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Updated March 2024
The Hajj is one of the most important religious events in the Islamic calendar. Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah each year to participate in the annual pilgrimage.
After the successful Hajj season 2023, the Saudi authority now looks forward to the preparation for the next Hajj season. Here are all the latest news and updates concerning the Hajj season 2024.
Table of Contents
Hajj news 2024 – latest updates
Flying taxis for Hajj pilgrims
Saudia, the Saudi Arabian Airlines, is gearing up to introduce air taxis for transporting Haj and Umrah pilgrims between Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Makkah hotels.
Abdullah Al Shahrani, the director of corporate communications and spokesman for the Saudia Group, revealed plans to use flying taxis during the Haj season. These taxis, accommodating four to six passengers, are designed to cover a maximum distance of 250 km, reducing flight time.
The Saudia Group has secured a contract for 100 Lilium jets to facilitate transportation between the Jeddah airport and Makkah hotels located near the Grand Mosque and other sacred sites.
Hajj 2024 dates
The dates for Hajj 2024/1445H are expected to occur on Friday, June 14, until Wednesday, June 19, 2024. However, the Saudi Ministry for Hajj and Umrah revealed that the first batch of pilgrims will arrive at the Kingdom on 9 May 2024.
According to the minister for Hajj and Umrah, the preparatory stage commenced on 16 September 2023, with the international symposium and exhibition organized on 8 January 2024. Additionally, the ministry stated the Hajj visas will be issued from 1 March until 29 April 2024.
Hajj requirements and rules
Age limit requirements
In Saudi Arabia, individuals must be at least 12 years old to participate in Hajj due to safety considerations, with no maximum age limit imposed.
Vaccination requirements
According to the Ministry of Health’s document addressing the health requirements for the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, the following vaccinations have been made mandatory.
- 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
Vaccination should be completed at least 10 days prior to the Hajj season, and it will be considered a pre-requisite for obtaining a Hajj permit. For more information on these vaccines, check out our dedicated article below.
Permit requirements
Worshippers are no longer required to obtain a permit and appointment to pray at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. However, you must still obtain a Hajj permit through the online app Absher.
Hajj permits for the year 2024/1445 AH will be issued starting from 1 March 2024 until 29 April 2024. The registration date for Hajj may vary between countries. However, registration for the Hajj pilgrimage has been closed early this year in most countries.
Makkah entry permit
To regulate the Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi authorities allowed only those with Hajj and Umrah permits to enter Makkah this year. However, there hasn’t been any official update concerning 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 to work in the holy sites issued by the competent authority
- residency permit (iqama) issued from Makkah
- Umrah/Hajj permit
Other requirements
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah released photography and videography guidelines for pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. These rules aim to respect the sanctity of the holy sites.
The guidelines include the following:
- obtaining consent before taking pictures of others
- refraining from capturing images of individuals while they are praying
- avoiding any disruption or disturbance to worshippers
Health protocols
Wearing masks is recommended in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and in locations where specific safety protocols are in place. Weqaya offers guidance on preventing the spread of disease at public gatherings, on public transportation, and within healthcare facilities. Proof of vaccination through the Tawakkalna app is no longer necessary for entry to most establishments, and social distancing measures are no longer enforced in mosques and other areas.
Hajj permit for businesses
Saudi Arabia opens the Hajj licence application for businesses and companies that are interested to support Muslim pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season. This decision is meant to expand and improve the Hajj services offered to the pilgrims. The services required form the companies include accommodation, meals, transportation, and other aspected related to the comfort and safety of the pilgrims.
The registration period was open until December 5, 2023, and applications could be submitted through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s portal. Companies must submit their application within the specified deadlines. They must also adhere to the procedures and guidelines set by the ministry,
Hajj rules for domestic pilgrims
The Ministry for Hajj and Umrah is now considering providing an economical Hajj package for domestic pilgrims next year. The package can be paid in full or in installments.
Check out more information about local Hajj in our dedicated article below:
Hajj rules for pilgrims from Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced an online registration portal for Hajj seekers from Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand. The portal provides convenient options for package selection, support services, and a 24/7 multilingual communication center. Importantly, it also offers electronic issuance of Hajj visas for residents in these countries. Access the portal at hajj.nusuk.sa.
Applications for pilgrims wishing to register for the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage are now open. Those interested can apply through the Nusuk Hajj platform.
Check our article below to learn more about the portal.
