituals, shopping, and general safety.
11. Do’s and Don’ts Inside the Holy Mosques
Here are some gentle reminders from experience.
- Don’t take selfies or TikTok videos. Respect this place’s sanctity.
- Don’t rush to touch the Black Stone if it’s too crowded.
- Please say hello to them even if they are from a different culture.
- If you can, help old pilgrims as they are from distant places and have no one to help them.
12. Cultural Tips for First-Time Pilgrims.
- Learn a couple of Arabic words like
- Assalamu Alaikum
- Shukran
- Maafi Mushkila
- Respect prayer times, shops close during salah.
- Eat light; your body needs strength, not spice. Avoid oily food before rituals.
- Follow the local clock Saudi times differ, late shop open times.
13. Returning to Bangladesh – Final Steps
Before you fly home
- Perform Tawaf al-Wida. It’s a farewell tawaf (required by many scholars).
- Make sure your bags meet the weight limit!
- Notify the Dhaka customs counter of large purchases or electronic items.
- Keep your Umrah certificate, papers, and receipts safe for future reference. Many of our clients return a second time within a year!
Packing the Heart and Not a Suitcase
Dear reader, Umrah is not a trip to a different country, but a trip within. Yes! Follow the rules. But also prepare your heart. Stay humble. Stay patient and always be helpful to others.
I have worked with VIP clients flying through Dubai to even a simple family from rural Bangladesh. Believe me, the reward of Umrah is beyond one’s imagination!
May your Umrah be accepted. Our UmrahLovers team is always just a call or a bKash message away if you ever need help planning.
JazakAllah Khair.
