Umrah is a blessed act that Muslims can perform any day of the year. Many pilgrims from the USA want to know how long the full trip takes. The main Umrah rituals are short and are usually done in 2 to 3 hours. But the full trip, including travel and visits to sacred places, often takes 5 to 7 days.
If you are traveling from the USA, plan enough time for the rituals, prayers, rest, and time in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Start your Umrah journey with peace of mind. Get in touch with International Hajj and call us at (212) 967-9797 to book your Umrah packages from USA.
Time Needed for Umrah Preparation
Good preparation helps you stay calm and ready for your Umrah trip. Allow yourself sufficient time to complete your documents, plans, and personal tasks. The time you need can be different for each person, but it is better to start early so your journey feels smooth and stress-free.
- Umrah Visa – Apply for your Umrah visa from USA on time. Ensure your passport is valid and that your documents are accurate.
- Vaccination Record – Keep your updated vaccine record ready, as some health rules may change.
- Flight Tickets – Book your flights early. Choose dates that give you enough time to rest after travel.
- Hotel Booking – Reserve your hotel before your trip. Pick a place close to the holy sites to save time and energy.
Stages of the Umrah Journey
Umrah has a few clear steps. Each step has its own meaning and helps you stay focused during the journey. When you understand these stages, you can prepare better and move through each part with calm and clarity. Here are the main stages:
- Ihram: Ihram is the first step. It is the state you enter before starting Umrah. It shows purity and the start of your pilgrimage. This step may take 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how familiar you are with the process and how busy the Miqat area is.
- Tawaf: Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba seven times. This is one of the most important parts of Umrah. Tawaf usually takes 1 to 2 hours, but it can take longer when the mosque is crowded.
- Sa’i: Sa’i is walking between Safa and Marwah seven times. It is a steady walk that covers about 3.5 km (2.1 miles). Sa’i normally takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and the number of people around you.
- Tahallul: Tahallul marks the end of Umrah. This is when you cut or trim your hair. It shows that your rituals are complete and you are out of the state of Ihram.
- Extra Time for Worship: Many pilgrims spend extra time in prayer and reflection. You may also want time for rest and short visits to nearby sacred places. These moments make your trip more peaceful and meaningful.
Which factors can change the time needed for Umrah?
The time needed for Umrah is not the same for everyone. A few things can make your visit shorter or longer. Knowing these factors helps you plan your trip with ease.
- Crowds: Big crowds can slow down each step of Umrah. This often happens during Ramadan, school breaks, or busy travel seasons.
- Health and Walking Speed: If you walk fast and feel strong, you may finish the rituals sooner. If you need breaks or walk slowly, it may take more time, and that is completely fine.
- Weather: Hot weather in Saudi Arabia can make the walk harder. Many pilgrims take more breaks during the summer months.
- Personal Preferences: Some pilgrims like to move slowly, pray more, and spend extra time in the holy areas. This can make the overall time longer, based on personal choice.
General Time Needed to Complete Umrah
Knowing the usual time for Umrah helps you plan your trip with ease. The full journey can be short or long, depending on how much time you want to spend in the holy cities. Here are the common options:
- Short Trip (3–5 Days): This is a quick Umrah plan. Most pilgrims complete the main rituals and spend a little time in Makkah. It works well for people who want a fast and simple visit.
- Standard Trip (7 Days): A 7-day trip gives you more time. You can move at a steady pace, pray more, and take short visits to nearby spots. Many pilgrims choose this option for a balanced experience.
- Long Trip (10–14 Days): A longer stay gives you extra time in both Makkah and Madinah. You can pray in the Prophet’s Mosque, rest more, and explore the holy areas without any rush. This option feels calm and flexible.