What is a Hajj Visa?
The holy pilgrimage of Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a profound journey that nearly all physically and financially capable Muslims will take at some point in their lives. It is a journey to Mecca, the most sacred city for Muslims that honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s actions and showcases Muslim unity and submission to Allah.
A Hajj visa, issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, permits participation in this pilgrimage, as access to Mecca and Medina is tightly controlled for safety and logistical reasons during Hajj season.
Foreign nationals must obtain a Saudi Hajj visa through an authorized platform like Nusuk to partake in Hajj. Applications cannot be made directly at Saudi embassies or consulates. The visa aims to regulate the flow of pilgrims to Mecca and ensure safety and logistical convenience for all Hajj pilgrims, regardless of nationality.
The Hajj visa does not give travelers the right to work, live, or study in Saudi Arabia. Even residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, who enjoy visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia, must secure a Hajj permit. All holders of a Hajj visa must abide by the visa’s regulations and depart before the 10th day of Muharram.
Who is eligible for a Hajj visa?
Applicants for a Hajj visa must meet specific eligibility criteria. They must be at least 18 years old and be practicing Muslims. They should also be financially and physically capable of participating in the often demanding rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage.
As of 2022, women above 18 can participate in Hajj without a male guardian or mahram, provided they are part of an organized group of other women and they have a No Objection Certificate signed by their mahram. Minors under 18 must apply for their Hajj visa and travel with a parent or legal guardian. All pilgrims under 65 must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with an internationally recognized vaccine.
Required Documents
All applicants must submit some required documents in order to complete the Hajj visa application process. The following are the basic mandatory documents for all pilgrims:
A valid passport
The applicant must have a passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months past the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. It should contain at least two empty visa pages.
A recent passport-size photograph
Photographs must be in color and taken on a white background. The applicant must be photographed facing forward and their whole face must be shown.
A completed application form
The Hajj visa application form must be completed online through the Nusuk platform.
Proof of relationship (if applicable)
For women pilgrims, the mahram must provide copies of birth or marriage certificates to prove the relationship between himself and the applicant.
No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
The mahram of women pilgrims above 18 traveling without a male guardian in an organized group of women must sign a No Objection Certificate to authorize her pilgrimage. The Certificate should be notarized.
A valid airline ticket
The applicant must present a valid roundtrip ticket that shows a date of departure that falls before the 10th day of Muharram.
Vaccination records
All travelers must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. Vaccination records for polio are required for infants and children under 15. Children over 15 should have the same vaccinations as any adults traveling with them. Vaccination records should be less than three years old and issued up to 10 days before entry into Saudi Arabia.
Proof of residence
Applicants living in a country that is not their country of origin should submit valid proof of residence such as a residency card or work visa.
Certificate from Islamic Center
Applicants with non-Muslim names or anyone who converted to Islam, must submit a notarized proof of Islam certificate from an Islamic Center.
How to Apply for a Hajj Visa
The Nusuk platform provides a list of serviced countries each year. Nationals from these countries can apply for their Hajj visa online through the platform. The platform is only open during certain times each year. Visitors are advised to register and receive updates from Nusuk regarding the application deadlines and other information.
The following are the basic steps that applicants will take to complete their Hajj visa on the Nusuk platform:
- Create an account
Visitors can create an account using a valid email address and a secure password. Applicants will need a valid passport to apply.
- Upload the required documents
Applicants must upload all required documents to the Nusuk platform. It’s important that all documents are valid and accurate.
- Complete the visa application
The visa application must be completed with the latest and most accurate information.
- Choose travel packages
Pilgrims can choose from several other offerings from the official Nusuk platforms, including travel packages.
- Wait for application verification
Processing for Hajj visas is usually quite quick, around five (5) business days. The visa will be sent to the email provided by the applicant.
Hajj Visa Processing Time
Saudi Hajj visas are usually processed in around five (5) days. However, processing times can vary depending on the applicant’s unique situation and the volume of applications received. It is always advised to start the Saudi Hajj visa application process early to avoid possible delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Hajj Visa Price
Fortunately, Hajj visas are free of charge. However, there will certainly be other costs for accommodation and services during the trip to Saudi Arabia.
Hajj Visa Validity
The Saudi Hajj visa is only granted for pilgrimage purposes and is valid only during the Hajj period. All pilgrims should leave Saudi Arabia after they complete Hajj and stay no longer than the 10th day of Muharram. Saudi Hajj visas cannot be extended beyond the allotted duration of stay.
Holders of tourist, study, or work visas cannot participate in Hajj. All foreign nationals must apply for a Saudi Hajj visa before they arrive in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season. GCC citizens can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free during the Hajj season, but they will still need to obtain a Hajj permit.
