Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is obligatory upon any Muslim who has the means to bear its expenses. It is one of the most significant religious events in the Islamic calendar. Millions of Muslims from all over the world travel to Makkah each year to take part in this annual pilgrimage.
Hajj 2024 dates
The projected dates for Hajj 2024/1445H are from Friday, June 14, until Wednesday, June 19, 2024, subject to moon sighting of the month of Dhu Al Hijjah. However, the first group of pilgrims will reach the Kingdom on 9 May 2024 as stated by the Saudi Ministry for Hajj and Umrah.
The minister for Hajj and Umrah publicized that the preliminary stage was launched on 16 September 2023, with the international symposium and exhibition organized on 8 January 2024. Furthermore, the ministry stated the Hajj visas will be issued from 1 March until 29 April 2024.
Age limit requirements
In Saudi Arabia, individuals must be at least 12 years old to participate in Hajj due to safety concerns, with no maximum age limit enacted.
Vaccination requirements
The Ministry of Health’s document while addressing the health requirements for the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, announced the following vaccinations as compulsory:
- Meningococcal meningitis.
- Poliomyelitis, for states reporting cases of WPV1 or cVDPV1.
- Poliomyelitis, for states reporting cVDPV2-positive human samples.
- Yellow Fever, for countries or areas at risk.
- Seasonal Influenza
A pre-requisite for obtaining a Hajj permit is that vaccinations should be finalized at least 10 days prior to the Hajj season.
Permit requirements
It is not required of the worshippers to obtain a permit and appointment to pray at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. A Hajj permit through the online app Absher is still a requirement.
Hajj permits for the year 2024/1445 AH will be proceeded commencing from 1 March 2024 until 29 April 2024. The registration date for Hajj may differ between countries.
However, registration for the Hajj pilgrimage have now ended earlier this year in most countries.
Makkah entry permit
The Saudi authorities permitted only those with Hajj and Umrah permits to enter Makkah this year in order manage the Hajj pilgrimage. However, there hasn’t been any official apprise regarding the Makkah entry permit for next year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Expatriates allowed to enter Makkah were those holding one of the following documents:
- Entry permit for employment in the holy sites supplied by the competent authority.
- Residency permit (iqama) issued from Makkah.
- Umrah/Hajj permit
- Other requirements
photography and videography instructions
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued photography and videography instructions for pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. These rules are aimed at respecting the sacredness of the holy sites.
The guidelines include the following:
- Obtaining consent before taking pictures of others.
- Abstaining from obtaining images of individuals while they are praying.
- Avoiding any disruption or disturbance to worshippers.
Health protocols
It is recommended to wear masks in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and in locations where specific safety practices are in place. Weqaya, Saudia’s Public health authority platform, offers guidance on thwarting the spread of disease at public gatherings, on public transportation, and inside healthcare facilities. Proof of vaccination through the Tawakkalna app is no longer required for entry to most establishments, and social distancing measures are no longer implemented in mosques and other areas.
Hajj rules for domestic pilgrims
Corresponding to the ministry’s statement, eligible applicants must be either citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia and should have a valid national ID or residence permit by the month of Dhu Al Hijjah. A prominent specification is that the opportunity to perform Hajj under these conditions is reserved for those who have not previously undertaken the pilgrimage, as recorded in the Hajj and Umrah system. An exception to this rule is provided for women wanting to perform Hajj with a mahram, a family member with whom marriage would be considered permanently unlawful (haram).The Ministry for Hajj and Umrah is now deeming to provide an economical Hajj package for domestic pilgrims next year. The payment for the package can be done as a full payment or in installments.
Hajj guidelines for visitors from Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced an online registration portal for people aspiring for the hajj programme from Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand. The portal specifies accessible options for package selection, support services, and a 24/7 multilingual communication centre. Essentially, it also offers electronic issuance of Hajj visas for residents in these countries. Access the portal at hajj.nusuk.sa.
