Arriving at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport or Madinah's Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport can be overwhelming for first-time Umrah pilgrims. This checklist tells you exactly what to have ready and what to expect at each stage.
Documents to Have Ready (NOT in Checked Luggage)
Carry all of these in your hand luggage or a document wallet:
- Your valid Indian passport
- Printed copy of your Umrah e-visa (or digital copy on your phone — but have a printed backup)
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate (original)
- Return airline ticket — printout or digital
- Hotel booking confirmation for Makkah
- For women: mahram relationship documents and mahram's passport copy
- For children: birth certificates
- Local currency or card for any immediate expenses after clearing immigration (taxis, food, SIM card)
At the Indian Airport (Before Boarding)
- Airline staff will check your passport and e-visa at check-in — have them ready
- Some airlines also check vaccination certificates at check-in
- Keep your e-visa accessible throughout the journey
Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Follow Signs to Immigration
At both Jeddah and Madinah airports, follow signs for "Arrivals" and then "Immigration". There are typically separate queues for:
- GCC nationals
- Saudi residents
- Visitors/tourists/pilgrims
Join the visitors queue. During peak Umrah periods, this queue can be 1–3 hours long.
Step 2: At the Immigration Counter
Present to the immigration officer:
- Your passport (open to the main photo page)
- Your e-visa printout
- Your vaccination certificate
The officer will:
- Review your documents
- Scan your passport
- Collect your biometric data (fingerprints of all 10 fingers + facial photo) if it is your first visit
- Stamp your passport with an entry stamp
- Return your documents
Step 3: Biometric Enrollment
If this is your first visit to Saudi Arabia, fingerprint and facial photo collection happens at the counter. Place your fingers on the scanner when instructed. For returning visitors, your stored biometrics are verified quickly.
Step 4: Proceed to Baggage Collection
Follow signs to the baggage reclaim area. Your flight number will be shown on the carousel displays.
Step 5: Customs
After collecting your luggage, proceed through customs. The green channel (nothing to declare) is suitable for most Umrah pilgrims. Declare any significant amounts of cash (over the permitted limit) or restricted items through the red channel.
Step 6: Exit and Transport
After customs, you enter the arrivals hall where:
- Licensed taxi drivers with name placards wait for passengers with hotel transfers booked
- Uber and Careem apps work in Saudi Arabia (download before leaving India)
- Airport buses operate on main routes
- Pre-arranged hotel shuttles may be waiting if your hotel offers this service
Tips for Smoother Immigration
- Have all documents in a document wallet or folder — reaching into a crowded bag wastes time
- Turn your phone off airplane mode after landing to receive any hotel or driver messages
- Download the Nusuk app before departing India — you will need it to book your Umrah permit
- Download translation apps in case of language barriers (most officers speak basic English)
- Keep calm in queues — even very long queues move steadily
After Clearing Immigration
Once you have cleared immigration and customs:
- Contact your hotel to confirm your check-in time
- Book your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app (or prepare to do so upon check-in)
- Rest before beginning your Umrah rituals — travel fatigue is real
Download this checklist as a PDF and pack it in your hand luggage for reference at the airport.