Why contact a Hajj or Umrah Service Provider?:

Because you can't perform Hajj or Umrah without them. In order to provide for pilgrims' safety, the Saudi government has policies to control pilgrim arrivals. Pilgrims are required to register and travel with an Agent from their home country, who will work with local authorities to meet your needs for transportation, food, sleeping quarters, spiritual guidance, etc. during the pilgrimage. So, you have to contact a Canadian Agent as you can't get a Hajj or Umrah visa any other way.

How do I choose a Travel Agent ?

Choosing a right agent is the most important aspect of planning for your Hajj or Umrah.  According to the Ministry of Hajj, there are two types of agents: authorized licensed agents, and sub-agents. Authorized licensed agents hold their own permits from the Saudi government authorities to operate as Hajj & Umrah providers.

Sub-agents are those who collaborate with one of the authorised Companies to handle your arrangements including, Visa, Transport, Accommodation etc.

You should choose an authorized licensed agency, recognized by Saudi Arabian authorities or a local sub Agent who has the relevant contracts with one of the main Licensee Companies to ensure that they can handle all the arrangements.  Operating as a Travel Agent / Tour Operator requires mandatory licensing by the local Canadian authorities and you must ensure that the sub Agent has all the required accreditions.

Can I stop over in my way to Hajj or Umrah (or after) in my home country?

Yes you can. You may have to pay extra for the Stopover depending on the Airlines. You may also encounter problems and inconvenience if you arrive in Saudi Arabia alone, not accompanying the main group from Canada.

How do I get to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah ?

From North America, most pilgrims travel by air to Jeddah King Abdul Aziz Airport and then transfer by road to Makkah via Jeddah-Makkah expressway. 

All pilgrims have to enter the Kingdom (i.e. pass through Passport Control) in Jeddah or the holy city of Madinah. You would not be permitted to fly through Riyadh or any other Saudi Arabian airport "in transit" on their way to Hajj.  You MUST fly direct to Jeddah or Madinah airport.

There are more than 24 air, land and sea inlets for receiving pilgrims in the central, eastern, northern, western and southern regions of the Kingdom.

Are there direct flights to Makkah and if not, how do I get there ?

No. There isn't a civilian airport in Makkah. The nearest civilian airport is in Jeddah.  Once you arrive in Jeddah and your documents are processed, you will travel by road to Makkah.  The transfer is arranged by your Agent through the local transport companies registered with the Ministry of Hajj.

What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia ?

Arabic is the main language of Saudi Arabia. English is spoken by some professionals.

Do the Hajj guides speak English ?

Your Travel Arranger should provide English speaking guides.

Can you guarantee me a Hajj or Umrah Visa?

If your paper work is in order and you register early, we can virtually guarantee that you will get a Hajj Visa, barring any undisclosed information.

I have a valid tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia for 5 years. Can I go for Hajj or Umrah using this Visa?

No, Tourist Visa is not acceptable for Hajj or Umrah.

I will be traveling with my wife so what is the requirement for Hajj or Umrah Visa ?

Separate Application Forms. You will also need to furnish a copy of your Marriage Certificate (please do not send original documents)

Can children accompany me on Hajj or Umrah ?

Children can accompany their parents. When applying for a visa, you should include their names in your Passport and attach their Birth Certificates. Children and women under 45 should be accompanied by a Mahram (a male relative).

I do not have a Mahram (because I am not married or a widow or divorced) Can I go for Hajj?

If you are 45 years or older and can provide necessary documentation, you can go for with a Ladies group and the your Leader will act as your Mahram.

I am a new Muslim (Muslimah) with a non-Islamic name. Can I go for Hajj or Umrah ?

Yes you can, if you provide us with a copy of your “Conversion to Islam” Certificate or an official letter from your local Islamic Center attesting to your conversion to Islam.

We lost (misplaced) our Marriage Certificate! Can we still go for Hajj or Umrah ?

Yes, all you have to do is to ask your local Islamic center to write an official letter certifying that you are known to them as “a husband and a wife”.

Do I have to pay for the Hajj or Umrah Visa ? If yes, how much does it cost ?

The Umrah and Hajj visas are free. But they do entail administrative & courier charges levied by the Embassy and the Agent handling your arrangements, which would be advised before you book.

For Hajj, apart from the cost of land arrangements & flights, you also need to furnish2 Certified Checks drawn directly in favour of the Saudi authorities to cover the cost of official guides, Zamzam water, agents, tent accommodation in Mina & Arafat and local transportation costs. Please ask your nearest Saudi Consulate or your Agent about the current level of these charges.

Where can I get the required Cashier checks?

Normally US banks charge about $5-15 to issue each cashier check so if you send us a separate check for $290 we will take care of the issue by providing you with Cashier Checks in US dollars for Qurbani.

Can I pay for a Hajj or Umrah package using my credit card?

No, Islamically, you cannot pay for Hajj using any form of credit (debt). Consequently, the only acceptable form of payment is checks.

I noticed that some Hajj groups with very high prices have the same hotel-star ratings as groups with low prices. How can this be possible?

The costs of packages are not solely dependent upon the hotel ratings, but rather all aspects of arrangements offered. It is possible for a low-cost Hajj group to have 5-star hotels but the duration of stay may be for just a few nights, as opposed to other high-cost groups that have more total nights stayed. Another possibility could be whether or not the low-cost groups include Visa processing fees, qurbani fees, and / or any other services which are provided by the high-cost groups. Room occupancy in each city, the routing of the flight, type of transport included etc. can also affect the price. Please check the details of what is included before you book.

What happens after I make a reservation and pay the deposit?

Once you have completed the Booking Form and paid a deposit, you will be contacted by us in case of any additional information required to initiate the reservation. After it has been processed, you will receive a written Confirmation, a Visa Application with a list of the Documents required and a time line to forward the remaining balance. You will also receive a copy of the Terms & Conditions and a Liability Waiver Form which is required to be signed at the time of initiating the reservation.

What is the next step after I send my remaining balance and proper documents?

Journeys of Faith will then start on your visa processing, which could take up to few weeks. Once everything is complete you will receive a package with the Travel Docs containing an Itinerary, Passport with visa, Airline Tickets, personalised ID Card.

If I find a better package in a city other than my own, am I able to join that group ?

In most cases this is possible if you find a cheaper price. Most groups allow pilgrims from anywhere in the country, but their package includes airfare only from the city of departure as mentioned in their package. Therefore, the travel from your home city to the departure city would be covered by you. Please compare the services included in the Package and the one offered by your local Agent and then decide if it is worthwhile buying from the other city.

I've heard my Passport will be taken from me. Is this true?

Yes. Once you have passed through customs & immigration, travel coupons for internal travel in Saudi Arabia will be attached to your Passport and you will be escorted to a bus or car to travel to Makkah.

At this point your passport will be taken away and will be kept by the Mutawwif (a guide assigned to you by the Government). It will be given back to you at Jeddah airport on the day you return home.

You will be given a photo-ID card by your Mutawwif in lieu of your passport. You will also be given a tag (a rubber bracelet which will identify you to the Mutawwif in case you get lost) and a Hajj security badge.

Make sure you carry the ID card and wear your bracelet at all times and take good care of them. It is also advisable to carry with you notarized copies of your Passport.

*Slightly different procedure for Umrah.

Where do I go if I lose my Passport ?

Your passport will be taken from you after you enter Jeddah, by the Unified Agents Office representatives, so that the latter can complete all travel formalities to Makkah and Madinah.

If they lose your Passport, you should immediately report it to the same office appointed to take care of you during Hajj (Field Service Group, FSG). You should obtain a report from the Unified Agents Office in which the loss of Passport is mentioned. It is advisable to carry with you notarized copies of your passport.

What kind of Documents should we carry ?

• Notarized copies of your Passport, in case it is lost
• Pilgrims arrival photo-ID Card, issued upon arrival to Jeddah. You should carry this ID card at all times
• Ten passport size photographs for use by authorities for various ID Cards and other documents and procedures
• Vaccination Record Book
• Names, addresses, phone #s of the hotels you are staying in in Makkah and Madinah. If you are lost, you can call them or get directions
• Names & phone #s of the local offices & service reps of your Service Provider
• Plastic bracelet with the name, address and telephone number of your Tawafa Establishment printed on it. Make sure you carry this bracelet at all times. In case you are lost or have an accident, this bracelet will let you get to the right people.

How do I move around Makkah and is there public transport?

Travel within Saudi Arabia is highly restricted. Pilgrims' travel will be limited to the cities of Makkah and Madinah, to the tent cities of Mina and Arafat and to Muzdalifah.

Inter-city travel will require the pilgrim or his travel agent to inform the Tawafa Establishment office 24 to 48 hours before departure. Pilgrims travel by buses provided by the General Cars Syndicate, using one of travel coupons given to them by the Tawafa Establishment. Buses are of different standards and are allocated on an availability basis. Pilgrims can also travel by taxis at an extra cost to them.

What is the distance between Makkah and Mina ?

The distance between Makkah and Mina is 8 kilometers (5 miles). Depending on traffic, if there are traffic gridlocks or accidents or if transportation is unavailable, it could take anything between 2 to 4 hours. It may be better to walk the distance sometimes so that the pilgrims can be present at the correct locations at the required times.

Approximate distances between other main locations:

• Mina to Arafat : 14.4 kms (9 miles)
• Mina to Muzdaliah : 3 kms (1.8 miles)
• Makkah to Arafat : 22.4 kms (14 miles)
• Jeddah to Makkah : 64 kms (40 miles)
• Makkah to Madinah : 339 kms (211 miles)
• Madinah to Jeddah : 331 kms (206 miles)

Where do I stay in Mina ?

Mina is a well-organized tent city, with sectors and a secure precinct. Each tent can house between 20 to 40 people. Each tent has air conditioning unit and several power points. There are separate cooking areas and there are toilets with showering facilities in each precinct.

Type & quality of accommodation varies with the price.  Your Travel Agent should organize your accommodation in Mina & Arafat and advise you the details.

Can I use my Credit Card in Saudi Arabia ?

Major Credit Cards are acceptable in hotels, major malls and jewelry shop. So we do recommend taking at least one credit card to cover gift purchases.

How much cash should I take with me ?

Take a sufficient amount of currency to cover expenses. Carry most of the money in the form of travelers' checks and a small amount of Saudi riyals.

Theft and Pick-pocketing are a major problem during Hajj, so we recommend you to take less money. We suggest $300 - $500 for meals & other miscellenous expenses.

If my money is stolen where do I go for help? How do I report the crime ?

Report any crime to the police and your Tawafa Establishment.

Do I need any kind of vaccinations ?

It is the requirement of Saudi Ministry of Health that all visitors should have a valid vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis. The certificate must have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

If you are coming through any of the countries known to be infected with yellow fever (as shown in the World Health Organization [WHO] Weekly Epidemiological Record) you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate in accordance with the International Health Regulations.

I am sick and I want to go to Hajj or Umrah can you accommodate me?

Probably yes, but we need more information about your situation to give you the best advice.

Where do I go if I am ill? Are there any hospitals in Makkah or Madinah ?

There are many hospitals which provide free healthcare for pilgrims.

Are over-the-counter medicines available in Makkah? Where do I buy them ?

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.

Should I carry the medication without Prescription ?

You should always carry the Prescription along with the medication.

Is the drinking water safe ?

You may either drink bottled mineral water or drink from water fountains available for drinking throughout the holy sites. Use of boiled or sterilized water is not a must. Zamzam water is always safe.

Is the food safe ? What foods should I avoid ?

Avoid eating exposed food and meat from the counter. Make sure you eat cooked meat and fish, preferably hot. Cook vegetables and eat peeled fruit. Also always boil the milk.

What are the facilities for disabled pilgrims ?

The Hajj is physically demanding and should be undertaken only by those who are fit enough to perform the rites. The Holy Qur'an makes it clear that only those who are physically and financially able are under an obligation to perform Hajj.

That said, there are many disabled Muslims who wish to perform Hajj and, if adequate preparations are made, many can fulfill their wish. Below, we give some guidance but it is imperative that any disabled person thinking of performing Hajj should consult in detail with their travel agent before making any bookings.

Airport: There are facilities for the disabled at Jeddah airport. Your travel agent should ensure the airport staff is advised of your needs in advance.

Transport in the Kingdom: Buses are not equipped to handle wheel-chairs. Disabled pilgrims must ensure that they or their escorts have made arrangements either through your local service provide, for rlevent transportation in the Kingdom,

Hotels: In general, hotels are not equipped for the disabled, with the exception of some of the deluxe  hotels. Again, it is crucial that you check with the service provider before booking, to explain your needs and to ensure they can be met.

Houses: Houses are not generally equipped for the disabled.

Grand Mosque in Makkah: The Grand Mosque is well-equipped for the disabled. It has escalators and ramps to enable wheelchairs to move easily from one level to another. Wheel-chairs are provided free of charge in the Grand Mosque but, if you need to ask someone to push your wheelchair, the pusher will charge for his service.

To make sure arrangements are adequate, always check with your travel agent before you set out for the Journey.

Can I use my mobile phone/cell phone in Saudi Arabia ?

You can use GSM mobile phones to keep in touch with your group and also to phone home. SIM cards, only valid for a month, are available over the counter in most phone shops in Makkah and Madinah. Before leaving, make sure your phone can accept any SIM card, as opposed to being tied to a network.

What should I take with me to Hajj or Umrah ?

We recommend that you do not take too much luggage (one suit case per person). Weather is very mild in Saudi Arabia during Hajj so take only comfortable and light clothes. More information can be found in our Check list, which will be sent to our pilgrims before departure along with the final Documents.

What things should I NOT bring to Saudi Arabia?

You are not allowed to bring any perishable or uncanned food in large quantities. You must obviously not bring alcohol or drugs into the Kingdom. The punishments are severe and can include the death penalty.

What kind of luggage should we use ?

Sturdy,hard-cased luggage with heavy duty wheels. A waist-pouch to keep and carry valuables at all times. Good quality light backpack or Cary Bag for carrying personal stuff during Hajj .

Why do I need an ID Card and special luggage tags?

You need to wear your ID Card tag at all times starting from your departure from flight until your return. It is very important that you do so, so any of our representatives can recognize you in order assist you in any needs that you may require. The luggage tags are also very pertinent so the luggage can be identified throughout the trip during the transfers.

What are the necessary things I would need to pack for Hajj or Umrah ?

The most agreed upon rule of thumb in regards to packing for Hajj or Umrah is ‘pack light’. Hajj groups emphasize this all of the time simply because there is not much you need to take for the actual Hajj days or for Umrah, and for the remainder of your time, a lot of what you need is available in the shops but at great costs.

What kind of clothing and bedding should we take ?

• Two or three sets of Ihram : The Ihram consists of two pieces of white, plain cloth, either 100% cotton or light terry-cloth. These are cool to wear and also provide for better absorption of the heavy perspiration you will inevitably experience during Hajj
• Light and airy clothes for street wear. Take enough clothes to make your stay comfortable, but do not over-burden yourself with unnecessary clothes. Professional laundry facilities are available in Saudi Arabia. If going on Hajj during winter months, take some woollen clothing as the early mornings tend to be cool
• Three or four pairs of rubber slippers for use during Ihram. Couple of pairs of comfortable shoes or sandals
• Two large and two small towels
• Sleeping bag for bedding, inflatable pillow and thick sheets for Muzdalifah
• Blanket & sheets
• Jacket or sweater

Do I need toiletries ?

Yes, you do. Tooth brush, toothpaste, moisturizing and disinfecting hand soap, bath soap, shampoo, disposable razors, shaving cream, small mirror, comb, nail clippers and disinfectant, deodorant, tissues and toilet paper.

Are any other miscellaneous items required ?

• Bottled water to avoid dehydration
• Folding umbrella to protect from sun
• Sunglasses
• A prayer rug
• Copy of the Holy Qur'an and books that give you authentic and detailed information about the rites of Hajj. DO NOT take audio or video tapes as the authorities will review them at the airport and that will cause delay
• Pen, pencil, small notebook
• Mobile GSM phone to keep in touch with your group and also to call home
• Multi-blade pocket knife, can opener, small scissors Do not carry on aircraft, packed in your check in baggage
• Small flashlight, with extra batteries
• Small bottle of dish washing liquid and laundry detergent

Where do I go to get a Hajj visa ?

The Application Form is available from the nearest Saudi Consulate. But it is mandatory to appoint a licensed travel agent, who will arrange a visa, as well as your travel and accommodation and anything else you may need to perform the Hajj. The travel agent will process your Application Form & send to the Saudi Consulate.

When is the last day to register for Hajj ?

Limited seats are available. Registration is based on first come first serve. Based on our prior experiences, some of our programs will be sold out in first half of Ramadan and most will be sold out just after Eid time so please hurry and reserve your seat.

When will the Embassy start issuing Hajj visas and how long will it take to get one?

Normally Saudi Embassy will start issuing Hajj visas 2-3 weeks 1st Zil Hijjah.  Normally, it would take only 8 days for early birds but it will take up to 1-2 weeks for late comers. So, we advise you to register early to enable us to initiate the process with enough time.

What do I need for a Hajj Visa ?

You must comply with all the following requirements:

• The applicant must have a Passport valid for at least six more 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 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. (Some travel agents require two color photos, one for the visa application and the other for the group identification card).
• The applicant must submit a completed Application Form filled in with black ink pen or printed; the form must be signed and stamped by the authorized travel agency.
• The Mahram should write on the application forms complete information on his spouse and children or any relative with whom he is traveling. He should also provide copies of Marriage or Birth Certificates.
• Women are required to travel for Hajj with a Mahram. Proof of kinship must be submitted with the application form. Any woman over the age of 45 may travel without a Mahram with an organized group, provided she submits a letter of no objection from her Mahram 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 roundtrip ticket with confirmed reservations.
• The applicant must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to 15 years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio as well as meningitis. Children over 15 years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults. The certificate of vaccination should have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days prior to entering Saudi Arabia.
• Each pilgrim should submit two certified checks or cashier checks payable to 'Unified Agents Office' in Jeddah for pilgrimage services (guides, Zamzam water agents, tent accommodation in Mina and Arafat and transportation costs). These checks should include the name and the passport number of the pilgrim and date and place of issue. Each applicant must pay the appropriate fees. Pilgrims have the option to submit one check combining both fees. Children between the ages of seven and fifteen should only pay half of the amount. Children under the age of seven do not need to pay. Please check with the Saudi Consulate in your country for correct charges.
• Applicants who are not nationals of the country they are applying from should submit documented proof of legal residence status. 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.
• No applicant under the legal age of eighteen will be granted a Hajj visa if not accompanied by his family.
• If the applicant has converted to Islam, an Islamic certificate must be presented which must be notarized by an Islamic Center.

If I need to sacrifice an animal, how do I arrange it ?

Booths around Makkah and Mina have been set up by the Islamic Development Bank to facilitate buying coupons for slaughtering and distributing sacrificial animals.

During Hajj, the sacrifice can be made in Mina or Makkah, after the stoning of the largest Jamarat. The sacrifice can be done by your agent on your behalf.

The types of animals which may be sacrificed are camels, cows, sheep and goats. It is forbidden to sacrifice sick, crippled or wounded animals.

A sheep or goat can be sacrificed on behalf of only one person; whereas, a cow or camel can be shared by seven people. The age of the goat or sheep should be at least one year, the cow two and the camel at least five.

The sacrifice should be performed on the 10^th of Dhu'l-Hijjah but it is allowed to sacrifice up until the dusk of the 13^th.

Where do I go to get an Umrah visa ?

You should apply for your Umrah visa through an approved Umrah Travel Agent or sub Agent.

What do I need for an Umrah Visa ?

You will need the following :

• A completed original Umrah Visa Application Form. The statement written at the end of the application form must be carefully read and signed.
• If someone has a non-Muslim name, he or she should submit a Certificate from a mosque or an Islamic Center stating that the applicant is a Muslim.
• One recent passport size color photograph with a white background should be attached to the application form. 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.
• Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission of the application form.
• Confirmed & non-refundable airline ticket. Departure from Saudi Arabia should be within two weeks from the date of entry.
• Women and children should be accompanied by husband / father or a male relative (Mahram). Proof of relationship is required (a Marriage Certificate for a wife, a Birth Certificate for a child indicating the names of both parents). The Mahram must travel into and out of Saudi Arabia on the same flight as his wife and children.
• If a woman is 45 years old or older, she is allowed to go without a Mahram if she travels with an organized group or family and submits a notarized No Objection Certificate from her Mahram.
• If the applicant is not a national of the country he / she is applying from, a valid Residency Permit must be submitted with the application.
• A Vaccination Certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis should be attached. The certificate of vaccinations should have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days prior to entry to Saudi Arabia and it should be valid for three years. The vaccination certificate must be with the applicant on entry to Saudi Arabia.

Umrah visa is valid for 30 days only. This does not mean that you can stay in Saudi Arabia for 30 days. Within these 30 days you should perform Umrah, making sure your departure from Saudi Arabia is within two weeks of the date of entry.

The visa for Umrah in Ramadan cannot exceed the last day of Ramadan. You should leave Saudi Arabia by the end of Ramadan and cannot celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr there.

What do I do if I am lost ? Where do I go for help ?

If you are lost, there are "Pilgrim Assistance Booths" set up all over and they will help you to find your hotel, tents, etc. Make sure you have your ID card and your ID bracelet with you at all times. If you are traveling with a group, it is advisable to agree on a well-known location / landmark to gather in case somebody gets lost.