Travellers wanting to go to the annual Hajj in July are being urged not to hand over deposits.

One of the leading Hajj firms in the area has said they are not taking bookings until they receive official updates from Saudi authorities.

The annual Hajj to Makkah and Medina is performed once a year and attracts over 3 million pilgrims. On average 25,000 British nationals attend the Hajj which in 2021 will take place between 17 to 22 July. 

In 2020 Hajj was cancelled for foreign visitors due to the ongoing pandemic. Hajj rites were only performed by a very limited number of pilgrims who already resided in the Kingdom

Last month the Saudi authorities had announced that all pilgrims to the kingdom would be required to show evidence that they had been vaccinated.

Altaf Arif of Arif Hajj and Umrah said: “We are being inundated for Hajj 2021 bookings. We appreciate people's confidence in our team, however as per our policy we must advise you honestly. 

"As of 22 March 2021, there still has been no official statement from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah about Hajj 2021, hence we are currently not taking bookings. 

“We are advising people to register their interests with us but we are not exchanging contracts or accepting financial deposits.”

It advised ‘not to believe everything you see shared online' and do not pay any deposits for Hajj or Umrah this year until the Saudi Authorities make an official statement. The Umrah is a visit to the holy sites and can take place at anytime during the year.

Altaf added: “If you intend to perform Hajj this year get vaccinated - both jabs.  If you do require any further information please do not hesitate to contact our team.”

The company had posted health requirements for potential pilgrims here.