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FCO Hajj Consular Service 2011

FCO Hajj Flyer 2011
FCO Hajj Flyer 2011

The Foreign & Commonweatlh Office will be sending a consular offical this year to assist British Pilgrims to the Hajj.

If something does go wrong, the British Hajj Consular Delegation, working with the British Consulate-General, can provide you with a range of consular services. The British Hajj Consular delegation will be located at the following places:

British Consulate General

Jeddah 21411
P.O. Box 393
Tel: 02 622 5550
Fax: 02 622 6249

British Hajj Consular Delegation

Elaf Al Khalil Hotel
Ibrahim Al Khaleel Street
Al Misqalah
Behind the Hilton Towers
Tel: 02 573 2555
Fax: 02 573 2666

The Delegation can:

  • arrange for an Emergency Travel Document
  • provide appropriate help if you are a victim of crime, fall ill or are 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 information on how to transfer money
  • provide contact details for local lawyers
  • provide a list of medical facilities
  • arrange for next of kin to be told of an accident or a death and advise on procedures

The Delegation cannot:

  • provide medical care
  • 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 advice
  • intervene in court cases
  • investigate a crime

Travel within Saudi Arabia will be limited to Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. If you choose to travel elsewhere your travel agent will need to inform and seek permission from the Pilgrim Guides Establishment giving at least 24 hours notice. Pilgrims travel by buses provided by the General Cars Syndicate to Hajj Tour Operators.

For the first time British Pilgrims will be able to use the Makkah Metro, there are 9 stations and trians will run at 5 minute intervals during the busiest periods.

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.

The Saudi authorities have advised that upon landing, pilgrims must notify the authorities of the exact amount of funds they have, and only exchange currencies at certified places.

View information on combating fraud at: http://www.nfib.police.uk/nfib-urges-caution.html

Health

  • The Saudi Ministry of Health has now established 21 hospitals to provide health care to pilgrims free of charge.
  • Before you go you will need to 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.
  • The FCO also strongly recommends that travellers to the Hajj have a seasonal influenza vaccination prior to embarking on the trip.
  • For more information on health advice for travellers, visit the NaTHNac and NHS websites.

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.
  • Make sure you book through reputable travel operators. Check they are ATOL registered avoid unnecessary difficulties. For more information please visit www.atol.org.uk and www.caa.co.uk. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills also produce information on your consumer entitlements, www.bis.gov.uk.
  • Check that you have the correct tickets and ticket details.
  • Ensure that your passport is in good condition and the necessary visas are in place.
  • Check that you have had the required vaccinations for your pilgrimage and that you have your vaccination cards with you.
  • 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.
  • 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 Consulate-General.

Click here to download the 2011 Hajj flyer from the FCO.