Hajj Guide: India

Indian pilgrims applying through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) scheme have their visa processed entirely by the committee. Applications open online through the HCoI portal, typically between January and March each year. Pilgrims must fill out the online form, upload required documents, and pay the initial advance amount. If selected through the computerized lottery (qurrah), the committee handles all visa formalities.

Required documents include a valid machine-readable passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond Hajj dates), recent passport-sized photographs with a white background, mandatory meningitis (ACWY) and seasonal flu vaccination certificates, and a medical fitness certificate from a designated government hospital. Female pilgrims under 45 traveling without a mahram must be part of a group of at least four women, as per Saudi regulations.

For pilgrims traveling through Private Tour Operators (PTOs), the visa process is handled by the operator. However, the PTO must be licensed and listed with the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Pilgrims should verify their operator's credentials on the ministry's official website before making any payments. All PTO pilgrims also undergo biometric enrollment at designated centers.

India offers two main pathways for Hajj: the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) government scheme and the Private Tour Operator (PTO) scheme. The HCoI scheme is generally more affordable, with costs subsidized or regulated by the government. Applications are made online, and selection is through a computerized lottery. Priority is given to first-time applicants and senior citizens (over 70 years of age).

Private Tour Operators must be licensed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and are listed on the official HCoI website (hajcommittee.gov.in). PTOs offer more flexibility in accommodation choices and group sizes but typically cost 30-50% more than the government scheme. Pilgrims should only engage with operators appearing on the ministry's approved list. Each PTO must provide a bank guarantee and meet minimum service standards set by the government. Complaints against PTOs can be filed directly with the Haj Committee.

India introduced a landmark change in recent years by removing the Hajj subsidy, meaning pilgrims now bear the full cost of travel and accommodation. Despite this, the government scheme remains more affordable than private operators due to bulk procurement of flights and hotel rooms. The HCoI also operates Haj Houses in major embarkation cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, and others) that serve as departure and arrival points.

Indian pilgrims should be aware of the mandatory pre-departure orientation programs conducted by state Haj Committees, which cover ritual training, health precautions, and logistics. India deploys a dedicated Indian Hajj Medical Mission (IHMM) with doctors and paramedics stationed across Makkah and Madinah. The Indian consulate in Jeddah also operates a dedicated Hajj cell during the season. Pilgrims with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension should carry sufficient medication for the entire trip, as specific Indian medications may not be available in Saudi Arabia.