The Saudi government has issued swine flu advice for people considering the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year. The Saudi authorities highly recommend that people with chronic diseases, congenital immunodeficiency, HIV, Metabolic Syndrome and pregnant women refrain from performing Hajj or Umrah this year for their own safety. They also recommend that the elderly and children should defer performing Hajj or Umrah this year.
Those people planning on attending the Hajj this year should check the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London and the latest travel advice on Saudi Arabia on the FCO website.
The advice on the Saudi Arabian Embassy website (as of 30 October 2009) no longer requires pilgrims to obtain a flu vaccination.
Passengers are currently screened on arrival at all ports of entry into Saudi Arabia and if you are suspected of having swine flu you will be temporarily quarantined. If you test positive you will be admitted to hospital for isolation.
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.
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