The vaccination certificate will be examined by the Saudi authorities at the port of entry. Check with the campaign launcher for current vaccination requirements.
Identification card and wristbands given to all pilgrims by your Hajj and Travel Agency, keep them with you at all times.
Make sure to obtain a Hajj permit to perform the Hajj (Umrah visa for non-residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). The Saudi government imposes strict penalties on people who perform Hajj without a permit. The dates on the Saudi visas are in the Hijri date, make sure that the dates are converted correctly and write the expiry date.
Do not reside for more than the period of the Hajj or Umrah visa, the penalties for exceeding the period of stay for Hajj or Umrah include a fine of 50 thousand Saudi riyals, suspension of imprisonment for a period of six months and then deportation from the country.
Hajj and Umrah visas are only valid in the cities of Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. These visas cannot be used for work or for residence. Any unauthorized travel outside these cities leads to violation of local laws and fines as mentioned above.
The Saudi government may set conditions for departure that may limit the possibility of travel. Passengers must comply with these travel instructions.
If you need to bring drugs (treatments) with you, you must bring a doctor's prescription with you in English and make sure that these drugs are not prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
Contract with reputable tourism agencies
The Hajj season is an attractive way to circumvent ordinary visitors. Collect information from your side before choosing the campaign operator you will travel with. Only deal with agencies regulated and licensed by your local government and authorized by the Saudi Embassy in Ottawa, see the website of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the list on the Maqam website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Make sure of the services you will be paying for and it is best to ask for written trip details.
The pilgrims are women and children
Women under the age of 45: You must be accompanied by a "mahram" (adult male relatives such as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, or nephew) to perform Hajj or Umrah.
Women over the age of 45: can travel without a mahram in an organized group, provided they submit a letter of no objection notarized by the husband, son or brother permitting travel for Hajj or Umrah with the group. This letter must be certified by a local notary in your area.
Children under the legal age (less than 18 years): They are only given Hajj visas if they are accompanied by their family. If the child is traveling with one of the parents, they must obtain a letter of no objection from the other parent / legal guardian. This letter must be certified by a notary public.
Pilgrims with disabilities
Make sure you are equipped with less than standard arrival and accommodation standards than is required or applicable in Canada. Although most of the holy places such as the
Grand Mosque in Makkah are equipped to make it easier for people with disabilities, most hotels and transportation options are not. Contact your travel agency to make sure your needs are known and can be accommodated.
the health
In addition to the required vaccinations, the following vaccinations are also recommended: Hepatitis A and B polio.
Keep hand sanitizer, cold, diarrhea and skin irritation medication with you, as well as any medications or treatments you may need.
Temperatures in Makkah range between 18 and 44 degrees Celsius, make sure to drink water to avoid dehydration, get enough rest, and use sun protection.
If you have a health condition, make sure that you have a medical report with you translated into English.
Please make sure to add your prescriptions to your travel documents.
Public services provided may be crowded, so travelers should expect long wait times for basic services during Hajj, especially in Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
Take time to read traveler health information at: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices
Baggage allowance and transportation
Check with your campaign operator for baggage information and details such as size and weight before you start packing. Consult with the operator to find out what will be offered to you and what you need to take with you.
Airports:
Pilgrims and Umrah performers arrive and depart from Jeddah Airport (King Abdulaziz International Airport) or Madinah Airport (Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport) only, as there is no airport in Makkah.
Expect crowded airport lounges and long waiting times due to the large numbers of pilgrims.
Travelers with carry-on luggage will find transporting luggage at the airport easier than those who have checked luggage.
Between the sites of rituals:
The Saudi government provides strict timetables for Hajj group organizers with all modes of transportation (bus, light rail, and foot) between rituals.
These facilities are very crowded and travelers should expect long delays.
Zamzam water and other foods
Most airlines specify each passenger one bottle of water that is 5 or 10 liters (1.09 or 2.64 gallons) of Zamzam water when shipping luggage. Check with the campaign operator to find out which airlines allow this and what packing requirements are.
Safety information
Make sure you always have your contact information with: the UK embassy in Riyadh and representatives of your campaign operator in Saudi Arabia and UK, in addition to the information of the hotel in which you live.
Be wary of pickpocketing and other forms of theft, especially in crowded areas. Always keep an eye on your luggage and belongings.
We recommend that you obtain a local calling card, many offers are offered for Hajj and Umrah periods.
UK citizens should be careful at all times and stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and be informed of local news. We recommend UK citizens to remain in contact with their families in UK in cases of emergency to confirm their whereabouts and safety, even if they are not affected by these events. When you arrive at the residence in Makkah or Madinah, it is a good idea to ask and get to know the services and shops near your location.
We strongly recommend that you stay with your travel group at all times.
Emergency contact information
To get emergency assistance after business hours, you can contact the Emergency Monitoring and Response Center in Ottawa by calling the embassy and following the instructions or directly calling +1 613-996-8885 or by emailing sos@international.gc.ca
The National Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims of Turkey and Muslims of Europe, the Americas and Australia
Phone 966-1-292-001-2013
Fax + 966-1-292-000-6620
Street Address: Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Nuzha Road, near Al-Nuzha Bridge.
Local emergency services
Ministry of Interior, Hajj hotline 911
Traffic accidents 993
Civil Defense 998
Ambulance 997
Police 999
Solve immigration and visa violations.
Re-arrange flight, hotel or other travel reservations.
Pay hotel costs, legal procedures, medical procedures, travel and other bills.
Get someone released from prison.
Providing legal advice or intervening in court cases or criminal investigations.
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