Every year, more than a hundred million people from different countries travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah. The airport operations in Saudi Arabia are the first step of this journey. There are various activities at the airport, and it is very important for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to be familiar with these procedures. Below, we will discuss in detail the processes that are required for performing Hajj and Umrah.
If you travel to Mecca first, your flight will land at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Alternatively, if you go to Medina first, your flight will land at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina.
If you travel during the Hajj season, it may take more time to complete the airport procedures. However, if you travel for Umrah, the process will take much less time.
Hajj Terminal
King Abdulaziz International Airport has three terminals.
- Domestic/South Terminal
- International North Terminal
- Hajj and Umrah Terminal (which is located next to the International North Terminal)
Generally, all pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah will need to go to the North Terminal for processing. However, due to some issues, you may be directed to the North or South Terminal. To ensure which terminal you need to go to, check with your travel agent or airline.
Arrival
After landing at the airport, before disembarking the plane, make sure you haven’t forgotten any clothing, shoes, or other items.
Once you reach the airport, you will enter a lounge where your passport will be checked.
You may have to wait here for some time, so be prepared. During this time, you can rest or buy food if needed.
Immigration
After landing at the airport and completing initial procedures, passengers will proceed to the immigration counter. There, your passport will be checked, your visa verified, and your fingerprints taken.
- Keep your passport and Umrah or Hajj visa ready.
- Make sure that you have obtained your visa through the government’s approved Makam system or an authorized travel agency. You may have to wait in a long line.
- Carry a report for any health-related vaccinations, as it may be required here, or you may be given any necessary vaccinations.
Customs and Luggage
After completing the immigration process, you will need to collect your luggage. You will need to locate your luggage yourself. It’s a good idea to mark your luggage beforehand to make it easier to find.
Next, customs procedures will begin. Your luggage will be checked here, so make sure it is unlocked in advance. Certain items are prohibited in Saudi Arabia, such as obscene magazines, CDs, or DVDs. However, if everything is in order, your bag will pass.
Processing
After immigration, your luggage will be placed on a large trolley and carried by a porter. Once your luggage is placed on the trolley, keep an eye on it and ensure that any member of your group takes responsibility for keeping the luggage in a safe place. Remember, porters are paid for carrying luggage, so refrain from giving them extra money.
Mutawaf and Assistance
An important entity for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims is Mutawaf. Mutawaf is a service worker who guides the pilgrims. The Mutawaf will take your passport and return it to you later.
With the help of the Mutawaf, you will receive all kinds of assistance related to Hajj and Umrah. They will assist you with accommodation, transportation, and any medical issues. These offices are generally divided by country, making it easier for you to receive assistance in your own language.
Facilities at the Hajj Terminal
There are various facilities available for pilgrims. These include lounges, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, SIM card collection, toilets, showers, banking services, and more.
However, it is important to be patient, as the crowds can be quite large during the Hajj season. However, if you are traveling for Umrah, you are likely to encounter fewer crowds.
Here, you can get the necessary food. If you need to use the toilet, you can do so here as well. You can also buy drinks or snacks to carry with you, as once you board the bus, you won’t have another opportunity before reaching your hotel. You will have some time for Salah, but no other breaks will be provided. You might need to stay on the bus for 3-4 hours, so it’s best to gather everything beforehand. Even if you need to exchange money or get a SIM card before reaching Mecca or Medina, you can do it here.
Other Travel and Terminal Departure
Before leaving the terminal, make sure you complete all necessary tasks. You won’t have another opportunity after getting on the bus.
Once all the procedures are complete, you will board the official bus heading to Mecca or Medina. After boarding the bus, you must hand over your luggage to the staff and then give your passport to the driver, who will return it to you once you reach the hotel. Saudi officials will check the passports, and if everything is in order, the bus will depart. However, this process may take some time.
Umrah
For those traveling for Umrah outside of the Hajj season, the airport procedures are slightly different, and their time at the airport is much shorter.Generally, those traveling for Umrah do not need to use the Hajj Terminal. However, sometimes you may be directed here for processing.
For Umrah, a draft or check is not required, and there is no travel coupon system. Pilgrims for Umrah usually arrange their own transportation.
The airport procedures for Hajj and Umrah can be somewhat challenging, but with patience and preparation, these procedures can be managed.
It is important to have all your documents and luggage ready and to seek help from the Mutawaf when needed. If you follow all the steps correctly, your journey will be much more pleasant and comfortable.
