Many pilgrims travel with a parent who walks slowly, use a wheelchair themselves or manage a long-term health condition. With good planning, special assistance makes Umrah and Hajj far more comfortable. This article explains the support that is commonly available, how to tell us what you need and what to prepare before you travel.
Types of special assistance
Airport assistance
Wheelchair help through check-in, security and boarding, booked with the airline in advance.
Meet and assist
Help on arrival in Jeddah or Madinah through immigration and baggage collection.
Closer hotels
Hotels a short, level walk from the Haram reduce daily effort.
Wheelchairs at the Haram
Wheelchairs and powered carts are available at the two Holy Mosques, subject to availability.
Private transport
A private car avoids long waits for shared coaches.
Slower pace
Fewer activities per day and rest days built into the itinerary.
How to request special assistance in the quote form
Step 2: Travellers
Answer the question on elderly or mobility support: choose wheelchair needed or slower pace.
Step 3: Preferences
Choose a short walking distance to the Haram, tick wheelchair service or airport meet and assist under Extras, and pick private transport if helpful.
Notes box
Describe the need in a sentence or two: for example, can walk short distances, needs a ground-floor or accessible room, uses oxygen or needs a fridge for insulin.
Your proposal
We reflect these needs in the hotels and transport we suggest and explain any limits clearly.
You can start from the quote form at any time, or add special assistance needs by replying to your confirmation email.
Elderly pilgrims
Heat, crowds and long walks are the main challenges. Choose a hotel close to the Haram, plan the Umrah itself for a cooler time of day and allow rest days between visits. A wheelchair for tawaf and sa‘i is common and acceptable; our Umrah guide explains the rites step by step.
Medical needs
Ask your doctor whether you are fit to travel, carry a letter listing your conditions and medicines with their generic names, and pack enough medication for the whole trip plus extra days in your hand luggage. Check that your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions. The UK government’s Saudi Arabia travel advice has useful health information for all travellers.
Wheelchair users
Tell us whether you bring your own wheelchair, need one on arrival or need someone to push it. Folding wheelchairs travel easily on flights, but check battery rules for powered chairs with the airline. Allow extra time to reach the mosque before prayer.
Planning special assistance for Hajj
Hajj involves long distances between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah in intense heat. If you or a family member needs special assistance, mention it as early as possible and read our Hajj step-by-step guide. Scholars give concessions for the elderly and unwell in several rites, so ask a qualified scholar about your situation.
It also helps to share your plans with a family member at home. Give them a copy of your itinerary, hotel details and medical summary, and agree a time each day to check in. If anything changes during the journey, they will know where you are and how to help.
Special assistance: frequently asked questions
Can I perform tawaf in a wheelchair?
Yes. Wheelchairs are widely used for tawaf and sa‘i, and there are dedicated routes for them at Masjid al-Haram.
Can you guarantee an accessible room?
We request it from the hotel and confirm what is available in writing in your proposal.
Can a carer travel with me?
Yes. Include the carer as a traveller in the form and mention their role in the notes.
Related articles
Tell us what support you need
Share your special assistance needs and we will plan hotels, transport and pace around them.