Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, a duty once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who is able. Every year millions want to go, but the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah can only hold a limited number of people safely. That is why Saudi Arabia requires every pilgrim to hold an official Hajj permit. The authorities often repeat the message: no Hajj without a permit.

This guide explains, in simple language, who needs a Hajj permit, the main official ways to get one, and how to protect yourself from fake offers. Rules change every season, so please confirm the latest details on the official websites listed at the end.

Why is a Hajj permit required?

The permit system makes sure that every pilgrim has a tent in Mina, a place in Arafat, food, transport, health care and a registered service company. When people come without permits, camps become overcrowded, which puts lives at risk, especially in the extreme heat. Many scholars, including the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, have said that following the permit rules is required, because it protects lives and is an obligation of obeying lawful public rules.

Penalties for performing Hajj without a permit, or helping others do so, have included large fines, deportation of foreign violators and bans from re-entering the Kingdom. Security checkpoints around Makkah are strict in the weeks before Hajj.

International pilgrims: the main routes

How you apply depends on the country of your passport:

• Nusuk Hajj platform: pilgrims from many countries (for example in Europe, the Americas, Australia and some others) apply directly on hajj.nusuk.sa. You register, get approved, then choose from packages offered by licensed service providers.
• National Hajj missions and approved agents: in many Muslim-majority countries, such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Egypt and Nigeria, Hajj quotas are managed by the government or official Hajj committee, and permits come through them or through licensed tour operators.
• Quota system: each country receives a quota based roughly on its Muslim population. Places are limited, so registration may involve a lottery or waiting list.

A Hajj visa and permit is linked to a registered package. A tourist visa, visit visa or Umrah visa does not allow you to perform Hajj.

Saudi citizens and residents (Iqama holders)

People living inside Saudi Arabia, both citizens and expatriate residents, apply for domestic Hajj through the official Nusuk platform or the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s domestic pilgrims service. In general you:

• Register with your national ID or Iqama number.
• Meet the eligibility conditions shown for the season (for example, priority is often given to those who have not performed Hajj before, and there may be a waiting period for those who did Hajj recently).
• Choose a package category offered by licensed domestic companies and pay within the given time.
• Receive your permit, which links you to your camp in Mina and Arafat.

Registration windows usually open a few months before Dhul Hijjah and can fill quickly, so watch official announcements.

What a Hajj package usually includes

Official packages normally cover your camp in Mina and Arafat, meals at the camps, transport between the holy sites during the days of Hajj (by bus or the Mashaer train for some packages), guidance and health services. Some packages also include hotels in Makkah and Madinah. Check carefully what is included before paying.

Outside the Hajj days, pilgrims often need their own transport, for example from the airport to their hotel, or between Makkah and Madinah before or after Hajj. A private fixed-price taxi can help with those journeys.

How to spot Hajj scams

• Only apply through official government platforms or licensed providers listed by them.
• Be careful of social media ads offering “cheap Hajj” or “Hajj on a visit visa”; these are not legal.
• Never pay into personal bank accounts for a permit.
• Check that the company appears on the official list for your country.
• Make sure you receive a real permit and a confirmed camp, not just a promise.

If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Losing money is painful, but being turned back at a checkpoint after travelling far is even harder.

Preparing once you have your permit

Once your permit is confirmed, focus on your health and knowledge. Take the required vaccinations (such as meningitis and any others announced by the Ministry of Health for that season), learn the steps of Hajj with a trusted teacher, and practise walking, because Hajj involves many kilometres on foot.

Learn the rules of Ihram (see our Ihram guide) and the miqat you will pass. Keep your permit, card and bracelet with you at all times during Hajj.

A simple Hajj timeline

Every season is different, but most years follow a pattern like this:

• Many months before Dhul Hijjah: official registration windows open on Nusuk Hajj, national Hajj missions or the domestic portal.
• Selection and payment: approved pilgrims choose a package and pay within the time given.
• Visa and permit: international pilgrims receive a Hajj visa; domestic pilgrims receive a permit. Vaccinations are completed.
• Early Dhul Hijjah: pilgrims arrive in Makkah or Madinah. Entry to Makkah is controlled and checked at checkpoints.
• 8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah: the days of Hajj in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, with stoning, sacrifice, shaving and Tawaf al-Ifadah.
• After Hajj: Farewell Tawaf and travel home, or on to Madinah.

Because places are limited, it is wise to start learning, saving and preparing your health a long time before registration opens. Keep a close eye on official announcements so you don’t miss your window.

Umrah vs Hajj permits

An Umrah permit from the Nusuk app is a different thing. It lets you perform Umrah at a chosen time and is available most of the year. Before and during Hajj season, Umrah permits may be paused for people not registered for Hajj, so check the dates. Read our Nusuk app guide.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides and services

• Jeddah Airport to Makkah taxi
• Makkah to Madinah taxi
• Makkah to Jeddah Airport taxi
• Madinah to Makkah taxi
• All routes and fixed prices

Sources and further reading

• Nusuk Hajj – official Hajj booking for eligible countries
• Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
• Nusuk – official platform for Umrah, Hajj and Rawdah
• Saudi Ministry of Health – Hajj and Umrah health requirements

This guide is general information for pilgrims. Religious rulings can differ between schools of thought, so please ask a qualified scholar about your own situation. Official rules change often; always check the official Nusuk platform and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel.

Written by the Zikr Cabs team: we drive pilgrims between Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and Taif. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp.

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