Are You Going on Hajj? What You Need to Know

Culled from Instructions Manual for Organising Hajj 1446 by Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia. Through NAHCON.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

All contracts in Makkah, Medina, and the holy sites are subject to the procedures established by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through NUSUK MASAR for external pilgrims. No private or bilateral agreements between Hajj Affairs offices or organizers and service providers including accommodation, transportation, and catering will be considered valid unless they follow the contract templates officially approved by the Ministry, which are mandatory and documented in Nusuk Masar.

Hajj Affairs offices must ensure that all accredited organizers inform pilgrims before their arrival about the services they will receive in the Kingdom, including transportation, accommodation, and catering in Makkah, Medina, and the holy sites.

Pilgrims must be accommodated only in documented and approved residences in Makkah and Medina. Any changes must be made legally through authenticated contracts in compliance with Saudi regulations.

Pilgrims must be housed within the legitimate area of Mina within the designated capacity. A portion of pilgrims will be accommodated in Stage 3 developed tents in Muzdalifah. The Ministry will allocate these spaces based on the actual number of pilgrims per country and the available camp capacity.

Hajj Affairs office employees are not allowed to leave Makkah without written approval from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Pilgrims must strictly follow scheduled transportation plans, including departure times from camps to Jamarat Bridge. Unauthorized movement outside designated times is an infraction subject to legal and Sharia accountability.

Pilgrims must move only through designated paths and roads as per the official security and safety plans.

Pilgrims must be accompanied and monitored by representatives of their Hajj Affairs offices throughout their journey from arrival at Saudi ports, accommodation, and movements to hospitalizations, departures, and any necessary services.

Pilgrims traveling in batches must have an authorized delegate accompanying them, identifiable by an official ID card, to facilitate procedures and coordinate with relevant authorities.

Pilgrims must be made aware of the following before arriving in Saudi Arabia:

Adhere strictly to scheduled programs for all Hajj rituals.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or personal belongings in public areas to prevent loss or theft.

Refrain from crowding or pushing to ensure safety and order.

Do not engage in political or promotional activities, including: Distributing printed or digital materials.

Holding unauthorized congregational prayers or loud chanting in the Holy Mosques.

Carrying or displaying flags, political slogans, or sectarian symbols.

Photography and videography in the Holy Sites must not compromise security or disrupt the sanctity of worshippers.

Do not purchase from street vendors or consume exposed/unverified food items.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strict laws regarding security and public order during Hajj:

Zero tolerance for drug-related offenses smuggling, possession, or use will attract severe legal consequences.

The Hajj season must not be politicized, and any actions disrupting the spiritual atmosphere will be firmly dealt with by authorities.

Pilgrims must respect the cultural diversity of fellow pilgrims and maintain a spirit of peace and unity.

In case of water or electricity outages or bus delays, a report can be made via the unified number (1966).

If a pilgrim loses their passport, they must immediately contact the service provider to avoid flight cancellations.

Hajj organizers, travel agencies, and Hajj Affairs offices must ensure birth and death certificates for their pilgrims are issued within 48 hours of hospital reports.

Maintain cleanliness in Makkah, Medina, Jeddah, and the holy sites, as well as on transportation (aircraft, trains, and buses).

Religious enlightenment programs must be actively disseminated to pilgrims through mobile campaigns, social media, and electronic signage in transportation and accommodation areas.

Pilgrims must not sleep or recline in the Grand Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque, or surrounding squares, streets, and passageways, ensuring smooth movement during peak hours.

Hajj is a sacred journey of devotion adhering to these official regulations will ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling experience.

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