As per Department of Statistics and Information of Saudi Government, there were 1,952,817 Hajjis in 2015.
All Hajj and Umrah tour plans must be made exclusively through a Saudi government-approved travel agent in order to obtain entry, accommodation, and transportation in Saudi Arabia during the Umrah and Hajj seasons.
The Saudi government imposes strict penalties for people who perform Hajj without a permit. Hajjis must ensure that they have been issued a permit and that to from an approved travel agent. According to an advertisement campaign, non-Saudis who perform Hajj without a permit face immediate deportation and a 10-year ban on returning to Saudi Arabia.
Foreign Muslim residents of Saudi Arabia may perform the Hajj once every five years. Advance approval must be obtained from an immigration office with the approval of the Saudi sponsor. U.S. citizen residents of Saudi Arabia must travel with Saudi-government-approved sponsor groups to perform Hajj.
Before journey, make two copies of travel documents (e.g. U.S. passports, green cards), including the pages stamped with Saudi visas, and keep one at home and another in a secure location during the trip. Always keep an updated contact information of your U.S. travel agent, its Saudi representatives, hotel, your travel group, and other emergency contacts.
Hajj and Umrah visas are valid for travel only in the vicinities of Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah, and for travel between these cities. Unapproved travel outside of these areas may cause pilgrims problems with Saudi authorities. Hajj and Umrah (pilgrimage) visas are not permissible for work or residency.
The Saudi Government requires that women below the age of 45 be accompanied by a “mahram” (e.g. close adult, male relative such as a husband, son, father, or brother) for Hajj. Women over age 45 may travel without a mahram in an organized group, provided they submit a notarized letter of no objection from the son, husband or brother, authorizing travel for Hajj with the named group. Travelers found breaking this Saudi Government rule may face deportation by local immigration authorities.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Jeddah and Dhahran cannot help in arranging travel permissions within Saudi Arabia or resolving immigration violations. Visitors who overstay their Hajj or Umrah visas are subject to a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals (or $2,667) and imprisonment pending deportation proceedings. All visitors should obtain clarification upon arrival as to the permitted areas of travel and length of stay.
It is mandatory for Hajj visitors to relinquish all passports to “United Agents Office” representatives to enable the latter to complete all travel formalities to Makkah and Madinah. Pilgrims are issued an identification card and wristband that must be carried at all times. While booking through independent travel agents UK, may benefit you and help you to make your trip comfortable and smooth.
If pilgrims lose their passports, they should immediately report the loss to their travel agent and obtain a report from the appropriate United Agents Office and local police. There are many travel agencies providing such facilities. M.Zahid is one of the uk travel agenciesdelivering online travel solution by offering Hajj, Umrah and Ramadan packages.
