Hajj Visa 2025: A quick guide to pilgrims

Hajj is a holy journey that every Muslim has to take part in, at least once in their lifetime, as long as they are financially and physically able to. Hajj pilgrimage takes place in Mecca, Saudi. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam symbolizing devotion and submission to God. Linguistically, ‘Hajj’ means ‘to set out for a place’ or ‘to undertake a journey’. So we are here to help you fulfill this duty, by getting you the best flights and accommodations along with all the required information about the Hajj Visa. Any doubts you may have about acquiring a Hajj Visa will be resolved by the end of this article. 

When is Hajj 2025 scheduled? 

Hajj 2025 is officially scheduled to take place from the evening of June 4, 2025, to the evening of June 9, 2025 (corresponding to 7-12 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar). Though we must await the official announcement from the Saudi authorities, taking into account the sighting of the crescent.

Rules and Information while applying for a Hajj Visa

Hajj Visa Application:

There are authorized travel agencies that help pilgrims with Hajj visa application form. They will guide you in completing and submitting the form, along with all necessary documentation, to the relevant Saudi consulate or embassy. 

 Hajj visa Requirements:

• Must be Muslim as non-Muslims are not eligible for a Hajj visa.
• Must apply for a Saudi Hajj Visa through an authorized travel agency only.
• Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
• Submit a recent 2x2-inch color photo with a white background, natural expression, no glasses, and no headwear (unless for religious reasons).
• A valid meningitis vaccination certificate is required, issued at least 10 days before travel and valid for three years; other vaccinations may be needed depending on their  nationality and health condition.
• Women and children must travel with a Mahram (husband or father) and provide proof of relationship via marriage or birth certificate.
• Women over 45 can travel without a Mahram if they are with a group and have a no-objection letter from their Mahram.
• A confirmed return or onward airline ticket is mandatory.

What is the Hajj Visa duration for 2025?

A Hajj visa will be valid till the end of the Hajj season. So, one must leave Saudi Arabia by July 6, 2025 before the Hajj Visa duration ends. 

How to apply for a Visa Online?

For Hajj visa online, You can’t apply directly; your authorized Hajj travel agency will handle the online application for you. A one stop application for a variety of Hajj Packages; run by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

How to do Hajj visa online check?

To check the status the best way is through your travel agency, they’ll have all the updates and give guidance on your application status.

Can I get a Hajj Visa Without an Agent?

The Saudi government mandates that all Hajj visa applications be processed through these licensed agencies. This is to ensure proper coordination and compliance with regulations. So, without going through an authorized travel agency, individual pilgrims cannot obtain a Hajj visa.

How much to expect for Hajj visa price?

While the Hajj visa itself is free, there will be a cost to be paid for the Hajj packages chosen. These packages cover travel, accommodation, and other services. So, based on the agency and the packages chosen the costing may vary.

Hajj Day-by-Day Guide

First day of Hajj: 

Pilgrims enter into a state of holiness by wearing the Ihram while inside Mecca and proceed to Mina. This is a neighborhood of Mecca and is situated 10 km away from central Mecca. The journey is completed on foot and the group camps overnight in Mina. There are over 100,000 air-conditioned tents that offer temporary accommodation to the pilgrims.

Second day of Hajj:

Pilgrims start the journey towards Arafat which is some 15 km away from Mina. An afternoon in Arafat is a must for Hajj. Pilgrims pray and spend time religiously at  Arafat until sunset. With the sun set, pilgrims begin to leave Arafat for Muzdalifa, which is around 10 kms away from Arafat on the route between Mina and Arafat. On the way, pilgrims collect pebbles for the ritual of the stoning of the devil, the next day in Mina and camp overnight at an open area of Muzdalifah.

Third day of Hajj:

Eid al-Adha begins. Pilgrims start their journey back to Mina and from Mina they go towards the Jamarat Bridge which is approx. 5 km from Mina. At Jamarat Bridge, a symbolic stoning of the devil is performed. After performing the stoning of the devil, pilgrims do “Udhiya”. After which pilgrims move back to Mecca and do Tawaf and Sa’ii of Hajj. Now Ihram are removed and normal clothing can be worn. By night, pilgrims go back to Mina and spend the night there.

Fourth day of Hajj:

Pilgrims again proceed to Jamarat Bridge to repeat the stoning of the devil. Pilgrims spend the night at Mina.

Fifth day of Hajj:

Pilgrims again proceed to Jamarat Bridge and perform yet another stoning of the devil. By sunset, they move back to Mecca.

Sixth day of Hajj:

A final circumambulation of the Kaaba is performed. Pilgrims start to leave Mecca for their homes.

Begin the journey to your soul with Hajj. Experience how believers from around the world come together, putting aside all barriers of culture, class, language, and to revel in the serenity and purity of the religious activities.