New Hajj Visa Regulations and Travel Criteria for Hajj 2021

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on protocols put forward by the Ministry of Health, and has not been ratified by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, so we are still awaiting confirmation of quotas and procedure. All of the below is subject to change (at any time) based on new guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.

Can We Perform Hajj 2021 from the UK?

Based on the protocols released from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health yesterday, yes, Hajj 2021 will go ahead this year for international pilgrims, which includes the UK insha'Allah.

Will I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to obtain a Hajj 2021 visa?

Yes, all pilgrims must have had both doses of any WHO approved COVID-19 vaccination, with the second dose being administered at least one week prior to the 1st Dhul Hijjah (11th July 2021).

Are PCR tests mandatory before travel?

International pilgrims must provide a negative printed PCR test result (also known as a fit-to-fly certificate) in English or Arabic (from verified laboratories). This test must be performed 72 hours prior to arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Will I be required to quarantine upon arrival?

Yes, one of the conditions for Hajj 2021 is a three day quarantine period at your hotel in Makkah or Madinah (tbc). A further PCR test will then be performed after 48 hours have elapsed, and pilgrims will be free to move around after the 72 hour quarantine elapses, as long as a negative result is returned.

Are there any age restrictions in place?

As it currently stands, Hajj 2021 visas will be issued to those aged between 18 and 60 years old only.

What measures will be introduced by the Saudi authorities to ensure a safe Hajj in 2021?

As we saw during Hajj 2020, the Hajj Ministry introduced social distancing measures during Tawaf and Sa'i; in Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafah; during transfers between Hajj sites; the stay in Hajj camps as well as room sharing. The same measures are set to continue for Hajj 2021.

Face masks will need to be worn at all times, and all movements will need to be regulated/controlled by Hajj agents in groups.

All Hajj workers will be vaccinated, and the Ministry of Health aims to vaccinate 60% of the residents of Makkah and Madinah by the 1st of Dhul Hijjah.

Will the price of the package increase if room/tent occupancy is reduced due to regulations imposed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah?

The cost of our Hajj packages could potentially be affected by various factors such as VAT increases by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, room occupancy regulations, exchange rates, etc. Without official guidelines of how the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah intend to organise Hajj 2021, it is too early to confirm right now. However, if there are any changes in price, you will be notified immediately.

View our booking terms and conditions to find out more about your rights to accept or decline price increases.

Are there any travel insurance policies that covers for COVID-19?

We highly recommend all pilgrims to purchase adequate travel insurance. There are many insurers which now provide policies that cover for COVID-19, which provide cover if you test positive for COVID-19 before you travel.

Please note, travel insurance is not included as part of any of our packages, and this remains your responsibility to arrange. You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including cancellation charges, medical expenses, pre-existing medical conditions, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.

Sara International Travel is a Hajj and Umrah Travel Agency that offers the best Hajj Packages and Umrah Packages across the UK. We will also assist you in finding the best package for your pilgrimage and at the best price. We are a determined team of professionals with the expertise and experience in Hajj and Umrah services who can provide you a with hassle-free and worry-less journey to the sacred lands.