On 11^th May the government announced that it will require all international arrivals not on a shortlist of exemptions to self-isolate in their accommodation for 14 days on arrival into the UK. These measures will be introduced ‘as soon as possible’.

If Saudi Arabia is not on the shortlist of exempted countries, you will be given the option to postpone Hajj to 2021 or a full refund.

It is our duty as a tour operator to carry out due diligence and ensure that it is safe to provide the necessary services to pilgrims. In the case of service termination by Dome Tours, we will offer you an option to postpone Hajj to the following year or a full refund as per the Package Travel Regulations.

Once the official decision on Hajj is issued by Saudi Arabia, all British Pilgrims are expected to follow the FCO’s travel advice.

As soon as we receive an official update from the authorities of Saudi Arabia and any new health criteria for pilgrims, our doctors will review the medical forms of all bookings. We will then assess pilgrims that may fall within the high risk/vulnerable group. In addition, there will likely be postponements due to genuine reasons (such as frontline NHS staff whose annual leave has been cancelled).

Following this, we will adopt a fair approach to decide who is able to travel. Much will depend on the number permitted so it is still too early to confirm.

As of the 12^th of May, Saudi Arabia reported 296 deaths due to Covid-19.

You can monitor daily updates by visiting the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control website: https://covid19.cdc.gov.sa/daily-updates/

The Covid-19 Pandemic has created untold challenges and obstacles for many countries on so many levels. Assuming Hajj will go ahead as planned, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will only allow international arrivals of pilgrims from all or some countries once they have effective measures in place to minimise the risk of an infection outbreak. Some of the expected measures may include restrictions on:

1. Pilgrims from certain countries;
2. Pilgrims from certain age groups or with vulnerable medical conditions;
3. The total number of pilgrims.

It is important to understand that the decision to allow British pilgrims to perform Hajj 2020 will be based on clearance from:

1. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice

We expect to receive more information from the authorities in Saudi Arabia around mid-June.  The FCO travel advice will also change by 4^th July as part of the plan to ease the lockdown.

The relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have not yet made any official statement with regards to Hajj 1441/2020. The preparation to receive and serve pilgrims this year is still progressing within the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah and other relevant authorities.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice remains against all but essential travel, though this is expected to change as part of the UK government plan to ease lockdown measures.

Our advice is that since you have made your intention to perform Hajj this year, continue your preparations. The most important preparation for now is to:

1. Collect, learn & practice making Duaa and Supplication;
2. Read up on the rituals of Umrah and Hajj;
3. Physical preparation, where you should aim to be able to comfortably walk 1-2 hours daily.