Prepare Ihram clothing before an Umrah flight to Jeddah. You must enter Ihram when the aircraft reaches the miqat, not after landing. Men wear the two-cloth attire, while women wear modest clothing without a niqab or gloves.
What Ihram actually means
Ihram is the state of ritual consecration a pilgrim enters before Umrah. The word also refers to the special garments worn in that state.
If your first arrival is Jeddah, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says to wear Ihram and make the intention on the aircraft when the miqat is announced. Travelers visiting Madinah first can enter Ihram at Dhul-Hulayfah before continuing to Makkah.
Ihram clothing rules for men
Men wear an izar around the lower body and a rida over the upper body. The Ministry’s current guide says clips or a belt may secure the izar and hold belongings.
- Izar: the lower cloth wrapped around the waist.
- Rida: the upper cloth draped over the shoulders and upper body.
- Head: leave it uncovered while in Ihram.
- Spare set: carry another clean set if practical.
Men should not wear clothing tailored to the shape of the body, such as shirts, trousers or underwear. The rule concerns fitted garments, not every item containing stitching.
Ihram clothing rules for women
Women have no fixed Ihram garment. The Ministry’s guide says they may wear loose, modest clothing that covers appropriately and is not designed for adornment.
- Clothing: wear a loose abaya or modest dress with a head covering.
- Avoid: do not wear a niqab or gloves while in Ihram.
- Spares: pack extra clothing and pins if needed.
Rules that apply to everyone
Prepare fragrance-free personal care products for the period in Ihram. The Ministry also lists cutting hair or nails among the restrictions after entering the state.
- Do not apply perfume or scented toiletries while in Ihram.
- Do not cut hair or trim nails after entering Ihram.
- Complete grooming before making the intention.
Can you still buy Ihram at Saudi airports?
Booking online: Wego bundles flights, your hotel stay and the visa application, while you remain responsible for entering Ihram before the miqat. Check your route and prepare the garments before departure through this booking guide.
King Abdulaziz International Airport lists general retail outlets, but its official pages do not guarantee Ihram stock at every terminal. Do not rely on buying the garments after landing.
For an Umrah arrival through Jeddah, purchasing Ihram in the arrival hall is too late because the flight crosses the miqat before landing. Buy it before travel or at your departure airport and change before the miqat announcement.
- Flying directly to Jeddah: prepare and wear the garments before the miqat.
- Visiting Madinah first: enter Ihram at Dhul-Hulayfah before traveling to Makkah.
- Airport retail: treat it as a possible source for a spare, not your main plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Ihram after I land in Jeddah?
You may find retail shops, but it is too late to enter Ihram correctly for a direct Umrah arrival. Your flight crosses the miqat before landing.
What colour Ihram should women wear?
There is no required colour. Women may wear loose, modest clothing that covers appropriately and is not designed for adornment.
Can men wear underwear under Ihram?
Men should not wear underwear or other clothing tailored to the body while in Ihram. A belt or clips may be used to secure the izar.
Sources
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Umrah and Visit Guide
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Ihram Guide for Pilgrims
- King Abdulaziz International Airport: Airport services and retail
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
