Hajj pilgrims

Every year the British Hajj Delegation accompanies around 25,000 British Muslims to Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

Travel advice & Hajj visas

You should check the latest Foreign Office travel advice for Saudi Arabia which includes information on Hajj visas. This year the Saudi authorities have introduced additional new health requirements.

Please also check the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia website for information before arranging your Hajj trip.

Help and assistance for British pilgrims

We hope that you have a trouble-free Hajj. If something does go wrong, the British Hajj Delegation can provide consular and basic medical help (see below). The delegation is a team of volunteers from the British Muslim community. They will be in Saudi Arabia throughout the Hajj to provide help and assistance to British Hajjis. The delegation includes a team of doctors. They are accompanied by Muslim staff from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office who can offer consular support and advice. Working with the British Consulate General in Jeddah, the delegation can provide you with a full range of Consular services.

The British Hajj Delegation 2009 is headed by Lord Patel of Blackburn.

• Read about the launch of the 2009 British Hajj delegation

The Delegation is in Saudi Arabia throughout the Hajj and includes:

• doctors for initial support and advice
• British Consulate General staff in Jeddah
• Muslim Foreign Office staff flown out from the UK

The Delegation can:

• provide information on how to transfer money

• provide contact details for local lawyers and hospitals

• arrange for a next of kin to be told of an accident or a death and advise on procedures

• offer initial medical advice and assistance

The Delegation cannot:

• become involved in any disagreements e.g. pilgrim
  and tour operator disputes, lost baggage disputes
• rearrange travel bookings
• pay your hotel, legal, medical or travel bills
• get you out of prison
• give legal advice
• intervene in court cases
• investigate a crime

Hajj checklist for British pilgrims

A successful pilgrimage requires careful preparation. We have compiled practical tips and advice for pilgrims to accompany the travel checklist.

Before you go:

• check the FCO travel advice to make sure that you are up to date with the situation in Saudi Arabia at or call 0845 850 2829
  
• check that you have the correct tickets and ticket details
  
• make sure that you book your tickets through an ATOL registered tour operator to avoid unnecessary difficulties.
  For more information please visit the ATOL website
  
• have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah
  
• get travel insurance for all aspects of your journey. There are Shariah compliant insurance policies available
  
• check that you have had the required vaccinations for your pilgrimage, and that you have vaccination cards with you
  
• ensure that your passport is in good condition and the necessary visas are in place
  
• make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus emergency numbers and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and correct contact details with family and friends
  
• individuals on medication should make sure that they have adequate quantities to get them through the Hajj period. Existing medication should be clearly labeled for each individual. Please ensure you have good quality footwear as you may have to walk long distances
  
• please ensure all your luggage is clearly labelled by placing stickers both on the outside and inside of your luggage showing your name, nationality, passport number, air carrier, flight number, hotel name and a contact telephone number
  
• make sure you have the contact details of the Hajj Delegation Clinic and Consular service
  
• use the FCO LOCATE service to register details of your and your families travel plans
  
• check our Swine Flu advice.

Passports and dual nationality

The Saudi Authorities do not recognise dual nationality and may confiscate second passports. Pilgrims travelling
on non-British passports are not entitled to assistance from the British Consulate General. British Nationals who choose to travel on non-British passports should ensure that all British visas or endorsements are clearly shown in that passport.

Any documentation required to re-enter the United Kingdom should be obtained before leaving the UK, to prevent any delays in returning.

Have a healthy Hajj

You should carefully consider the information provided on the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London before travelling.

You should take:

• enough food and water
• an umbrella to protect you from the sun
• a spare pair of sandals
• an adequate supply of medication with a doctor’s certificate describing the medication - this will help avoid problems with Customs.

Crowds

Over two million pilgrims visit the Holy sites during the Hajj.

Some of the Holy places can be very crowded, particularly at the stoning of the Satans at Mina and the circumambulation of the Kaaba. This can be daunting for the elderly or frail.

It is easy for pilgrims to become separated from family or friends. You should note the location of your camp and tent and agree a meeting point.

Charities

All charities operating within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are strictly regulated, and all public fundraising is restricted to known channels. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals do attempt to take advantage of the wish of pilgrims to donate to charity and there is a significant rise in illegal fundraising activities in and around Mecca every year coinciding with the Hajj. Those wishing to donate money should do so through one of the major banks, where money can be deposited using accounts opened for licensed charitable organisations. Money collected through other means is considered illegal.

Arriving at Jeddah Airport

The Saudi Authorities take their responsibilities very seriously, and the well-being of every Hajji is very important to them. But large numbers of Hajjis arriving and leaving can be daunting and it is natural that delays will occur when going through the terminal. There are basic facilities available at the terminal. However, you should be prepared for delays, especially when you are travelling with children and/or the elderly.  

On arrival at the terminal the authorities will take your passports and give you a receipt. The Pilgrim Guides Establishment will hold it for you while you are performing the Hajj and will return it to you on departure.

Calls between Saudi Arabia and the UK

To call the UK from Saudi Arabia dial 0044 before the next number (If the next digit is '0', drop it and dial the next number.

To call Saudi Arabia from the UK dial 00 966 before the next number.

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