Umrah for women
What women need for Umrah, from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Two Holy Mosques authority: Umrah without a mahram, ihram dress and prohibitions, and the times set for women.
At a glance
Umrah without a mahram
- The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: “Is a woman allowed to come to perform Umrah without a mahram? Yes, it is allowed.”
- The ministry’s answer sets no age or group condition for Umrah; the “group of women” condition appears only for Hajj.
- Like every pilgrim, you need an Umrah permit in Nusuk, and a visa if you come from abroad.
More details
Tourist eVisa: under-18s do not apply themselves; someone acting on their behalf applies, under the visa portal’s terms. See Umrah visa options.
Women’s ihram: dress and prohibitions
- A woman in ihram may wear clothes of any colour and shape, as long as they are loose, cover her body, do not hinder movement and have no visible adornment.
- Prohibited for women: covering the face and wearing the niqab (she may cover her face in front of unrelated men) and wearing gloves.
- Prohibited for men and women: cutting hair, clipping nails and using perfume.
- Allowed: glasses, a ring and a watch, and dressing wounds with plasters and bandages.
- To exit ihram, women shorten their hair by a fingertip’s length.
More details
All the rites step by step: how to perform Umrah. What to pack: Umrah packing list for men and ladies.
Women’s Rawdah visiting times
- Visit with a Nusuk permit once every 365 days, or through Instant Track near the Prophet’s Mosque.
- Entry is through the southern plazas in front of Makkah Gate (37).
More details
Times can change in Ramadan and other seasons. Booking steps: Rawdah permit.
Hijr Ismail entry times
- As announced by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.
Services for women at the Two Holy Mosques
- Women’s prayer areas in the centre of Masjid al-Haram during Ramadan, with health care and a lost-property point.
- Guidance on rites and religious questions, Quran memorisation and recitation circles.
- Women volunteer teams during peak seasons, and prayer areas equipped for women with disabilities.
- A children’s nursery at Masjid al-Haram opposite Gates 100 and 104: see Umrah with children.
Frequently asked questions
Can a woman perform Umrah without a mahram?
Under the regulations, yes: the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says a woman may come to perform Umrah without a mahram. For the religious ruling, ask a scholar; we do not give fatwas.
What is prohibited for women in ihram?
According to the ministry’s ihram page: covering the face and wearing the niqab (unless in front of unrelated men) and wearing gloves, plus what is prohibited for everyone: cutting hair, clipping nails and perfume.
What should women wear for Umrah?
Any clothes, in any colour and shape, as long as they are loose, cover the body, do not hinder movement and have no visible adornment.
When can women visit the Rawdah?
After Fajr until 11 am and after Isha until 2 am; on Fridays after Fajr until 9 am, then after Isha until 2 am, according to the authority’s latest announcement.
When can women enter Hijr Ismail?
Daily from 6 to 9 am, as announced by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.
Plan the rest of your Umrah
We do not give religious rulings; this page reports the official regulations and guides.