Applying for a Saudi Hajj Visa Made Easy

Introduction

Each year, millions of Muslims travel to the city of Makkah to perform Hajj, making it officially the world’s largest human gathering. In 2023, a record-breaking 13.5 million pilgrims undertook the pilgrimage, marked by a 58% increase versus 2022.

With the influx of visitors and new pilgrims annually, Saudi embassies and consulates are constantly busy with the processing and approval of Hajj visas, especially approaching Hajj season.

If you are planning to go to Saudi Arabia for the first time to perform Hajj, you must know what the requirements and processes are in obtaining a Hajj visa. How easy is it to apply? Do you need to go through the Saudi embassy or consulate? Can you apply online? We answer all these questions and more in this article. Read on to learn more.

Eligibility

As mentioned, Hajj season is a busy time as pilgrims apply for a visa. All Muslims planning to do Hajj must have a Saudi Hajj visa, except for citizens of any of Saudi Arabia’s fellow GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Foreign applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Validity

Just like any visa, the Saudi Hajj is only valid for a certain period. Because it is only issued so applicants can perform Hajj, it is only valid during Hajj season. Pilgrims on a Hajj visa must exit Saudi Arabia after Hajj, no longer than the 10th day of Muharram.

Application

Gone are the days when applying for a Saudi Hajj visa meant visiting Saudi embassies or consulates and manually submitting requirements and processing times were much longer.

These days, many elements of the Hajj visa application process have been streamlined through digitization, with the development of online application forms, electronic submission of documents, and online tracking of the visa application status.

Applicants can no longer apply for a Saudi Hajj visa through embassies or consulates. Instead, they must go through authorized travel service providers such as travel agents authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.

Before you can book a package from these agents, you must first register for the year’s Hajj on Nusuk Hajj, a one-stop-shop platform for Hajj and Umrah.

To ensure you are transacting with a legitimate travel agency, the website has a list of its recognized service providers. From there, you will be able to review their profile as well as access their website and social media accounts.

With Nusuk Hajj, it is now easier for pilgrims to acquire a Hajj permit. Once you’ve signed up for an account on Nusuk, upload your documents such as your passport, digital passport photo, vaccination certificates, etc., and fill up the application form with your personal and passport information, as well as your travel plans. Once the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reviews your application, you’ll receive an update.
In the meantime, you can now select a Hajj travel package that meets your budget and preferences.

Requirements

You must know the requirements so you can prepare accordingly before applying for a Saudi Hajj visa.
While the list of requirements may vary depending on your country of residence, generally, the following documents are required to apply for a Saudi Hajj visa (You may check here for your requirements):

1. Passport with at least six months validity

2. Non-refundable roundtrip tickets with confirmed reservations

3. Passport-size photos with a white background

4. Accomplished application form

5. For Mahram, copies of marriage and birth certificates and proof of kinship

6. For women 45 years old and above, a letter of no objection from their Mahram

7. Certificate of vaccinations for:

• Meningococcal meningitis
• Poliomyelitis, for states reporting cases of WPV1 or cVDPV1
• Poliomyelitis, for states reporting cVDPV2-positive human samples
• Yellow Fever, for countries or areas at risk

Note that the certificates must have been issued between 10 days to no more than three years before visiting Saudi Arabia.

8. For applicants who are not citizens of the country they are applying from, documented proof of legal residence status

9. For new converts to Islam, an Islamic certificate notarized by an Islamic center

Visa fees

The cost of the Hajj travel package, which includes the visa fee, will range anywhere between SAR 13,780 ($3,941) and SAR 19,277 ($5,140). This will depend on the package that you choose.

Processing time

The processing time for a Saudi Hajj visa is approximately five business days, however, note that this can vary depending on each applicant’s case and circumstances.

Applying on behalf of children or a group

To apply for a Hajj visa on behalf of children or a group, you will need to submit their individual accomplished visa application forms and other documents to the travel agent.

Finding and printing your visa

You won’t need to present a hard copy of your visa, because it will show up in the Saudi travel authorities’ system. But it is recommended to keep a digital copy on your mobile phone.

If you wish to print your visa and you did not receive a copy of it, visit https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/visaservices/searchvisa (from the website of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to print it from the platform.

Insurance

According to Saudi Arabia’s Council of Health Insurance (CHI), health insurance is mandatory if you are applying for a tourist visa. This should already be included in your selected Hajj travel package.

Once your visa is issued, your health insurance will automatically be activated. The health insurance will cover in-patient treatment (including the cost of COVID-19 treatment) and all health emergencies by a network of approved healthcare service providers.

When making a claim, note that it is not necessary to pay a deductible or a co-payment when you visit an authorized health insurance provider such as a pharmacy, doctor’s office, or an ambulance service center.

To get a copy of your insurance policy, download it as a PDF file through the same account you used for the application.

Understanding Hajj travel packages

Because there are so many travel agencies to choose from, it might be confusing to determine which one is the best for you. The following is a guide to what travel packages offer, as well as the different types of Hajj packages.

As you will be applying for a Saudi Hajj visa through travel agents, it is best to have a good understanding of their different offerings.

The following are the services that you can consider when reviewing available Hajj travel packages:

• Visa assistance and issuance
• Flights
• Hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah
• Meals
• Inter-city transport
• Mashair services

If your budget allows it, you may want to consider all-inclusive packages, as these include all essential services for pilgrims throughout their Hajj journey.

Other factors that you should consider when choosing a package are 1) your proximity to Masjid Al-Haram, 2) your camp in Mina (Majar Al-Kabsh Camp or Al-Muaisim Camp), 3) if you are staying in a single or shared room and how many people you will be sharing the room with, 4) your transportation between cities (via Haraman high-speed railway, plane, shuttle bus, or private car), and 5) any other services such as tours or SIM cards.

Types of Hajj travel packages

You may notice the words “Shifting” and “Non-shifting” as you search for Hajj packages. Shifting packages provide you with two accommodations: one near the Sacred Mashair sites during Hajj period and another in Makkah, before or after the Hajj period. This gives pilgrims the convenience of being close to important locations throughout Hajj.

Non-shifting packages, meanwhile, provide pilgrims with one accommodation while they are in Makkah, both before and after the Hajj period.

Package classifications

Now that you know about shifting and non-shifting travel packages, we can now go into their classifications. Pilgrims can choose between 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star accommodations in Majar Al-Kabsh or Al-Muaisim for their pilgrimage.

• Luxury: Minimum of 10 days, 5-star hotel accommodation
• Premium: Minimum of 10 days, 4-star hotel accommodation
• Standard: Minimum of 14 days, 3-star hotel or residential building accommodation
• Luxury Shifting: Minimum of 14 days, 5-star hotel or residential building accommodation
• Premium Shifting: Minimum of 14 days, 4-star or 3-star hotel or residential building accommodation
• Standard Shifting: Minimum of 14 days, 3-star hotel or residential building accommodation

Hajj package fees

When browsing packages, you will see a note on the upper right-hand side of the page about the starting prices for these.

As mentioned, the cost will vary depending on factors such as the proximity to Masjid-Al-Haram, which camp you choose in Mina, if you are staying in a single or shared room (double room, triple room, or quad room), how you will be moving between cities, and if you have any additional services.

Moreover, if you will be participating in a Long Hajj package (42 days, including 8 days in Madina) or a Short Hajj package (25 days). Consider as well the cost of your airfare from your country of origin.

As of March 2024, the cost for foreign nationals can range from anywhere between SAR 13,780 ($3,941) and SAR 19,277 ($5,140).

Frequently Asked Questions

While there are plenty of Hajj resources available online, you may still have questions about performing Hajj and acquiring a Hajj visa. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

Can I use a Saudi tourist visa for Hajj?

No. The Saudi tourist visa only allows you to take part in tourism events, visit family and friends, and perform Umrah, but not Hajj.

Does registering on Nusuk mean that I have been accepted for Hajj?

No. Registering on Nusuk does not equate to being accepted into Hajj. Your acceptance will still be based on the decision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Can I apply for another tourist visa?

You may not apply for another tourist visa if you are currently under a valid Saudi tourist visa. You may re-apply for a new tourist visa once the current one expires.

Can I extend my stay in Saudi Arabia with an e-visa?

Note that if you are granted a Saudi e-visa, it cannot be extended.

What should I wear while I’m in Saudi Arabia?

Both men and women should dress modestly while in Saudi Arabia, otherwise they potentially face penalties. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or clothes displaying profane language or images. Women should cover their shoulders and knees when in public.

Generally, wearing long, loose tops, long pants or trousers, or long skirts up to the ankle is safe. The only time you should not abide by this rule is when the situation calls for different attire, such as when swimming. Similarly, choose to wear modest swimming attire.

Conclusion

With the advent of technology and by authorizing Hajj travel service providers, Saudi Arabia is better able to manage the influx of pilgrims each year. Travel agencies have the task of not only issuing Hajj visas, but also arranging the airfare, transportation, accommodation, and meals,

Hajj pilgrims can choose from a variety of travel packages to suit their budget and preferences. Factors such as their country of origin, choice of hotel room (single or sharing), and rating of their hotel can affect the cost of the travel package.

For more information, visit the website of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Image by Adli Wahid from Pixabay