FAQ’s

Hajj Webinar FAQ Held on 06-10-2024

Registration through the Nusuk platform is expected to open by the end of October.

The packages are expected to be released between February and March 2025.

All flight bookings must be made through the Nusuk platform.

No, airfares can only be booked through the Nusuk platform.

If your selected package is no longer available, you will need to choose an alternative option.

While it is possible to perform both, it can be challenging. It is recommended to complete Umrah first, followed by Hajj.

General and Travel-Related Inquiries

Various major flight gateways across North America are linked with the Hajj package offerings.

The $200 fee applies to each profile, with an additional $100 for each extra person.

We will begin creating emails and assisting you as soon as we receive your payment and documents. However, registration will officially start once the Nusuk platform opens for registration.

All packages are based on Quad occupancy.

We recommend using American citizenship for registration purposes.

Both locations have their advantages. Staying close to the Haram offers easy access to prayers and more frequent visits, especially during non-peak times. On the other hand, Aziziya provides a quieter environment, is typically more affordable, and is closer to Mina and Arafat, which can be convenient during the Hajj rituals.

Hajj Webinar FAQ Held on 31-08-2024

May 28th – 1st Zul-Hijja

May 31st – 4th Zul-Hijja – last day to enter Jeddah

June 1st – 5th Zul-Hijja – Last day to enter Madinah

June 4th – 8th Zul-Hijja – Mena – Hajj starts

June 8 & 9 – 12 & 13 Zul-Hijja – Hajj is over

Below are the Land Hajj 2024 price ranges exclusive of 17.5% Tax, 2.5% Transaction fees, Airline and Qurbani.
Standard  – 25,000 to 32,000 Riyals (5-6KM from Kaba)
Premium  – 32,000 to 43,000 Riyals (2-3KM from Kaba)
Luxury – 43,000 to 55,000 Riyals (Next to Kaba)

Refund Process for Hajj Payments (Ministry Contact: 011 966 92 000 2814).

Current updates indicate that your username and password from Hajj 2024 will remain valid and can be used for future registrations.

Select packages from reputable companies with a track record of good service. Avoid overly cheap offers that may compromise on necessary services and support.

Yes, we offer assistance for $200 per person, which is fully refundable if you do not receive a visa. Our team will handle everything, including uploading documents and managing all the required steps.

No, travelling independently can lead to significant challenges, such as language barriers and unfamiliar regulations, resulting in missed flights and difficulties accessing services. It’s recommended you register through Nusuk and then select a guide.

There are two main types of accommodation:

  • Shifting: This involves moving between different accommodations in Makkah, such as moving from a hotel to a building or vice versa.  This option can be cost-effective but may cause a little inconvenienice.
  • Non-Shifting: No changes to residence in Makkah. Typically, more expensive but offers a more stable stay.

Camps near Jamarat are limited and expensive. Farther camps involve longer walks but often provide a smoother experience with fewer logistical issues.

Flight availability is limited, and Hajj companies often use multiple airlines and dates, leading to inconvenient schedules. Be prepared for this and flexible with your travel plans. Booking early and through trusted providers is essential to avoid complications.

Yes, the rules are strict and can be confusing. For example, only Saudi airlines are allowed to fly into the country after certain dates. Misunderstanding these regulations can lead to significant financial losses and missed Hajj opportunities.

Unfortunately, there is minimal accommodation for seniors or individuals with specific dietary needs. It’s advisable to bring someone with you if you have severe health issues or special dietary requirements.

Traveling with a well-organized group led by experienced leaders provides necessary guidance and significantly reduces risks. This is especially important given the frequent changes in regulations and the logistical challenges of Hajj.

Ensure that all members of your group book the same Hajj package and program to avoid being separated. Hajj companies can help group friends or family together if they are on the same program.

Yes, the Saudi government now allows women aged 18 and above to perform Hajj without a Mahram. You can apply directly, and arrangements can be made for rooming with other women.

Hajj packages are expensive, and making independent decisions without proper guidance can lead to significant financial losses. It’s important to consult with experienced providers and choose packages carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

It is possible, but not recommended. Post-Hajj, companies focus on departures, and support services may diminish, leaving you to handle logistics on your own.

It depends on your timing in Medina and the availability of appointments through the Nusuk app. If you cannot visit, don’t be disappointed; focus on fulfilling the primary rituals of Hajj.

After Hajj, the focus of Saudi companies shifts to departing pilgrims. Services may decline, so it’s recommended to plan to leave within two to three days after Hajj to avoid being left on your own without support.

All flights are booked through Nusuk site; unfortunately, the options provided may not be convenient.

Yes, it is possible, and packages from Pakistan can sometimes offer more control and better services. However, ensure you understand the differences and potential limitations compared to booking directly from the US.

Yes, the Saudi companies are required to meet and greet you at the airport and to transfer you to your hotel. However, things do get out of hand and if you are part of a group, assistance will be provided in a much better way. However, it’s important to be prepared to handle some aspects of the journey independently, especially during travel transitions.

Changing plans can be difficult during Hajj due to the large number of pilgrims and strict regulations. It’s best to follow the guidelines provided by your Hajj group and avoid making last-minute changes.

Many hotels hosting pilgrims lack on-site medical staff like doctors or nurses. visit you primary care physician and get refills for all your medications. We also recommend that you bring a course of Antibiotics, cough & cold medications with you. Also make sure to go with a group to increase you chance of getting help when needed

Hajj Guide

If your flight is booked through Nusuk, Rawaf Mina will arrange for your transportation.

Please wait until you receive your ticket from Nusuk.

No flight will arrive to Hajj terminal in Jeddah.

No, your passport will stay with you.

Yes. But Rawaf Mina can’t help you with making these arrangements.

Yes, this was confirmed by Nusuk.

Rawaf Mina will not be arranging Hadi/Qurbani. You can Buy it from any official platform or from our guides. 

Please take a screen shot of your eWalet transaction and send it to us with name and passport number (copy of the passport)

Yes, all males will get an Ihram each.

Guides will be assigned after Ramadan.

Yes, but Rawaf Mina won’t be able to provide you with transportation service from and to the airport. Also Rawaf Mina won’t be meeting you at airport or will be responsible to provide you accommodation for any additional days you may need.

Check-in time: 4:00 pm
Check-out time: 12:00 pm

Hajj - Nusuk E-Wallet

As part of activating eWallet, preferably add a small amount into eWallet using different credit/debit cards to make sure there are no fraud blockages on the credit card for foreign transactions. As we understand, all refunds from the eWallet will be subject to a 1.5% processing fee. Also keep in mind the refund process has still not been published.

Our understanding is that full payment would be required when booking a package, paying in instalments will most probably be not an option.

All the funds that you add to the eWallet will be used to pay for the packages for everyone in the account.

As per our understanding, they will first release packages for review for a few days (unknown how long) and then open up booking. Once you find a package that meets your requirements, you should immediately add funds to eWallet and be prepared to complete the booking as soon as it opens. Provided you use the same credit cards that you have used while activating the eWallet.

Topping of an eWallet is just the process of adding funds to your eWallet account so you can use as many Visas or Mastercard credit/debit cards or bank transfers.

Our recommendation is to use credit cards instead of debit or bank transfers.

If you are using a debit card, please check with the bank on the transaction limit and if there are any foreign transaction fees.

If you are planning on using bank transfer, remember it can take up to 10 business days for the funds to be transferred. consider topping the eWallet with required funds.

As per our understanding, full payment is required for booking, no instalments, holding of a package for payment to be transferred.

Recommendation is to add a smaller amount of each credit card to confirm there are no holds on foreign transactions or foreign transaction fees. The reasoning is, for any unforeseen reason, you have to withdraw funds from eWallet, a 1.5% processing fee will apply. We are also not sure of the refund policies yet.

Keep track of which credit card and amount you used for topping the eWallet. If funds have to be refunded, then most probably funds will be refunded back to the same credit cards used.

As soon as packages are released for review, quickly assess which packages match your requirements, and immediately add the funds to be ready for booking.

From the packages selected as possible options, multiply the package price from the highest package amount with the number of members in your account. This is the amount to add.

Hajj 2024

 No, all Package purchasing MUST be done on NUSUK. Unless you have a Pakistani passport then we can purchase you package through us.

There should be an edit information option on your application, 

As long as you have your medication and their prescription, there will be no problem. 

Hajj process is completely different than Umrah. You must first register on Hajj.Nusuk.Sa and then follow the steps. 

Yes, there is. These services are provided on the second and third floor in the Haram. Once you are there, you need to talk to the Saudi agent available for your assistance.

Uploading documents is the first step and you must follow a few steps before you can purchase a package.

This is an approximate estimate of what the price could be. The actual price will be offered on Nusuk once Saudi Arabian companies promote their packages. The price is per person.

No one knows. Based on the news we are getting; the deadline may be by Ramadan. 

No there is not. The US quota so far is 3,362 Hajjis, once the quota is full, the doors will be closed. So far over 14,000 applications have submitted on Hajj.Nusuk.Sa

These is a YouTube video on Hajj Council channel. Please click on the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-7ybzv_uE

We are more than happy to help. Please forward image to Admin@HajjCouncil.org and we will look into it for you.

Hajj Preparation

No, there is no age limit to performing Hajj.

As much as possible! Most people spend at least a month before any normal trip just preparing, shopping, planning, etc. Hajj is the most important trip you will ever go on throughout your life. Extensive planning is highly recommended. We suggest two to three months before your flight date, at least.

There is both religious and practical preparation required. For Hajj, there is obviously more to it than just grabbing a Hajj handbook, booking a flight, and going.

Hajj is the journey of a lifetime, so make sure you’re going with the right intention: to please Allah and nobody else. Study the Fiqh of Hajj before going (there are often classes or workshops offered at the local Masjid). Get books, DVDs, audio CDs, whatever it takes.

You should also take care to follow all the policies and procedures implemented by the government of Saudi Arabia, like how to get a Hajj visa, joining a Hajj group, transportation, housing, etc.

Don’t forget to discuss with your boss about vacation time. Hajj will require about three to four weeks off. Talk to your employer(s) or anyone else who needs to know you’ll be out of town for a month.

Men wear the Ihram, two unstitched white cloths. Women can wear whatever they usually wear in prayer, so long as it is Islamically appropriate. Many choose to wear a simple jilbab.

There are too many to get into detail here. Read the rituals of Hajj and Umrah on our site.
https://hajjcouncil.org/hajj/

Hajj requires a lot of walking. Expect three million people and easily more to also be there. As such, you should make sure you’re strong enough to handle yourself in that type of crowd. (Many people build up their stamina by establishing an exercise routine in the weeks and even months leading up to Hajj.) To be at optimum health, you may also want to consult your doctor about any shots or broad-spectrum antibiotics he or she recommends you take before your trip.

Umrah

7 Things to avoid in ihram: 1- Shaving the hair of the head. 2- using perfume. 3- sexual intercourse. 4- touching one’s wife with desire. 5- killing game. 6- wearing sewn garments by men. 7- wearing niqab by women.

It is permissible for the pilgrim, man or woman, who is doing Hajj or ‘Umrah to cut his or her own hair when exiting the status of Ihram following Hajj or ‘Umrah, and it is also permissible for him or her to cut the hair of another person who wants to exit the status of Ihram.

The pilgrim in ihram should not comb his hair, but there is nothing wrong with him washing his head. As for combing his hair, it brings the risk of causing hair to fall out.

A woman aged 18 and above can now go for Umrah alone, granted with a tourist visa.  Click here for more details.

Women & Hajj

It is permissible.

It is agreed by scholars that a woman should not cover her face (or wear gloves for that matter) during Hajj. The Prophet said, “The Muhrimah (a woman in Ihram) should not cover her face, nor should she wear gloves.”

There are different rulings from the four Madhhabs (schools of Islamic thought) regarding women traveling to Hajj with or without a Mahram.

  • Shafi Maddhab: Hajj is not obligatory upon a woman until she finds a male Mahram relative or husband, or group of trusted women with whom she can perform the journey securely. If she finds any of the three, Hajj is obligatory on her. However, it is permissible for her to travel alone to Hajj if she shall be safe and fears nothing on the road (referencing a Hadith from the Prophet).
  • Maliki Madhhab: Similar to the Shafii Maddhab. The Madhhab’s opinion is that a woman who cannot find a Mahram or husband to travel with can make the journey with a secure group, whether the group is a group of men, women, or a mix of both men and women.
  • Hanbali Madhhab: If a woman cannot find a husband or male relative to travel with, she cannot go to Hajj and it is not obligatory on her.
  • Hanafi Madhhab: Similar to the Hanbali Madhhab.

Visa Processing

You can go to the Saudi eVisa Portal at https://visa.visitsaudi.com/

US citizens can apply for Tourist Visa, it is valid for one year, multiple entry and you are allowed to perform Umrah.

  1. Passport Size Photograph.
  2. Passport with the validity of at least 6 months.
  3. Personal information
  4. Hotel or residence + Airline ticket arrival & departure information
No, tourist visa is not acceptable for Hajj you will have to apply for one.
Yes, with the proper documentations.
Major Credit Cards are acceptable in hotels, major malls and jewellery shops. We recommend taking a credit card to at least cover gift purchases.
Theft and pick pocketers is a major problem during Hajj. You can take as much cash as you please as long as you have a safe space to store it in. A fanny pack is recommended to take as it is always on you and much harder to steal. The total amount of money you need depends on what type of programme you have chosen (i.e., is food covered?) Some emergency cash should be on hand, including for gifts if you’re planning on purchasing any. ($300 – $500 should suffice).
All passports should have a validity of 6 months minimum. For example, if you are travelling in June 2023 and your passport expires in February 2023, you need to renew before applying for the visa and doing all necessary paperwork.

Traveling Instructions

It is advised that you should be at the airport 4 hours before departure.

MUST HAVES

  • Passport
  • ID Card
  • Airline tickets
  • Vaccination Record
  • Passport Size photos 2 x 2
  • Relationship Certificate
  • Cash
  • Phone numbers/addresses
  • Medications
  • Doctor’s letter (for participants with health issues)
  • Rehydration salts/drinks
  • Foldable scissors
  • Miswak
  • Rubber Slippers
  • Prayer Mat
  • Waist belt/belly bag/pouch
  • Unscented Soap
  • Bottle Spray (convenient for taking ablution)
  • Power bank
MEN SPECIFIC
  • Ihram
  • Comfortable Clothes
  • Cotton Undergarments
WOMEN SPECIFIC
  • Cotton scarf/hijab & abaya
  • Hijab under caps
  • Hair tie-backs/clips
  • Small Bag/purse
  • Sanitary napkins/pads
  • Pins
  • Cotton Undergarments

For couples with baby, it’s best to request for a bassinet or skycot seat. Please contact us for this. Remember it is only a request, and airline staff will do their best to accommodate you, but there is a limited availability of these seats. For more details Click Here

Most over-the-counter medicine is available at pharmacies in Makkah. If you are used to a particular brand of medicine or if you take prescribed medication, it is recommended you bring adequate supplies of these. Note that antibiotics will not be dispensed without a prescription.

Qurbani/Udhiya

In the Hanbali madhab (school of thought), it is considered haraam (forbidden) to cut your hair if you’re donating Qurbani (sacrifice) (From 1st Zul-Hijja until the day the sacrifice is slaughtered). According to the majority of the scholars, however, to refrain from cutting your hair is recommended.

Yes, it is permissible to give Qurbani on behalf of someone else. You can pay for your own Qurbani as well as members of your family, or anyone else. The Prophet (saw) would even give an extra Qurbani on behalf of his Ummah.

‘The Prophet (saw) sacrificed for the one who could not sacrifice from his Ummah, one who bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and [his] Prophethood’. [Tabarani and Ahmad]

After fulfilling his personal obligation, the Prophet (saw) gave an additional Qurbani on behalf of the Muslims who could not afford to do so. We encourage all our donors to revive this forgotten Sunnah and help more needy people.

Qurbani is an obligation on all Muslims who possess wealth above the Nisab value – so if you are eligible to pay Zakat, then you must give a Qurbani. This annual sacrifice also carries the great meaning of representing the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (as) was prepared to make in honor of our Creator.

No, Qurbani is a separate ritual from Zakat. However, anyone who is eligible for Zakat (any adult, sane Muslim who possesses the Nisab value) must also give a Qurbani, in accordance with the Hanafi school.

We work hard to ensure that the meat from your Qurbani is distributed to those in need during the days of Eid al-Adha.

One Qurbani is either a small animal, such as a goat, or a share in a larger animal, like a cow. Neither is more rewardable i.e., both fulfil your obligation.

Qurbani – or Udhiya – is a sacrifice that is made in the Islamic month Dhul Hijjah during the celebrations of Eid al Adha. The sacrifice made is typically a goat, sheep, cow or camel and is reflective of the personal sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (S.A.) was prepared to make for the love of Allah (SWT).

So, Qurbani is not obligatory.  However, Qurbani is Sunnah mu’akkadah only for Muslims who are capable. Qurbani is one per household.  It is  Sunnah to eat from your Qurbani and to share it with the poor and your family & friends.

Damm/Fidya

Damm/Fidya is basically an Arabic word which refers to a sacrifice of the animal. The animal sacrifice is to be made according to the Islamic laws i.e. it should be a sacrifice of a goat or a sheep or cost paid for the seventh part of a large animal. People often ask a question about where to pay Damm or Fidya for violating a wajib act of Hajj or Umrah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

You can pay your Damm/Fidya in the form of a sacrifice (one sheep) for any missed legislated actions or violations occurring during hajj and umrah, by offering a sacrifice in Makkah and having the meat distributed as legislated – to the poor and needy of the people of Makkah. You can pay though our site by Clicking Here.

We recommend everyone to ask a scholar about any problem before taking any action relying upon this information.

  • Not performing a Wajib act
  • Applying perfume while in the state of Ihram
  • Applying henna while being in Ihram
  • Men wearing stitched clothes while in the state of Ihram
  • Men wearing shoes that cover the ankle and upper part of a foot while in the state of Ihram
  • Women covering their face while in the state of Ihram
  • Clipping nails while in the state of Ihram
  • Shaving, cutting and trimming hair while in the state of Ihram
  • Kissing or touching a person with sexual desire while in the state of Ihram
  • Having sexual relationships while in the state of Ihram
  • Hunting animal inside haram and while being in the state of Ihram

Fidyah (Arabic: فدية; meaning “expiation”) is a means of compensation for a missed action or a violation of a Hajj-related law. It shouldn’t be regarded as a punishment, but a means of rectifying and renewing your commitment to the pilgrimage and the Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ.

Fidyah is made for fasts missed out of necessity, where the person is unable to make up for the fast afterwards – for example, if someone cannot fast for the required number of days due to ill health, pregnancy or of extreme age (old or young). In Ramadan, the Fidyah must be paid for each fast missed.

No, Qurbani is a separate ritual from Zakat. However, anyone who is eligible for Zakat (any adult, sane Muslim who possesses the Nisab value) must also give a Qurbani, in accordance with the Hanafi school.

Fidya is an obligatory payment that you must make if you cannot fast for a legitimate reason, and you can’t make up the fasts later. According to Islamic law, you need to use your Fidya to provide 2 meals for every single fast missed for those in need.

Hadi

A sacrificial slaughter is carried out during the rites of Hajj.  Hadi is due if you are performing Hajj Iqran or Tamatu’.  If you are performing Hajj Ifrad, then no Hadi is required.

 

Contents

U.S. Embassy Riyadh

Riyadh 11564
Saudi Arabia
Telephone: 00966 11-835-4000
Fax: 966-11-4887360

Consulate General Dahran

P.O. Box 38955
Dhahran (Doha)
31942, Saudi Arabia
Phone: 966 (013) 839-5700

Consulate General Jeddah

Al Safa Street Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Phone: +966 12 220 5000