Umrah from Abidjan: visa, best times to go and budget

The Umrah visa for Ivorians

To perform Umrah, Ivorian travellers must obtain an electronic Umrah visa. You cannot apply for it freely: it is issued only through the Nusuk platform or by an approved operator, and it must be linked to a Nusuk package including hotel and transport, which is compulsory.

Please note: the Saudi electronic tourist visa is not open to Ivorians, except for holders of a previously used US, UK or Schengen visa. For the vast majority of pilgrims, the Umrah visa through an operator is therefore the way to go. With MALYA, the visa application is built into the preparation of your trip.

Health: the vaccines you need

Meningitis ACWY vaccination is required. You should also bring your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get vaccinated in good time and keep your vaccination card with your passport. Once there, stay well hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

When is the best time for Umrah?

Umrah can be performed all year round, outside the Hajj period. Our recommended periods are January, February, March, April, October, November and December. The climate in Mecca and Medina is desert: very hot from April to October, milder from November to February, with cool nights in winter in Medina. The winter months are therefore the most comfortable for performing the rites, which involve several kilometres of walking.

Bear in mind that the Islamic calendar is lunar: the dates of Ramadan and Hajj move forward by about eleven days each year. Peak periods need to be booked well in advance.

What budget for Umrah from Abidjan?

Our 10-day Umrah – Mecca & Medina trip comes in four packages, depending on the level of comfort you choose. All prices are per person, flights from Abidjan included:

Your Umrah is therefore available from 920,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Flights are direct or via Cairo, depending on the dates. Also allow for your personal budget: vaccinations, shopping and spending on the ground.

Preparing well before you leave

A successful Umrah begins several weeks before departure. Here are the points our advisers go through with every pilgrim:

• Documents: a valid passport, a printed Umrah visa, an up-to-date vaccination card and confirmation of your package.
• Physical fitness: get used to walking regularly, as the rites and the journeys between the hotel and the mosques are demanding.
• Spiritual preparation: go over the stages of the rites and the supplications; the guide will also support you on site.
• Luggage: ihram garments, loose and light clothing, and a light jumper for the cool winter nights in Medina.

How our trip unfolds

1. Medina: prayers at the Prophet's Mosque, a visit to the Rawdah with advance booking, and ziyarat to the Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud and the Al-Qiblatayn Mosque.
2. Entering ihram at the miqat of Dhul Hulayfah.
3. Mecca: performing Umrah (tawaf, sa'i and taqsir), guided by an experienced companion.
4. Ziyarat in Mecca: Jabal an-Nour, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.

Reminder sessions and preparation of the rites with the guide take place throughout the stay.

Good to know

Pack two sets of ihram garments, comfortable sandals and a small pouch for your documents: tawaf and sa'i involve several kilometres of walking. The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR) and bank cards are widely accepted. Entry rules change regularly: the information in this article reflects the MALYA travel requirements matrix checked on 31 October 2026. Before every departure, our advisers check the current requirements for you (visa, health, documents) and let you know about any changes.

Plan your trip with MALYA Travel

Have a trip in mind? Request your tailor-made quote in 2 minutes on our website or message us on WhatsApp on +225 07 09 54 40 62. Our advisers reply quickly, help you with your travel formalities and work with you to build a trip that suits you. MALYA Travel, the joy of travelling.