The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced that licensed domestic Hajj service providers can facilitate payment of Hajj package fees in three installments for the upcoming Hajj season.

This decision aims to ease financial burdens for pilgrims.

The payment plan stipulates that the first installment, amounting to 20% of the total package price, must be paid within 72 hours of booking.

The second installment, representing 40% of the package cost, is due by Ramadan 20. The final installment, also covering 40% of the total cost, is required by Shawwal 20.

Each payment installment will be accompanied by a separate invoice, and until the third installment is fully paid, the reservation status will be marked as 'Unconfirmed'.

Pilgrims also have the option to pay the entire package amount upfront if they prefer.

Additionally, the Ministry emphasized the importance of health precautions, mandating that pilgrims receive two vaccinations: one against Neisseria meningitis and another for seasonal influenza.

On February 8, the Ministry opened registration for Hajj 2025 for domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents.

Interested individuals are directed to submit their applications via the Nusuk app or the official e-portal.

Notably, citizens from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and visitors entering the Kingdom on work or visit visas are not eligible to register through this platform, which is restricted to those possessing either a citizen ID or a resident ID.

The Ministry has set a minimum age of 15 years for those wishing to undertake the pilgrimage, as per the Hijri calendar, with no upper age limit specified.

Priority for registration is given to individuals who have not previously performed Hajj, although exemptions apply for the blood relatives of female pilgrims.

It is also noted that children are not permitted to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage.