Luggage Checklist
Short answer: Pack light. Keep your Ihram, medicines, essential documents and one change of clothes in your hand bag. Keep your luggage within your airline’s weight limit.
At a glance
- Main luggage: as your airline allows, usually one or two bags
- Hand bag: Ihram, medicines, documents, one change of clothes, charger
- Leave some space free in your bag for the return
Checklist
In your hand bag
- Two Ihram sheets and an Ihram belt (for men)
- Your medicines with the doctor’s prescription, for the whole trip
- Original documents (see “Documents Checklist”)
- One change of clothes
- Phone, charger and power bank
- Some Saudi riyals and your ATM card
- A small prayer mat and tasbeeh
In your main luggage
- Everyday clothes (light, cotton)
- For women, a comfortable abaya or loose clothing and scarves
- A spare set of Ihram
- Comfortable sandals that leave the raised middle bone of the upper foot uncovered (for Ihram)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella and sunglasses
- Unscented soap and shampoo (for Ihram)
- Toothbrush, miswak and toothpaste
- Oral rehydration salt (ORS) sachets and a water bottle
- A small shoulder bag, and a bag for your shoes
- A travel adapter for Saudi sockets
Do
- Write your name, passport number and Pakistani phone number on your bag.
- Put the same coloured marker on all the group’s bags so they’re easy to spot.
- Weigh your luggage before you leave home.
Don’t
- Never carry a sealed packet or item from someone else if you don’t know what’s in it. Drug penalties in Saudi Arabia are extremely severe.
- Don’t keep scissors, knives or liquids over 100 ml in your hand bag.
- Don’t put a power bank in checked luggage; hand bag only.
- Don’t take too much food. Everything is available there.
Common mistakes
- Taking so much that there’s no room for Zamzam and gifts on the way back.
- Packing medicines in checked luggage, which may arrive late.
- Taking new shoes that cause blisters on long walks.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight can I take? It depends on the airline and the ticket. The baggage allowance is printed on your ticket, or ask your travel agent.
Can I bring Zamzam back? Yes, within the airline’s rules. A sealed bottle is usually available at the airport. Check the details with your airline or agent.
What sandals for Ihram? Sandals that leave the raised middle bone on top of the foot uncovered. See the “Ihram Guide” page for details.