Hajj 2023: Saudi Arabia opens registration for domestic pilgrims

Ministry announces four categories of packages for domestic pilgrims performing Hajj this year

Thousands of Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia make their way to perform the stoning of the devil ritual, which marks the start of the Eid Al Adha holiday. SPA

Pilgrims cast stones in the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina. AP

Thousands of Hajj pilgrims take part in the stoning of the devil ritual. AP

Pilgrims take part in the stoning of the devil ritual in Mina. AP

Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq take part in the stoning ritual. SPA

Pilgrims throw pebbles as part of the stoning of the devil ritual at the Jamarat Bridge during Hajj. EPA

Pilgrims throw pebbles as part of the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual. EPA

Pilgrims perform the stoning of the devil ritual as this year's expanded Hajj comes to an end. AFP

Thousands of pilgrims make their way across Mina to perform the stoning of the devil ritual, which marks the start of the Eid Al Adha holiday. AFP

Thousands of pilgrims make their way across the valley of Mina, near Makkah, to perform the stoning of the devil ritual which marks the start of the Eid Al Adha holiday. AFP

Pilgrims throw stones as part of the ritual. SPA

Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq take part in the ritual stoning of the devil. SPA

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Thursday opened registration for Hajj 2023 for pilgrims within the kingdom.

Applications can now be submitted by citizens and residents wishing to perform the Hajj through its website and the Nusuk app.

Nusuk offers more than 121 services to assist pilgrims from all over the world.

The Hajj ministry announced four categories of packages for domestic pilgrims performing Hajj this year.

This year the price of domestic pilgrim packages will begin at 3,984 Saudi riyals ($1,060).

The most expensive package will cost up to 11,435 riyals, with pilgrims accommodated in the six towers in Mina, near Jamarat.

The minimum age for Hajj application is 12 years, the ministry said.

Women will also be able to perform Hajj without a mahram, or close male relative.

Applicants can register companions who want to perform the Hajj with them in the same package. The group should not exceed 13 people.

The Hajj Ministry said priority would be given to applicants who had never performed Hajj.

All pilgrims must have the Covid-19 vaccine and have an ACYW quadruple meningitis vaccine, which must be administered at least 10 days before the Hajj.

Pilgrims should pay the fees of the chosen package within a specified time. But the ministry announced that domestic pilgrims could pay the fees in full or in three instalments.

All residents must have a valid residency visa until end of the Hijri year.

Saudi Arabia announced plans for a service that will allow people who want to take part in the Hajj to apply from outside the kingdom.

The “individual pilgrims” service is part of a series of measures introduced by the ministry to improve the way people apply for the pilgrimage.