Safety and Security
The vast majority of Umrah journeys pass without incident. This page covers what UK pilgrims should know before they fly — and what we do to look after you while you are there.
This page summarises guidance for UK travellers to Saudi Arabia. It is not a substitute for the official advice, which the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updates as the situation changes — sometimes at short notice. Read the live FCDO advice for Saudi Arabia before you book and again before you fly, and sign up for FCDO email alerts.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Questions about your specific booking? Call us on 020 3137 8781.
Where the FCDO Advises Against Travel
As at July 2026, FCDO advice against travel to Saudi Arabia is confined to the Yemen border region — against all travel within 10km of the border, and against all but essential travel between 10km and 80km of it. That is roughly 600 miles from Makkah.
Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah are not covered by any FCDO advisory, and our Umrah and Hajj itineraries do not go near the affected areas. Advisories do change, however — earlier in 2026 FCDO advice extended to other provinces and was later lifted — which is exactly why we point you to the live page rather than reprint it here.
Why this matters for your insurance
Travelling against FCDO advice can invalidate your travel insurance. If any part of your plans touches an area under advisory, talk to us and to your insurer before you book.
Regional Tensions
The wider Middle East remains unpredictable, and the FCDO notes that the situation can change at short notice. In practice this has meant occasional airspace disruption and flight delays rather than any disturbance to the Holy Cities. We monitor it continuously, and if your flights are affected your Travel Expert will contact you directly — you will not be left to discover it at the airport.
Staying Safe on Umrah
Crowds
The Haram at peak times — Ramadan, Fridays, after Isha — is one of the densest crowds on earth. Move with the flow, never against it. If you are separated, do not push back; continue and meet at an agreed point outside.
Heat
Summer temperatures exceed 45°C. Carry water, use an umbrella, and do Sa'i and Tawaf at night if you can. Heatstroke, not crime, is the most common problem we see.
Agree a meeting point
Before entering the Haram, agree a specific gate number with your group. Gate numbers are the only reliable landmark inside.
Carry your hotel card
Take a hotel business card in Arabic. Taxi drivers may not recognise a hotel by its English name.
Elderly and less mobile pilgrims
Wheelchairs and electric carts are available at the Haram. Tell us in advance and we will arrange it rather than leaving you to negotiate on arrival.
Valuables
Petty theft is uncommon but happens in dense crowds. Use the hotel safe; carry only what you need.
Getting Help
Your Travel Expert, 24/7 — call 020 3137 8781. We also give every group a WhatsApp contact for the duration of the tour, and our guides are on the ground with you.
Emergency services in Saudi Arabia — 911.
British Embassy Riyadh — +966 (0) 11 481 9100. British Consulate Jeddah — +966 (0) 12 622 5550. Jeddah is the relevant post for Makkah and Madinah.
Note that if you entered Saudi Arabia on a non-British passport as a dual national, the consular help available to you may be limited.
Concerned about any part of your journey? Ask us — an honest answer costs nothing.
Speak to a Travel Expert