Hajj Visa

Hajj is a religious obligation performed by Muslims from all over the world. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Pilgrims travel to Makkah and Madinah situated in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. In order to enter Saudi Arabia, a Hajj visa is required for pilgrims, and the policy or requirements for it are mentioned below.

Place to apply for a Hajj Visa

The application form can be obtained from the Saudi consulate. For better guidance, a travel agent should be contacted to assist with the procedure. Details regarding authorized travel agents can be found on their website.

Time to Apply for a Hajj Visa

Hajj visas are issued from mid-Shawwal until 25 Dhual-Qa’dah each year.

Payment for the Hajj Visa

No payment is required from the applicant as the visas are free of charge.

However, charges for transport, tent accommodation in Mina and Arafat, Zamzam water, agents, and guides are included and can be inquired about by contacting the Saudi Consulate.

Hajj Visa Requirements

• The applicant should have a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and two blank visa pages adjacent to each other in case of entry into another country after Saudi Arabia.
• Each applicant should submit one passport-size photograph with a white background. The picture should be a full-face view. (Some travel agents may require two photographs: one for the visa application and one for a group identification card.)
• A duly filled form should be submitted, filled with black ink and stamped by the authorized travel agency.
• The Mahram should provide complete information about his wife or children, along with birth and marriage certificates, respectively.

NOTE: Women should travel with a Mahram, and if travelling in a group and aged 45 or older, they should submit a No Objection Certificate with the application.

• The applicant should possess non-refundable and confirmed tickets.
• The applicant should submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For children up to 15 years old, a certificate for polio as well as meningitis is required. The certificate for children over 15 years old is the same as for adults. The certificate should be issued no more than three years prior to, and no less than 10 days prior to, arrival in Saudi Arabia.
• Each pilgrim should provide two certified checks for facilities including tent accommodation in Mina and Arafat, Zamzam water, and transportation costs to the “Unified Travel Agent”. The option of two payments in one check can be used. Children aged 7 to 15 need to pay half price, and children under seven do not need to pay. Correct charges can be obtained by contacting the Saudi consulate.

NOTE: Non-resident applicants should submit a permanent residence document.

If the applicant is a convert to Islam, a certificate should be provided by the Islamic Center.

NOTE: Passport authorities have the right to refuse entry to any pilgrim who provides incorrect information regarding their residence.

Children's age for the Hajj visa

Children can perform Hajj with their parents; their photographs, along with their birth certificate, should be attached to the application and to the parent's passport. Children and women under 45 should travel with a Mahram (a male relative).

NOTE: Applicants under 18 will not be issued a Hajj visa unless accompanied by family.

Hajj Visa Requirements for UK Residents

The requirements to obtain a Hajj visa for UK residents are listed below:

• A fully filled application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Passport validity of at least six months
• Contact an authorized travel agent; details are available on www.saudiembassy.org.uk.
• A meningitis vaccination certificate, issued no more than 10 days prior to entering Saudi Arabia.
• For children travelling on a parent’s passport, their photograph should be attached to both the passport and the visa application form and approved by the concerned authorities.
• Females must be accompanied by a Mahram. The Mahram can be a husband, father, elder son, nephew, or uncle, and must be at least 17 years old.
• Non-UK residents must provide proof of permanent residency.

Important Notes

• Passport submission hours are 9 am to 12 noon, Monday to Thursday.
• Passport collection hours are 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Friday.
• The date for Hajj visa acceptance is the 15th of Shawwal, and the last date for application acceptance is the 25^th Dhu’l-Qada, according to the Hijri calendar.
• Validity starts from the date of issue.
• Applications must be in block capital letters and filled with black ink.
• Hajj visas are free of charge.
• For further assistance, contact the Consular section.

Caution

Pilgrims are not permitted to carry any pictures or written materials for political purposes and must respect Saudi Arabian laws and regulations.

See also

• Visa Requirements for Saudi citizens
• Visa Policy of Saudi Arabia

External Links

• وزارة الخارجية - Hajj Visa
• Hajj Visa Section - وزارة الخارجية
• Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet - Travel.gov - Department of State

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