Foreign travel advice

Saudi Arabia

Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Saudi Arabia.

Pilgrimage

Many British nationals travel to Saudi Arabia each year for Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage.

Entry requirements for pilgrimage  

You should also read the main section on entry requirements. 

British Nationals resident outside of Saudi Arabia must apply through the official Nusuk Hajj Platform. Details of the process and further updates can also be found on the official Ministry of Hajj Twitter and the Nusuk Hajj platform pages. Places to perform Hajj in 2024 are closed. Be cautious against people who claim they can secure further places for travellers from the UK. It may be a scam.

Entering Mecca without a valid Hajj permit between 23 May and 21 June could receive a significant fine, deportation and a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia.

You can apply for an e-visa or electronic visa waiver to perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season.

Hajj 

If you have booked a Hajj package for 2024 and have any queries, you should visit the Nusuk website or check:

Tel: +966 9200 31201

Email: Support@hajj.nusuk.sa

Social media: ‘Nusuk Hajj’ on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

Visas

The Hajj visa is for a set length of time. It is not extendable. Check your visa expiry date to make sure you know when you must leave Saudi Arabia by. If you overstay, you may incur large fines and/or be detained and deported or banned from returning to Saudi Arabia in the future. Stay with your tour guide and group throughout the Hajj to make sure you receive your Hajj package entitlement.

Personal documents

Keep your passport and travel documentation safe during Hajj. Take photocopies and keep one copy with you. Leave a copy with friends or family. If you lose your passport during the Hajj, you will need to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to return to the UK which costs £100. You will need to allow time for the ETD to be processed. See Apply for an Emergency Travel Document for more information.

Health risks and vaccination requirements  

You must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis 10 days before arriving for Hajj and Umrah. For more information on health risks and vaccination requirements, read the TravelHealthPro Hajj and Umrah guide.

Check the health page for advice on bringing medicines into Saudi Arabia. Make sure you have enough medication for your entire trip, and for if your return is delayed.

Contagious diseases spread quickly, particularly during Hajj and Ramadan. Flu, colds and respiratory problems are common.

Prepare for extreme heat. During the summer months, the temperature may exceed 50°C. Consume adequate liquids and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Scams 

UK-based organised crime groups target people planning Hajj or Umrah trips. Criminals pick people of any age, gender or location for their scams. Many victims are over the age of 65.  

To avoid scams: 

  • be aware you can only book a Hajj place on the Nusuk Hajj platform 
  • check Saudi Ministry of Hajj information for the procedures you must follow 
  • make sure your travel agent or operator is ATOL protected when booking Umrah  
  • research the travel company before you book, even if family or friends recommended it 
  • be wary of offers too good to be true – criminals advertise fraudulent deals through licensed travel companies 

Paying for trips 

When paying for your Hajj or Umrah visit: 

  • use a credit card where possible 
  • have an audit trail and keep a record of any transactions 
  • get everything confirmed in writing 
  • always ask for written terms and conditions 

Reporting fraud  

If you have been a victim of Hajj fraud in the UK, contact: 

Further information and help  

To plan your visit and keep updated when travelling, see the: 

Consular assistance 

If you require consular assistance that is not related to your Nusuk travel package, contact: 

  • the British Consulate General in Jeddah on +9661 1481 9100 
  • the FCDO in the UK on +44 207 008 5000 
View a printable version of the whole guide

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