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Performing the Hajj and Umrah

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Saudi government advise that the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children should postpone the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year for their own safety.  

You should be aware that there is a high likelihood of transmission of swine flu in the course of the pilgrimage.

Although health care facilities for the Hajj are generally of a high standard, it is possible that, due to the large number of pilgrims, the healthcare available might be less than would normally be expected in the UK for people who are vulnerable to complications.

• Swine flu - treatment and prevention

• Schools, parents and pregnant women

• Travel advice for Hajj pilgrims - Foreign and Commonwealth Office Opens new window

• Saudi Arabia travel advice - Foreign and Commonwealth Office Opens new window

Screening and quarantine

Everyone arriving in Saudi Arabia will be screened for swine flu and subject to a temperature check.

If you have a raised temperature you may be tested for swine flu.

If tested you will have to wait in the airport for the results and could be delayed for some time.

Passengers who test negative for swine flu will be released. Passengers who test positive will be quarantined at a local hospital.

• Swine flu - travel advice

• Travelling to the UK

Treatment for swine flu at the Hajj

If you develop flu-like symptoms while you are away, seek immediate advice from the nearest Saudi medical facility. 

The Saudi government has stockpiles of antivirals in preparation for the Hajj. Anyone who contracts pandemic flu while in Saudi Arabia will be given access free of charge to medication and treatment.

Other considerations

You may also wish to consider the following:

• the risks of close contact with others who might be infectious with swine flu
  
• the potential health service pressures if many pilgrims become unwell with swine flu in Saudi Arabia
  
• access to medical and specialist medical care in a foreign country
  
• that you may become separated from your family if you become unwell and are placed in quarantine
  
• if you become unwell, you may not be allowed to fly until you have recovered

• Swine flu - treatment and prevention

• Do you have swine flu?

Further information

• Travelling to the UK

• Swine flu - travel advice

• Swine flu - everything you need to know

• Schools, parents and pregnant women