Regulatory Changes: Price Hikes and Scam Alerts
Uzbekistan Airways Launches Charter Flights for Hajj Pilgrimage
Uzbekistan Airways has announced the commencement of charter passenger flights to Saudi Arabia from May 13 to May 28, 2025, as part of the “Hajj-2025” program. This initiative aims to facilitate the pilgrimage for thousands of Uzbek Muslims.
Flight Details and Expected Pilgrims
The airline will operate flights from several international airports, including Tashkent, Samarkand, Namangan, Karshi, Termez, Navoi, Urgench, and Nukus, transporting a total of 6,267 pilgrims to Medina. Return flights will follow from Jeddah to various cities in Uzbekistan from June 12 to June 29, when an additional 15,150 pilgrims are expected to return home.
Uzbekistan Airways is committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of its passengers during this significant journey.
Increased Hajj Quota
The Hajj season in Uzbekistan is officially set to begin on May 13, 2025. The Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, Mufti Nuriddin Kholiqnazarov, revealed that the country’s Hajj quota has tripled in recent years, allowing up to 15,000 citizens to perform the pilgrimage annually. The Umrah pilgrimage has also seen significant participation, with hundreds of thousands taking part.
In the 2024 Hajj season, Uzbekistan successfully sent 15,150 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Health Requirements and Vaccination
In accordance with regulations from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, all Hajj pilgrims are required to be vaccinated against meningitis. The Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee of Uzbekistan has also advised vaccinations to prevent infectious disease outbreaks.
Rising Costs of Hajj Packages
The cost for Uzbek citizens to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. In 2019, the price was approximately 33.3 million UZS (around $3,879 at that time). However, due to new taxes and increased service and transportation costs, the price nearly doubled to 62.9 million UZS by 2022. The costs continued to rise, reaching 68.76 million UZS in 2023 and 73.97 million UZS in 2024. For the upcoming 2025 Hajj season, the price will be approximately 78.67 million UZS.
Comprehensive Hajj Package
The Hajj package offered includes a variety of essential services:
- Hajj visa
- Direct flights to Medina
- Accommodation in top hotels such as “Zam-Zam Pullman” and “Crowne Plaza” in Medina, and “Abroj al-Hidaya” in Mecca
- Intercity transport (Medina–Mecca–Jeddah)
- Medical insurance for pilgrims
- Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Guided visits to significant religious sites
- Services in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah valleys
- Continuous medical and transport support
- Sacrificial offerings (Qurbani)
- Five liters of Zamzam water
- Assistance with travel logistics in Uzbekistan
- Hajj travel kit and guidebook
Addressing Fraud in Hajj Travel
In recent events, law enforcement arrested an individual in Tashkent who defrauded four people of $23,600 by falsely promising to arrange their Hajj trips. The Committee for Religious Affairs identified 31 travel agencies offering unauthorized Umrah services, leading to legal action against the offenders. Citizens are advised to refrain from engaging with unlicensed travel firms.
New Regulations for Umrah Services
As of July 2024, Umrah travel services in Uzbekistan require official licenses as part of new government regulations. Companies found operating without this license face substantial fines to ensure compliance and protect pilgrims.
Uzbekistan is dedicated to enhancing the pilgrimage experience while ensuring the safety and rights of its citizens as they embark on this sacred journey.
