Curious about Hajj 2022? Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah Al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia. If you’re planning to make the Hajj 2022 pilgrimage, or want to know more about it, there are new guidelines for domestic and international pilgrims. Here’s everything you need to know about Hajj 2022.
What is Hajj?
It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims as it is a part of the five pillars of Islam. Adult Muslims who are physically, mentally and financially equipped to perform Hajj should do so at least once in their lifetimes.
The Hajj ritual is performed over days starting from 8 and going on until 12 or 13 of Dhu al-Hijjah (Thursday July 7 to Tuesday July 12).
As mentioned, Hajj is an annual pilgrimage made to the Kaaba. The word “Hajj” roughly translates to “to attend a journey” and this implies both a physical and spiritual one. It involves a number of rituals that have to be carried out in order for the Hajj to be completed. It lasts five to six days, depending on the lunar calendar.
What are the differences between Hajj and Umrah?
Both are Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah Al Mukaramah though the method of observance and level of importance differs. Hajj is one of the the five pillars of Islam, and it is obligatory for able Muslims to complete it at least once in their lives. Hajj is performed over a specific period of days in a specific month while Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Hajj has more rituals and is more time-consuming, while Umrah takes a few hours to complete.
What is the Hajj 2022 capacity?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the capacity for Hajj 2022 in Saudi Arabia will be increased to one million pilgrims with additional implementations of full safety guidelines. The total number includes both local and international travellers.
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What are the Hajj 2022 application requirements?
Applicants must possess a passport valid for at least six more months, and have one recent passport-sized coloured photo with a white background. Applicants must also carry proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. The application is available at the nearest Saudi Consulate, but it’s advised to have a licensed travel agent apply on your behalf. Applicants must also enter all information about their spouse and children or any relative with whom they are travelling.
How do you register for Hajj 2022?
Hajj 2022 registration is now closed. It closed on Saturday June 11.
What is the Hajj 2022 online lottery?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new e-draw system for Hajj 2022. Due to the approved capacity of one million pilgrims for Hajj 2022, the Ministry initiated an online lottery system that selects domestic pilgrims at random who have been approved to perform Hajj.
During the e-draw selection, no priority will be given to pilgrims who applied earlier during the registration period, however, priority will be given to applicants who are vaccinated. Applicants who are successfully selected will be notified through SMS and will have 24 hours to complete their payment for their selected Hajj package.
How do international pilgrims apply for Hajj 2022?
To apply for a Hajj visa, international pilgrims must provide a passport that is valid for at least six months and share a recent photo. The necessary application form must be completed and the pilgrims must have an approved permit with a completed payment for the requested services for Hajj 2022. International pilgrims must also provide a valid and complete vaccination certificate along with a return ticket to their country of origin.
For pilgrims from Europe, America and Australia, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched an online portal enabling registration electronically for Hajj 2022. The online portal offers package options, support services and a 24-hour multi-lingual communication centre.
How much did the Hajj 2022 packages cost?
The Ministry launched three packages for Hajj 2022. The first package (Hospitality 2 Camps) cost SAR10,238; the second package (Hospitality Upgraded Camps) was priced at SAR13,043 and the third package (Hospitality Towers) cost SAR14,737. Packages and prices vary from year to year.
Do you have to be vaccinated for Hajj 2022?
All pilgrims must be under the age of 65 and must be vaccinated with the main COVID-19 doses that have been approved by the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Proof of immunisation will be required through the Tawakkalna app. Approved vaccines for Hajj 2022 in the Kingdom include Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
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What is the Hajj 2022 COVID-19 protocol?
Travellers must submit a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure, be vaccinated, and masks must still be worn in the vicinity of the two Holy Mosques though social distancing is no longer required as of the latest update for Hajj 2022.
Do you have to wear a face mask for Hajj 2022?
Both local and international pilgrims will still be required to wear a mask near the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque despite easing precautionary measures related to COVID-19 recently in the Kingdom.
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What are the health and safety measures to take before Hajj?
In addition to the COVID-19 protocols, pilgrims must take the necessary vaccinations required to perform Hajj ten days before the ritual begins. These vaccinations include the seasonal flu vaccine and the meningococcal vaccine. It is also advisable for pilgrims to physically prepare themselves at least three months prior to Hajj by practising some light walking and eating healthy.
Before applying for domestic Hajj, pilgrims must verify their eligibility by visiting the official Hajj and Umrah website or through the services provided on the Absher platform. If they are ineligible, they will have to submit an exception request and wait for it to be accepted or rejected. If they are eligible, they will receive a text message with an extraction link for their permit and will be asked to complete the required steps to secure their registration for Hajj.
What are the types of accommodation available for Hajj?
Once pilgrims have acquired the necessary documentation for Hajj 2022, they can book a room in one of the many hotels located in Makkah. It is recommended to book a hotel a few months in advance because they sell out quick. Other forms of accommodation will be provided in the form of tents and directly linked to the Hajj package selected.
What documentation must you carry for Hajj 2022?
You need to be carrying your pilgrim identification card and the pilgrim residence card with you at all times during Hajj 2022.
Where can I find emergency health care in Makkah?
With the safety of pilgrims being the main priority during Hajj, the Kingdom has provided first aid services located at the camps. In the event of a serious medical emergency, pilgrims can head to one of the hospitals located in Makkah or the Mashaer area. You can access the interactive map provided by the Ministry of Health to view the available hospitals and clinics.
Can I visit other cities on my Hajj 2022 visa?
Hajj 2022 visas are only valid in the vicinities of Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah.
What else can pilgrims do during their Hajj 2022 experience?
Pilgrims can expand their experience during their stay at the Haram by visiting the many historical monuments and archaeological museums.
How is Eid Al Adha related to Hajj?
Anticipated to fall on Sunday July 10 and ending on Tuesday July 12 in 2022, Eid Al Adha (Day of Sacrifice) is celebrated on the last day of Hajj. Pilgrims perform the required Hajj rituals on this day be returning to Mina on the Day of Sacrifice (Eid Al Adha) and carry out the necessary steps including throwing seven stones at Jamrat Al Aqaba and sacrificing a goat, sheep, cow, or camel and distributing the meat to the needy. Men must shave their hair and women are recommended to shorten their hair. Pilgrims continue to perform the required rituals of the last day of Hajj.
Curious about more Hajj updates? Click here to read about the capacity changes.
