The Foreign Ministry asked Egyptian citizens willing to perform Haj (pilgrimage) this year to comply with the Saudi regulations on holding medicines.

In a statement, Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular and Expatriates' Affairs Ambassador Amr Mo'awad said his call comes out of the Ministry's keenness on the interests of Egyptian travelers who may face problems due to the lack of information about the Saudi regulations.

The senior diplomat also warned Haj performers and travelers not to hold any narcotics, even if they have medical prescriptions about them, so as not to fall under the penalty of Saudi laws.

A traveler shall neither have large quantities of any medicine, nor hold any bag on behalf of another person, in order not to become suspicious for Saudi authorities, the statement read.