Saudi Arabia Launches Hajj Booking Website for Europe, America & Australia

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj have launched a new website which will allow Muslims from Europe, America and Australia to directly book hajj packages through the website.

The Ministry of Hajj have released the following press release:

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has developed a registration mechanism where pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia can register electronically for this yea’s Hajj season 1443, through a fully-serviced electronic portal that includes various options of packages, support services, and a multi-lingual communication center around the clock, in addition to the possibility of issuing visas electronically, which will facilitate the pilgrims’ endeavor to perform Hajj via easy and accessible procedures. The electronic portal for registration can be accessed through the link: www.motawif.com.sa.

The portal allows the possibility of ensuring that the pilgrim fulfills the terms, including (completion of obtaining approved doses of coronavirus vaccines, and that the age of the pilgrim is less than 65 years with birthdates starting from 1-7-1957, and a negative (PCR) test before departure from their countries), with priority given to those who have not previously performed Hajj.

These services reflect the ministry’s strategy to develop the digital experience for pilgrims and within its efforts to facilitate direct procedures and reduce costs at competitive prices for pilgrims coming from the aforementioned countries.

The website is currently taking registrations of interest. At this point, it remains unclear what the cost of the packages will be or whether pilgrims will be able to book via local travel agents.