King Abdulaziz Airport (JED) Hajj & Umrah Travel Guide
King Abdulaziz International Airport · Gateway to Makkah & Madinah
Hajj & Umrah at King Abdulaziz International Airport
As the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdulaziz International Airport is built around the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Hajj is a mandatory once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage for Muslims who are able to perform it; Umrah is voluntary and can be performed at any time of year. Most pilgrims arrive through JED’s Hajj & Umrah Terminal or Terminal 1, connecting onward to Makkah and Madinah.
KAIA publishes an official pilgrim procedures guide covering the full departure journey — arrival, check-in, and designated departure areas.
Download the official Hajj Pilgrim Kit (PDF) →Hajj Visa Information
Domestic Pilgrims
Citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia must obtain a Hajj permit through the Nusuk platform and register for one of the approved Hajj packages.
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Proof of vaccinations and accommodation details
International Pilgrims
Pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia must obtain a Hajj visa through a Hajj company approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in their home country, select a comprehensive Hajj package, meet vaccination requirements, and may need an additional medical exam on arrival.
Zamzam Water
Zamzam water, drawn from the sacred well in Makkah, is available for purchase at King Abdulaziz International Airport through the official King Abdul Aziz Zamzam Water Project — the only authorized source. Distribution points operate at Terminal 1, Terminal 4, and the Hajj & Umrah Terminal, generally 24/7, though availability can vary during peak Hajj and Umrah seasons.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | 12 SAR per passenger (Terminal 1) |
| Through security | One 500ml bottle, sealed and wrapped at an approved facility |
| Checked baggage | Up to 5 liters, per most airlines — confirm with your specific airline |
| Purchase limit | One bottle per passport |
| Own containers | Not permitted — only official pre-packaged containers are allowed |
Prayer Facilities
The main mosque sits at the heart of Terminal 1, accommodating over 3,000 worshippers, with an outdoor courtyard spanning 2,450 square meters for prayer beneath the open sky. Beyond the mosque, 40 prayer rooms are located across Terminal 1, the North Terminal, and the Hajj & Umrah Terminal, open day and night.
- Clearly marked, segregated spaces for men and women
- Ablution areas and shoe storage at each location
- Facilities supporting passengers with limited mobility
Where Pilgrims Can Stay
Aerotel Hotel, in Terminal 1, is designed in historic Jeddah’s Rawashin style, spans 6,000 square meters, and offers 120 rooms alongside a health club and several restaurants.
Manasik Hotel, inside the Hajj & Umrah Terminal, offers 123 well-appointed rooms built specifically for pilgrims transiting through Hajj and Umrah.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Plaza Premium Lounge, located in Terminal 1’s international departures area (with access also available near Terminal 4), is open 24 hours to all international travelers regardless of airline or ticket class. It offers comfortable seating, international and regional dining including vegetarian options, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and real-time flight information screens. Payment is accepted via Visa, Mastercard, or cash.
Book Plaza Premium Lounge →Transport & Tourist Visas for Umrah
Transport from the airport to Makkah and Madinah includes taxis, shuttle buses, private transfers, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which connects directly from Terminal 1.
Travelers who plan to perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa are advised to arrange the visa in advance through the official Saudi visa platform, rather than applying on arrival, to keep arrival procedures smooth.
Apply for a Saudi tourist visa →General Guidelines for Hajj & Umrah Travel
- Comply with your airline’s baggage weight and size regulations
- Ensure checked and carry-on luggage contain no liquids over the limit or prohibited items
- Confirm your designated departure terminal in advance and arrive with enough time to complete procedures
- Have a confirmed return booking before heading to the airport
Emergency Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Hajj visa for Saudi Arabia?
Domestic pilgrims apply through the Nusuk platform. International pilgrims apply through a Hajj company approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in their home country, as part of a comprehensive Hajj package.
How much Zamzam water can I bring home?
One 500ml bottle through security if sealed and wrapped at an approved facility, and up to 5 liters in checked baggage per most airlines — always confirm with your specific airline.
How much does Zamzam water cost at Jeddah Airport?
12 SAR per passenger at Terminal 1, limited to one bottle per passport.
Where can pilgrims stay at Jeddah Airport?
The Aerotel Hotel in Terminal 1 offers 120 rooms, and the Manasik Hotel inside the Hajj & Umrah Terminal offers 123 rooms built specifically for pilgrims.
How do I get from Jeddah Airport to Makkah?
The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects directly from Terminal 1 to Makkah and Madinah, alongside taxis, shuttle buses, and private transfers.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, but it’s recommended to arrange the tourist visa in advance through the official Saudi visa platform rather than applying on arrival.