The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on pilgrims to avoid carrying large luggage while performing the rites of Umrah, saying that travelling light inside the Grand Mosque eases movement and creates a calmer, more comfortable experience for everyone. The advisory, issued through the ministry's official account on the X platform in mid-July 2026, comes as the new Umrah season for the year 1448 AH draws growing numbers of worshippers to Makkah.

According to the ministry, bulky bags can obstruct the flow of pilgrims inside the Grand Mosque and make it harder to move between the sites where the rituals are performed. The guidance is simple and practical: carry only what is essential, and leave everything else at your accommodation.

Why travelling light matters

The Grand Mosque and its courtyards handle enormous crowds throughout the Umrah season. Tawaf around the Ka'bah and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah both require continuous movement, often shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other pilgrims. A large suitcase or heavy holdall slows a person down, blocks narrow passages, and can become a hazard on escalators and stairways.

The ministry stressed that leaving oversized bags at places of residence and carrying only basic needs helps preserve the smooth movement of the crowd. It framed the request not as a restriction but as a courtesy that benefits every worshipper in the mosque. Smoother movement means shorter waits, fewer bottlenecks, and a more focused spiritual experience.

The advice also aligns with existing security practices. Bags left unattended in public areas can trigger safety checks, and many storage and screening points around the Haram are designed for small items rather than full travel luggage.

What to carry inside the Haram

Pilgrims are encouraged to bring only a small, light bag with the items they genuinely need during their time in the mosque. Useful essentials include:

  • Personal identification and permits. Keep your Nusuk permit accessible on your phone, along with any identification you may be asked to show.
  • A phone and power bank. These help with permits, prayer times, and staying in contact with your group.
  • A small bottle of water and simple snacks for longer visits, kept within the mosque's guidelines.
  • A prayer mat or light shawl, which folds away easily and takes up little space.
  • Slippers in a small pouch, since footwear must be removed before entering prayer areas.

Anything larger, including full suitcases, extra clothing, and gifts or shopping, is best left in the hotel room or in a secured luggage room at the place of stay.

A season built around crowd comfort

The luggage guidance is one of several measures the ministry has promoted as the 1448 AH Umrah season gets under way. Saudi authorities have steadily digitised the pilgrimage through the Nusuk app, which now handles permits for entry to the Two Holy Mosques, and have emphasised orderly movement and capacity management around the Grand Mosque.

These efforts share a common goal. As the number of Umrah performers continues to climb year after year, small adjustments in pilgrim behaviour can have a large effect on comfort and safety across the whole mosque. A crowd that moves freely is easier to serve, quicker to guide, and safer in the event of congestion.

Practical tips for pilgrims

Pilgrims planning a visit this season can take a few simple steps to follow the ministry's advice:

  • Pack a dedicated Haram bag. Prepare a small drawstring or crossbody bag before leaving your hotel so you are not tempted to bring everything with you.
  • Store luggage securely. Confirm that your hotel offers a safe place to leave suitcases, especially on arrival and checkout days when you may still wish to pray at the Haram.
  • Coordinate with your group. Agree a meeting point in advance, since carrying less means relying less on bulky shared supplies.
  • Respect staff instructions. Follow the guidance of security and organising personnel, who manage entry and exit to keep the crowd moving.

By carrying only the essentials, pilgrims help themselves and those around them. The result, the ministry says, is a more peaceful and dignified performance of the rites for all of the guests of God.