Connected in
Makkah and Madinah
Let family at home know you have arrived, find your hotel after a long day at the Haram, and keep Nusuk and your maps working, without queueing for a local SIM after the flight.
Why pilgrims choose an eSIM
Set Up Before You Fly
Install it at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you travel. Switch it on when you land in Jeddah or Madinah and you are connected, with no kiosk queue or registration desk.
Keep Your UK Number
Your usual SIM stays in your phone, so family can still reach you on your normal number and bank security codes still arrive.
Nusuk, Maps and WhatsApp
Permit times in the Nusuk app, directions back to your hotel, and messages and video calls home: the things pilgrims rely on data for.
For Parents and Groups
Buying for parents or a whole group? Buy every eSIM in one order and send each person their own setup. Check each phone supports eSIM first.
How much data for Umrah?
Count the days you will be in Saudi Arabia, not the nights: a 7-night trip is 8 days on the ground.
Umrah of up to 10 days: maps, Nusuk, messaging and some video calls home
Longer stays, or more video calls and photo sharing
Group leaders, sharing data with others, or heavy video use
Each plan page shows its network, how long you have to install it and whether it can be topped up.
Saudi Arabia plans for Umrah
One week to one month, from a light plan to one for the whole trip
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Plan your Umrah
Visa and permits, documents, apps to download, and what to do when you land. Umrah eSIM: staying connected this winter
Which plan fits your trip, setting up before you fly, and buying for parents. Hajj and Umrah connectivity guide
Networks at busy times, practical tips and what to download in advance.
Umrah eSIM FAQs
When should I install the eSIM?
At home, on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly. Label it "Saudi Arabia" in your phone's settings, then switch it on and set it as your data line when you land. Each plan page shows how long you have to install it.
Will my UK number still work?
Yes. Your usual SIM stays in place for calls and texts, so family and your bank can still reach you. Turn off data roaming on your UK line so it does not run up roaming charges, and use the eSIM for data.
Does it work in Makkah and Madinah?
Yes. Coverage in both cities is good. Around the Haram at the busiest times, such as Jumu'ah, networks carry a very heavy load and can slow down, so send voice notes rather than video calls then, and download offline maps on hotel Wi-Fi.
I am buying for my parents. Will it work on their phones?
Most phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM, but some older or budget models do not. Check each phone on our compatibility page first, and make sure it is not locked to a UK network.
What about visas and permits?
Rules change, so we do not repeat them here. Our Umrah checklist for UK travellers summarises them with links to the official sources. Check those before you book and again before you fly.
What if I run out of data?
If your plan allows top-ups, you can add more from your eSIM page. The plan page shows whether it does.
We wish you a safe and blessed journey.