Last-Minute Hajj Checklist 2025: 27 Essential Items You Can’t Forget
Introduction – Why a Hajj Checklist Matters
Hajj 2025 is fast approaching. If you’re like the majority of people, the weeks leading up to your departure can be overwhelming. Between travel documents, personal preparation, and preparing for emotional stress, it’s easy to lose sight of the essentials.
This is where a thorough checklist is essential. It’s not only about packing bagsit’s about making sure that your Hajj trip is enjoyable, as well as stress-free.
Let’s dive right in!
Travel Documents & Identification
Before you do anything else, ensure you’ve got the following:
1. Passport (with visa)
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months. Double-check that your Hajj visa is authenticated.
2. National ID / Iqama Copy
Keep a duplicate of your ID card or Iqama, both in paper and digital formats.
3. Flight Tickets & Hotel Bookings
Print copies of your flight details and accommodation confirmations. Offline access is helpful if your phone is not working.
4. Hajj Permit (Tasreeh)
This is a requirement to be completed to gain legal Hajj entry. You won’t be able to go past security checkpoints without this.
5. Passport-sized Photos
At a minimum, four passport photographs are required for any official requirements.
Clothing Essentials for Ihram & Beyond
6. Ihram Garments (for men)
Men should pack two white sheets of the Ihram. It is essential that they are 100% cotton and are not stitched.
7. Modest, Loose Clothing (for women)
Ladies should wear air-conditioned Abayas as well as headscarves, preferably in neutral shades.
8. Undergarments & Sleepwear
Take light and fast-dry underwear as well as comfortable nightwear.
9. Flip Flops / Slippers
Select slip-on sandals as you’ll have to take off your shoes often.
10. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Perfect for travel or moving between Holy sites. Pick well-worn, broken-in, and worn shoes.
11. Drawstring Bag or Waist Pouch
Perfect for holding Ihram-friendly gear, including tasbeeh and water bottles.
Hygiene & Health Essentials
Being clean throughout Hajj is both a requirement of the faith and a personal comfort requirement.
12. Unscented Toiletries
Take scent-free soap, shampoo, and lotion to remain within the rules of Ihram.
13. Toothbrush & Miswak
Hygiene at the mouth is sunnah-based and vital, particularly during long hours out.
14. Sanitizer & Tissues
Make use of alcohol-free Sanitizer along with plenty of wipes or tissues.
15. Towel (quick-dry)
A microfiber towel is light, dries quickly, and is easy to fit inside your bag.
16. Basic First Aid Kit
Include gauze, band-aids, scissors, cotton, and pain relief medications.
17. Medications (with prescription)
Bring any regular prescription medication as well as over-the-counter essentials such as Panadol or antacids.
Religious & Spiritual Tools
18. Pocket Quran / Digital Quran App
To read in the morning, your breakfast or during quiet times.
19. Dua Book / Personal Duas
Note down your most cherished duas or make use of a compact dua book.
20. Tasbeeh (Prayer Beads)
It helps maintain dhikr while sitting or walking.
21. Prayer Mat (Foldable)
Ideal for when you’re not in the vicinity of mosque carpets. A compact mat, which is waterproof, is the ideal choice.
Daily Necessities & Safety Items
22. Water Bottle (Reusable)
Keep hydrated. A bottle that folds up or a stainless steel bottle is ideal in high temperatures.
23. Snacks & Energy Bars
Make sure you have food items that aren’t perishable in your backpack. Trail mix, dates as well as energy bars are excellent.
24. Small Umbrella or Hat
Saudi sun is intense. Make use of an umbrella or a breathable cap for shade during the day.
25. Mobile Phone & Power Bank
Don’t rely on charging stations. Keep a battery in your pocket.
26. SIM Card / Roaming Plan
Stay connected by using a Saudi SIM or an active roaming plan.
Extra Face Masks
Make sure you have disposable masks for your hygiene and dusty days.
Bonus Tips to Stay Organized
- Use zip-lock bags to store toiletries.
- Roll clothes to free up space.
- Map offline to download Makkah, Madinah, and Mina.
- Label your luggage clearly with the name of the country, phone number, and name.
Visual: Sample Packing Checklist Table
| Item Type | Must-Have Examples |
|---|---|
| ID & Documents | Passport, Visa, Hajj Permit |
| Clothing | Ihram, Slippers, Abaya |
| Health & Hygiene | Unscented Soap, First Aid Kit |
| Religious Items | Dua Book, Prayer Mat, Tasbeeh |
| Essentials | Water Bottle, SIM, Power Bank |
FAQs – Answering Your Last-Minute Hajj Queries
What kind of bag should I carry during Hajj?
A lightweight backpack or waist pouch is ideal for everyday movement.
Can I bring scented items?
No. During Ihram, all scented products must be avoided.
How many Ihram sets should men pack?
At a minimum, at least two sets to allow you to wear one while washing the other.
Should women carry a mirror?
Yes, mirrors are indeed useful. A tiny mirror can help adjust your hijab or check for cleanliness.
Can I wear shoes in the Ihram?
They should not overly cover the ankle or the top of the feet (for men).
What to do if I forget something important?
Local shops near your hotel will usually have all the Hajj essentials.
Is it okay to use a digital Quran on a mobile?
Yes, using the Quran application is indeed completely acceptable and practical.
How can I protect my feet during Tawaf?
Wear comfortable shoes and move slowly so that you don’t get blisters.
Are power banks allowed during flights?
Yes, you can, but only in the carry-on bag. It is not allowed to check baggage.
Should I bring cash or use a card?
Take some Saudi Riyals; however, cards work in urban areas.
Can I buy an Ihram in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but prices could be higher. It’s best to have your own.
What’s the best footwear for Hajj?
Sandals that slip on are perfect for quick removal during prayer.
Can I carry a pocket knife for fruits?
Sharp objects are not permitted in carry-ons.
Is Wi-Fi available in Mina & Arafat?
Yes, but connections may be weak. Download maps offline.
What if I lose my passport?
Contact your Group leader or the embassy.
Should I bring a sleeping bag?
A thin travel blanket suffices. Most tents offer bedding.
Can I use a folding stool for resting?
Yes, but be careful of heavy items that are difficult to carry.
Conclusion – Travel Smart, Worship Freely
The preparation for Hajj 2025 isn’t only about physical ease. It’s about allowing an area for spiritual development.
With this checklist for the last minute, it’s less likely that you will lose sight of the important things, and you’ll be more inclined to concentrate on your connection to Allah (SWT).
Ready for Hajj?
Make sure you save this page, share it with your fellow pilgrims or print it out for the last bag-check. Your trip of a lifetime requires planning as well as confidence.
Farrukh Farooqi has been living in Sharaya, Makkah, Saudi Arabia since 2010. With over 14 years of firsthand experience witnessing the sacred journey of millions of pilgrims, Farrukh specializes in providing practical, insider tips for Hajj and Umrah travelers. His work blends real-world observations, the latest Saudi updates, and essential crowd management strategies — helping pilgrims and worshippers plan smarter, stay safer, and experience a spiritually fulfilling journey across the Holy Cities.
