Hajj 2025: How to Visit From India

Planning to embark on the sacred journey of Hajj 2025 from India? If you are, first off—Mubarak ho! It’s a deeply spiritual moment, and we at Vi are here to make your Hajj yatra smoother, safer, and better connected.

Every year, lakhs of Indian Muslims make their way to Mecca and Medina to perform the holy pilgrimage. With 2025’s Hajj expected to fall around late May to early June (depending on moon sighting), now is the perfect time to start planning. Whether it’s understanding the visa process, getting the best international connectivity with Vi, or simply knowing what to pack, we’ve put together a detailed guide to help you every step of the way.

The Difference Between Hajj and Umrah – Know Before You Go

Before diving into the details, let’s quickly understand the difference between Hajj and Umrah. Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage and one of the five pillars of Islam. It must be performed at a specific time of the year and is obligatory once in a lifetime for every financially and physically capable Muslim.

Umrah, on the other hand, can be performed at any time of the year and is a shorter version of the pilgrimage. While Hajj requires a Hajj visa, Umrah travellers typically apply for a visa Umrah, which is simpler and less time-restricted.

That brings us to the first step of your Hajj 2025 journey: understanding the visa process.

Step 1: Apply for Your Hajj Visa

If you're travelling from India for Hajj 2025, you cannot directly apply for a visa as an individual. Instead, the Government of India coordinates with approved Hajj tour operators and the Consulate of Saudi Arabia. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Registration: Begin by registering on the official Hajj portal managed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (https://hajcommittee.gov.in/).
2. Lottery System: Due to the high demand, a draw (or Qurrah) is usually conducted to allocate seats.
3. Packages and Travel Arrangements: Once selected, you can choose your Hajj package, which includes flights, accommodation in Mecca and Medina, food, transportation, and the Hajj visa itself.

If you're not chosen in the government scheme, don’t worry. You can still apply through authorised private tour operators, who also handle everything from Umrah visa to complete Hajj logistics.

Step 2: For Those Planning Umrah Before or After Hajj

Many pilgrims opt to perform Umrah either before or after the official dates of Hajj. This offers a more flexible and relaxed experience of the holy cities. If this is something you’re considering, then applying for a Umrah visa is your go-to option. With Saudi Arabia streamlining the visa process, getting an Umrah visa from India has become quicker and easier. You’ll typically need:

• A valid Indian passport that has 6 months of validity.
• Filled out Umrah visa form.
• Confirmed round-trip flight tickets.
• Proof of hotel bookings and travel itinerary.
• Vaccination certificate for polio, meningococcal meningitis, yellow fever, and seasonal influenza.
• People with non-muslim names should have a confirmation from local masjids or Islamic bodies regarding their muslim identity.
• Travel insurance.
• Evidence of female pilgrims’ relation to their marhams and proof of connection.
• Two latest passport-sized photographs,

As for the Umrah visa price, it varies depending on the season and travel agency. In 2025, it's expected to range anywhere from ₹7,500 to ₹15,000, excluding travel and stay.

Step 3: Travel Essentials and Tips for Your Hajj Yatra

Now that your visa and travel plans are sorted, here’s a checklist to ensure a hassle-free Hajj yatra:

• Vaccination Certificate: As per Saudi regulations, vaccinations such as meningitis, influenza, and COVID-19 are mandatory.
• Ihram Clothes: Make sure you carry at least two sets of Ihram to stay clean and fresh during the rituals.
• Currency and Payments: Carry a small amount of Saudi Riyals in cash for initial expenses. Most places accept cards or digital payments, so having an international card helps.
• Footwear and Essentials: Comfortable slippers, a waist pouch, and travel-size toiletries are must-haves.
• Stay Connected: This is crucial—not only to stay in touch with family back home but also to navigate maps, use translation apps, and keep track of your group.

Step 4: Staying Safe and Spiritually Ready

Hajj Yatra is a test of patience, unity, and devotion. While the logistics are important, spiritual preparation is equally crucial.

Read up on the rituals, understand the significance of each act, and prepare your mind to embrace the experience. Hajj is physically demanding, so if you’re elderly or have health concerns, it’s wise to consult a doctor and carry necessary medication.

Make sure to also carry a small diary or a mobile note app to document your reflections. And yes, with Vi’s international roaming pack, you can easily share moments and keep your memories backed up in the cloud!

Why Vi’s International Roaming is Ideal for Your Hajj Journey

At Vi, we understand how important it is to stay connected during your pilgrimage. Whether you're travelling for Hajj and Umrah, reliable network connectivity is non-negotiable. That’s why we’ve tailored our international roaming options specifically for countries like Saudi Arabia—making them perfect for pilgrims like you. Here’s taking a look at our prepaid and postpaid international roaming mobile plans:

Special Prepaid Packs:

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹1199	20 days	2 GB data Unlimited Incoming calls & 150 mins outgoing (Local + To India) Post quota Outgoing Call rates: ₹10/min Post quota data rates: ₹10/MB Outgoing SMS: ₹15 per SMS Pack works in Saudi, UAE & Iraq
₹2388	40 days	4 GB data Unlimited Incoming calls & 300 mins outgoing (Local + To India) Post quota Outgoing Call rates: ₹10/min Post quota data rates: ₹10/MB Outgoing SMS: ₹15 per SMS Pack works in Saudi, UAE & Iraq

 

Budget Prepaid Packs:

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹495	30 days	50 mins Outgoing (Local + To India) & Incoming   Post quota Outgoing / Incoming rates Rs 10/min   Rs. 15/ Outgoing SMS   Available in 123 countries
₹995	10 days	1.25 GB data   100 mins Outgoing (Local + To India) & Incoming   Post quota Outgoing / Incoming rates Rs 10/min   Post quota Data Rs 10/MB   Rs. 15/ Outgoing SMS   Available in 124 countries
₹2997	365 days	1.5 GB data   125 mins Outgoing (Local + To India) & Incoming   Post quota Outgoing / Incoming rates Rs 10/min   Post quota Data Rs 10/MB   Rs. 15/ Outgoing SMS   Available in 124 countries
₹2998	30 days	5 GB data   200 mins Outgoing (Local + To India) & Incoming   Post quota Outgoing / Incoming rates Rs 10/min   Post quota Data Rs 10/MB   Rs. 15/ Outgoing SMS   Available in 124 countries

 

Unlimited Prepaid Packs:

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹695	1 day	300 MB free data   Unlimited Incoming & 50 Mins Outgoing (Local + To India)   Post quota Outgoing Call rates Rs 3/min   Re.1/MB after 300 MB   Rs. 15/ Outgoing SMS   Available in 124 countries
₹4695	10 days	3 GB free data   Unlimited Incoming & 300 Mins Outgoing (Local + To India) Post quota Outgoing Call rates Rs 3/min   Rs 1/MB After 3 GB   Rs. 15/ Outgoing SMS   Available in 124 countries
₹5195	14 days	5 GB free data   Unlimited Incoming & 500 Mins Outgoing (Local + To India) Post quota Outgoing Call rates Rs 3/min   Rs 1/MB After 5 GB   Rs. 15/ Outgoing SMS   Available in 124 countries
₹6995	28 days	5 GB free data   Unlimited Incoming & 500 Mins Outgoing (Local + To India) Post quota Outgoing Call rates Rs 3/min   Re.1/MB after 5 GB   Rs. 15/ Outgoing SMS   Available in 124 countries

 

Postpaid:

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹2500	20 days	Unlimited Incoming & 500 Outgoing Mins (Local & to India) Post quota Outgoing Calls: ₹3/min Rest of the World Calls: ₹35/min 4 GB Free data (No data post-quota) 20 Outgoing SMS & Free Incoming SMS Post quota SMS: ₹1/SMS
₹2999	10 days	Unlimited Incoming & 300 Outgoing Mins (Local & to India) Post quota Outgoing Calls: ₹3/min Rest of the World Calls: ₹35/min 5 GB Free data Post quota data: ₹1/MB 50 Outgoing SMS & Free Incoming SMS Post quota SMS: ₹1/SMS
₹3999	30 days	Unlimited Incoming & 1500 Outgoing Mins (Local & to India) Post quota Outgoing Calls: ₹3/min Rest of the World Calls: ₹35/min 12 GB Free data Post quota data: ₹1/MB 100 Outgoing SMS & Free Incoming SMS Post quota SMS: ₹1/SMS
₹4500	40 days	Unlimited Incoming & 1000 Outgoing Mins (Local & to India) Post quota Outgoing Calls: ₹3/min Rest of the World Calls: ₹35/min 8 GB Free data (No data post-quota) 30 Outgoing SMS & Free Incoming SMS Post quota SMS: ₹1/SMS

Performing Hajj and Umrah is a dream for millions of Indian Muslims, and Hajj 2025 could be your opportunity to turn that dream into reality. Whether you're going via the government draw or through private arrangements, it’s essential to plan ahead, understand the Umrah visa price, and ensure that your travel, accommodation, and communication needs are fully sorted. Wishing you a safe, blessed, and peaceful pilgrimage in 2025. Hajj Mabroor!

Planning your spiritual journey for Hajj 2025? If travel is on your mind, why stop there? Discover breathtaking Dubai tourist spots, explore rich heritage through Riyadh attractions, or find your next ideal getaway from our curated picks for the best places to visit in April and best places to visit in May. There’s a whole world waiting for you to explore! 🌍✨