General information on applying for a Hajj visa

Hajj visas are free and are issued from Mid-Shawwal until 25th Dhual-Qa'dah of each year.

Hajj visa is for Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah.

Hajj visas are not valid for work or residency.

Hajj visas are not issued to individuals. Each applicant for a Hajj visa must apply through a licensed travel agency, which must present the Consulate with copies of "Accommodation Contacts" and a letter from the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia confirming that the travel agency has duly completed all requirements to qualify to assist pilgrims.

 

Health Matters

Do I need any kind of vaccinations?

It is the requirement of Saudi Ministry of Health that all visitors should have a valid vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis The certificate must have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

All travelers arriving from countries known to be infected with yellow fever (as shown in the World Health Organization [WHO] Weekly Epidemiological Record) must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate in accordance with the International Health Regulations.

Where do I go if I am ill? Are there any hospitals in Makkah?

There are many hospitals which provide free healthcare for pilgrims.

Are over-the-counter medicines available in Makkah? Where do I buy them?

Most over-the-counter medicine is available at pharmacies in Makkah. If you are used to a particular brand of medicine or if you take prescribed medication, it is recommended you bring adequate supplies of these.

 

Pilgrims with Disability

What are the facilities for disabled pilgrims?

The Hajj is physically demanding and should be undertaken only by those who are fit enough to perform the rites. The Holy Quran makes it clear that only those who are physically and financially able are under an obligation to perform Hajj.

That said, there are many disabled Muslims who wish to perform Hajj and, if adequate preparations are made, many can fulfil their wish. Below, we give some guidance but it is imperative that any disabled person thinking of performing Hajj should consult in detail with their travel agent before making any bookings.

Airport: There are facilities for the disabled at Jeddah airport. Your travel agent should ensure the airport staff are advised of your needs in advance.

Transport in the Kingdom: Buses are not equipped to handle wheel-chairs. Disabled pilgrims must ensure that they or their carers have made arrangements with private taxi firms for transportation in the Kingdom, either through your travel agent or though your service provider in the Kingdom.

Hotels: In general, hotels are not equipped for the disabled, with the exception of some of the top hotels. Again, it is crucial that you check with the hotel before booking, to explain your needs and to ensure they can be met.

Houses: Houses are not generally equipped for the disabled.

Grand Mosque in Makkah: The Grand Mosque is well-equipped for the disabled. It has escalators and ramps to enable wheelchairs to move easily from one level to another. Wheel-chairs are provided free of charge in the Grand Mosque but, if you need to ask someone to push your wheelchair, the pusher will charge for his service.

To make sure arrangements are adequate, always check with your travel agent before you set out for the Kingdom and with your service provider in the Kingdom.

 

General Safety Instructions

In general, how can I keep safe at Jamarat?

For your own safety and that of others, please observe the following instructions when proceeding to the casting of the Jamarat:

1. Adherence to the schedules designated for you by the Mutawwif.

2. Adherence to the lanes designated for proceeding to the Jamarat and returning therefrom.

3. Avoid pushing your fellow pilgrims and proceed quietly and calmly.

4. Do not carry personal effects.

5. Do not walk against the direction of the traffic.

 

Ihram

What is an Ihram and how should I wear it?

The Ihram garments for men consists of two pieces of white sheet. Wrap the larger sheet around your waist to cover your body from the navel to the ankles. Secure the Ihram either with a belt or by a strip of fabric torn from Ihram material. Drape the other sheet over the back and shoulders and wear a pair of stitched or unstitched sandals or shoes which do not cover the ankles. The head should not be covered, and no underwear should be used. The Ihram should preferably be white.

 

Should women wear the Ihram?

Women are allowed to make Ihram in any dress they wish which fulfills the Islamic conditions of public dress, regardless of the color. Women's hands and face should be uncovered in Ihram. Their heads should be covered.

 

Are there things I should and shouldn't be doing while I am in a state of Ihram?

Yes, a Muhrim (someone who is in state of Ihram) must observe certain obligations and prohibitions.

These are:

 

• Keep your head uncovered at all times. Women should keep their heads covered
• Do not shave, cut your hair, clip your nails, use perfume, or wear sewn clothes of any kind
• Do not perform marriage or get married yourself
• Do not kill an animal of any kind for any reason, unless it poses a danger to you and to the others.
• Do not enter into conjugal relations with your spouse. Avoid suggestive and provocative talk or gestures and remain focused on Hajj

 

 

Selecting Travel Agents and Travel to Saudi Arabia

How do I choose a travel agent?

Choosing a right agent is the most important aspect of planning for your Hajj. There are two types of tour guides: authorized licensed agents and sub-agents. Authorized licensed agents are companies or groups who hold their own licenses from the Saudi authorities. Sub-agents are those who use the name of the agents to get the visas. These sub-agents simply get their people together, take their passports and go to the agent who gets them the paperwork to get you into Saudi Arabia. After that the main agent is not necessarily aware of who you are, so you have no protection if you are let down.

You should choose an authorized licensed agency, recognized by Saudi Arabian authorities. Obtain a list of authorized licensed agencies in your country from the Saudi Arabian Consulate. Below are examples of questions that you should ask your agent:

 

1. Do you hold your own license or are you a sub-agent?

2. If sub-agent, what is the name of the main licensed agent?

3. Are you responsible for the accommodation or is it the main agent?

4. What is the package dates?

5. Are these dates firm and have you booked the seats?

6. Which airline are you using?

7. Is it a direct or indirect flight?

8. Will there be someone accompanying the group?

9. Can I have a leaflet advertising your package?

10. What type of accommodation will you provide and has it been booked?

11. Can I have details of the accommodation in writing? I need to know the quality of room, number of people sharing and its distance from the Haram.

12. How many people are in the group and how many helpers will we have?

13. Do you provide the food in Makkah and Madinah?

14. Do you provide the food in Mina?

15. Do you provide our own transport to and from Mina?

16. Are we taking a sheikh/imam with us?

17. Do you and your helpers speak Arabic?

18. How will you organize the Tawafas?

19. Is the sacrificial animal (qurban) included in the package?

20. How will you organize the stoning of Jamarats?

21. What kind of accommodation will there be in Arafat?

22. Do you provide the food in Arafat?

23. How do we travel from Makkah to Madinah?

 

How do I get to Saudi Arabia?

There are more than 24 air, land and sea inlets for receiving pilgrims in the central, eastern, northern, western and southern regions of the Kingdom.

Among the land inlets are: Halat Ammar, Jadidat Arar, Al Ragei, Salwa, King Fahd Causeway, Al Khadra, Al Tewal, Elab and Al Wadeah.

Among sea inlets are: Jeddah Islamic Sea Port, Yanbu Port and Dammam Port.

Among the airports are: King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madinah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

Most pilgrims travel by air to Jeddah and then travel by bus to Makkah via Jeddah-Makkah expressway.

 

Are there direct flights to Makkah?

No. There isn't a civilian airport in Makkah. The nearest civilian airport is in Jeddah.

 

How do I get to Makkah?

Once you arrive in Jeddah and your documents are checked, you will travel to Makkah by bus. These buses are provided by the local transport companies through the General Cars Syndicate.

 

How long does it take to travel from Jeddah to Makkah?

The distance between Jeddah and Makkah is about 50 miles. If you go by taxi it may take about one and half hours. It will take longer by bus. Taxis from Makkah to Madinah cost about SR 50-60 per person.

 

I've heard my passport will be taken from me. Is this true?

Yes. Once you have gone through customs and immigration, travel coupons for internal travel in Saudi Arabia will be attached to your passport and you will be escorted to a bus to travel to Makkah. At this point your passport will be taken away and will be kept by the mutawwif (a guide assigned to you by the Government). It will be given back to you at Jeddah airport on the day you return home. You will be given a photo-ID card by your mutawwif in place of your passport. You will also be given a tag (a rubber bracelet which will identify you to the mutawwif in case you get lost) and a Hajj security badge.

Make sure you carry the ID card and wear your bracelet at all times and take care of them.

It is also advisable to carry with you notarized copies of your passport.

 

Forbidden Imports

What things should I NOT bring to Saudi Arabia?

You are not allowed to bring any perishable or uncanned food in large quantities.

You must not bring alcohol or drugs into the Kingdom. The punishments are severe and can include capital punishment.

 

Travel and Accommodation at the Holy Places

Where do I stay in Makkah?

Your accommodation should be arranged by your authorized licensed agent. There are different qualities of accommodations, from four star luxurious hotels to rooms through to apartments you share with others. Your agency should give you details of the hotel where you will be staying. If you are sharing, your travel agency should also let you know how many people will share your room.

 

How do I move around Makkah. Is there public transport?

Travel within Saudi Arabia is highly restricted. Pilgrims' travel will be limited to the cities of Makkah and Madinah, to the tent cities of Mina and Arafat and to Muzdalifah. Inter-city travel will require the pilgrim or his travel agent to inform the Tawafa Establishment office 24 to 48 hours before departure. Pilgrims travel by buses provided by the General Cars Syndicate, using one of travel coupons given to them by the Tawafa Establishment. Buses are of different standards and are allocated on an availability basis. Pilgrims can also travel by taxis at an extra cost to them.

 

How long is the distance between Makkah and Mina?

The distance between Makkah and Mina is 8 kilometers (5 miles). Depending on traffic it could take anything between 2 to 4 hours. It may be better to walk the distance sometimes.

 

How long is the distance between Mina and Arafat?

The distance between Mina and Arafat is 14.4 kilometers (9 miles).

 

Where do I stay in Mina?

Mina is a well-organized tent city, with sectors and a secure precinct. Each tent can house between 20 to 40 people. Each tent has air conditioning unit and several power points. There are separate cooking areas and there are toilets with showering facilities in each precinct. Your travel agent should organize your accommodation in Mina.

 

Qurbani - Sacrificing

If I need to sacrifice an animal, how do I order and arrange it?

Booking for Haj Qurbani Sacrificing is available online at http://qurbani.hajhouse.com

Order online and get in touch with the concern authorities on there direct phone numbers.

Note : Avoid Illegal and unauthorised Qurbani and there Agents. Through out the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia only The Saudi Project of Utilization of Haj Meat is legal and authorised.

 

Also Booths around Makkah and Mina have been set up by the Islamic Development Bank to facilitate buying coupons for slaughtering and distributing sacrificial animals.

During Hajj, the sacrifice can be made in Mina or Makkah, after the stoning of the largest Jamarat. The sacrifice can be done by your agent on your behalf.

The types of animals which may be sacrificed are camels, cows, sheep and goats.

A sheep or goat can be sacrificed on behalf of only one person; whereas, a cow or camel can be shared by seven people.

The age of the goat or sheep should be at least one year, the cow two and the camel at least five.

It is forbidden to sacrifice sick, crippled or wounded animals.

The sacrifice should be performed on the 10th of Dhu'l-Hijjah but it is allowed to sacrifice up until the dusk of the 13th.

The pilgrim should say the following Du'aa when slaughtering the animal: "In the name of Allah and Allah is the Greatest. O Allah! This is from You and for You." The animal should be turned on its left side facing the Kaaba, but this is not a strict rule and is recommended practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

The one performing the sacrifice should eat a part of the meat and a portion should be distributed to the needy and the poor. The butcher should not be given any part of the animal in lieu of his wages, as it is meant for charity.

 

Food and Drink

Is the drinking water safe?

You may either drink bottled mineral water or drink from water fountains available for drinking throughout the holy sites. Use of boiled or sterilized water is not a must. Zamzam water is always safe.

 

Is the food safe? What foods should I avoid?

Avoid eating exposed food and meat from the counter. Make sure you eat cooked meat and fish, preferably hot. Cook vegetables and eat peeled fruit. Also always boil the milk.

 

Language

What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia?

 

Arabic is the main language of Saudi Arabia. English is spoken by some professionals.

 

Do the Hajj guides speak English?

If your agent is good, he should provide guides who speak English.

 

 

Mobile Phones

Can I use my mobile phone/cell phone in Saudi Arabia?

 

You can use mobile phones to keep in touch with your group and also to phone home. SIM cards, only valid for a month, are available over the counter in most phone shops in Makkah and Madinah. Before leaving, make sure your phone can accept any SIM card, as opposed to being tied to a network.

 

 

Getting Lost

What do I do if I am lost? Where do I go for help?

 

If you are lost, there are "Pilgrim Assistance Booths" set up all over and they will help you to find your hotel, tents, etc. Make sure you have your ID card and your ID bracelet with you at all times.

If you are traveling with a group, it is advisable to agree on a well-known location/landmark to gather in case somebody gets lost.

 

 

Lost Property

 

Where do I go if I lose my passport?

Your passport will be taken from you after you enter Jeddah by the Unified Agents Office representatives, so that the latter can complete all travel formalities to Makkah and Madinah.

If you lose your passport, you should immediately report it to the same office appointed to take care of you during Hajj (Field Service Group, FSG). You should obtain a report from the Unified Agents Office in which the loss of passport is mentioned.

It is advisable to carry with you notarized copies of your passport.

 

If my money is stolen where do I go for help? How do I report the crime?

Report any crime to the police and your Tawafa Establishment.

 

 

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