Hajj is the major annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, performed during the month of Dhul Hijjah. Unlike Umrah, Hajj for Algerian citizens is managed through a government quota system via the ONPO (Office National du Pèlerinage et de la Omra). You CANNOT apply independently — you must register through the official Algerian system and wait for your turn.
Fees: Hajj package: ~650,000-800,000 DZD (~€4,000-5,000) — set annually by the Algerian government (includes visa, flights, accommodation, meals)
Processing time: Registration opens annually — waitlist can be several years
Visa center in Algeria: Managed entirely by ONPO — no individual visa application
Go to your local wilaya's Direction des Affaires Religieuses (Department of Religious Affairs) to register for Hajj. Registration opens at a specific period each year (usually announced on national media and the ONPO website). You'll submit your documents and be placed on the waiting list. Priority is given to: first-time pilgrims, elderly applicants, and those who have been on the waitlist the longest.
Estimated duration: Registration: 1 day | Waiting list: 1-5+ years
For applicants in Algeria: The Hajj registration process is completely managed by the Algerian government. No travel agency can guarantee you a Hajj spot — beware of scams. Payment is made to the CPA (Crédit Populaire d'Algérie) bank account designated by ONPO.
When your turn comes and you're selected for Hajj, ONPO will notify you (usually by phone and SMS). You'll then need to: 1. Pay the full Hajj package fee at the designated CPA bank 2. Complete a medical examination at an approved center 3. Get the mandatory Meningitis ACWY vaccination 4. Attend the pre-Hajj training sessions organized by your wilaya 5. Collect your travel documents and airline tickets from ONPO
Estimated duration: 2-4 weeks preparation after selection
Tip: Attend ALL the pre-Hajj training sessions — they teach you the rituals, health precautions, and logistics. Also start physical preparation (walking daily) as Hajj involves extensive walking in hot weather.