A Pilgrim’s Guide to Obtain a Saudi Arabia Hajj Visa

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is blessed with 2 holy cities, where millions of pilgrims worldwide visit each year. 

Pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia to perform both Hajj and Umrah. In this article, we discuss the Saudi Arabia Hajj visa.

What is Hajj? 

In Islam, performing Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. They believe performing the Hajj is one of the most precious things and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for physically and financially fit people. Unlike Umrah, Hajj is performed once a year. This normally occurs between the 8th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Only Muslims are allowed to visit the holy cities and perform Hajj. Those pilgrims who want to perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia must apply for a Saudi Arabia Hajj Visa.

Types of Hajj Visas

The Saudi Arabia Hajj Visa system is expanding and includes streamlined processes to ensure pilgrims have an organized, secure, and convenient experience. Here is a list of Hajj visas-

• Hajj Tamattu- With this visa, pilgrims complete Umrah and then leave the sacred state of Ihram, and re-enter to perform the hajj.
• Hajj Ifrad – This visa allows pilgrims to perform Hajj. Only Hajj is without Umrah.
• Hajj Qiran – This visa allows pilgrims to perform both Umrah and Hajj without exiting the country.

Hajj Rituals 

• Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction 7 times.
• Sa’i– Walking between these two hills Safa & Marwa symbolizes Hagar’s search for water.
• Drinking water from the Zamzam Well – Pilgrims drink water from the historic Zamzam well.
• Standing at Mount Arafat – Spending a day here in prayer and reflection
• Staying Overnight in Muzdalifa– Pilgrims collect pebbles and pray.
• Stoning the Devil- Pilgrims throw pebbles at pillars. This symbolizes the rejection of evil.

Here is the Eligibility criteria and Application Process to Obtain a Saudi Hajj Visa

Eligibility 

Only Muslim pilgrims may apply for a Hajj visa. Each country is given a specific number of pilgrims based on agreements with Saudi officials. Priority is often given to individuals who have never performed Hajj previously.

Authorized Travel Agents 

All applications must be processed by accredited Hajj travel agents/operators who ensure that they meet laws and package requirements.

Online Registration 

Pilgrims can apply for a Hajj visa through Saudi consulates and embassies. Otherwise, there are certified travel agencies that specialize in organizing Hajj pilgrimages. Moreover, there are online platforms too. The following are the required documents to apply for a Hajj visa-

• Pilgrims’ valid passport
• Recent passport-size photo
• Completed visa application form
• Return ticket
• Vaccination/Health certificates
• Cash/card to make the final payments. 

Please note that – Women must be accompanied by a Mahram (father, brother, or husband). Women over 45 are allowed to travel without mahram however, they need written consent from their mahram to travel with pilgrim groups. And, Children under 18 should accompanied by their parents. Birth certificates are required.

Key Points to Remember 

• Apply early
• Follow all the guidelines
• Respect the customs and the environment of that place
• Respect fellow pilgrims
• Prepare yourself physically, spiritually, and financially
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun
• Dress modestly
• Please understand the whole rituals for Hajj
• Carry your medicines along with the prescription