PLAN AND BOOK
Travelling for Hajj and Umrah with Emirates
Smooth travel for Hajj and Umrah
Millions of Muslims are travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. We’re making the journey smooth and comfortable by offering special Hajj services and adding specific Hajj flights to our schedules exclusively for pilgrims.
Emirates extra Hajj flights to Jeddah and Medina will operate between 9 May 2024 and 10 June 2024, and from 20 June 2024 to 21 July 2024. Find out more about our Hajj services, Hajj visas to enter Saudi Arabia, and which travellers are eligible to book Hajj flights.
During Ramadan, we also operate additional flights for Umrah.
We recommend you allow as much as 5 hours for connecting flights. For international departures from Saudi Arabia, check-in will open 4 hours before departure.
Travel in comfort for Hajj
Airport services for Hajj
We have a specialist team just for our customers travelling through Dubai International airport for Hajj. If you’re transiting in Dubai, our specialist Hajj team will meet you at the arrival gate and assist you in the airport process through to your departure gate.
Hajj services on board
On the flight, we will announce when you have entered Al Miqat zones so you can prepare for Ihram. We’re also offering extra blankets and unperfumed hot towels, and our lavatories offer space to perform ablution.
Islamic programmes on board
During your flight to Saudi Arabia, you can watch our special Hajj film. You can learn about safety during Hajj, the formalities, and all your essential information about performing the Hajj pilgrimage. You can also choose our Holy Quran channel on your ice inflight entertainment.
Health requirements for Hajj and Umrah
Please read the full health requirements(Opens an external website in a new tab) including vaccination details for entering Saudi Arabia.
Travelling with holy water (zamzam)
If you’re travelling to perform Hajj or Umrah and your itinerary includes Madinah or Jeddah, you may pack up to five litres of Islamic Holy Water of zamzam in addition to your checked-in baggage allowance. Just make sure to package the zamzam water appropriately in a sealed container and it will be carried in a special area of the cargo hold.
Hajj and Umrah visas and travel eligibility
Information about travelling for Hajj
Except for Umrah visa holders, anyone can travel to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj period, but you will need to hold the correct visa. If you are travelling on one of our special Hajj flights, you will need to hold a Hajj visa and you can only travel within the time period we’ve shown below.
You can find out how to apply for a Hajj visa to enter Saudi Arabia here(Opens an external website in a new tab).
Group travel for Hajj
Group leaders must give their contact details in Saudi Arabia at check-in.
If group leaders are unable to provide contact details in Saudi Arabia before departure, they must contact Emirates on arrival in Saudi Arabia and provide their local contact details.
Travel to Jeddah and Medina 10 June and 20 June 2024
Hajj Pilgrims can only travel to Jeddah or Medina up until midnight 10 June 2024 (4 Dhul’Hijjah 1445H) 23:59GMT. Travel for Hajj after this time is not permitted, even with a valid Hajj visa (please see the exceptions below).
GCC nationals travelling after the deadline of 10 June 2024 must sign a pledge at check in to state they are not performing Hajj or wearing ihram during the flight or after arrival.
Exceptions
Customers with the following visas will be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia up to the 15 June 2024 (09th Dhul’Hijjah 1445H):
- Guests of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah.
- Guests of the Ministry of Media who will cover Hajj season 1445H/2024.
Eligibility for Emirates Hajj flights to Jeddah or Medina
Check your eligibility to travel on our specific Hajj flights or on our usual scheduled flights to Jeddah and Medina.
| Passenger | Flights to Jeddah (JED) | Flights to Medina (MED) | ||
| Hajj flights | Scheduled flights | Hajj flights | Scheduled flights | |
| Saudi nationals | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| GCC nationals (excluding Saudi nationals) | Yes* | Yes | Yes* | Yes |
| Non-GCC nationals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Muslims holding a visit or business visa | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Non-Muslims holding a visit or business visa | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Operating terminal | Arriving to/departing from Haj Terminal in Jeddah | Arriving to/departing from Terminal 1 in Jeddah | Madinah Terminal | Madinah Terminal |
*GCC nationals booked on Hajj flights must hold Tasreeh of Hajj (Hajj permit) to be accepted for travel
Travel for Umrah
If you’re travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah at any time of year, you must have a specific Umrah visa. Acceptability and visa rules are subject to change according to the Saudi Arabia authorities.
During Ramadan, we operate additional flights to Jeddah to accommodate Umrah pilgrims in this busy travel period. Any one with an Umrah visa can travel on our additional flights.
Travel to Saudi Arabia is restricted for Umrah visa holders during the Hajj period. If you are travelling on an Umrah visa, you must depart Saudi Arabia by 6 June 2024 (29 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445H).