Hajj Visa

This webpage contains information relevant before the pandemic. We will update this webpage with the current process soon.

The Consular Section of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington DC has the honor to inform all Pilgrims that it will start issuing Hajj visas, which are granted gratis, from mid-Shawwal until 29th Dhu Al-Qudah of each year. Hajj visas are not valid for work or residency. You can also find additional information in the Guide to Hajj (in 8 languages) Each applicant for a Hajj visa must apply through a licensed U.S. travel agency, which must present the Consulate with copies of “Accommodation Contacts” and a letter from the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia confirming that the travel agency has duly completed all requirements to qualify to assist pilgrims. All agencies handling Hajj visa applications are required to fill out and sign a contract issued by the Ministry of Hajj before submitting the passports to the Embassy for Hajj visas. The contract details the rights and obligations of the agency and the pilgrim. The agency is to keep a copy of the signed contract for their records in case the Embassy needs to refer to it at any time. The signed contract is a prerequisite for obtaining a Hajj visa, and failure to obtain it or breaching any of its terms will be regarded as fraud against the pilgrim and will result in withdrawing the privilege of the agency to handle Hajj visas.

 

Applications for Hajj visa will not be considered if the following requirements are not met:

  • The applicant must have a passport with a validity of at least six (6) 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 (1) 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.
  • A completed application form filled-out with black ink or printed; the form must be signed and stamped by the authorized travel agency.
  • The Mahram should write his complete information on the application forms of his spouse and children or any relative with whom he is traveling. He should also provide copies of marriage or birth certificates; if these documents were issued outside the US, he should then provide copies translated and notarized by a certified translation office.
  • All women are required to travel for Hajj with a Mahram. Proof of kinship must be submitted with the application form. Women over the age of forty-five (45) may travel without a Mahram with an organized group, They must, however submits a no objection letter from her husband, son or brother 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 round-trip ticket with confirmed reservations.
  • The applicant must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to fifteen (15) years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio as well as meningitis and polio. Children over fifteen (15) years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults.
  • Each pilgrim should submit two certified checks or cashier checks payable to “Unified Agents Office” in Jeddah for pilgrimage services. These checks should include the name and the passport number of the pilgrim. Each applicant must pay the following fees: (a) US $158.40 (one hundred fifty-eight dollars & forty cents) for services rendered by the local Tawaf agencies and for housing at the Holy sites. (b) US $116.00 (one hundred sixteen dollars) for air-conditioned transportation services. Pilgrims have the option to submit one check combining both fees: in this case, the amount would be US $274.40 (two hundred seventy-four dollars & forty cents). Children between the ages of seven (7) and fifteen (15) should only pay half of the above-mentioned amount. Children under the age of seven (7) do not need to pay.
  • Non-U.S. citizens should submit a copy of their green card or other proof of legal residence status in the US. 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 in the US at his or her expense.
  • No minor (under 18 years of age) will be granted a Hajj visa if not accompanied by his family. Minors traveling one parent must submit a notarized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  • If the applicant has converted to Islam, an Islamic certificate must be presented; this needs to be notarized by an Islamic Center.
 

Source: http://www.saudiembassy.net/services/hajj_requirements.aspx

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