Women can visit the Rawdah in Madinah during two main sessions — after Fajr until before Dhuhr, and after Isha until approximately 2:00 AM — with an additional “Instant Track” option now available every 20 minutes through the Nusuk app when you are near Masjid al-Nabawi. Entry is through Gate 25 (Bab Uthman ibn Affan), and you need a free digital permit with a QR code. No permit, no entry.
That is the quick answer. But if you are a UK sister planning your first Umrah and you want to actually pray inside the Rawdah — not just read about it — you need to know how the Nusuk booking system works, when slots are released, what happens when they say “no permits available,” what to wear, what to do once you step onto the green carpet, and how long you actually get inside. This guide covers every one of those questions, written by a team that has helped thousands of UK women prepare for this exact moment.
What Is the Rawdah? Why It Matters So Much
The Rawdah — known fully as Rawdah al-Jannah or Riyad ul Jannah — is the area inside Masjid al-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) in Madinah that sits between the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his minbar (pulpit). The Prophet himself said: “Between my house and my pulpit lies a garden from the gardens of Paradise” (Sahih al-Bukhari). That hadith is the reason millions of pilgrims consider this the most sacred spot on earth after the Kaaba itself.
You can recognise the Rawdah by its distinctive green carpet — the rest of the mosque has red or beige carpeting. The space also contains the Prophet’s wooden minbar, the golden ornate enclosure around his burial chamber, and green-and-white marble pillars dating back to early Islamic history. It is small. It is crowded. And the demand for access is so high that Saudi authorities now manage entry through a strict timed-permit system. Walking in without a booking is no longer possible.
Women’s Rawdah Visiting Times in 2027
Women and men have completely separate visiting hours. The times below are the standard schedule — they can shift during Ramadan, Hajj season, and at the discretion of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Always check your Nusuk app for the exact times available on your specific date.
| Session | Typical Timing | Entry Gate | Notes |
| Morning | After Fajr until before Dhuhr | Gate 25 (Bab Uthman) | Generally calmer, best for first-timers |
| Evening | After Isha until approx. 2:00 AM | Gate 25 (Bab Uthman) | Slightly lower crowds than morning |
| Instant Track | Every 20 minutes (when near mosque) | Gate 25 (Bab Uthman) | Requires GPS enabled on Nusuk app |
The morning session (after Fajr) is generally the calmest. If this is your first visit, aim for the earliest available morning slot. The evening session after Isha tends to have slightly larger crowds but can feel more spiritually intense — the mosque is quieter at night, and the atmosphere after Isha prayer is deeply focused.
The Instant Track is a newer addition. If you are physically near Masjid al-Nabawi with GPS enabled on the Nusuk app, you may be able to book a slot every 20 minutes. This is useful if the pre-booked slots were full but you are already in Madinah and willing to check frequently. Availability is not guaranteed — it depends on real-time capacity.
Important: Friday timings may differ. Women’s Rawdah access is sometimes restricted or adjusted on Fridays due to Jumu’ah prayer arrangements. Check the Nusuk app on the Thursday before for the latest Friday schedule.
How to Book a Women’s Rawdah Permit on the Nusuk App — Step by Step
The entire booking is done through the official Nusuk app, operated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The permit is completely free. If anyone asks you to pay for a Rawdah booking, they are not legitimate. Here is the exact process.
Step 1 — Download and Register on Nusuk
Download the Nusuk app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Register using your passport number and your Umrah visa number. Do this as soon as your visa is issued — not when you land in Saudi Arabia. You need an active Nusuk account before you can see any Rawdah availability.
Step 2 — Navigate to Rawdah Booking
Open the app. Scroll to “Holy Mosque Services” or “Prophet’s Mosque Services” on the homepage. Tap “Booking of Permit for Noble Rawdah (Women).” Make sure you select the women’s option — men and women have separate time slots and separate gates. Booking the wrong gender session is a mistake you cannot fix at the door.
Step 3 — Choose Your Date and Time
You will see a calendar. Green dates have available slots. Red dates are fully booked. Grey dates have not been released yet. Tap a green date, select your preferred time slot (for example, 06:30–07:00), and tap “Issue Permit.” If you have family members linked as companions on your Nusuk account, check their names too — everyone entering needs their own permit.
Step 4 — Save Your QR Code
Once confirmed, the app will display your permit with a QR code. Screenshot it immediately. Save it to your phone’s favourites or camera roll. The app can crash, the network near the mosque is often slow, and if you cannot show the QR code at the gate, you will not be allowed in. A screenshot is your backup. Some sisters also email it to themselves as a second safety net.
When Do Rawdah Slots Get Released?
Slots typically open 7 to 14 days before the visit date. During Ramadan and Hajj season, this window can shorten to 3 to 5 days. New slots are most commonly released on Friday afternoons (Saudi time), with smaller batches appearing every 30 minutes throughout the day. The reality is that slots fill within seconds of opening. Set an alarm, check the app repeatedly starting 10 days before your intended visit, and book the moment you see a green date.
What If No Slots Are Available?
Keep checking. People cancel or release slots, and these appear in the app without warning. Check every hour, especially around 12:00 PM Saudi time and after each prayer time. If you are already in Madinah with no slot, try the Instant Track option with GPS enabled. As a last resort, visit the small Nusuk help desk office in front of Gate 37 at Masjid al-Nabawi — bring your visa copy and passport — and explain that you have been unable to secure a slot. Staff have been known to assist, especially for women and elderly pilgrims.
Planning your Umrah trip to Madinah? Send us a WhatsApp message and our team will get back to you within the hour with a personalised quote.
What to Expect at the Rawdah — A Minute-by-Minute Walk-Through
Arriving at Gate 25
Arrive at Gate 25 (Bab Uthman ibn Affan) at least 30 minutes before your slot. The walk from the entrance to the actual Rawdah area takes time, and there is a queue. Female security guards will scan your QR permit and check your ID. Keep your passport or a copy of it accessible. Large bags are not allowed — carry only essentials in a small pouch.
The Queue and Corridors
You will join a designated women’s queue in shaded corridors. The wait can be 15 to 30 minutes depending on crowd levels. Use this time for dhikr, salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), and quiet reflection. Avoid loud conversations or phone calls. The sisters around you are all preparing for the same moment.
Stepping Onto the Green Carpet
When your group is called, mosque staff will guide you into the Rawdah zone. You will know you have arrived when the carpet beneath your feet changes to green — this is the Rawdah, the garden from the gardens of Paradise. The golden enclosure of the Prophet’s burial chamber will be visible. The original wooden minbar stands nearby. The green-and-white marble pillars — each with its own historical significance — surround you.
Your Time Inside — 10 to 15 Minutes
You will have approximately 10 to 15 minutes inside the Rawdah. Staff gently encourage a continuous flow to ensure every pilgrim gets access. This is not a lot of time, so know what you want to do before you enter.
What to do: Pray two rakah of Tahiyyatul Masjid (the greeting prayer of the mosque). Follow with any nafl (voluntary) prayers you wish. Send salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). Make your personal dua — this is one of the most accepted places for supplication. Recite short surahs or engage in quiet dhikr.
What not to do: Do not take photos or selfies — it is strongly discouraged and disrupts the sanctity. Do not push, shove, or cut the queue. Do not prostrate towards the tomb or press your face against the golden grille. Do not make dua to the Prophet — your dua is always to Allah alone. Do not overstay your time — others are waiting behind you for the same moment.
After You Leave the Rawdah
Once you exit, find a quiet spot in the women’s section of Masjid al-Nabawi. Sit, reflect, offer two more rakah of nafl prayer, and continue your salawat. Many sisters describe the minutes after leaving the Rawdah as the most emotionally intense part of the entire Umrah journey. Take your time. There is no rush.
Dress Code for Women Visiting the Rawdah
Wear a loose, modest abaya and a hijab that fully covers your hair and neck. Socks are recommended — the Rawdah floor can be cold from air conditioning, and socks also prevent slipping on the polished surface. Wear easily removable shoes, since you will leave them before entering the prayer area. Avoid perfume, makeup, and flashy clothing. This is a place of worship, not a social event. Keep your phone on silent or switch it off entirely.
How Women Send Salaam to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in Madinah
Sending salaam is separate from visiting the Rawdah. When you are in Masjid al-Nabawi during women’s designated hours, you can approach the golden grille of the Prophet’s burial chamber from the women’s section. Stand at a respectful distance, face the grille, and say: “As-salamu alayka ya Rasul Allah” (Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah). Then step to the right and send salaam to Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA), who are buried beside him.
If the area is too crowded to approach, send your salaam from wherever you are standing. It reaches the Prophet (peace be upon him) through the angels. Distance does not diminish it.
Practical Tips for UK Women Visiting the Rawdah
Book before you fly. If your Madinah dates fall within the 7 to 14-day booking window, secure your Rawdah slot before you leave the UK. Do not assume you will sort it out once you arrive.
Stay close to Masjid al-Nabawi. Book a hotel within 400 to 800 metres of the mosque. The closer you are, the easier it is to reach Gate 25 early, and the more likely you can use the Instant Track option for last-minute slots.
Write your duas in advance. You will have 10 to 15 minutes inside the Rawdah. That time disappears fast, especially through tears. Write your dua list on a small piece of paper or in a notebook before you arrive. Include duas for your family, your parents, your children, the ummah, and yourself.
Charge your phone. You need the Nusuk app for your QR code. A dead phone at the gate means no entry. Carry a power bank.
Go light. No large bags allowed. Carry only your phone, a small notebook, a bottle of water, and your ID. Leave everything else at the hotel.
Wear non-slip socks. The Rawdah floor and the corridors leading to it are polished marble. Non-slip socks prevent falls and keep your feet warm in the heavily air-conditioned mosque.
Be patient in the queue. The wait is part of the experience. Sisters around you have waited just as long. Treat the queue as worship — make dhikr, send salawat, and prepare your heart.
Umrah Packages from the UK — Including Madinah Stay for Rawdah Access
Your Madinah hotel and the number of nights you spend there directly affect your chances of securing a Rawdah slot. A 7 night package gives you 3 to 4 nights in Madinah, while a 14 night package gives you 6 to 7 — more nights means more opportunities to check the app and book a slot if your first attempt fails. Here are our current all-inclusive prices for 2027.
| Duration | 3 Star (pp) | 4 Star (pp) | 5 Star (pp) |
| 7 Nights | £499 | £629 | £799 |
| 10 Nights | £579 | £719 | £899 |
| 12 Nights | £629 | £769 | £969 |
| 14 Nights | £679 | £839 | £1,049 |
Every package includes flights from major UK airports, Umrah e-visa, Nusuk registration, hotel accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah, and private transfers. We book hotels near Masjid al-Nabawi specifically so our pilgrims can walk to Gate 25 for Rawdah access without needing transport.
7 Nights Umrah Package
Our 7 nights Umrah package is the most popular choice for UK pilgrims. You spend 3 to 4 nights in Madinah — enough time to attempt Rawdah booking, visit Masjid Quba, and explore the historical sites. Starting from £499 per person at 3-star, £629 at 4-star, and £799 at 5-star.
10 Nights Umrah Package
The 10 nights Umrah package gives you 4 to 5 nights in Madinah. The extra night or two can be the difference between securing a Rawdah slot and missing out — more time to check the app, more flexibility if a slot opens at short notice. Prices from £579 per person at 3-star, £719 at 4-star, £899 at 5-star.
12 Nights Umrah Package
A 12 nights Umrah package typically splits as 7 nights in Makkah and 5 in Madinah. Five nights gives you a comfortable window for Rawdah, ziyarat visits, and unhurried prayer at Masjid al-Nabawi. Prices start at £629 per person for 3-star, £769 for 4-star, £969 for 5-star.
14 Nights Umrah Package
Our 14 nights Umrah package is the strongest option if praying in the Rawdah is a top priority. With 6 to 7 nights in Madinah, you have multiple days to monitor the Nusuk app and multiple slot windows to attempt. Prices from £679 per person at 3-star, £839 at 4-star, £1,049 at 5-star.
Planning your Umrah trip to Madinah? Send us a WhatsApp message and our team will get back to you within the hour with a personalised quote.
Related Guides You Might Find Useful
[Internal Link → Can Women Do Umrah Without a Mahram?] — Updated 2027 rules for women travelling solo.
[Internal Link → What to Wear for Umrah as a Woman] — Ihram, abaya, and dress code guide.
[Internal Link → Umrah Packages from UK 2027] — Full price breakdown for all durations and star ratings.
[Internal Link → Cheap Umrah Packages] — Budget-friendly options from £499 per person.
[Internal Link → First Time Umrah Guide] — Step-by-step ritual guide for first-time pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the women’s Rawdah visiting times in 2027?
Women can visit the Rawdah in two main sessions — after Fajr until before Dhuhr, and after Isha until approximately 2:00 AM. An Instant Track option also allows booking every 20 minutes when you are near Masjid al-Nabawi with GPS enabled on the Nusuk app.
How do I book a Rawdah permit for women?
Download the Nusuk app, register with your passport and Umrah visa number, navigate to “Prophet’s Mosque Services,” select “Rawdah for Women,” choose your date and time, and confirm. You will receive a free QR code permit. Screenshot it immediately.
Is the Rawdah permit free?
Yes. The Rawdah permit is completely free. It is booked through the official Nusuk app. Anyone asking you to pay for a Rawdah slot is not legitimate.
Which gate do women use for the Rawdah?
Women enter through Gate 25 (Bab Uthman ibn Affan) at Masjid al-Nabawi. Female security guards scan your QR permit at this gate. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your slot.
How long do I get inside the Rawdah?
Approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Staff guide a continuous flow to ensure all pilgrims get access. Plan your prayers and duas in advance to make the most of your time.
When do Rawdah slots get released on the Nusuk app?
Slots typically open 7 to 14 days before the visit date. During Ramadan, the window can shorten to 3 to 5 days. New slots often appear on Friday afternoons (Saudi time) and in smaller batches every 30 minutes throughout the day.
What if no Rawdah slots are available?
Keep checking the app — people cancel and release slots without notice. Try every hour, especially around noon Saudi time and after each prayer. Use the Instant Track if you are near the mosque. As a last resort, visit the Nusuk help desk at Gate 37 with your visa copy.
Can I visit the Rawdah more than once?
In principle, yes. There is no fixed limit per trip as of 2026. However, the system generally allows only one active booking at a time. Once your visit is completed, you can attempt to rebook. During peak seasons, first-time visitors may be prioritised.
Do children need a Rawdah permit?
Children aged 5 and above need their own permit, booked through the Nusuk app. Children under 5 generally do not need a permit but must accompany a parent.
Can my travel agent book the Rawdah for me?
No. The Rawdah permit is a personal booking tied to your individual Nusuk account. Your agent cannot access your profile. However, a family member with your details linked as a companion can include you in their booking and show the QR code on their phone.
What should I wear to the Rawdah?
A loose, modest abaya and a hijab that fully covers your hair and neck. Wear non-slip socks and easily removable shoes. Avoid perfume, makeup, and flashy clothing. Keep your phone on silent.
Can I take photos inside the Rawdah?
Photography is strongly discouraged inside the Rawdah. It disrupts the sanctity and invades the privacy of other pilgrims. Focus on prayer, not your phone.
What dua should I make in the Rawdah?
There is no specific prescribed dua. Make whatever sincere supplication you wish — for forgiveness, guidance, health, your family, your parents, the ummah. Write your dua list in advance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described this place as a garden of Paradise, and dua made here is among the most accepted.
How do I send salaam to the Prophet in Madinah?
Approach the golden grille of the burial chamber from the women’s section during designated hours. Face the grille and say: “As-salamu alayka ya Rasul Allah.” Then step right to send salaam to Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them). If you cannot approach due to crowds, send salaam from wherever you stand — it reaches him through the angels.
What is the green carpet in Masjid al-Nabawi?
The green carpet marks the Rawdah area — the space between the Prophet’s tomb and his minbar. The rest of the mosque has red or beige carpet. When you step onto green carpet, you are standing in what the Prophet called a garden of Paradise.
Can I visit the Rawdah without performing Umrah?
Yes. You do not need to be performing Umrah to visit the Rawdah. Umrah visa holders, Saudi tourist visa holders, Saudi residents, and GCC citizens can all book a Rawdah permit through the Nusuk app. You must be Muslim.
Is there a Rawdah visit for women on Fridays?
Friday timings may differ due to Jumu’ah prayer arrangements. Women’s Rawdah access is sometimes adjusted or restricted on Fridays. Check the Nusuk app on the Thursday before for the latest schedule.
How close should my hotel be to Masjid al-Nabawi?
As close as possible — ideally within 400 to 800 metres. A nearby hotel means you can reach Gate 25 quickly for early morning slots, and it also makes the Instant Track option more practical since it requires GPS proximity to the mosque.
What happens if my phone dies at the Rawdah gate?
No QR code means no entry. Always take a screenshot of your permit, carry a portable phone charger, and consider emailing yourself the QR code as a backup. Keep your phone charged throughout your Madinah stay.
Can I perform wudu at the mosque before my Rawdah visit?
Yes. Masjid al-Nabawi has clean, well-maintained wudu areas for women. Arrive early enough to perform wudu before joining the Rawdah queue. Entering in a state of wudu is essential for prayer inside.
What is the best Umrah package for women who want to visit the Rawdah?
A 10 or 14 nights Umrah package gives you the most flexibility. More nights in Madinah means more chances to book a Rawdah slot. We place our pilgrims in hotels within walking distance of Masjid al-Nabawi. Packages start from £499 per person.
How much does an Umrah package cost from the UK in 2027?
A 7 nights package starts from £499 per person at 3-star. A 10 nights package from £579. A 12 nights package from £629. A 14 nights package from £679. All prices include flights, visa, hotel in Makkah and Madinah, and transfers.
Can I book Umrah on WhatsApp?
Yes. Send us a WhatsApp message with your preferred dates, duration, and star rating. Our team responds within the hour with a personalised quote, including hotel options near Masjid al-Nabawi for convenient Rawdah access.
Is ATOL protection important when booking Umrah?
Yes. ATOL protection secures your money if the travel company stops trading. Always confirm your Umrah provider holds a valid ATOL licence before paying any deposit.
Planning your Umrah trip to Madinah? Send us a WhatsApp message and our team will get back to you within the hour with a personalised quote.
