New rule to allow women pilgrims to travel alone for Haj

When applicable, the new rule will be among number of developments in the Haj and Umrah sector.

Soon, women pilgrims could be allowed to perform Haj without being accompanied by a male guardian from their immediate family (mahram).
The Ministry of Haj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia, which is conducting studies to issue visit visas for both tourism and Umrah purposes, is likely to pave the way for allowing women to come without the need for a 'mahram'.
Currently, women are required to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform pilgrimages with a 'mahram', or be met with a male accomplice on arrival in the Kingdom. Although women over the age of 45 may travel without a 'mahram' if they are in an organised tour group, they must submit a notarised letter of no objection from a male family member, according to reports in Arab News.
When applicable, the new rule to allow women to travel alone for Haj will be among number of developments in the Haj and Umrah sector.

• Saudi Arabia