Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia lists refund conditions for cancelled reservations

Cairo: Saudi Arabia has specified the cases in which the reservation fees can be refunded for domestic pilgrims in the run-up to the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage due in June.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the reservation money is refunded in certain cases.

They include the death of the main applicant for the reservation, refund for the wife in the event of her husband’s death and traffic accidents that prevent the performance of the Hajj rites, a case that must be supported by the submission of a proof of the accuracy of the information.

Another case is pertaining to the would-be pilgrim if he/she suffered a criminal accident. In this event, a proof of the accuracy of the information, health disability and hospitalization must be submitted for the refund in the form of reports issued by government hospitals.

Should the reports be issued by private hospitals, they need to be certified by the health authorities, provided that the reports are in Arabic.

The ministry underlined the necessity of canceling the Hajj reservation via a designated website inside the kingdom, or the Nusuk app before the money is refunded.

Last week, the ministry said priority in registration for domestic pilgrims is given to those who have not previously performed Hajj, except for the escort of the eligible pilgrim.

Another requirement is that the national card or residency permit must be valid until the 10th of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah, marking the following day of the Hajj climax.

The registration, which opened earlier this month, must be based on correct and accurate data, as entering incorrect information invalidates the application.

The ministry stressed that the pilgrim must be in good health, suffering from no acute or contagious, or chronic diseases. The pilgrim must complete the meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccinations.

Hajj is one of Islam’s five obligatory duties. Muslims, who can physically and financially afford Hajj, have to undertake it at least once in a lifetime.

Around 1.8 million Muslims, including 1.6 million from abroad, performed last year’s Hajj.