The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office each year publishes information for prospective Hajjis and their family's about Hajj.

Every year, around 20,000 British Muslims travel to Makkah for Hajj. Here is a brief overview of the advice but if you want further detailed information log on to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Website.

Before you go

A successful pilgrimage requires careful preparation. Make sure your passport and visa for Saudi Arabia are in order. Take a photocopy of your passport and keep it with you at all times. Use an accredited travel agent to book travel and accommodation. Be clear about what is included in your package.

If you have problems, you can get advice from your local Trading Standards Officer (the number can be found in your phone book or www.tradingstandards.gov.uk ).

Arrival and Departure at Jeddah Airport

The Saudi authorities take their Hajj responsibilities very seriously. The well-being of pilgrims is very important to them. But the numbers arriving at and departing from Jeddah airport during the Hajj can be daunting. Pilgrims should be prepared for delays. Basic facilities are available, but it is a good idea to take food and water with you. Think of the particular needs of elderly pilgrims travelling with you.

Always make sure you carry enough food and water, an umbrella to protect you from the sun and a spare pair of sandals.

Meningitis

It is compulsory for you to be inoculated with the 'quadrivalent' meningococcal vaccine (ACWY Vac), which protects against four different strains of meningitis.

Consult your GP if you are in any doubt and see the Department of Health leaflet:

Guard against Meningitis and save lives at Hajj or Umrah this year.

Help and Assistance

If something does go wrong, the British Hajj Delegation is on hand to assist you. The delegation is a team of volunteers from the British Muslim community.

The Delegation will be located in the Joharat Al-Mahzeer Hotel, Al-Hijlak, Ibrahim Al-Khaleel Street, Makkah (see 'Useful contacts details' section)

Useful Contact Details

In Saudi Arabia

British Hajj Delegation - Hotel

Joharat Al-Mahzeer Hotel, Telephone: (02) 542 9490

Al-Hijlak, Telephone: (02) 542 9841

Ibrahim Al-Khaleel Street, Fax: (02) 547 5719 (opposite King Fahad Entrance Gate, Makkah)

British Hajj Delegation Medical Team, Telephone: (05) 463 8847, Mobile No: (05) 438 6802

British Hajj Delegation Consular Team, Telephone: (05) 463 8849, Mobile No: (05) 562 1533

General contact point for lost pilgrims (Makkah), Telephone: (02) 558 8887, Mobile: (05) 558 8887

British Consulate-General, Jeddah, Telephone: (02) 622 5550

Ministry of Hajj: Makkah, Telephone: (02) 557 1714; Jeddah, Telephone: (02) 260 2045

To call the UK from Saudi Arabia dial 0044 (If the next digit is '0', drop it and dial the next number). To call Saudi Arabia from the UK dial 00 966