Haj confirmation after full fee payment

Three instalments offered to domestic pilgrims this year

Reservation confirmation for performing this year’s Haj requires full payment of fees, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said.

Earlier this month, the ministry said domestic pilgrims can pay the cost of this year’s pilgrimage in three instalments, unlike before when the fees were paid in one go. The ministry explained that such pilgrims are allowed to pay 20 per cent as a first instalment within 72 hours of making the reservation.

The deadline for paying the second instalment of 40 per cent is set for 7/7/1444AH, referring to the lunar Islamic month of Rajab, which is expected to start later this month.

The third and last instalment must be paid by 10/10/1444, i.e. less than two months before the onset of the Haj season due in late June this year.

Domestic pilgrims are selected randomly through an online lottery system after being approved to perform Haj.

The ministry has unveiled four packages for domestic pilgrims this year with costs ranging from 3,984 to 11,841 riyals.

The ministry also pointed out that only overseas pilgrims holding Haj visas and Muslims having regular residency in Saudi Arabia are allowed to perform Haj. Saudi Arabia this week said there will be no limits on the number of pilgrims from around the world for Haj.

However, pilgrims are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, Saudi news portal Sabq reported.

Vaccinations against meningitis and seasonal flu are also obligatory for every pilgrim, who must have no acute chronic or infectious diseases.

Four Haj packages are available to domestic pilgrims this year with costs ranging from 3,984 to 11,841 Saudi riyals.