IMN Content - Lifestyle and Consumer Content

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Urge British Muslims Travelling to Hajj to Plan Carefully

The Hajj is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, with two million people expected to congregate in Mecca
Lifestyle, World - 14 October 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Baroness Warsi| Login to Download

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.
  News Hooks:

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is urging British nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage this November to be fully prepared and take heed of up-to-date travel advice before embarking on their trip.

A Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate is a compulsory visa requirement for the estimated 25,000 British Muslims expected to travel to the Hajj this year. Pilgrims are also being strongly advised to ensure they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza before they set off on their travels.

The Hajj is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, with two million people expected to congregate. Most Pilgrims will have a trouble free trip but, given the sheer numbers of people due to be present, people should take sensible precautions and plan carefully before they travel.

In addition to the requirements from the Saudi government, the FCO recommends that British nationals visit www.fco.gov.uk/hajj to make sure they are up-to-date with the latest situation in Saudi Arabia; that they have travel insurance, book with a reputable registered operator, take copies of their important documents and the details of the Hajj Delegation and local consulate.

. Introduction:

Muslims are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at least once during their lifetime. It forms one of the five pillars of Islam with over 25,000 British Muslims being expected to attend. This year a Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate is a compulsory visa requirement and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is urging British nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage this November to be fully prepared and take heed of up-to-date travel advice before embarking on their trip.

What important information should British Muslims be aware of before they travel?

. Suggested Questions:

What are some of the common problems that Hajjis face when attending this pilgrimage?

What preparations do people travelling to the Hajj this year need to make before they go?

What help does the FCO provide to British nationals attending the Hajj?

Where can people go to find out more?