Nusuk Hajj is:

• The Official Platform: A one-stop-shop for Hajj, operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
• Exclusive for Serviced Countries: The only authorized platform for pilgrims from serviced countries, including U.S. passport holders, to register and book their Hajj packages.
• Connecting Pilgrims and Providers: It links pilgrims with authorized service providers to ensure a legitimate and seamless Hajj experience.
• Important Note: Nusuk Hajj (hajj.nusuk.sa) is distinct from the Nusuk mobile app, which is solely for Umrah services.

The Fifth Pillar serves as:

• Supporting/Marketing Agent: Assisting authorized service providers on the Nusuk platform (e.g., Abdul Lateef Jameel, Al-Burj International, Seera Group). The Fifth Pillar is not a direct service provider.
• Support Services: Helping with Nusuk registration, e-wallet top-ups, and package selection.
• Ground Support: Providing on-site assistance in collaboration with Saudi providers to ensure a seamless experience. All packages and services are still exclusively offered through authorized providers on Nusuk.

To ensure you are traveling with The Fifth Pillar, follow these steps:

• Complete The Fifth Pillar Hajj Interest Form at this link.
• Once registered, The Fifth Pillar will guide you through the entire process, including Nusuk registration and package selection, in collaboration with authorized service providers.
• After finalizing your package purchase, email The Fifth Pillar at [email protected] to register and confirm your participation.
• The Fifth Pillar provides on-the-ground support through its partnerships with authorized Saudi service providers, ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching Hajj experience.

No, the website and the App are not the same and are used for different purposes, such as;

Nusuk App: Designed exclusively for Umrah services and Rawdah appointments.
Nusuk Hajj Portal/Website (hajj.nusuk.sa): Solely for Hajj registration/purchase and completely separate from the mobile app.

For Hajj registration, use the dedicated Nusuk Hajj website, not the app.  Each of these has different usernames and passwords.

• Service providers are authorized Saudi companies, such as Al-Borg International, Seera Mawasim Group, and Abdul Latif Jameel, officially approved by the Ministry of Hajj to deliver Hajj services.
• The Fifth Pillar partners with these authorized service providers (particularly Al-Borg International) to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• These providers handle the actual delivery of services, including accommodation, transportation, and on-ground logistics during Hajj.
• Service providers on Nusuk are NOT the same as U.S.-based travel agencies like The Fifth Pillar. The Fifth Pillar serves as a supporting and marketing agent for these authorized providers.

No, the app and website serve different purposes:

• Nusuk App: Designed exclusively for Umrah services and Rawdah appointments.
• Nusuk Hajj Portal/Website (hajj.nusuk.sa): Solely for Hajj registration and completely separate from the mobile app.
• For Hajj registration, use the dedicated Nusuk Hajj website, not the app.

There are 13 authorized service providers on the Nusuk platform:

1. Abdul Lateef Jameel Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.
2. Al Bait Guests for Pilgrims Services
3. Al Burj International Company
4. Company Al Rajhi Likhdemat Al Tajaria Masanda
5. Dur Hospitality Company
6. Flynas
7. Ikram Aldeif Company for Tourism
8. Ithraa Al-Khair for Pilgrims Services
9. MCDC for Hajj and Umrah Services
10. Rawaf Mina Company for Pilgrimage Services
11. Rifad Co.
12. Seera Group Holding

Yosr Al-Mashaer for Hajj Services

• No, travel agents (including The Fifth Pillar) cannot handle payments or financial transactions on Nusuk.
• Payments: Must be made directly by the pilgrim through their personal eWallet on the Nusuk platform.
• Travel agents can provide guidance and support but cannot process payments to ensure security and prevent scams.

Here’s the 10-step process, from creating an account to purchasing a package:

1. Create an Account
2. Upload Documents
3. Fill Out the Application
4. Verify the Application
5. Select a Category
6. Top Up the E-Wallet
7. Browse Service Providers
8. Select a Package
9. Book the Package
10. Review Your Purchase

• Yes, if your account was verified last year, you can reuse it.
• Simply log in, update any necessary information, and proceed with this year’s registration.
• There’s no need to create a new account if you already have one.

• Majar Al-Kabsh Camp: Located 300–700 meters from the Jamarat Bridge, this camp is ideal for pilgrims who prioritize convenience during the ritual of Pelting Jamarat. It accommodates up to 5,000 pilgrims and offers high-quality services for a comfortable stay in Mina.
• Al-Muaisim Camp: Positioned about 4 km from the Jamarat Bridge, this camp accommodates up to 30,000 pilgrims. It provides a well-equipped and comfortable environment for an enriching Hajj experience.

To provide flexibility to our customers, The Fifth Pillar will offer packages in both Majar Al-Kabsh and Al-Muaisim camps. Regardless of the camp chosen, customers will receive the same high level of logistical and spiritual support to ensure a seamless and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.

During the Hajj season, accommodation options may differ due to high demand. Common room types include:

• Single Occupancy: A single bed in a private room.
• Double Occupancy: A single bed in a shared room with one other person.
• Triple Occupancy: A single bed in a shared room with two others.
• Quadruple Occupancy: A single bed in a shared room with three others.

  Service providers will try their best to honor rooming preferences, but specific roommate requests are not guaranteed. The best way to ensure that you are roomed with your family members is to have every family member listed in a single Nusuk profile and to purchase the packages together.

Yes, if your family members’ packages are purchased under the same account, they will be roomed together. However, if packages are purchased under separate accounts, rooming together may not be guaranteed due to logistical challenges, however, it can be requested as long as the same package is purchased.

• Luxury: Shifting and Non-Shifting
• Premium: Shifting and Non-Shifting
• Standard: Shifting and Non-Shifting

• Non-Shifting Packages:
  • Pilgrims maintain one hotel accommodation in Makkah throughout their stay and commute to ritual sites as needed.
  • These packages are more expensive, but offer greater comfort and convenience.
  • Non-shifting packages are typically closer to the Haram, eliminating the need to change accommodations during the pilgrimage.
• Shifting Packages:
  • Pilgrims stay in Mina camps during Hajj days and may use nearby hotels in Azizya for rest periods.
  • These packages are generally more economical, costing around $18,500 per person for double occupancy.

Definition: Self-selected flights where you choose travel dates and gateways after selecting your package.

• Benefits: More flexible.
• Considerations:
  • Requires more self-management.
  • Takes longer to purchase on Nusuk due to manual selection.

• Definition: Pre-set flight arrangements included with specific Nusuk packages.
• Benefits:
  • Simplifies the booking process.
  • More structured and reliable.
• Recommendation: Ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free experience with less self-management.

• No, Nusuk packages are not all-inclusive.
• Pricing displayed on the Portal for packages typically includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner, ground transportation, and basic services.
• Additional Costs:
  • Airlines (must be part of your package).
  • Qurbani (~800 SAR, if not included).
  • Daily expenses (2,000–4,000 SAR for food, and shopping).
• It’s recommended to top up your eWallet by an additional 3,000–5,000 SAR for potential upgrades or added services.

The Nusuk eWallet is:

• A Digital Payment Tool: Used for Hajj-related expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and package purchases.
• The only method to pay for a package on Nusuk.
• Unique IBAN Details: Allows top-ups via credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers.
• Activation Timeline: Expected to be live in early January 2025 for the upcoming Hajj season.

You can pay for your Hajj package using the Nusuk eWallet with the following methods:

• Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard (Amex and Discover are not accepted).
• Debit Cards: Function like wire transfers.
• Bank Transfers: Require detailed routing and IBAN information.
  To avoid issues, inform your bank about upcoming SAR transactions and consider using cards with no foreign transaction fees.

It is critical that you proactively plan for your purchase by topping up your eWallet in advance. Here's why:

• Financial transactions on Nusuk can be difficult to process and often fail initially, especially if there are blocks from your bank or financial institution.
• Packages sell out quickly, often within hours of being made available. If you wait until the last second to top up your eWallet, the delay caused by resolving payment issues could cause you to miss the chance to purchase a package.

To avoid this, we recommend pre-loading your eWallet with the necessary funds ahead of time, ensuring you're ready to make your purchase as soon as the packages are available.

Yes, you can request a refund of the funds that you transferred to your eWallet.

In 2024, a 1.5% penalty was applied to all refunds requested. For 2025, the specific refund policy is yet to be announced.

To help pilgrims compare accommodations based on proximity to Al-Masjid Al-Haram and the Sacred Mashair sites, Makkah is divided into distinct zones, each offering unique advantages:

Zone A

• Proximity: Very close to Al-Masjid Al-Haram, often overlooking its yards.
• Key Benefit: Pilgrims can easily access Al-Masjid Al-Haram within walking distance.

Zone B

• Proximity: Surrounds Zone A and offers a slightly greater distance from Al-Masjid Al-Haram.
• Key Benefit: Still within walking distance, with some accommodations providing shuttle services during prayer times for added convenience.

Zone C

• Proximity: Covers the largest area of Makkah but is not within walking distance of Al-Masjid Al-Haram or the Sacred Mashair sites.
• Key Benefit: Offers a wide range of accommodations, many with shuttle services to Al-Masjid Al-Haram during prayer times.

Zone D

• Proximity: Near the Sacred Mashair sites.
• Key Benefit: Provides easy access to accommodations during the Mina stay.

The Fifth Pillar packages are typically located in Zone A, which offers:

• The greatest convenience due to close proximity to Al-Masjid Al-Haram.
• Exceptional value for the price paid, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for pilgrims.

This zone provides easy access to Al-Masjid Al-Haram, making it ideal for those seeking a more convenient Hajj journey.

Yes, generally vaccination is required for Hajj.

• The Meningococcal vaccine (Meningitis) is typically required for Hajj.
• For Hajj 2025, vaccination requirements are awaiting updated guidance from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health.
• Once announced, the specific requirements will be provided to ensure compliance.

When asked about vaccination status on Nusuk (during registration), pilgrims should select "Yes" if they plan to obtain the required vaccinations before their Hajj journey.

• No. One account can manage the entire family by adding members through the ‘Family Member’ function.
• Email Requirement: Each family member must have their own email address for verification.
• Existing Accounts: If a family member already has an account, they cannot be added to another. However, both accounts can select the same package to stay together.

Officially, there is no guidance or checks for this in the system. However, we recommend the following precautions:

• Only add individuals to your profile whom you feel comfortable traveling, rooming, and transacting with.
• The major benefit of having known persons on the same profile is the ability to purchase all packages at the same time, ensuring you are not at risk of being sold out or timed out in the system.
• While it makes the purchase and rooming process easier, it is essential to prioritize trust and comfort when selecting individuals for your profile.

Yes, group bookings are possible under one Nusuk account. Here's how it works:

• One account can be created for the family, and family members can be added as individual profiles.
• Each family member needs their own verified application to travel.
• If a family member already has an existing account, they cannot be added to another account, but they can still select the same package to stay together.
• You can, however, delete the existing account (which takes a few days) and then add your profile under another family member's account to purchase the package together.

The Nusuk system is not a lottery system. Instead:

• Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can apply.
• Packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the country quota is reached.
• It’s strongly recommended to act quickly once packages go live, as availability may be limited based on your country’s allocated quota.

Common reasons for an error include:

• Photo Requirements: Ensure photos meet Nusuk’s guidelines (up to 2MB in size, white background, appropriate attire).
• Browser Issues: Clear your browser cache or try using a different device or browser.
• Resubmission: If issues persist, resubmit the photo. The system typically reviews and approves photos within 1-2 weeks.

You can easily resize your images by visiting Simple Image Resizer. Follow the site’s instructions to adjust your images according to Nusuk’s specifications. This free tool ensures your images meet the size and format requirements for a smooth upload process.

To increase your chances of successfully booking your Hajj package without issues, follow these steps:

• Get familiar with Nusuk's website interface early: Understand how the site works and where everything is located so you can move quickly when packages go live.
• Prepare a list of 5-10 preferred packages: In case of high demand, having a list of options will allow you to select quickly if your first choice is unavailable.
• Complete all verification steps: Ensure your account is fully verified, and your e-wallet is topped up before package selection day, reducing any delays during the process.
• Register and verify your application early: This ensures you are ready to select packages as soon as they are released, avoiding any last-minute rush.
• Top-off your eWallet early: This ensures you are ready to purchase packages as soon as they are released, avoiding any last-minute issues with your transaction.

For Hajj trips, you will likely need a sleeping bag or sleeping pad for the night spent in Muzdalifah ONLY. Beyond that, we provide adequate sleeping accommodations for all other segments of the trip.

We indicate the origination Airport for our packages each year, generally it is IAD or JFK. It is the responsibility of the travelers to arrange for their domestic flights to the origination Airport and back home. The package does not include domestic airfare.

Yes, we provide an Ihram for men.  If you are traveling to Medinah first in your tour, you will receive your Ihram's in Medinah.  If traveling to Makkah first, we will provide your Ihram's prior to your departure

Money coversion facilities are very accessible in both Makkah and Medinah. They are not your traditional banks but Money Exchanges setup for the sole purpose of currency conversion.  They offer a standard rate of conversion.

We recommend that you bring new, clear of marks and rips, $100 bills for conversion.

No, all tickets are processed as eTickets by the Airline as part of our group booking process. We will provide a paper copy of your ticket when we provide your final documentation as a reference.

You must supply a copy of a Marriage certificate or a Nikkah certificate to proof relationship.

Yes, most hotels offer laundry services. Additionally, there are multiple laundry services available outside of the hotels that are very accessible. Generally, they offer same day or next day service.

We always do a tour (Ziyarah) in Medinah. The tour includes sites such as Masjid Quba, Masjid Qiblateen and Mount Uhud.

The Airlines (International) flying out of Saudi Arabia do not consider Zamzam as part of your luggage. They will allow you to check-in 2 pieces of luggage along with a Zamzam.

TFP recommends people prepare physically and spiritually for Hajj;

Physical Preperation - The moment you decide that you will be traveling to Hajj, start a walking routine of between 1-2 miles a day, increase it as you get closer to Hajj. In the last 2-months prior to departure for Hajj you should be able to walk 3-5 miles a day comfortably.

Spiritual Preperation - Identify texts or online resources from reputable scholars and familiarize yourself with the process of Hajj, the holy cities and sites. Use the links provided under the "Resources" section of our website to educate yourself.

Yes, there is a combination of western/eastern toilets in each of the cities. Based on our experience the ratio is 1:4 (Western:Eastern)

Money coversion facilities are accessible in both Makkah and Medinah. They are not banks, but Money Exchanges setup for the sole purpose of currency conversion. The conversion rate in Saudi Arabia will always be between 3.7 +/- to 1 USD. In the U.S., you will likely find a rate of 3 +/- to 1 USD. The recommendation is to convert monies in Saudi Arabia.

No, a Mehram is no longer required to travel for Hajj and/or Umrah.

You must supply a copy of your birth certificate (for each) to proof relationship.

Yes, if you know others who are traveling with our group you can request to be roomed with them. As per Saudi guidelines only Mehrams can share a single room.

It is highly recommended to use the Group Airline. However, we do allow individuals to book their own Airline Tickets. This process requires detailed coordination to ensure flight timings will work with our itinerary. In case of individuals booking their own Airline, we discount a pre-determined (must be discussed at time of reservation) amount of the ticket price from the price of the package. The package is then marked as a "land-only" package and passengers will incur a meet and greet fee of $150 p/p.

The cost of sacrifice is advertised as part of our "exclusions", however the total package cost (all inclusive) cost which adds in all exclusions does include sacrifice. We have local point of contacts that are representatives of TFP who oversee the sacrifice process and ensure it is done in compliance with guidelines.

Yes, Visa processing is included as part of the Hajj package.

We are only able to accept payments via a personal or certified check for Umrah Tours.  Since all Hajj related purchases are done on Nusuk, you must refer to their payment guidelines for Hajj.

Yes, at the time of arrival each traveler will turn over their passports to Ministry of Hajj officials. It is the responsibility of TFP staff to secure/retrieve your Passports and they will be provided back to the travelers at the time of departure from Saudi Arabia.

All travelers must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to fifteen (15) years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio as well as meningitis and polio. Children over fifteen (15) years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults.

a. meningitis and ACYW135.

b. The seasonal (or common) flu, which should be taken two weeks before applying for the visa.

c. The H1N1 flu, if a vaccine is made available before Hajj season, and should be taken two weeks before applying for the visa.

d. Infants and children up to fifteen (15) years of age should provide a vaccination report for meningococcal and polio.

e. Children above fifteen (15) years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults.

Luggage requirements are dictated by the Airlines policy for international travel. Please check the respective Airlines website to determine luggage requirements.

No, however wheelchairs are available for rent from Haram Waqf staff in Makkah to perform Tawaf and Sai'. Beyond that if a traveler requires a wheelchair we encourage them to bring one from the U.S.A or purchase one from a local Saudi Pharmacy.

Yes, we hold various sessions to prepare the Hujjaj logistically and spiritually. We hold conference calls at least monthly to cover logistics and spiritual items. Additionally, we will hold at least 2 in-person sessions where Imams will deep dive into Fiqh aspects of Hajj. We utilize conference calls, video conferencing for remote participants.

Yes, we hold sessions with Shaykhas that are specifically designed for women.

Yes, at the time of departure from either Jeddah Airport or Medinah Airport each passenger will receive a 5-Liter bottle of Zamzam to bring back to their home country.

Yes, we have an experienced team of professionals that travel with our group every year. They are available in the U.S.A. prior to travel to answer questions and provide guidance and they travel with you and are available 24/7 throughout your Hajj journey.

We always recommend packing all necessary essentials, but also packing light for agility.  While luggage requirements vary, the following are the recommended;

• Train Travel in Saudi Arabia:
  • Only carry-on luggage and backpacks are permitted onboard.
  • Larger bags will be transported separately and will arrive in Mecca ahead of you.
• Transatlantic Flights:
  • Typically, two large bags per person are allowed.
  • It's advisable to check with your specific airline for exact weight and size restrictions.

Always check with your respective carrier for luggage requirements.