Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about our Umrah and Hajj tours.

What is Umrah?
Umrah is the visit to the Kaaba in Makkah, performing the rituals of ihram, tawaf and sa'y. Unlike Hajj, it can be performed at any time of the year.
I have never done this before — will someone actually guide me?
Yes — this is the heart of what we do, and most of our pilgrims are first-timers. Experienced imams and guides accompany every group: they lead each rite step by step, radio headsets let you hear the guide even in the crowds, and they are reachable 24/7 on the ground. Before you travel, our preparation seminars walk you through Nusuk, ihram, packing and what each day will look like.
How can I register for an Umrah tour?
You can register via the phone numbers on our contact page, our WhatsApp line, or by visiting our offices. You can follow tour availability on our website.
Is Hajj physically demanding? Can my elderly parents come?
Hajj involves real walking — Tawaf, Sa'i and the daily walks to the Jamarat during the Mina days — and takes place in warm weather. Still, thousands of elderly pilgrims complete it comfortably every year with the right package. For older or less mobile pilgrims we recommend hotels closest to the Haram and camps near the Jamarat. Wheelchair assistance for Tawaf and Sa'i is available on request, and Saudi health insurance is included in every package. Tell us about any mobility or health needs in your pre-registration and we will plan around them.
How long must my passport be valid?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. Please contact us for detailed document requirements.
Do I need a mahram (male guardian) as a woman?
Under current Saudi rules, women may perform Hajj without a mahram (male guardian) when travelling within an organised group. These requirements can change season to season. Women of all ages are welcome in our group departures, with dedicated care, privacy and coordinated Rawdah visits.
What is included in the tour price?
Depending on the program, our packages generally include flights, accommodation, transfers and guidance services. Details are on each tour's page.
What vaccinations do I need for Hajj 2027?
Saudi authorities typically require proof of meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination for pilgrims, usually given at least 10 days before arrival. Seasonal influenza and other vaccines may also be recommended. The official Hajj 2027 health requirements are confirmed closer to the season and can change year to year — we share the updated list with registered pilgrims and remind you in good time.
How long do we stay in Makkah and Madinah?
The length of stay depends on the tour program you choose. Each tour's page shows the total number of days and accommodation details (hotel, nights).
What documents do I need to register for Hajj?
You will need a passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel, a Nusuk account with a compliant photo (200x200 px), a funded Nusuk eWallet, and your vaccination record. The Hajj visa itself is issued through Nusuk once your package is confirmed — there is no separate embassy application.
How long does the Umrah journey take?
Our Umrah programmes usually last 10-15 days and include stays in both Makkah and Madinah. The Umrah worship itself (tawaf, sa'y and hair trimming) is completed within a few hours; the remaining days are devoted to worship, visits and the spiritual programme.
Is Hisar Balkans an official Nusuk operator?
Hisar Balkans is not the official Nusuk platform. Official Hajj registration, booking and payment are completed through hajj.nusuk.sa. We provide guidance and support through the whole process — verification, eWallet, package selection, seminars and group leadership on the ground. As part of the Hisar family, we hold an official partnership with Seera Mawasim, winner of the 1st Place award for Excellent Service from the Ministry of Hajj.
What is ihram and how does one enter it?
Ihram is the state in which a person intending Umrah or Hajj refrains from certain acts. Men wear two pieces of white cloth, while women wear their normal modest clothing. Ihram is entered with intention and talbiyah before crossing the miqat boundary (on the plane or at the airport). Details are in the Ihram section of our library.
When is Hajj 2027?
Hajj 2027 corresponds to 1448 AH. Based on the Umm al-Qura calendar, the expected dates are: Day of Tarwiyah — Fri 14 May 2027 (8 Dhul-Hijjah); Day of Arafah — Sat 15 May 2027 (9 Dhul-Hijjah); Eid al-Adha — Sun 16 May 2027 (10 Dhul-Hijjah); Days of Tashreeq — 17-19 May 2027. Dates are subject to the official moon sighting.
What should be in the Umrah suitcase?
The basic list: ihram (for men), comfortable modest clothing, comfortable slippers (not flip-flop style between the toes), personal medicines and a small first-aid kit, sunscreen and a prayer booklet. Preparing a small daily worship bag for tawaf and sa'y makes things much easier.
What is the difference between shifting and non-shifting?
In a shifting package, your accommodation changes at different stages — for example closer arrangements during the Hajj days plus a hotel near the Haram before or after. It optimises logistics and is more affordable. In a non-shifting package you stay in the same hotel for the whole trip. It is more convenient and stable — especially for elderly and first-time pilgrims — and usually costs more.
Can Zamzam water be brought home?
Yes; Zamzam is usually carried in specially packaged containers checked in separately at the airport. The allowed amount and carriage conditions depend on airline rules; on our tours, guests are informed about this before the return flight.
How much does Hajj cost?
Final prices are announced each season on the official Nusuk platform and vary by hotel zone (proximity to the Haram), Mina camp, room type and shifting preference. We update the package cards on this page as details are confirmed. Leave a pre-registration — the moment prices are announced we will call you and go through the options that fit your budget.
Is Umrah possible with children?
Yes, Umrah with children is possible, and with the right preparation it becomes an unforgettable family experience. The child's passport, age-related document requirements and the pace of the programme should be planned in advance. You can find detailed advice in our library guide 'Travelling to Umrah with Children'.
When do Nusuk packages open, and when should I register?
Nusuk typically opens Hajj package sales a few months ahead of the season, with exact dates announced officially each year. Hajj permits are limited and packages sell out — so we strongly recommend pre-registering early and completing your Nusuk verification and eWallet funding as soon as the season opens, so you are ready the moment packages are released.
What is the virtue of performing Umrah in Ramadan?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave glad tidings that an Umrah performed in Ramadan is equal in reward to a Hajj. For this reason Ramadan is the most virtuous time for Umrah; especially in the last ten nights, Masjid al-Haram has an incomparable spiritual atmosphere. Ramadan is also the busiest Umrah season of the year.
How do I apply on Nusuk?
1) Visit hajj.nusuk.sa and create an account. 2) Complete your profile with passport details and a compliant photo (200x200 px). 3) Fund your Nusuk eWallet. 4) Browse packages, select yours and submit. 5) Pay inside Nusuk and await confirmation. We guide you through each step — just leave a pre-registration.
Are tawaf and sa'y physically difficult?
The seven circuits of tawaf and the seven laps of sa'y add up to a few kilometres of walking; however, the sa'y area is fully enclosed and air-conditioned. Wheelchairs and electric carts are available for elderly guests and those with health conditions; on our tours the necessary support is provided.
Who can join your Hajj groups?
Through the Nusuk system, holders of an EU passport or EU residency, and holders of Serbian residency, can join our groups. We provide guidance in Turkish, Albanian and Bosnian for guests across Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and the wider region. Not sure about your status? Fill in the form and we will check your eligibility together.
Who arranges the Umrah visa?
Umrah visa procedures are handled by our agency as part of your tour registration; the required documents are communicated to you at registration. As visa requirements can change periodically, we recommend contacting our offices for up-to-date information.
What are the Mina camps, and why do they matter?
During the days of Tashreeq you stay in Mina and walk to the Jamarat Bridge daily. The closer your camp is to the Jamarat, the shorter your daily walk during the most physically demanding days of Hajj — the main reason premium packages cost more. Our team helps you choose the camp that fits your budget and health needs.
Who is obligated to perform Hajj?
Every Muslim who is of sound mind and mature age, physically and mentally able to perform the pilgrimage, and who has the financial means to support their dependents while away, is obligated to perform Hajj.
Is there an age limit for Hajj?
There is no fixed general age limit, but the Saudi authorities may introduce temporary restrictions for certain age groups (for example, in past years for those over 65 or under 12). We share the current rules with you during the registration period.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage that must be performed at a specific time (during Dhul-Hijjah) and involves more extensive rituals. Umrah is a recommended pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year.
What are the essential rituals of Hajj?
Entering ihram, performing tawaf, performing sa'i, standing at Arafat, standing at Muzdalifah, stoning the jamrahs, offering the sacrifice, and shaving are the essential rituals of Hajj. You can find the detailed order in the 'Hajj Step by Step' section.
What is Nusuk?
Nusuk is the official platform developed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah that manages pilgrims' access to the holy sites and services. Registration, payment, and service provider selection are all handled through this system.
How are health services provided during Hajj?
Health services during Hajj are provided by both the Saudi government and hajj organizations. Hospitals, health centers, emergency teams, and support staff are available to respond to pilgrims' health needs.
When is Hajj performed?
Hajj takes place on the 8th, 9th and 10th days of Dhul-Hijjah according to the Islamic calendar - these are the days on which Hajj is obligatory. The corresponding Gregorian dates change every year.