Can women travel alone for Umrah and Hajj?

Hajj and umrah both remain Islamic pilgrimages. Hajj being the obligatory pilgrimage is only obligatory for those who possess the financial and physical means to afford it at least once in a lifetime. On the other hand, Umrah is often referred to as the minor pilgrimage and is a voluntary act i.e., a Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (SAWW). Nonetheless, millions of Muslims travel throughout the year with their Umrah Packages for the performance of holy rituals.

Traveling for hajj and umrah requires all of the requisites of international travel to be fulfilled. In addition, there’s an additional travel requirement for women pilgrims and that is the presence of a Mahram.

So, is it necessary for women pilgrims to accompany a Mahram for their hajj and umrah trip or they can travel alone? Here’s a brief description.

Umrah.

For women aged 45 years or less.

Women who are under the age of 45 years cannot travel for umrah on their own and need to be accompanied by her mahram. In addition, such a woman should also prove her kinship with the Mahram to Saudi Authorities. Otherwise, entry to the kingdom would be denied if her Mahram is not present along.

For Women over the age of 45 years.

As per the rules and regulations set forth by the Saudi government, women who are older than 45 years can travel for umrah alone. However, for it, they have to obtain and submit a NOC (No Objection Certificate) duly obtained from her male mahram. In addition, such a woman wouldn’t be traveling alone technically but in the form of organized groups and with other fellow pilgrims.

Hajj.

For hajj, women are always required to be accompanied by their male Mahram. Women cannot travel alone for the rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage in any way.

New rules under Saudi Vision 2030 Plan.

Recently, the Government of Saudia Arabia has introduced its ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ plan in which policy changes were made to many of the country’s institutions in order to boost the economy through tourism infrastructure, investment opportunities, etc.

As a result, a lot of amendments were made for Hajj and Umrah travel by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudia Arabia. So as per the new rules;

• Women can travel alone for umrah performance; being accompanied by a male mahram is o necessary for women to offer the holy rituals of minor pilgrimage. however, for hajj, the necessity of a Mahram remains.
• Umrah can be performed on the visit visa to Kingdom as well which is available on-arrival as well as through online services i.e., e-visa.

So, these are some of the necessary things to know about the women’s travel for hajj and umrah.