Umrah for Women: Ihram, Periods, Mahram and Tips

Quick answer: Women perform Umrah in the same way as men, with a few differences. In Ihram a woman wears ordinary modest clothing, without a niqab or gloves. If her period starts, she can do everything except Tawaf and prayer, and completes Tawaf once she is pure. Saudi rules on travelling without a mahram have changed in recent years, so check the current position, which we confirm when you book.

How is Umrah different for women?

The rites of Umrah are the same for everyone: entering Ihram before the Miqat, Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and cutting the hair. Our step-by-step Umrah guide walks through each one.

The differences for women are mostly about clothing and a few practical details:

• Women do not uncover the shoulder (idtiba) during Tawaf.
• Women walk at a normal pace throughout Tawaf and Sa'i, rather than walking briskly or jogging between the green lights.
• Women recite the Talbiyah quietly rather than aloud.
• Women cut a small amount of hair at the end, and never shave the head.

What do women wear in Ihram?

There is no special Ihram garment for women. A woman enters Ihram in her normal modest clothes, which should be loose, cover the body and hair, and not be see-through. White is not required; any colour is fine, although many women choose plain, light colours.

The main restrictions for women in Ihram are:

• No niqab or face veil tied to the face, and no gloves. This comes from a well-known hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari.
• No perfume on the body or clothes after entering Ihram, so pack unscented soap and deodorant.
• No cutting hair or nails until Umrah is complete.

Many scholars allow a woman to lower a loose cloth over her face when unrelated men pass close by, as long as it is not tied like a niqab. Scholars differ on the details, so follow the guidance of a scholar you trust. Socks, shoes, a watch and glasses are all fine.

For a fuller list of what is and is not allowed, read our guide to Ihram rules for men and women.

What if your period starts before or during Umrah?

This is one of the biggest worries for women planning Umrah, and it is completely normal. The general position of the scholars is clear on the main points.

• You can enter Ihram while on your period. Take a bath (ghusl) for cleanliness, make your intention and recite the Talbiyah as normal.
• You cannot perform Tawaf until you are pure. The Prophet ﷺ told Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, to do everything a pilgrim does except Tawaf of the House until she was pure (Bukhari and Muslim).
• You stay in Ihram and wait. Once your period ends, take a ghusl, then perform Tawaf, Sa'i and cut your hair.
• If your period starts after Tawaf, most scholars say you may continue with Sa'i, as purity is not a condition for it.

Meanwhile you can make dua, dhikr and listen to the Qur'an. Scholars differ on whether a menstruating woman may sit inside the mosque, so ask a scholar about this.

Some situations need individual advice, for example if your flight home leaves before your period ends. Scholars hold different views here, so speak to a trusted scholar before you travel, so you know what to do if it happens.

Can you plan around your period?

A little planning can take away a lot of stress:

• Visit Madinah first if your period is due near your arrival. By the time you reach Makkah, it may have finished.
• Allow extra nights in Makkah so there is time to wait if needed.
• Medication to delay a period: many scholars permit it if it causes no harm. Speak to your GP first about whether it is safe for you, and to a scholar if you are unsure about the ruling.

Package lengths and the order of cities can be adjusted when you book, so tell us if this matters to you.

Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?

Saudi Arabia's rules have changed in recent years. Women can now perform Umrah without a mahram under Saudi entry rules, and many women travel in groups or with friends. However, rules can change again, so check the current position before booking. We confirm the latest rules when you book.

The Saudi rules are only one part of the picture. Scholars hold different views on whether a woman may travel for Umrah without a mahram, and in what circumstances. Many women ask a scholar they trust before deciding. Our article on Umrah visas from the UK covers the visa side.

If you would prefer company, travelling with a group is a popular choice. Our group Umrah packages let you travel with others and share the experience.

Where do women pray in Makkah and Madinah?

Both Holy Mosques have dedicated women's prayer areas, clearly signposted and staffed by female attendants. Women's entrances are marked at many gates.

• Masjid al-Haram: Tawaf and Sa'i are performed by men and women together. For the five daily prayers, women's sections are set aside on several levels. Arrive early for Friday prayers and in Ramadan, as these areas fill quickly.
• Masjid an-Nabawi: women have separate sections and entrances. Women can visit the Rawdah at set times, booked through the official Nusuk app.

Our Rawdah permit guide explains how to book a slot.

Practical tips for women on Umrah

• Clothing: pack two or three loose abayas or long dresses in breathable fabric, plus underscarves and a few safety pins.
• A cross-body bag: keep your phone, hotel card, passport copy and a small amount of money close to you.
• A shoe bag: carry your shoes with you so you do not lose them at busy gates.
• Meeting points: agree a fixed gate number with family, as men and women may be separated for prayers.
• Hair cutting: carry small scissors. Gather your hair and cut about a fingertip's length from the ends.
• Health: take sanitary products, pain relief and a light layer for air-conditioned halls. Our Umrah health tips cover heat and hydration.

Travelling with children or older parents? See our guide to Umrah with family for more advice.

Should women choose a hotel close to the Haram?

For many women, yes. A nearby hotel means you can return to your room between prayers, rest, change or freshen up, and walk back safely at night. This is especially helpful if you are travelling with young children, or waiting for your period to end before Tawaf.

If you would like help choosing dates, hotels or a group that suits you, our team is happy to talk it through. You can contact us with any questions, in confidence.

Related guides: Umrah Flights from the UK: Direct, Ihram & Baggage Tips · Common Umrah Mistakes and How to Avoid Them · Umrah for Couples and Newlyweds: A Practical Guide

Frequently asked questions

Do women have to wear white for Umrah?

No. Women can wear any colour, as long as the clothing is modest, loose and covers the body and hair. The face and hands are left uncovered.

Can I do Umrah on my period?

You can enter Ihram and do everything except Tawaf and prayer. Wait until you are pure, take a ghusl, then complete Tawaf, Sa'i and cutting the hair.

Can a woman go for Umrah without a mahram?

Current Saudi rules allow women to perform Umrah without a mahram, but rules can change and we confirm them when you book. Scholars differ on the religious ruling, so many women ask a trusted scholar.

Can women wear a niqab in Ihram?

A niqab or face veil tied to the face is not worn in Ihram. Many scholars allow lowering a loose cloth over the face when men pass close by.

How much hair should a woman cut after Umrah?

About a fingertip's length from the ends of the hair. Women should not shave their heads.