Hajj and Umrah 1444H (2023) - Update 1

Hajj is an annual Islamic religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Hajj 1444H (2023) will take place between 26 June to 1 July 2023.

• All pilgrims from Europe (including UK), the Americas, Australia and New Zealand wishing to perform Hajj must make a request through the official Ministry of Hajj Nusuk Hajj platform.
• Further information on eligibility and the application process can be found in the Nusuk FAQ section.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year.

• All British nationals living outside of Saudi Arabia can apply to perform Umrah through the official Ministry of Hajj app. Links to download the app can be found at www.nusuk.sa under the 'Apply for Visa' tab.

Official Health Requirements

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Ministry of Health (MoH) have released health requirements and guidelines for travellers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or seasonal work at Hajj sites during 1444H (2023) hajj season.

The KSA MoH have also issued health requirements and guidelines for travellers to Saudi Arabia wishing to perform Umrah during 1444H (2023).

• Please see the TRAVAX Hajj and Umrah page for details how best to prepare travellers for the pilgrimage.

Further information for those preparing to travel for Hajj 1444H (2023) is available from:

• FCDO: Foreign Travel Advice Saudi Arabia
• KSA MoH: Pilgrims Health
• CBHUK: HAJJ 2023 – Guidance for British Pilgrims

Resources

The information leaflet below details how Hajj pilgrims can manage travel-associated risks to enable them to protect themselves, their family and the wider community.

• Advice for those travelling to Hajj (English)
• Advice for those travelling to Hajj (Arabic)
• Advice for those travelling to Hajj (Bengali)
• Advice for those travelling to Hajj (Urdu)

After Hajj

Pilgrims should be advised that they should seek medical advice as soon as possible if they feel unwell with symptoms, including fever, cough and/or shortness of breath within 14 days of returning home from Hajj, and always mention their travel history. These symptoms may indicate respiratory infections, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).