Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a Hajj visa is required for all pilgrims, and it is included and processed for you as part of every package. We'll let you know exactly what documents we need from you once you book.

Group sizes vary by departure date and package tier. We keep groups at a size where our team can give personal, hands-on support throughout — ask us for current group numbers when you inquire.

Yes. Let us know when you inquire and we'll do our best to keep your family or group together throughout accommodation, transport, and the pilgrimage itself.

We understand Hajj is a significant investment. Speak to our team about staged payment options when you inquire — we'll talk you through what's available for your chosen package.

Personal spending money, optional excursions outside the standard itinerary, and travel insurance are not included by default. We're happy to advise on insurance options if you need them.

Hajj places are limited and demand is high, so we recommend inquiring as early as possible — ideally several months ahead of your intended travel dates.

Your group leader and our support team remain contactable throughout your trip. You'll be given direct contact details before you travel.

The quadruple meningitis vaccine (ACWY) is a legal requirement for every pilgrim — it's compulsory by Saudi law, not just a recommendation, and must be given at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. Seasonal flu vaccination is strongly recommended, and depending on which country you're travelling from, polio or yellow fever vaccination may also apply. Requirements are set by Saudi health authorities and can change, so we'll confirm exactly what's needed closer to your travel dates — check with your GP in good time regardless.

Medical insurance isn't automatically provided for pilgrims during Hajj, so we'd strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance before you go. We're happy to point you toward suitable providers when you enquire — it's one less thing to research on your own.

Many older pilgrims and those with chronic health conditions complete Hajj safely each year, but it does take extra planning. We'd recommend a pre-travel check-up with your GP, carrying documentation of your conditions and medications, and telling us in advance so we can factor this into your package — including wheelchair access where needed, which is available at every stage of the rites.

The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available throughout Makkah and Madinah, so you don't need to carry large amounts of cash. Currency exchange is also available at the airport and in most shopping areas if you'd prefer to carry some Riyal for smaller purchases.

It's a program launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to serve pilgrims from countries with Muslim minorities that don't have official missions managing pilgrims' affairs. The Ministry oversees every aspect of the journey for these countries — qualifying companies, building packages, monitoring service quality, and ensuring fair pricing. Pilgrims book packages directly through the program's digital platform, without needing to go through any external intermediary.

"Nusuk Hajj" is the official digital platform overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia, built to manage the Hajj process for applicants from the countries covered by the Direct Hajj Program. It offers a range of Hajj packages that pilgrims choose, book, and pay for directly through a secure, integrated digital experience.

No — "Nusuk Hajj" is the only approved platform for providing Hajj packages to countries covered by the Direct Hajj Program. Packages and visas cannot be booked or obtained through any other platform or entity. At Nusuk Hajj Alliance UK, we take the hassle out of this for you: we handle every step on your behalf, from registration through to purchasing your package. Each pilgrim is given their own dedicated email address and login, used only by them. You pay directly through the Ministry's own platform — no one else is involved in that payment, not even us. If your application is ever unsuccessful, you can request a refund directly from the Ministry, and the money is returned to your original payment source.

No — registration doesn't guarantee automatic acceptance. Dates for package availability are announced later, and we'd recommend following official communication channels for updates as they become available.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months on entering Saudi Arabia. You can register with your current passport and update the details before booking the package — but updating passport details after registration isn't a simple process. If you're able to, it's best to register with your new passport from the outset rather than planning to update it later.

Yes — women are permitted to perform Hajj rituals without a Mahram.

The platform offers equal opportunity to all applicants on a first-come, first-served basis — reservations are confirmed once a package purchase is completed, rather than by category. It's important to honestly assess physical capability before applying, to avoid health issues during what is a physically demanding journey.

Beyond the obvious (ihram, comfortable broken-in sandals, medication), a few things make a real difference: fragrance-free toiletries, an anti-chafing balm for the heat and walking, a power bank and adapter, and bright tape or tags to mark your bags so they're easy to spot in a crowded Mina camp. We've put together a full category-by-category packing list on our blog, including what to pack specifically for the days in Mina versus Arafah and Muzdalifah.