Best Way to Perform Umrah from Chicago

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Umrah is sometimes called the "mini Hajj," but for Muslims it is much bigger in meaning. Unlike Hajj, you can perform Umrah at any time of the year, and it brings a lot of reward from Allah.

If you live in Chicago, USA, the right way to perform Umrah requires proper planning, including obtaining the right visa, booking flights at the right time, being aware of health issues, and knowing the step-by-step rituals before you go. A well-prepared pilgrim can save time, avoid stress, and focus more on worship without getting into trouble if he or she is well-planning in advance.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know on this journey. From visa requirements for US citizens to flights from O' Hare airports for Umrah, what to pack in your bag. And step-by-step instructions on how to perform the rituals, and finally, small tips to keep the body healthy and the heart focused.

Pre-Trip Preparation

1. Visa and Papers for Muslims from the U.S

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If you are traveling from the US to perform Umrah, you will need a special visa. Many people still opt for an Umrah visa because they come with Umrah packages from travel agencies, but Saudi Arabia has also allowed Umrah on e-visas and tourist visas, but all these are sealed during the Hajj period, which does not allow you to perform Hajj. Therefore, it is better to clarify this matter. Even today, 60 percent of people go to Saudi Arabia with Umrah packages, while others use e-visas and tourist visas.

Important news: According to the new rules implemented by Saudi Arabia on June 10, 2025, you cannot be granted an Umrah visa without a hotel. Every foreign guest will have to book a hotel in advance only in hotels that are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, and the booking will have to be made through the Nusuk.

Passport: should be valid for six months or more from the travel date.

Other papers: passport photos, flight ticket, sometimes proof of vaccines.

Friendly advice: Saudi rules change often, so always double-check with a travel agent or the Saudi consulate before you make a trip.

2. Flights from Chicago

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Most Muslims from Chicago begin their Umrah journey at O'Hare Airport. From there, you can find many one-stop flights to Jeddah and Medina, as well as regular stops in Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, or Frankfurt.

Travel is going to be the busiest in February, March, and April, especially because in 2026, the holy month of Ramadan is coming in February, and so is the Hajj in May. Therefore, it is better to book tickets early, about five to three months in advance, so that you can get a better seat and a better price.

How much do flights cost?

Economy round-trip Chicago to Jeddah typically costs between $900 and $1,400 depending on the season, but it is not necessary that the prices always remain the same.

Premium or business in busy times like Ramadan can be $2,500 to $4,000.

When searching online, many people write “flights to Umrah from Chicago O’Hare.” Try to choose a route with fewer stops, because the distance from Chicago to Jeddah is approximately 9,081 kilometers. Which means it could take you 14 to 15 hours to get to Jeddah or Medina in Saudi Arabia.

3. Package or Travel Alone

Umrah package from Chicago: Travel agencies give a full deal — visa, ticket, hotel, transport. This is the easiest way, many first-time pilgrims like it. Normal price is around $2,500–$4,500 for one person, 7–10 days, depending on how near the hotel is to Haram and how good the quality is.

Independent travel: If you want more freedom, you can book all things yourself. It takes more time, but sometimes cheaper. Experienced travelers can do Umrah for $2,000–$3,000 each if they book smart and early.

4. Health and Vaccinations

Always check the restriction of vaccination before starting your Umrah journey. Because the Saudi government can change its rules. So it's better for you to check the website of the Nusuk or the Saudi Ministry of Health where they always give updates or you can contact a travel agent who provides Hajj and Umrah services, they will also guide you better.

5. Packing Essentials

Proper planning also includes the essential items to carry with you, which make your trip 60 to 70 percent comfortable and the reason for making it so, so never miss this point. Do your packing with great care and understanding.

1. Clothing and Ihram

●    For men: You need two white unstitched clothes, this is Ihram. It is better to choose a slightly thick cotton or towel cloth, so that you do not get bothered by sweat. Many brothers also use small safety pins or clips to keep the clothes tight.

●    For women: Any modest and loose clothing is fine, such as an abaya. Whatever the color, you just need to follow Islamic rules. A headscarf is always required for prayer.

●    A little tip: Keep Ihram in your handbag, so that you can change before the Meeqat during the flight, no pressure.

2. Toiletries and personal items

Only use fragrance-free items - soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant.

Other useful things:

●    Wet wipes and hand sanitizer without odor, good in crowds.

●    A small suction cup for tying Ihram in the bathroom.

●    Nail clippers or scissors, but keep them in your checked bag, not your carry-on.

●    Some medicine - for colds, fevers, pain. Sunscreen and plain Vaseline also help with heat and rubbing the skin.

3. Spiritual items

●    A small pocket-sized Quran, easy to carry. Although you will find the Holy Quran inside the Haram.

●    Prayer book or phone app, to recite prayers for each step.

●    A digital Tasbeeh counter, or a Tasbeeh with just 7 beads, is useful for circumambulation and Dhikr.

●    A small prayer mat, when you are outside the Haram or traveling.

4. Luggage advice

●    Most airlines allow you to bring two checked bags (23 kg each) and one handbag. Don't take too much with you, as it is easy to wash clothes in Mecca and Medina. Hoteliers will also pick up and return your clothes.

●    Important tip: Sometimes there are delays at Saudi airports, especially during busy months. So always keep your Ihram, documents, medicine and an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag.

●    For safety, keep your passport, money, cards in a small waist bag or neck pouch. Easy and safe.

Travel: From Chicago to the Holy Cities

1. Flight and Transit

There are no direct flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Jeddah (JED) or Medina (MED). You will have one stop, most often in Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, Doha with Qatar Airways, or Dubai with Emirates. Some people also fly via Frankfurt or Abu Dhabi with Lufthansa or Etihad.

Most pilgrims enter through Jeddah airport - it is very busy, more than a third of Umrah pilgrims come through this route. It is best to book flights with a 3-4 hour layover, so you are not in a hurry.

A little tip: Choose an airline with halal food and choose a place where you can pray more easily.

2. Ihram on the way

Many flights to Jeddah pass through the Miqat in the sky. The pilot usually announces before this time, you can:

Take a bath at home or before the flight.

Men wear two white clothes (Ihram), women wear modest prayer clothes.

Make the intention in your heart.

Say the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk..."

It is better to put the Ihram in your carry-on bag, so there is no problem if your luggage is late.

3. Arrival in Jeddah or Medina

When you land, the immigration line is long, especially during Ramadan. Have all your documents at hand: passport with Umrah visa, prescription permit, vaccination certificate (if required), return flight ticket. Saudi airports now use facial recognition to speed up the process.

After the custom:

If you have booked a package, look for the sign of your Umrah travel agent.

If you are traveling alone, use a licensed taxi or apps like Uber or Careem. It is about a 1-1.5 hour drive from Jeddah to Mecca.

Important: Stay calm, drink water, and use the waiting time for remembrance and prayer.

In short: You take a one-stop flight from Chicago, put Ihram on the plane, and be prepared for some waiting at the airport. With a little patience and planning, this journey becomes a gentle start to your Umrah, filled with worship and peace.

Performing Umrah rituals step by step

●    Intention: Put on Ihram at the Meeqat and make the intention in your heart.

●    Tawaf: Circumambulate the Kaaba seven times, always to the left, counterclockwise.

●    Praying at Maqam Ibrahim: If the space is open, pray two rak'ahs there.

●    Zamzam water: Drink with a prayer for healing, blessing, and strength.

●    Sa'i between Safa and Marwah: Walk between the two hills seven times, walking a little faster at the green lights; it's only for male pilgrims.

●    Halq/Taqsir: Men shave or cut their hair short, women cut only a small section.

Things people often forget

●    Stay in Ihram until all steps are completed.

●    Taking too many selfies during Tawaf - it takes away the feeling of worship.

●    Rushing the Sa'i by running instead of walking with a calm heart.

●    Remember: Millions of people perform Tawaf every year. Patience is part of worship.

Health and water

If you have elderly people or children with you during Umrah, try to circumambulate the Kaaba from the second or third floor of the Grand Mosque during peak season like Ramadan

Time management

●    Try to perform Tawaf or prayers outside of the busiest times.

●    Maintain a balance between worship, rest and prayer - do not overexert yourself.

Looking Ahead: Tips and Future Plans

Best Time to Go from Chicago

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If you want to perform a cheap Umrah in which you want less crowded and cheaper tickets, then the number of pilgrims during the months of Muharram, Safar or Shawwal, is much less than during Ramadan or the Hajj season, so the journey is more peaceful and cheaper, which can save you 30 to 35 percent of your budget.

Future Changes in Umrah

Saudi Arabia has a Vision 2030 that aims to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims each year. This could mean more direct flights from the US to Saudi Arabia, and more convenient online services such as smart visas, crowd-management apps, and faster airport processing.

Conclusion

Umrah from Chicago may seem a little difficult at first, but if you do it step by step, everything will be easy, Insha Allah, and full of blessings. From getting a visa in the US to walking to the Kaaba, every moment is an opportunity to feel closer to Allah.

Some brothers and sisters like the complete package from Chicago, others like to make their own arrangements. Both ways are fine, Insha Allah. But always remember, it is about your pure heart, your patience and your love for worship.