Clothing & packing

Common packing themes apply, such as be sure to put all the liquids you are carrying on board the aeroplane in a clear plastic bag and keep them within the 100ml restrictions. Suitcases and bags need to be strong. Remember three million or so pilgrims will also be travelling through Jeddah airport. The system of moving luggage around seems to be very basic but somehow it works! Ensure you identify your suitcase(s) so you can easily retrieve them when you need to. Because you will be travelling in a group with your Operator, your baggage is unlikely to ever be on its own. Ask your Operator for tips on what smaller bags you will need for parts of your trip like Arafat and staying overnight in Mina

Note: Please use discretion with beggars. Although you may meet many needy people, there are many professional beggars who take advantage of pilgrims during Hajj season. You will need to decide how you will manage this aspect of your stay and maybe you decide to give a few coins to people each day or just donate once while there.
Just always be vigilant. Others in shops and food places can also be less than honest and pick-pocketing and stealing of belongings is, sadly, a common problem during Hajj season. General harassment including sexual harassment can also be an issue and women in particular are advised to be vigilant and always stay in groups remembering to trust people and be forgiving and patient because that is the Hajj way but not to be too trusting either!

SUGGESTIONS FOR PACKING

BOOKS

Qu'ran and note/reading books and pen for note taking if needed

Many have said that keeping a daily diary works well and serves as a good reminder when returning from Hajj. Lists of prayer requests can be made before leaving for Hajj and is especially useful in Arafat.

MONEY

Cash, money belt to secure valuables

Debit/Credit cards (note Amex not accepted in places) Padlock for deposit box (if needed)

Your Tour Operator will be able to guide on this and give advice on how much money is probably needed. Make sure you find out from them what is included in your overall package. Some but not all food, for example, will be covered.

CLOTHING

Thobe/jilbab with comfortable clothing underneath
Sandals or shoes (Crocks are ideal. Flip flops not recommended for walking)
Socks are needed because the marble floor gets hot from the sun and wearing socks can protect from blisters
Do not buy new shoes and then take them to Hajj without wearing them in a bit. New shoes and Hajj don’t mix well!
Facemasks can be purchased from chemists in the UK and may be a useful way to keep virus’ and germs to a minimum

Towel & toiletries

Bath, face towels, toothpaste, non-perfumed toiletries,
wet wipes, anti-bacterial wipes/gel will be useful. Tissues will be needed.
Eye masks and ear plugs might come in useful for light sleepers who need help to relax in crowded and sometimes noisy places

medical kit

Ihram
Imodium
Indigestion tablets
Lip Balm
Plasters
Vitamin tablets
Pain killers e.g. Paracetamol
Savlon cream
Sun block cream
Travel sickness tablets
Prescription drugs if needed (e.g. inhalers, diabetic medicines etc.)

ACCESSORIES

Belt, safety pins, Sunglasses
Water bottle. Hydration is important.
Umbrella to shade from the sun

Electric shaver/trimmer (for men when out of Ihram)
Scissors (pack all scissors and knives in main luggage)
Nail clippers / tweezers / other accessories and shower gel/soap for when Hajj is over and Ihram is removed.

BAGS

A small rucksack is useful for daily prayers. Shoes can regularly go missing at prayer times (3million pairs of shoes at one time!) keeping them with you in a small bag on your back can save time and effort looking for lost shoes.
In Mina/Arafat, smaller bags are useful so larger suitcases can be left behind in Mecca. Ask your Tour Operator for guidance on this. Some Tour Operators provide standard / matching luggage as part of the package
Some ‘disposable’ items might work best such as disposable underwear like those used in hospitals. If you need to wash out a few clothes, that is possible in Mina but space is of course limited.