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Hajj visa

The sacred Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and every Muslim is expected to make the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in their lifetime. For that reason, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, home to the world’s holiest Islamic sites, welcomes millions of visitors each year for this sacred ritual.

All foreign citizens must apply for the Saudi Hajj visa through travel agents authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. GCC citizens, who can travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa, must still obtain a Hajj permit, in order to be allowed to perform the Hajj.

Please note that the Saudi Hajj visa is granted exclusively for Hajj pilgrimage purposes. All pilgrims are required to leave Saudi Arabia after Hajj, no longer than the 10th day of Muharram.

Table of contents

Eligibility

To apply for a Saudi Hajj & Umrah visa, foreign applicants must be at least 18 years old, of the Muslim faith, and meet a set of Saudi Hajj visa requirements, detailed below. Women, over 45 years old, are allowed to perform Hajj without a male guardian, or Mahram, provided that they are part of a group and have the permission of their husband or father. Children under 18 years of age must apply for a Saudi Hajj visa with a parent or legal guardian.

Validity

The Saudi Hajj visa is granted exclusively for Hajj pilgrimage purposes and is valid only during the Hajj period. All pilgrims should leave Saudi Arabia after Hajj, and stay no longer than the 10th day of Muharram.

Requirements

To apply for a Saudi Hajj visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Application

Applicant should complete a Saudi Hajj & Umrah visa application form and apply through travel agents authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.

Passport

Applicant must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of application submission.

Personal photo

Applicant must submit 1 recent color photo; against a white background; 2x2 inches; natural facial expressions; photo 80% face; no eyeglasses; no head wear, except for religious reasons.

Vaccination certificate

A health certification against Meningococcal Meningitis, issued at least 10 days before and less than 3 years from entry into Saudi Arabia, which is valid for at least 3 years. Depending on nationality, age, and health condition, other vaccinations may be required, such as yellow fever, polio, and influenza.

Proof of relationship (for women and children)

Women and children should be accompanied by a husband or father, Mahram, when traveling to Saudi Arabia, and Mahram must provide proof of relationship in the form of a marriage or birth certificate. Women and children must travel on the same flights with the Mahram.

No-objection letter (for women traveling with a group)

Women, over 45 years old, can perform Hajj, without a male guardian, on the condition that they are part of a group and have the permission of their Mahram in a no-objection letter.

Ticket

Applicant must have a confirmed return/onward airline ticket.

Applying for a Saudi Hajj visa

Foreign nationals wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage must apply for a Saudi Saudi Hajj visa. Saudi Hajj visas cannot be applied for at Saudi embassies or missions abroad and must be applied for through travel agents authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.

Processing time

Saudi Hajj visas are usually processed in approximately 5 days. It is always advised to start your Saudi Hajj visa application process early, so as to avoid possible delays or unforeseen circumstances.

Extension

Saudi Hajj visas cannot be extended, and travelers should depart from Saudi Arabia before their visa expires. You are advised to check your Saudi Hajj visa information carefully to avoid overstays and penalties.

FAQ

The Saudi Hajj visa is only granted for Hajj pilgrimage purposes and is valid only during the Hajj period. All pilgrims should leave Saudi Arabia after Hajj, and stay no longer than the 10th day of Muharram.

No, you cannot participate in Hajj on a tourist visa. All foreign nationals must apply for a Saudi Hajj visa, prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia during Hajj season, except for GCC citizens, who can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free during Hajj, yet still need to apply for a Hajj permit.

All Muslim pilgrims are required to apply for a Hajj 2024 permit. Saudi nationals and residents can apply for Hajj permits through the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.

Saudi Hajj visas are issued from mid-Shawwal until the 25th Dhual-Qu’dah of each year.