The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued several tips and guidelines for citizens heading to perform Hajj, ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage. The ministry urged pilgrims to get the required vaccinations, especially the influenza vaccine, before traveling for the rituals and to present them upon leaving the country's entry points. It emphasized the importance of obtaining a "Hajj permit" and possessing all necessary documents and funds for travel, including a passport valid for at least six months.
Additionally, the ministry highlighted the need to ensure the functionality of bank cards during the trip abroad. It stressed the importance of verifying the requirements for obtaining a domestic worker visa before the travel date and checking the health procedures necessary before leaving.
The ministry also underscored the significance of keeping an electronic copy of citizens' official documents and encouraged reviewing travel advice according to each entity on the official website www.mofa.gov.ae or through the smart application UAE MoFA on mobile devices.
It affirmed the importance of adhering to the procedures and services provided by the ministry to ensure their safety while performing Hajj rituals and registering for the "Tawajudi" service via the ministry's website or the smart application (UAE MOFA), which can be downloaded on both Android and iOS platforms. This service enables the ministry and the state's missions abroad to communicate with them in emergencies and crises during their travel and stay abroad, aiming to assist them and coordinate their return to the UAE.
The ministry also called for keeping the emergency number designated for Emirati citizens abroad, which is 0097180024. This service aims to provide support and assistance to Emiratis around the clock, allowing citizens to report issues by contacting this number, where each report is handled by a response system designed to provide assistance under the supervision of the Citizen Affairs Department, in coordination with the state's representative missions abroad and relevant ministry departments, including the call center and operations center.
The ministry noted the emergency passport issuance service provided through the state missions abroad in case of loss, damage, or expiration of the Emirati passport, allowing citizens to return safely to their homeland. The emergency passport issuance service can also be requested easily through the ministry's official website or its smart application UAEMOFAIC.
Furthermore, Saudi authorities also advise travelers to declare any cash amounts, precious metals, and valuable stones in their possession if they exceed the maximum limit allowed under customs laws. They also urge that the stay of accompanying domestic workers in Saudi Arabia does not exceed the validity of the visit/residence visa, as this may result in financial penalties and require review by relevant departments to allow the worker's departure.
