I Have a Question About

Here are listed frequent asked questions & answers
Arrangements in NIGERIA
Arrangements in Saudi (KSA)
What is the function of NAHCON, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Tour Operators?
NAHCON regulates and license States and Tour Operators. States have the responsibility to collect Hajj Fare from Pilgrims and remit to NAHCON. Tour Operators deal with private pilgrims
What is the difference between NAHCON and State Pilgrims Welfare Boards?
NAHCON is the regulator for all hajj activities while states are the operator’s
Does NAHCON have Zonal Offices?
Yes
Does NAHCON carry out oversight functions on State Pilgrims Welfare Boards?
Yes
What are the criteria for seat allocation to each state?
According to the Muslim population of the state vis-à-vis the entire population of the State
Does NAHCON monitor Umrah activities?
Yes
How is Hajj Fare calculated?
By adding all the services and cost element to be considered and rendered to pilgrims.
Can pilgrims do online registration themselves?
No
Is the training compulsory?
Yes, it is compulsory.
Do we have to pay for the enlightenment?
No
Who shall provide the training schedule?
State Boards do so.
I have not received the training schedule, whom shall I contact?
Your State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board.
My training was not beneficial, what should I do?
Contact your State board. You can also notify NAHCON
How can pilgrims get the training material?
From the State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Is the vaccination mandatory?
Yes
Do we have to pay for the vaccinations?
No, but it is inclusive in the Hajj fee
Where does the vaccination take place?
It takes place at the assigned centres in various states
I have lost my vaccination card, what should I do?
Report and get another one
Can I get vaccinated at the time of departure in the Hajj camp?
This depends on the arrangement of the State. Confirm from your State Board (or Tour Operator) the limit of days you have to get vaccinated before traveling. In most states, you can get vaccinated at Hajj camps
Is there any side effect of any of these vaccinations?
No
I have developed an allergy after being inoculated, what should I do?
Report to your Medical Doctor.
Besides the mandatory vaccinations, shall we get ourselves vaccinated against hepatitis, etc. as well?
You can get further vaccinations on your own.
Can we collect the vaccinations from the Hajj camp and get ourselves vaccinated from our own doctor/nurse?
You can only get vaccinated at the approved centers.
Is it necessary to carry the vaccination card during Hajj journey?
Yes, it is necessary to carry the vaccination card during Hajj journey. Otherwise pilgrim(s) can be turned back at the point of departure.
Will I be given back my passport at the Jeddah Airport?
No, your passport will be taken by the Saudi authorities at the time of boarding the buses at the airport.
When will my passport be returned to me in Saudi?
Your passport will be handed back at the airport at the time of the return journey.
My passport is submitted for the Hajj visa and I need it for an urgent trip before the Hajj journey, what should I do?
You have to provide evidence for such trip.
Do I need to keep a copy of my passport during my Hajj journey?
Yes, it is advisable to keep one copy.
When do we need to report at the Hajj camp to collect the documents? In most states, the board arrange for buses to convey their
pilgrims from an announced converging point to the Hajj camp.
Do we need to bring our own beddings, mattresses, bedsheets etc. for our stay in the Hajj camp?
No, you need not bring your own beddings as mattresses, pillows, sheets, etc. will be provided by the Hajj Camp.
Are there any arrangements for buying Saudi Riyal or dollars at the Hajj camp?
Yes, there are individual Bureau De Change (BDC) at the camps
Will transport be provided from the Hajj Camp to Airport?
Yes
Will the Customs formalities be carried out at Hajj Camp or at the airport?
At Hajj camps
Can family members visit me or stay with pilgrims at Hajj camp?
Family members can visit pilgrims at hajj camps. However visits are not allowed after the completion of screening
Is there any dispensary at the Hajj camp?
First aid is available in all Hajj camps. However, dispensary is not available in some few Hajj camps
What are the timings of the dispensary?
24 hours
Is there any mosque in the Hajj camp?
Yes, mosque facility is available in all Hajj Camps.
Would there be an ATM in the Hajj camp?
There are no ATM. You can only find ATM if there are banks close to the camp.
Would there be desks of customs and anti-narcotics at the Hajj camp?
Yes
Will there be any photocopying facility at the Hajj Camp?
Yes
Will I be able to get the training material at the Hajj camp?
Yes
When do we need to report at the Hajj camp before the flight departure?
12 hours
What is the total duration of my stay in KSA?
For State pilgims the stay will be approximately 40 – 45 days whereas Tour operator pilgrims will stay as per their package.
How much is Basic travel allowance?
Yet to be determined
What type of medicines can I take with me?
The ones which you have prescriptions of
Can I carry Herbal/Desi medicines with me?
No
Do I need a prescription from a doctor for carrying my medicines?
Yes
Do I need to have my medicines packed/sealed?
Yes
Can I carry insulin?
Yes, if it is prescribed and you have the doctor’s prescription
Can I carry life-saving drugs in hand luggage?
Yes, if it is prescribed and you have the doctor’s prescription.
Can I carry any burner/stove for my Hajj journey?
No, it is prohibited
Can I carry eatable items for my Hajj journey?
No, eatable items are not allowed. Any food items such as Kola, fruits, sweets, halwa, sugar, ata, daal, chawal, etc. are taken away by custom/antinarcotics authorities at the airports.
What items are prohibited to carry on my Hajj journey?
All drug items such as heroin, Kola, chars, naswar, khush-khas, etc. are strictly prohibited. In addition, all eatable items, toothpaste, soap, knife, scissors, blades, shaving cream, gel, and perfumes are also not allowed.
What are the essential items that I should carry?
BTA, Passport, drug prescription
When do I need to wear the Ihram?
You will wear Ihram on landing in Jeddah, if you are proceeding to Makkah.
Can I carry a mobile phone on my Hajj journey?
Yes, you can carry your mobile phone.
From where can I get a Saudi mobile sim?
From the mobile carrier outlets that sell Hajj SIM cards. Especially the ones in haram
My wife is pregnant at advance stage. Can she travel?
A woman at any stage of pregnancy cannot travel for Hajj
How many Saudi riyals can I carry with myself for the Hajj journey?
Your BTA should be enough for you.
For the Hajj flight departure, do I need to come to the Hajj camp or directly go to the airport?
You need to go to the Hajj Camps
What documents do I need to carry for my Hajj flight?
Your traveling documents, e.g your passport, yellow card, etc
Do I need to go through the customs/anti-narcotics clearance?
Yes, you will have to go through customs and anti-narcotics formalities.
How much luggage can I hand carry?
8kg.
What is the travelling time from my city to Jeddah/Medina?
Maiduguri is the closest city to KSA, flight time to Jeddah/Madina is about 4hours 15Mins to 4hours 30Mins. While Lagos which is the farthest to KSA is about 5hours.
Can I change my flight schedule?
You can change provided you have valid reasons.
If I need to change my departure schedule, what should I do?
Notify your officials.
I have missed my flight, what should I do?
Notify your officials
I have misplaced my boarding pass, what should I do?
Notify your officials
Can I take a wheel chair along with my luggage?
Yes
I am unable to travel, can I request a refund for my dues?
Yes, but to your State board
What is the procedure of dues refund?
NAHCON, refunds all fees into the state board’s account who will in turn refund the fees to pilgrims
My refund has been partially processed, who should I report to?
State officials
Can anyone else travel on my behalf if I am unable to travel?
Report to State board for further clarification
Will the rep of our Maktab or Moallim come to the airport to receive us?
No, they do not come to the airport.
Can we leave the airport with any of our relatives living in KSA?
No, you cannot leave the airport with your relatives.
Can I get a wheelchair at the airport?
Yes, you can get a wheelchair
Can I get a wheelchair for my complete stay in KSA?
Yes, but not permanent every location will provide its own wheelchair. You pay for wheelchair at haram and mashir.
Can I get a wheelchair in the Haram for Tawaf and Sa’i?
Yes, you can get a wheelchair either on rent or against a security deposit for use during Tawaf and Sa’i.
Can I get a wheelchair during Mashair?
No, you can only carry your own wheelchair if required.
Will there be any communication facilities available to make an overseas telephone call?
Available commercially
From where can I get the mobile sim for use in KSA?
You can easily buy a SIM for your mobile phone from the Mobile carriers counters at the airport, outside the Haram or anywhere in the city.
Do I need to keep any documents with me during my stay in KSA?
Yes such ID card muassasa and accommodation cards, wrist band, optionally a copy of relevant pages of passport.
Will I be served any food/drinks at the airport?
Only in the camp.
Will I be served any food/drinks in Arafat?
Yes, your respective Maktab/Moallim will provide the food.
Can I return early to Nigeria?
No only on scheduled dates, otherwise one can purchase tickets from other carriers at own expenses and no refund for the flight earlier booked.
Can I return to Nigeria later than my scheduled flight?
Yes but only with the approval of the state board or tour Operator Company that have multiple flight (but exception of when the incident occurs)
How many litres of Zamzam water am I entitled to?
Only 10 liters is allowed per person. 5 Liters.
Do I have to purchase zamzam at my own cost?
No
I am unable to locate/contact my relative pilgrim, what should I do?
Contact the help line of NAHCON or representatives of the state tour operator company.
Is it mandatory for females to wear an Abaya?
Proper Islamic dressing in any form is acceptable.
I want to change my Maktab, what should I do?
You cannot change your Maktab once allotted.
Should I carry an umbrella with me to prevent myself from heat stroke?
Yes it is advisable to carry an umbrella, especially in Mina and Arafat.
Can I carry any luggage while going for stoning at Jamarat/Rami?
No, you are not allowed to carry any type of luggage with you while going for stoning at Jamarat/Rami.
What is the weather condition in KSA?
Normally it will be hot during your journey.
Do I need to carry any warm clothes?
Yes, it is recommended to carry light warm clothes for your stay in Madina after mid Oct.
How much time will it take to get clearance from the Airport formalities?
Normally it takes 3-4 hours. However, it may take longer in case there is rush of flights.
In case of any difficulty, who do we need to approach?
You may contact the Nigeria Hajj Mission office at the airport.
Do I need to hand over my passport to anyone at the airport?
Yes, you are required to handover your passport at Transport Syndicate Counter. Khudam-ul-Hujjaj will also be there to help you.
When will I get my passport back?
Your passport will be handed back at the Jeddah/Medina airport at the time of your return journey.
When do I need to report at the airport before the flight departure?
6 (six) hours before flight time.
How much luggage can I hand carry?
You can hand carry luggage up to 7kg.
What is the travelling time from Jeddah/Medina to my city?
Depending on your city.
Can I change the schedule of my return flight?
With valid reason subjected to consideration by NAHCON
If I need to change the schedule of my return flight, what should I do?
You may report to your state officials
I have missed my flight, what should I do?
You may contact the concerned airline staff.
I have misplaced my boarding pass, what should I do?
You may contact the concerned airline staff.
I have been offloaded from my scheduled flight because of an emergency, what should I do now?
Complain to the official that is with the flight or NAHCON ground official at the airport.
Do we need to pay for this transport?
No, you need not pay as you have already paid for the transport charges with the Hajj dues.
Are the buses air-conditioned?
Yes, buses are air-conditioned.
Will the bus drop us at our allocated building/hotel?
Yes, the bus will drop you at your allocated building/hotel.
Our bus is being delayed. Can our respective Hajj Group Organizer or NAHCON facilitate us in this regard?
Yes
How will I travel to Makkah/Medina from the airport?
You will travel by bus.
Can we hire a private car to travel to Makkah/Medina from the airport?
No, you are not allowed to hire a private car for going to Makkah/Madina from the airport.
How much time will it take to travel from the airport to Makkah/Medina?
1hour from airport to Madina and 6hours from Makkah to Madina
From where do I get the transport to Makkah/Medina?
You may contact your Maktab who will make the necessary arrangements.
Can I hire a private car to travel to Makkah/Medina?
Yes
If I do not avail the allocated transport, can I have my dues refunded?
Yes, you can claim this refund at Jeddah airport at the time of your departure from Saudi.
What documents are required to claim the transport refund?
You have to present the unutilized bus sticker along with your passport at the Transport Syndicate Counter at the airport.
How much time will it take to travel from Makkah/Medina to Medina/Makkah?
During Hajj operation, normally it takes about 8-10 hours to travel between Makkah and Medina.
Can I travel to Medina before the scheduled time?
No you can only travel on schedule.
I missed my bus to Arafat, what should I do now?
Look for alternative and get in contact with mashair committee.
Who will arrange transport for Mina/Arafat?
The Commission NAHCON and the Turaddudiyya committee.
When and where will transport be made available to Mina?
For your transportation to Mina, buses will be available on the night of 7th Zilhajj or morning of 8thZilhajj in front of your building in Makkah.
When and where the transport would be available for Arafat?
From the camp and immediately after sunset.
Can I go to Mina/Arafat on foot?
Yes, you can if you are physically fit. However, it is advisable to go in buses as the weather is extremely hot.
Can I hire private transport for going to Mina/Arafat?
Yes you can, but it is recommended that you should avail the transport arranged by your Maktab for which you have already paid. If you do not avail this transport, the dues already charged will not be refunded.
Who will guide us to our allocated room(s)?
The NHACON officials in Madina and the state officials in Makkah
Will females and males share the same room?
No they will have separate rooms as per accommodation plan
Can one family stay together in one room?
There is no arrangement for that yet.
I am not satisfied with the accommodation, can I change it?
You can complain to the NAHCON officials in charge and they will look into it.
If I do not avail the allocated accommodation, will the accommodation charges be refunded to me?
If accommodation wasn’t provided you will get a refund but if it was provided there will be no refund.
I have issues with the accommodation, who do I report to?
You should report to the staff on duty in your building.
My room is overcrowded, who do I contact?
Report to the staff on duty in the building. Before lodging complaint, please ensure that number of Hajjs accommodated in the room is over and above the prescribed capacity of room.
What type of bedding would be provided in Makkah/Medina?
You are provided with beds with mattress, pillows, blankets and bedsheets.
Who will provide us tentage cards?
Your Maktab will provide the tentage cards
How will we recognize our Maktab/Tents in Mina?
Your respective Maktab Number with Name of Moallim is displayed prominently at main entrance of your maktab.
My Maktab is not providing me space in tent, what should I do?
Report to the Mashair committee
Do we need to bring our own beddings for our stay in Mina?
No, you need not bring your own beddings as mattresses, pillows, sheets, etc. will be provided by the Maktab/Moallim.
Will I be served any food/drinks in Mina?
Yes
In case of any medical or general emergency, who do I need to contact?
You should contact the National Medical team.
In case of an emergency, will there be an ambulance to shift the patient to a hospital?
Yes, ambulance facility will be available at the nearest dispensary and will be available for 24 hours at the airport. And during Mashair, you can ask your Maktab/Moallim to arrange an ambulance for any emergency.
Will I be given any medicines at the dispensary?
Yes, medicines will be given at the dispensary as prescribed by the duty doctor.
Will there be any Nigerian doctors/medical staff available in the dispensary?
Yws
Do I need to pay for the treatment/medicines given in the dispensary?
No, you do not need to pay.
Will there be any laboratory facility (sugar test, blood test, xray etc.) in Nigerian Clinics
These test are only done in KSA Hospitals
I have lost my luggage/ documents/ money, who should I report to?
Report to Your State Officials. For International Pilgrims report to your tour operator. Escalate the issue to NAHCON if not resolved in time.
I have found some luggage/ documents/ money, who should I report to?
Report to any state official or call the NAHCON Hotline.
I have found some luggage/documents/money inside or within Masjid Al-haram in Makkah/Madina, who should I report to?
Report to any NAHCON official of call the NAHCON hotline.