Hajj Visa For Indian Citizens
Millions of Muslims from all over the world make the journey to the holy city of Makkah for Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). Unfortunately Hajj Visa applications from people from India are among the most difficult to obtain. If you’re Indian and want to perform Hajj, then this is the guide for you. I’ll explain the steps in obtaining a Hajj visa for Indians, as well as provide some important tips and key information. Let me get one thing straight that performing Hajj needs commitment. And not everyone has it, or lack of resources to do so. But there is always an escape hatch in the form of Umrah. Almost all Muslim countries allow Umrah visa for Indians every year during Ramadan break and it’s also a part of the Islamic rituals.
Hajj Visa For Indian Citizens
Finding the best tour package for your Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage can be cumbersome. That’s why we provide an all-inclusive tour package for the devout Indian Muslims who want to go on a spiritual journey.Hajj is an incumbent responsibility of every muslim which must be performed at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and its obligatory nature bases on the Quran and Sunnah. Hajj began on August 23, 2013 in Saudi Arabi, Mecca.
Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Hajj PilgrimsApply for Online Visa
Around 2 million people perform the Hajj in Saudi Arabia each year. Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage need a special Hajj visa.
This page provides information about Hajj and explains Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim visa requirements for foreigners.
What is Hajj in Saudi Arabia?
Hajj (also spelled Hadj, Hadji, or Haj) is the greater pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
All Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the pilgrimage are expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
This is different from Umrah, which is the optional ‘lesser pilgrimage’ to Mecca.
The rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage
During the week of the Hajj, millions of people go to Mecca to perform a series of rituals. Participants:
- Walk anti-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba
- Walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah 7 times
- Drinks from the Zamzam Well
- Stand vigil in the plains of Mount Arafat
- Spend a night in the plans of Muzdalifa
- Performs a symbolic stoning of the devil
Throughout the pilgrimage, men wear white cloths called the Ihram and women wear white, modest clothing.
They must also refrain from prohibited activities, which include cutting nails and shaving.
When Do Muslims Perform Hajj?
Muslims need to complete Hajj at least once during their lifetime. Hajj takes place in Saudi Arabia once a year, in the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Hajj begins on the 8th day and ends on the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
As the lunar calendar is slightly shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the date moves back each year.
Hajj visas are issued from Mid-Shawwal to the 25th of Dhual-Qa’dah each year.
Can I Go to Saudi Arabia for Hajj with an eVisa?
Pilgrims cannot travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj with a tourist eVisa. Foreign participants must obtain a special Hajj visa to enter the country and make the pilgrimage to Mecca.
The tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia is valid for Umrah, the ‘lesser pilgrimage’, but not during the Hajj season.
How to apply for a Hajj visa for Saudi Arabia
Travelers can apply for a Hajj visa through their nearest Saudi Arabian Consulate.
Many pilgrims arrange the trip through a licensed travel agency, which arranges the visa, accommodation, and anything else that may be required for the pilgrimage.
Hajj Visa Application Requirements
Pilgrims need the following documents to apply for a Hajj visa:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Recent passport photograph
- Completed application form
- Return travel tickets
- Vaccination certificates
- Checks to pay for pilgrimage services
Hajj visa requirements for women and children
Women must be accompanied by a Mahram (close male relative, for example, husband or brother). They need to travel with him or be met on arrival. Proof of their relationship must be provided.
Women over the age of 45 can travel without a Mahram as part of an organized group, a consent letter from the Mahram is required.
Children can accompany their parents on Hajj. The child’s name should be included when making the visa application, and a copy of the birth certificate is required. Children should be accompanied on the pilgrimage by a Mahram.
Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements for Hajj
People traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj need to meet the country’s entry requirements. Foreigners must have a:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date
- Hajj visa for Saudi Arabia
The Hajj pilgrimage in 2022 may be affected by COVID-19 restrictions in Saudi Arabia. Travelers must check all the latest entry requirements.
Requirements to Perform Hajj as a Foreigner
Usually, Muslims of all nationalities can travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, provided they meet the entry requirements.
Hajj 2021 was affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Muslims from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were not able to take part in the annual pilgrimage. The number of participants was limited to 60,000 citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia.
This exceptional measure was taken to limit capacity and allow for social distancing. Participants had to be in a good state of health and aged between 18 and 65 years old.
COVID-19 health requirements for Hajj 2022
Plans for Hajj 2022 include digital health cards and COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Formal announcements are expected in the coming months.
Saudi Arabia has recently opened to vaccinated tourists who can apply for a Saudi eVisa and perform Umrah outside of Hajj season.
Hajj insurance policy for foreign pilgrims
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah now required foreign pilgrims to have insurance coverage for COVID-19 of SAR 650,000.
The insurance will cover the cost of any treatment, emergencies and quarantine. The insurance policy must be approved by the Saudi Central Bank.
Can Non-Muslims Take Part in Hajj?
No, Hajj and Umrah can only be performed by Muslims. Non-Muslims cannot enter or pass through the holy city of Mecca.
Hajj visa applicants who have converted to Islam need documentation from an imam (Muslim religious leader) testifying that the person is a true convert.