RRK

Hi,

Me and my wife are moving to Riyadh after Ramadhan to work as EFL tutors.

I was wondering is anyone aware what the process is if we wanna perform the Hajj this year?

Also, will we be able to do Hajj with an English speaking group? Can anyone recommend any tour operators?

Furthermore, i have heard that you are not allowed to perform Hajj if you have done in the last 5 years, is there any truth in this?

Any advice or comments will be appreciated.

Ruhel

sicklyman

I thought that you were only allowed to perform the Hajj if attending with a registered tour group from your passport country due to the strict restrictions placed on the number of pilgrims from each nation each year. Needless to say, you have to apply months in advance (if not years) in order to get yourself a place with agents.

This may, of course, not apply to expats resident in Saudi but I thought I should mention it.

Millhouse

Are you muslim? I mean - do you want to do to see it out of interest (I would love to go to Mecca) or do you want to go for religious reasons. The former is very very hard.

scot47

Only Muslims can go on Hajj or Umra. It should be cone through a recognised tour operator. The Saudi Government imposes restrictions on those who wish to make a repeat pilgrimage shortly after the last one.

Tourists are NOT permitted to go to the Holy Mosque in Mecca.

Millhouse

I know Christians that have gone. And a gay one at that.

UKCityGent

Hajj can be performed every year - there is no limit. It is usually coordinated thru hamllas (agencies who have the a certain number of allocated visas). There are english hamllas - there is a group in Kuwait but you will pay a premium - i think the cost a few years ago was approx KWD2,500 but for that there is everything provided for you. However the number of visas are being restricted due to the rebuilding of the Harram.

Umrah can be done by yourself - and it is not mandatory to go thru hamllas.

Taqabbal Allah

RRK

Yes i am a Muslim and would love to do the Hajj as its a religious obligation

RRK

Are there no English speaking agencies/hamallas in Saudi?

RRK

Is there anyway to avoid the restrictions if i have done Hajj recently?

Also, can you recommend any agencies qho i can speak to, preferably English speaking?

Meow

Begs the question - why on earth would they do that? It looks quite mental.

Bahtatboy

I don't think Millhouse meant during Hajj. I'd be interested to go when the Hajj isn't on.

My god--I've just said I'd be interested in visiting Saudi, and not for money. What the ****'s wrong with me?

Meow

I'm going to be kind and put it down to the heat...





Or your age...

Bahtatboy

Must be my age--absolutely glorious weather here on the Atlantic coast, a steady 27C during the day, refreshing breeze, and 20C-ish at night

UKCityGent

Try :http://www.hajinformation.com/main/n50.htm

Meow

I've gone off you...