How to Perform Umrah
Safety and Security
Pilgrimage
Approximately 3.7 million pilgrims perform the Hajj each year. Due to infrastructural improvements in Makkah, the Ministry of Hajj has been imposing a global 20% reduction in the number of pilgrims performing the Hajj since 2013. A visa will not be issued to pilgrims who have completed the Hajj within the last five years, while we are aware that some exceptions will exist, such as for pilgrims who are traveling with crippled companions. You should carefully review the information and recommendations found in the Health section of this travel advise as well as on the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London before making your Hajj trip plans.
If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia via another nation, you should contact the embassy of that nation in London to inquire about any potential travel restrictions. According to Saudi government laws, British pilgrims doing the Hajj and Umrah must use a UK travel service that has been approved by the Saudi Royal Embassy.
Prior to leaving, you should make sure the entire itinerary for your pilgrimage is confirmed. There are a lot of requests for assistance from the British Embassy regarding conflicts and discontent with tour providers. The organization of the Hajj has seen significant advancements in recent years. The last time the crush of the masses caused fatalities or serious injuries was in 2006. But you should exercise extra caution, just like at any big gathering.
Theft reports of pickpocketing and other theft-related incidents have increased in Makkah, especially around the Grand Mosque and in Medina. When visiting these locations, you should be especially cautious with your passport, tickets, and other valuables. Before you go, make a copy of your passport and store it somewhere secure.
It is forbidden to take pictures (still or moving, even with a cell phone) inside the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The courtyards that encircle these two sacred locations are likewise subject to this prohibition. If you do not follow these directions, your phone, camera, or film may be taken away from you.
Political situation
It is against Saudi Arabian law to hold public protests. Keep an eye on regional and local developments that could lead to public unrest by following local media. Avoid going to demonstrations or public events. There are occasionally protests in spite of the government’s warnings; these are mostly concentrated in the Shia neighborhoods of Al Hasa and the Qatif region of the Eastern Province. There have been violent altercations between protestors and law enforcement.
Saudi Arabia-Iraq border
Exercise extreme caution in any place near the border between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Three border guards from Saudi Arabia were killed in fighting near the Arar crossing point on January 5, 2015.
Saudi Arabia-Yemen border
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against traveling anywhere within 10 kilometers of Yemen’s border and advise against traveling anywhere between 10 and 80 kilometers from this border unless absolutely necessary. You should think about whether you have a compelling reason to stay if you’re in an area where the FCO advises against travel unless absolutely necessary. You ought to quit the area if you don’t.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against traveling anywhere within 10 kilometers of Yemen’s border and advise against traveling anywhere between 10 and 80 kilometers from this border unless absolutely necessary. You should think about whether you have a compelling reason to stay if you’re in an area where the FCO advises against travel unless absolutely necessary. You ought to quit the area if you don’t.
Road travel
There is a high frequency of serious accidents and low driving standards. Always use seat belts when traveling. There are great distances between cities, thus it may take some time for emergency personnel to get at any accidents or crises. An automated traffic system has been put in place in several Saudi cities. Any fines imposed by this system must be paid before you depart the nation. Payments are accepted at the airport, but only during standard Saudi business hours.
Sea travel
Terrorists could still target oil infrastructure. While operating in the region, shipping that supplies the oil installations should ensure that SSPs are completely and rigorously enforced. All ships should maintain a high state of vigilance when in Saudi Arabian ports, and report anything suspicious to the authorities. Piracy may be a greater threat to ships operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab El Mandeb.
Crime
Despite Saudi Arabia’s low crime rate, there have been a few rare instances of more serious crimes. Five people were reportedly killed in a shooting incident that happened on November 3rd outside of a mosque in Dalwa. When traveling outside of towns and cities, exercise extra caution. Two German diplomats were inside a car when it was fired upon on January 13, 2014, in the Eastern Province. There are minor crimes as well.