Hajj Furoda Visa: Requirements, Costs, and How to Get It for Indonesian Citizens

Performing the Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims worldwide strive to fulfill this sacred duty, but for many Indonesians, the long waiting period—which can span decades—can be a huge obstacle. This is where the Hajj Furoda visa comes in as a potential solution.

Also read: Saudi Arabia Predicts Cooler Hajj Seasons For 25 Years—Here’s Why it Matters!

In simple terms, a Hajj Furoda visa is an official visa granted by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj. However, getting one is neither easy nor cheap. If you're curious about what a Hajj Furoda visa is, its requirements, and the costs involved, this article will cover everything you need to know.

1. What is a Hajj Furoda Visa?

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Hajj Furoda is a pilgrimage performed using a visa obtained through an invitation from the Saudi Arabian government. This type of visa is also known as a Mujamalah visa. It is issued directly by the Saudi embassy without requiring pilgrims to join the official waiting list. This allows Hajj Furoda pilgrims to depart immediately after registering.

Performing Hajj with a Hajj Furoda visa is considered a legal and valid pilgrimage. According to Indonesian Law No. 8 of 2019 concerning Hajj and Umrah, it is not part of the Indonesian government's official Hajj quota. This means it is separate from both regular and special Hajj programs.

Since these pilgrims are considered "official guests" of the Saudi government, the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs does not manage the Hajj Furoda program. However, as mandated by the law, Indonesian citizens who receive a Hajj Mujamalah visa must go through an official Special Hajj Organizer (PIHK) registered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This ensures that the Indonesian government can monitor its citizens' pilgrimage.

In practice, Hajj Furoda is divided into three groups:

• Mujamalah/Furoda Embassy: For invitations from government institutions, organizations, or honorary figures. Hajj travel agencies can acquire this visa for the general public.

• Mujamalah/Furoda Amir: This group has the largest quota.

• Mujamalah Quota for Muslim Minorities: Specifically for Indonesian citizens residing abroad who can perform Hajj under the quota of their resident country.

2. Pros and Cons of Hajj Furoda

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Just like two sides of a coin, there are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing Hajj Furoda.

Advantages of Hajj Furoda:

• Short Queue: The main advantage is the significantly shorter waiting time. Pilgrims can depart in the same year they complete their payment.

• Simpler Process: The administrative process is quicker and much more straightforward compared to regular Hajj. The visa application is also easier because the Saudi government is directly involved.

• Premium Services: As invited guests, Hajj Furoda pilgrims receive special treatment, including more exclusive and higher-class accommodations, transportation, and catering, as well as priority access to facilities in Mecca and Medina.

Disadvantages of Hajj Furoda:

• High Cost: The most notable downside is the high price. Compared to regular and special Hajj, the cost of Hajj Furoda is 2 to 3 times higher.

• Personal Preparation: Even with premium services, pilgrims must handle personal preparations. This can be a challenge for those without prior experience.

• Risk of Rejection: There is a risk that the Hajj Furoda visa may be rejected by the Saudi government, especially if the requirements are not fully met.

3. Cost of a Hajj Furoda Visa

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The cost of a Hajj Furoda visa varies depending on the travel agency and the package you choose. According to various agencies, the cost for 2026 ranges from USD 19,900 to USD 25,000, which is approximately IDR 300 million to IDR 1 billion, depending on the exchange rate.

This price is significantly higher than regular Hajj (around IDR 55-60 million) and special Hajj (starting from IDR 125 million), often reaching 2 to 4 times the cost. With this high price, pilgrims receive exceptional facilities, such as 4-star or 5-star hotel accommodation, exclusive transportation, and priority access to various facilities in Mecca and Medina. Pilgrims also typically get to choose a more exclusive airline with better services.

4. Requirements for a Hajj Furoda Visa

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To obtain a Hajj Furoda visa, you must meet several requirements to minimize the risk of a delayed or canceled departure.

Here are the requirements for a Hajj Furoda visa:

• Minimum down payment of USD 5,000.

• Original passport (with at least two words in the name and a minimum validity of 12 months).

• Scanned copy of e-KTP (Indonesian ID card).

• Scanned copy of the Family Card (Kartu Keluarga).

• Close-up photo with a white background.

• Meningitis vaccination card.

• Scanned copy of birth certificate.

• Active BPJS card.

• Once you have all the required documents, you can start the registration process.

5. Hajj Furoda Registration Procedure

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The registration procedure for Hajj Furoda can be done through two main options. Both will eventually lead you to getting the necessary visa.

The two options are:

• Through a Hajj travel agency officially registered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Special Hajj Organizer (PIHK) database. It is highly recommended to verify the legality of the chosen agency, including its business license and other supporting documents.

• Through a foundation that has a collaboration with the Saudi Arabian government. For this option, you must ensure the foundation is trustworthy, officially licensed, and has experience in managing Hajj Furoda pilgrims.

Once you have chosen an option, the registration process begins:

• Complete the documentation and requirements: After selecting an agency, you must complete all the necessary documents. Make sure everything is complete and correct.

• Make the down payment: After submitting your documents, you must pay a down payment of USD 5,000 to secure your slot. The payment is usually made via bank transfer. Remember to keep a copy of your payment receipt for verification. You will typically receive a confirmation and a formal receipt once you are officially registered as a Hajj Furoda candidate.

• After these two steps, the travel agency will handle the Hajj Furoda visa application process and officially notify the Ministry of Religious Affairs. You will then wait for the departure schedule to be released by the Saudi Embassy through the PIHK, and for the visa confirmation. Once your visa is issued, you are confirmed to depart for the Holy Land as a Hajj Furoda pilgrim.

• The final step is to pay off the remaining cost. This is usually done within 30 business days before departure, but it may be sooner depending on the agency's policy.

6. Tips for Getting the Best Hajj Furoda Price

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Is it possible to get a better price for Hajj Furoda? The cost is influenced by several factors: the chosen package, the airline, the booking time, and currency exchange rates.

Here are some tips to help you get the best price for your Hajj Furoda package:

• Choose the right package: An economy package with basic facilities will be much more affordable than a VIP package. Select a package that meets your needs without unnecessary luxury.

• Choose a reputable agency: Be cautious of agencies offering packages that are too cheap, as this can lead to unexpected additional costs. Take the time to compare packages from different reputable agencies.

• Pay attention to exchange rates: Since currency exchange rates can fluctuate, consider paying off your balance early when the Rupiah-to-Dollar rate is stable. Alternatively, choose a package with a fixed rate to better manage your budget.

• Book early: Booking your Hajj Furoda package well in advance can open up opportunities for better prices. It also gives you more time to prepare your finances without feeling rushed.

• Look for promotions and discounts: Travel agencies often offer promotions during specific periods or events like travel fairs. Be on the lookout for these deals to save money.

Also read: From Indonesia to Makkah: How This Man Walked Across 7 Countries For Umrah!

We hope this information helps you in your journey to perform Hajj. Save this article as a guide for your pilgrimage to the Holy Land!