Your Complete Guide to Hajj 2025: Dates, Costs, Requirements & Tips

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the most sacred journeys in Islam. Taking place in Makkah, Saudi Arabia,  it is a mandatory religious duty for every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim at least once in their lifetime. 

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Hajj 2025. From the Hajj application date, visa requirements, and Hajj rules to ritual details, costs, and the latest news updates.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a religious obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime. It represents submission to Allah, spiritual cleansing, and global unity among Muslims. 

The Five Pillars of Islam are: Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Hajj, the Mecca pilgrimage, commemorates the journey and actions of the Prophet Abraham, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail. 

Hajj is obligatory, but only to those who have the capacity to make the trip. It can be quite an arduous and expensive journey, and the weather conditions can be intense. So only those who are physically fit and able to afford it make the pilgrimage. 

During Hajj, pilgrims will perform a certain series of sacred rituals. They are done in a particular order and have a deep historical and spiritual significance. The rituals of Hajj include:

• Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity. Special clothing is worn during this ritual. 
• Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba seven times in Mecca. 
• Sa’i: Walking seven times between the Safa and Marwah hills. 
• Mina: Pilgrims travel to this holy tent city to pray. 
• Arafat: Taking place on Day 9, this is the day all pilgrims stand in prayer. It’s considered the most important day of Hajj. 
• Muzdailfah: Pilgrims collect stones for the stoning ritual. 
• Stoning of the Jamarat: Stones are thrown as a symbolic rejection of evil. 
• Eid Sacrifice: This ritual honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. 
• Tawaf al-Ifadah: This final ritual marks the end of the main Hajj rites.

What’s New in Hajj 2025?

Here are the news updates for Hajj 2025:

• Pilgrims from 14 countries will be subject to stricter visa regulations according to new rules. Nationals of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen will only be eligible to apply for single-entry tourist visas, not one-year multiple-entry visas. That applies to all tourism and short-term travel to Saudi Arabia, not only for Hajj. They can still apply for the Hajj visa if they are eligible. The single-entry visa is valid for just 30 days.
  
• Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will prevent children from participating in Hajj 2025, prioritizing adult pilgrims.
  
• They also announced that first-time pilgrims will be given precedence over those who have been before. This is intended to provide more Muslims with the chance to complete this religious rite at least once in their lives.

Other updates include:

• Pilgrims are increasingly using Nusuk for the Hajj application 2025. 

• Women can travel without a mahram. 
• Digital health and biometric systems will be streamlined for the application process. 
• Early announcements to avoid last-minute Hajj application date pressure are expected. 

Pilgrims can stay up to date via the Nusuk platform or their local Hajj authorities in their home country.

Hajj 2025 Dates

The Islamic calendar does not follow the same dates as the Western Gregorian calendar. It is actually a lunar calendar that depends on the phases of the moon. Unlike Umrah, which can be performed year-round, Hajj is only from the 8th to the 13th of the month of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar. Hajj starts on the 8th day and lasts approximately 5 to 6 days, often referred to as the days of Hajj. 

So, if you’re wondering “when is Hajj”, the answer for 2025 is: 

• Hajj is expected to take place from 4th June to the 9th June 2025 (Gregorian calendar), corresponding to 8-13 Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. 
• The exact dates depend on the moon sighting in the KSA. Pilgrims can stay updated through verified sources for that information.

Who Can Perform Hajj?

All pilgrims who travel to Mecca to perform Hajj must meet the eligibility criteria. 

• They must be Muslim. 
• They must be physically and mentally fit. 
• They must have the financial means to support themselves and their family for the duration of the Hajj and for the journey to and from Saudi Arabia. 
• Children must be of the age of discernment. This is the age at which they can undertake rituals and prayers with knowledge and understanding of their significance. This is typically around age 9 for girls and age 7 for boys.
  However, under the latest Hajj 2025 regulations, Saudi Arabia has announced that children will not be permitted to accompany pilgrims. This decision, issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, aims to protect children from the dangers of overcrowding and ensure their safety during the pilgrimage.

As per the updated Saudi Arabia Hajj regulations from 2021, women performing Hajj can now travel without a mahram (male guardian). Elderly or pregnant women should consult a doctor first due to the physically demanding nature of the pilgrimage. 

Muslims are exempt from Hajj if they have permanent physical or mental disabilities. Elderly and critically ill individuals are also exempt. Those who are unable to afford the journey are also not obliged to complete the pilgrimage. 

First-time pilgrims are prioritized over those who have attended multiple times to ensure that more Muslims have the opportunity to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.

Hajj Visa Requirements

To perform Hajj, pilgrims must obtain a single-entry visa for Hajj pilgrims. (Multiple-entry visas are typically issued for Umrah or business travel, not Hajj.) 

Required Documents

• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond the arrival date in Saudi Arabia). 
• Recent passport-size photographs. 
• Proof of vaccination. 
• Confirmed Hajj package booking. 

How to Apply for Hajj 2025 

Pilgrims can apply for Hajj 2025 through: 

• The Nusuk Hajj Platform (official portal of Saudi Arabia). 

The process for the Hajj application 2025 is very simple and will be completed through the Nusuk Hajj Platform. All applicants will follow these steps:

1. Create an account – All applicants will begin by creating an account through the Nusuk Hajj Platform.
2. Upload your documents – Collect and upload all required documents for your Hajj application.
3. Fill the application – Complete your application information through the Nusuk Hajj Platform.
4. Application verification – Submit biometrics through the Saudi Visa Bio application and ensure all vaccination records and required documents are verified.
5. Select preferred category – Choose your preferred Hajj service category.
6. Top up eWallet – Fund your account for necessary payments.
7. Browse service providers – Explore different service options available to you.
8. Select your preferred package – Review and choose from officially approved Hajj travel packages that best fit your needs.
9. Book your package – Confirm and book your selected Hajj package.
10. Review itinerary – Finalize and review your complete Hajj journey plan.

After completing these steps, await approval from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Some pilgrims may also be selected via national Hajj lotteries. 

All pilgrims will submit their biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) through the Saudi Visa Bio mobile application. This must be done before the visa application is submitted.

Hajj Packages and Costs for 2025

Wondering how much Hajj will cost in 2025? Here’s what you need to know: 

Hajj Price 2025 (Estimated): 

Economy: $3000 – $7000

Mid-Tier: $8000 – $10,000

Premium: $11,000+ 

Prices depend on the applicant’s country, provider, and chosen accommodation. 

What’s Included in a Typical Package? 

• Flights (round-trip) 
• Accommodation in Makkah, Mina, and Arafat
• Meals 
• Local transport
• Guided services 
• Basic medical care 

Economy packages offer the basic amenities and services at a more affordable price point. Premium packages are more luxurious and offer more convenient accommodation near the Grand Mosque. Premium packages usually offer enhanced services and personalized assistance, as well as fine dining options. The economy packages are the most budget-friendly option for Hajj. 

Prices for all three price points will vary depending on the service provided and the level of service provided. Some providers are extremely well-known, while others are new to the scene. Pilgrims are advised to do research before settling on a provider for Hajj.

Key Rituals of Hajj

Each ritual of Hajj follows the actions of the Prophet Mohammed and has deep spiritual significance. 

Ihram (8 Dhul Hijjah) 

Pilgrims enter a state of purity and wear prescribed garments. 

Tawaf (8 Dhul Hijjah) 

Pilgrims travel to Mina and spend the night engaged in prayer. 

Arafat (9 Dhul Hijjah) 

This is the holiest day of Hajj 2025. Pilgrims stand in prayer and supplication. 

Muzdalifah (Night of 9 Dhul Hijjah) 

Pilgrims collect pebbles for the next day’s ritual and sleep under the sky. 

Stoning of the Jamarat (10 Dhul Hijjah) 

Stones are thrown at three pillars symbolizing Satan as a symbolic renunciation of evil. 

Eid sacrifice 

This ritual commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God. 

Tawaf al-Ifadah 

Pilgrims circle the Kaaba after returning to Mecca.

Travel & Health Tips for Pilgrims

Vaccinations required for Hajj 2025 include: 

• Meningococcal meningitis (required for all pilgrims).
• COVID-19 (required only for high-risk groups, including those over 65, pregnant women, and people with specific chronic conditions).
• Polio vaccine (required for travelers from countries with poliovirus presence).
• Yellow Fever vaccine (required for travelers from endemic regions).

All pilgrims are advised to: 

• Stay hydrated and carry electrolyte solutions. 
• Wear breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. 
• Keep ID, documents, and emergency contacts on hand.

Conclusion

Hajj 2025 promises a spiritually rich and logistically improved experience. As preparations evolve, digital systems and better support services aim to ease the journey for all pilgrims. 
If you’re planning to apply for Hajj 2025, start early. Understand your eligibility, choose a suitable package, and prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually.

FAQs About Hajj 2025