PLAN AND BOOK
Travelling for Hajj with Emirates
Smooth travel for Hajj
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 21 May and 22 June, and from 2 July to 2 August. Find out more about our Hajj services, Hajj visas to enter Saudi Arabia, and which travellers are eligible to book Hajj flights.
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.
Travelling with holy water
Hajj passengers on flights to Jeddah are allowed to bring up to five litres of holy water (zamzam). You can check in the water and it will be carried in a special area of the cargo hold.
Hajj visas and travel eligibility
Information about travelling for Hajj
During the Hajj period, travel to Jeddah and Medina is restricted. The following information explains how you can travel to Jeddah and Medina as a Hajj pilgrim or with a specific visa during this period.
Hajj pilgrims must hold valid documents and Hajj visa in order to entire the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia. You can find out how to apply for a Hajj visa to enter Saudi Arabia here.
Health requirements for Hajj
There may be vaccination requirements for Hajj. Please check the latest COVID-19 information here before you travel.
Please read the full health requirements for entering Saudi Arabia here.
Travel to Jeddah and Medina between 21 May and 22 June 2023
All Hajj pilgrims can travel to Jeddah or Medina only up until midnight on 22 June 2023 (4th Dhul’Hijjah 1444H).
UAE national Hajj pilgrims can travel to Jeddah or Medina only up until midnight on 24 June 2023 (6th Dhul’Hijjah 1444H).
After 22 June 2023, GCC citizens must sign a pledge at check-in to state they are not performing Hajj or wearing ihram during the flight or after arrivals.
Travel to Jeddah and Medina between 30 May and 28 June 2023
From 30 May to 28 June 2023, Muslims holding a visit or commercial visa cannot be accepted on flights to Jeddah or Medina.
Exceptions
Customers with the following visas will be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia up to the 27 June 2023 (9th Dhul’Hijjah 1444H):
- 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 1444H/2023.
- Muslims with a visit visa specifically for business, media work, exports, or travelling as a doctor or diplomat must obtain prior approval to travel from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
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
** Muslims holding visit or business visas will not be accepted for travel after 30 May until 28 June 2023 unless they meet specific travel conditions. See above.