14 June 2023 at 17:56
Hajj 2023: Latest Update
by Wego Travel
Reviewed June 2023
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.
With the Hajj season 2023 coming closer. Here are all the latest news and updates concerning the Hajj season 2023.
Hajj news 2023 – latest updates
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has recently issued a new set of guidelines regarding prohibited items for air travel to the country for Hajj. As per their tweet, the following items have been listed as banned:
unwrapped and tied luggage
plastic bags
fabric-wrapped luggage
excess weight
Kindly comply with the regulations to ensure a hassle-free and secure Hajj pilgrimage experience.
Hajj 2023 dates
The dates for Hajj 2023/1444H are 26 June – 1 July 2023.
Hajj requirements and rules
Please note that some of these requirements and rules were observed during last year’s Hajj season and may not apply to Hajj 2023.
Age limit & testing requirements
Hajj will be available this year for all people above the age of 12 provided that they obtain the basic doses of vaccines approved in the Kingdom and they must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival to the Kingdom.
Vaccination requirements
Pilgrims visiting the Kingdom for Hajj need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes a complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and a booster jab.
The following vaccines are the vaccines approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Saudi Arabia:
Pfizer/BioNTech. 2 doses
Oxford/AstraZeneca: 2 doses
Janssen. 1 dose
Moderna. 2 doses
Sinopharm. 2 doses
Sinovac. 2 doses
Covaxin. 2 doses
Sputnik V. 2 doses
Nuvaxovid. 2 doses
Covovax. 2 doses
Apart from the COVID-19 vaccines, pilgrims will also have to be vaccinated against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, and 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.
Quarantine requirements
No quarantine will be necessary for foreign pilgrims fully vaccinated with vaccines approved in Saudi Arabia. However, travelers arriving on visit visas (including pilgrims) must have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19-related treatment costs during their stay.
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 2023/1444 AH will be issued starting from May 5, 2023 (Shawwal 15). Registration for Hajj 2023 opened on April 3, allowing previous pilgrims (within the last 5 years) to apply through the Nusuk app and the Ministry’s official website. First-time pilgrims can apply until June 25 (Dhu Al-Hijjah 7) to perform this year’s Hajj.
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 this 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 has 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
Saudi Arabia has lifted COVID-19 restrictions, including the mandatory wearing of masks in closed public spaces. However, masks are still required in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and places with specific safety protocols. Face masks may also be needed at certain public events, on public transportation, and in healthcare facilities that maintain safety measures as mandated by Weqaya. 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 rules for domestic pilgrims
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, domestic pilgrims who fail to pay the second installment for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage will have their reservation canceled. They can make a new reservation until 7 Dhu al-Hijjah 1444 AH, subject to availability. The option for installment payments is no longer available.
Pilgrims who completed their payment and were selected for Hajj can print their Hajj permit starting from 15 Shawwal 1444 AH after receiving a text message with the permit number.