Frequently Asked Questions

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:

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.

From USA most pilgrims travel by air to Jeddah and then travel by Saudi Airlines shuttle to Madinah and from by BUS from Jeddah to Makkah via Jeddah-Makkah expressway if you traveling direct to Makkah first.

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 OR your group Charter Private Buses.

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. But during the Haj session it will take over an hour. It will take longer by bus. Taxis from Madinah to Makkah OR Makkah to Madinah will cost about SR 450-650 per Taxi during the peak time of Haj.

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.

Where do I go to get a Hajj visa?

The application form is available from your nearest Saudi Consulate. But it is advisable to appoint a licensed travel agent, who will arrange a visa, as well as your travel and accommodation and anything else you may need to perform the Hajj . The travel agent will send your application form to the Saudi Consulate.

What do I need for a Hajj visa?

You must comply with all the following requirements:

The applicant must have a passport valid for at least six more months and acceptable both for entry to Saudi Arabia and entry to the next destination; the passport should have at least two empty visa pages adjacent to each other.

Each applicant must submit one recent passport size color photograph with a white background. The photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted. (Some travel agents require two color photos, one for the visa application and the other for the group identification card).

The applicant must submit a completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed; the form must be signed and stamped by the authorized travel agency.

The Mahram should write on the application forms complete information on his spouse and children or any relative with whom he is traveling. He should also provide copies of marriage or birth certificates.

Women are required to travel for Hajj with a Mahram. Proof of kinship must be submitted with the application form. Any woman over the age of 45 may travel without a Mahram with an organized group, provided she submits a letter of no objection from her Mahram authorizing her to travel for Hajj with the named group. This letter should be notarized.

The applicant must be in possession of a non-refundable roundtrip ticket with confirmed reservations.

The applicant must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to 15 years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio as well as meningitis. Children over 15 years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults. The certificate of vaccination should have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days prior to entering Saudi Arabia .

Each pilgrim should submit two certified checks or cashier checks payable to 'Unified Agents Office' in Jeddah for pilgrimage services (guides, Zamzam water agents, tent accommodation in Mina and Arafat and transportation costs). These checks should include the name and the passport number of the pilgrim and date and place of issue. Each applicant must pay the appropriate fees. Pilgrims have the option to submit one check combining both fees. Children between the ages of seven and fifteen should only pay half of the amount. Children under the age of seven do not need to pay. Please check with the Saudi Consulate in your country for correct charges.

Applicants who are not nationals of the country they are applying from should submit documented proof of legal residence status. Passport authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reserve the right to return (at his or her own expense) any pilgrim who has provided wrong or false information about their residence.

No applicant under the legal age of eighteen will be granted a Hajj visa if not accompanied by his family.

If the applicant has converted to Islam, an Islamic certificate must be presented which must be notarized by an Islamic Center.

Can children accompany me on Hajj?

Children can accompany their parents. When applying for a visa, you should include their names in your passport and attach their birth certificates. Children and women under 45 should be accompanied by a Mahram (a male relative).

Do I have to pay for the Hajj visas? If yes, how much does it cost?

The Umrah and Hajj visas are free.

For Hajj you need to pay two checks to cover the cost of guides, Zam Zam water agents and tent accommodation in Mina , Arafat and transportation costs. Please ask your nearest Saudi Consulate about the current level of these charges

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.

What things should I NOT bring to Saudi Arabia ?

You are not allowed to bring any perishable or un-canned food in large quantities.

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

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.

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

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.

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 Qur'an 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 fulfill 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 is 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 careers 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.

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

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 Ka'abah , 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.

What kind of Documents do we carry?

How much Money should some one carry?

Take a sufficient amount of currency to cover expenses. Have most of money in the form of travelers' checks and a small amount of Saudi riyals.

Should I carry the Medication with out Prescription?

Prescription are very important to carry on with the medication.

What kind of Luggage should we take?

Sturdy, hard-cased luggage with heavy duty wheels. A waist pouch to keep and carry valuables at all times. Good quality light backpack or Cary Bag for carrying personal stuff during Hajj .

What kind of Clothing and bedding should we take?

Do I need Toiletries?

Tooth brush, toothpaste, moisturizing and disinfecting hand soap, bath soap, shampoo, disposable razors, shaving cream, small mirror, comb, nail clippers and disinfectant, deodorant, tissues and toilet paper.

Any other Miscellaneous items be needed?