Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world travel to Saudi Arabia to accomplish the Hajj pilgrimage and the Umrah. These religious ceremonies are a highlight for all the faithful who wish to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammed. In this article, we'll look at the various aspects of the journey, including the costs involved in obtaining a visaflights, hotels and local services at Mecca And Medina.
Obtaining a Hajj and Umrah visa
In order to make the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, it is essential to obtain a special visa issued by the local authorities. This document will allow pilgrims to access the country's sacred sites during the Hajj or Umrah. The cost of the visa varies according to the country of origin, but is generally between 100 and 200 euros. You can also apply for an e-Visa to perform the Umrah.
Deadline and validity
The time required to obtain a visa may vary according to the time of year and pilgrim demand. It is therefore advisable to start the administrative procedures several months in advance to avoid any problems. Hajj and Umrah visas are generally valid for one month, giving pilgrims enough time to complete their spiritual journey. The e-Visa allows stays of up to 90 days.
Flights to Saudi Arabia
The cost of flights to Saudi Arabia depends on a number of factors, including the airline, the departure point and the season. Fares vary from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on these criteria. It is possible to find low-cost offers by booking well in advance or by opting for a hajj short stay.
Airports served in Saudi Arabia
The majority of pilgrims land at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, around 80 km from Mecca. Other options include Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, which also offers convenient access to the country's holy sites.
Accommodation in Mecca and Medina
Once on site, pilgrims will have to choose a hotel adapted to their needs and budget. The choice of accommodation varies greatly in terms of price, comfort and proximity to the holy sites. Hotels located close to the Sacred Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina are generally more expensive due to their privileged location.
The different hotel ranges
There is a wide range of hotels available for pilgrims, from 1-star establishments to 5-star luxury hotels. Prices vary considerably according to category and time of year. It is also possible to find accommodations offering economical offersThis is particularly important when booking in advance or opting for a short-stay hajj.
Additional services and costs during the pilgrimage
During their stay in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims will have to factor in a number of additional expenses. These include transportation to the various sacred sites, meals and souvenirs to bring back to their loved ones. These costs can vary according to the services chosen and the level of comfort desired by the pilgrims.
Total cost of Hajj and Umrah
Taking all these factors into account, the total cost of a Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia can vary considerably. For those looking for an economical package, a short-stay Hajj can be arranged for as little as 2,000 euros, while longer, more luxurious pilgrimages can run into tens of thousands of euros.
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