Last Updated: N/A
Still Valid: November 16, 2007 5:24 EST
Originally Posted: November 15, 2007 16:30 EST

Saudi Arabia - Middle East

Approximately two million Muslims perform the annual pilgrimage of the Hajj (December 7, 2007- January 8, 2008)to Mecca. Peak of the pilgrimage is during Eid from December 18-22, 2007. Pilgrims should be aware of safety risks at religious sites due to overcrowding. Travel to Mecca and Medina is forbidden for non-Muslims.

Hajj visas are required for foreign pilgrims. For more information, contact the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, in Ottawa, or consult the website of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.

Canadians are advised to register with the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh or on-line. For emergency consular assistance, contact the Consulate of Canada in Jeddah (966 (2) 653-0597 or 966 (2) 653-0434) or the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh (966 (1) 488-2288), or make a toll-free call to the Emergency Operations Centre, in Ottawa, at 800-814-0139.

For advice on travel to Saudi Arabia, see our Travel Report.