ZANZIBAR: MUSLIMS in Tanzania planning to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year have been urged to follow up on their visa applications, as the deadline for visa issuance is set for April 18, 2025.
“In light of this, we urge all Muslims intending to perform Hajj this year, 2025 (1446 Hijri), to complete their travel payments and submit their passports to the institutions with which they registered as soon as possible,” said Sheikh Ali Adam Ali from the Hajj Committee under UTAHIZA Company Limited.
He explained that the urgency is due to a new schedule set by the government of Saudi Arabia, designed to streamline preparations and ensure a smoother and more efficient Hajj experience.
“The goal is to ensure the pilgrimage is conducted in an orderly manner, allowing Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj to effectively plan and manage all related activities on time,” Sheikh Ali added.
He also said that those who have not yet registered still have a chance to do so, but should make their payments quickly due to the short visa issuance period.
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The official visa processing system typically takes between three to four days.
As of this week, 3,380 Tanzanians have registered for the pilgrimage, with over 80 percent of them coming from Zanzibar.
Sheikh Ali encouraged more Muslims across the country to plan for the Hajj, noting that Saudi Arabia allocates 20,000 slots for Tanzanian pilgrims annually, yet less than a quarter of those spots have been filled so far.
Pilgrims from around the world are expected to begin arriving in Saudi Arabia early next month, while pilgrims from Zanzibar are scheduled to depart on May 22, 2025, travelling directly from Zanzibar to Medina via Saudia Airlines.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
