the Council of British Haji's (Pilgrims) | the CBH | Practical Hajj and Umrah Advice Centre

hajj 2010 (1431AH)

going for hajj? what you need to know when booking a pilgrimage

What you need to know when booking a pilgrimage

FCO - Hajj Advice 2010

This year thousands of British Nationals will attend the Hajj. We hope that, like many thousands of Hajjis, you will have a trouble-free Hajj. However, if something does go wrong, the British Hajj Delegation, working with the British Consulate-General can provide you with a range of consular services. The information on this website can also be found on our Hajj leaflet which can be downloaded in English, Urdu, Bengali and Arabic.

The British Hajj delegation will be located at the Elaf Al Khalil Hotel Read More - click here

Download the FCO Hajj Leaflet 2010:

	FCO Hajj Pilgrims Leaflet 2010 - English [PDF, 282.3kb]
	FCO Hajj Pilgrims Leaflet 2010 - Arabic [PDF, 2.0 Mb]
	FCO Hajj Pilgrims Leaflet 2010 - Bengali [PDF, 475.1 kb]
	FCO Hajj Pilgrims Leaflet 2010 - Urdu [PDF, 2.0 Mb]

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL NO MEDICAL HAJJ DELEGATION FROM THE FCO - ONLY CONSULAR SUPPORT

Press Release 4/10/10
Warning to British Pilgrims: No Medical Hajj Delegation 2010

VACCINATIONS FOR HAJJ 2010

Update: Friday 1/10/10
Recommendations and requirements issued by Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health for entry visas for the Hajj and Umra seasons in 2010 have been released Click Here

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Update: Thursday 30/9/10
Following advice received from the Saudi Embassy in London, We can confirm that the Ministry of Hajj has yet to release official pilgrim and tour operator rules and regulations for the Hajj season 2010 (1431AH).

This does not help tour operators and pilgrims in preparing for Hajj; however as soon as we get any updates, we will be posting it on our website and facebook page.

VACCINATIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR HAJJ 2010:

The current advisory from the Saudi Embassy is that all pilgrims will need to have been inoculated against Menningitis with the ACWY vaccine and will need a valid medical certificate to prove this at the time of visa applications.

Note: This can change if there is threat of other infections and outbreak from around the globe. Updates will be posted as they become available.

For more information on health advice for travellers, visit fitfortravel.nhs.uk

HAJJ: IN THE PRESS 2010

October 14, 2010 - Hajj travellers urged to plan for the unexpected - Asian Image

October 12, 2010 - Why do diseases love a good festival? - the Guardian

October 11, 2010 - Hajj pilgrims urged to clue up on meningitis - Manchester Evening News

October 11, 2010 - British Hajj delegation is scrapped - Asian Image

October 6, 2010 - Hajj medical team for UK pilgrims scrapped - Guardian

October 5, 2010 - Warning For British Pilgrims - No Medical Hajj Delegation This Year - MedicalNewsToday.com

October 5, 2010 - Health requirements this year for performers of Umrah and Hajj - Ministry of Hajj

FCO ADVICE FOR HAJJIS - 2010

The Delegation can:

> provide information on how to transfer money
> arrange for replacement passports
> provide appropriate help if you are a victim of crime or are ill or in hospital
> do all we properly can to contact you within 24 hours of being told that you have been detained
> make special arrangements in case of civil disturbances or natural disasters
> 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

The Delegation cannot:

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

Travel within Saudi Arabia will be limited to Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. If you choose to travel elsewhere your travel agent will need to inform the Tawafa Establishment giving at least 24 hours notice. Pilgrims travel by buses provided by the General Cars Syndicate, using coupons provided by the Tawafa Establishment.

Health

The Saudi Ministry of Health has now established 21 hospitals to provide health care to pilgrims free of charge.
Make sure that you have been vaccinated with the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACWY).You will be required to produce a valid vaccination certificate.
Consult your GP if you are in any doubt.
For more information on health advice for travellers, visit fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Travellers Checklist

Check the FCO travel advice to make sure that you are up-to-date with the situation in Saudi Arabia at www.fco.gov/travel 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 www.atol.org.uk.
Have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah.
Get travel insurance for all aspects of your journey. Shariah compliant insurance policies are 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 labelled for each individual.
Ensure you have good quality footwear as you may have to walk long distances.
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 and local consulate.
Please note any kind of photography (still or video) is strictly prohibited inside and around the two Holy Mosques. Anybody violating this will have their equipment and material confiscated.