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Guide to Essential Documentation for Hajj and Umrah Visas

Planning your spiritual journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to documentation. At Al Aswad Travels, we want to ensure your pilgrimage proceeds smoothly by providing this comprehensive guide to all necessary documentation for Hajj and Umrah visas in 2025.

Documentation for Hajj and Umrah Visas

Visa Application

Hajj and Umrah visas must be arranged through licensed travel agencies like Al Aswad Travels. We submit your application to the Saudi consulate along with your passport and other required documentation.

Important visa application guidelines:

  • Complete applications using black ink and block capital letters
  • Sign the statement at the end of the form
  • Ensure the form is signed and stamped by our authorized agency
  • Validity begins from the date of issue

Hajj Visa

  • Application Window: From 15th of Shawwal until 25th of Dhul Qadah
  • Processing Time: Typically 2-3 days, but can take 1-2 weeks during peak periods
  • 2025 Quota: Be aware that country-specific quotas may apply; contact us for details specific to your nationality

Umrah Visa

  • Availability: Year-round (with potential restrictions during Hajj season)
  • Validity: 30 days from issue date to enter Saudi Arabia
  • Stay Duration: Maximum 30 days after entry (may be reduced to 15 days during Ramadan and Shaban)
  • Cost: Approximately £275/$360 for standard Umrah visa as of 2025

NEW FOR 2025: The Saudi tourist visa option has been expanded to include 60 eligible countries, now costing approximately £130/$170. This visa also permits Umrah performance and may be a more flexible option for certain travelers.

Passport Requirements

  • The Saudi Arabian government requires:
  • Passport validity of at least 6 months beyond your departure date
  • At least four blank visa pages
  • Passport must be in good condition with no damage

Pro Tips

  • Make multiple photocopies of your passport and store them separately
  • Keep digital copies in secure cloud storage
  • Mark your passport discreetly to help identify it among others
  • Consider bringing a backup form of identification

Passport-Sized Photos

Requirements include:

  • Recent photos (taken within last 6 months)
  • White background
  • Full-face view (no side or angled views)
  • Clear, high-quality print
  • Standard passport size (2" × 2" or 5cm × 5cm)
  • No headwear except for religious purposes (which must not obscure facial features)

Pro Tip

Bring at least 4-6 additional passport photos to Saudi Arabia for any unexpected documentation needs.

Vaccination Certificates

All pilgrims must provide:

  • Valid certificate of vaccination against quadrivalent (A/C/Y/W135) meningococcal meningitis
  • Certificate must be signed by an authorized healthcare professional
  • Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival and not more than 3 years before

Additional Requirements for 2025

  • COVID-19 vaccination documentation (following current Saudi health authority guidelines)
  • Depending on your country of origin, certificates for yellow fever and polio may also be required

Pro Tips

  • Keep physical and digital copies of all health certificates
  • Have certificates readily accessible during check-in and arrival
  • Consult your physician at least 6-8 weeks before travel to complete all required vaccinations

Marriage/Birth Certificates

Women must be accompanied by a spouse or Mahram (close male relative), with proof of relationship such as:

  • Marriage certificate for wives
  • Birth certificate for daughters/sisters showing the relationship

Special Provisions

  • Women over 45 may travel with an organized group without a designated Mahram, provided they have signed permission from their Mahram
  • Children under 18 require a birth certificate listing both parents' names
  • Mahrams must list all accompanying family members on their application and travel on the same flights

Travel Arrangements

Before visa issuance, you must have:

  • Confirmed round-trip ticket to Saudi Arabia
  • Approved accommodation arrangements through authorized providers
  • Transportation plans for internal travel within Saudi Arabia

2025 Update: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah now requires all pilgrims to book through the official Nusuk platform or authorized agencies like Al Aswad Travels.

Financial Requirements

For Hajj Pilgrims:

  • Banker's drafts/cheques payable to "United Agents Office" in Jeddah
  • One payment covers bus services; another covers accommodation in Mina and Arafat
  • Both payments can be combined into a single draft if preferred
  • Drafts must include your name, passport number, and date/place of issue

Fee Structure

  • Full payment required for adults
  • No payment required for children under 7
  • Half payment for children aged 7-15
  • Contact us for the most current fee information specific to your package

Note: These drafts are typically included in your Al Aswad Travels package price.

Proof of Religion for Converts

Muslim converts with non-Muslim names on their passports must provide:

  • Certification from an accepted Islamic authority (such as your local mosque Imam)
  • Document should verify your Muslim identity
  • This document is critical as non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah and Madinah

Islamic Will (Wasiyyah)

While not a visa requirement, preparing an Islamic Will before Hajj is highly recommended:

  • Provides instructions for wealth distribution
  • Can specify burial preferences
  • Follows the Prophetic guidance regarding proper preparation for travel

As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"It is a duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequeath not to let two nights pass without including it in his Will." (Sahih Muslim)

2025 Updates and Special Considerations

Digital Documentation

  • The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has expanded its digital visa system for 2025
  • Many documents can now be uploaded through the official Nusuk app
  • Physical copies of all documents are still required as backup

Enhanced Security Measures

  • Biometric data collection is now mandatory for all pilgrims
  • Allow extra time for processing at consulates and ports of entry

Group Travel Requirements

  • Hajj groups must register through authorized Hajj missions
  • Independent Hajj travel outside official groups is not permitted

Elderly and Special Needs Travelers

  • New accommodations and expedited processes are available for elderly pilgrims and those with special needs
  • Medical clearance may be required for pilgrims over 65 or with certain health conditions

At Al Aswad Travels, we're committed to making your sacred journey as smooth as possible. We recommend beginning your documentation process at least 3-4 months before your intended travel date.

For personalized guidance and the most up-to-date information specific to your situation, please contact our dedicated team of Hajj and Umrah specialists.

May Allah accept your pilgrimage and make your journey blessed and fulfilling.

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Location: United Kingdom

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