Going on a spiritual journey to the fascinating city of Makkhah in the Saudi Arabia is a dream for many. This incredible destination is popular amongst travellers and most importantly Muslim pilgrims. This is the very reason why millions of travellers go to see this iconic place each year. But, you will need to have first-hand knowledge or crucial things to know before visiting Makkah. With this guide, you will get a comprehensive overview of the things that you should be aware of before your visit to the Makkah.
Before you go on your journey to the Makkah, you will need to understand some crucial things. These are related to the requirements of the visa and regulations about the entry into Makkah.
The authorities of Saudi Arabia have laid out specific rules for the visitors who are planning to go to Makkah.
One of the first things that you should be familiar about is the type of Saudi Arabia visas. You will find that there are three visas namely the Umrah Visa, the Hajj Visa and the Saudi Arabia Tourist E Visa. The names of the visas will give you a quick overview of what you can use them for.
The next thing to know about is the E Saudi Visa Application process which is super easy. You start off by filling out a simple online Saudi visa application, submitting all the requested documents and paying a nominal fee. In just a few days, you will receive your Saudi Online Visa securely via email!
The third thing that you should know about is the entry regulations. You need to know that only Muslims can access the Makkah. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the city. So, this should answer your question – “Is Makkah open to non-Muslims?”
So, if you are planning to go to the Makkah, make sure to understand all the requirements. This will make sure that you will enjoy a hassle-free visit to the Makkah.
One of the major things that might make or break your Makkah visit is the things that you will carry. You will need to have a good understanding of the climate of the Makkah so that you can pack accordingly. Sometimes the weather of this place can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with hot temperatures.
So, first understand the climate of the Makkah. This place has a desert climate which means you will get to see higher temperatures. In summer months, this can reach up to 43°C (109°F). But, during winter months, temperatures hover around 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 89°F). Apart from this, the city receives very little rain throughout the year. The region is also marked by higher humidity levels especially in the mornings.
This leads to the next question – what is the best time to visit Makkah?
The most comfortable time to go to the Makkah to see it is during the months of winter season. This usually starts from the November and goes on till February. However, you need to prepare yourself for the crowds. That is because many people will be coming to Makkah during this time!
Then the third thing that you should definitely know is about things that you need to pack. Make sure to pack clothes that are light and modest in appearance. Choose a pair of comfortable walking shoes as you will be doing a lot of the walking. Apart from this, you should also carry a reusable water bottle and sun protection items. These will include the sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and umbrella as well to beat the heat. Don’t forget to carry prayer mat, religious texts and a travel adapter as well.
There are some things that are prohibited or restricted by the authorities of Saudi Arabia. The first thing that you should avoid bringing is the Alcohol. Then, there are pork products which are completely restricted in the Holy City of Makkah. The next thing is the Non-Islamic Religious Items. The Muslims take their religion of Islam very seriously so it is important to respect that by not bringing things that do not belong to the Islamic religion.
Another important thing to know before visiting Makkah is the local customs and etiquettes . The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia takes these things very seriously . So, it is crucial for you to ensure that you are observing the etiquettes that the local people follow in the Saudi Arabia.
When it comes to the dress code, the first thing that you should always take care of, is the modesty. The dress you wear has to be modest. Men and women can wear loose-fitting dresses. But, for men, wearing at least ankle-length trousers and modest shirts that cover the shoulders is a must. Women must wear full-length dress or abayas that will cover the entire body. Women also need to cover their hair with a scarf or a hijab.
Following certain etiquettes in Saudi Arabia is also important. Public displays of affection are strictly prohibited. So, make sure to avoid physical contact when you are in the public during your Makkah visit . Make sure to be mindful when you take pictures, especially in the mosques or of the people without permission.
If you are visiting the Makkah, note that some businesses may shut down during the time of the five mandatory prayers.
The official language of the Saudi Arabia is Arabic. However, you will come across many places where the people will speak some English. But, if you can, try to learn a few Arabic phrases.
One of the common phrases that you should learn is the “As-salaam-alaikum” (Peace be upon you). It is a common greeting.
Another phrase is the “Shukran” which means Thank you. One more Arabic phrase that might come in handy is the “Min fadlak” which translates to Please.
While exploring the Makkah, you will come across places where there will be separate entrances for men and women. Adhere to going through those entry points and maintaining the decorum of those places.
Apart from this, you need to have deep respect for holy places like the Grand Mosque. Always maintain a respectful attitude when you go into such places. Follow all the instructions that the officials or the guides give to you during these visits.
Want to go to the Makkah to perform an Umrah pilgrimage? Then book an All Inclusive Umrah Package for a hassle-free visit!
Majority of the travellers to the Makkah include pilgrims who want to perform the Umrah or the Hajj Pilgrimage. While the Hajj journey is done during specific times, you can undertake the Umrah pilgrimage any time of the year.
But, what many people find challenging is booking the accommodations, getting the Umrah visa or arranging the transfers. All of these can become a big task for travellers who just want to focus on completing the Umrah pilgrimage.
In such situations, the best option is to book the best Umrah packages from UK that take care of all your travel needs. This will you more time to prepare for the Umrah pilgrimage while the experts handle all your travel-related requirements!
This usually includes booking comfortable accommodations, arranging hassle-free transfers and help you to obtain your Saudi Visa from UK.
Now, you do not have to hesitate anymore while planning for the next Umrah pilgrimage. Simply connect with a trusted Umrah Tour Operator in UK for a smooth journey to the Makkah!
Taking care of your health is very important before and during your visit to the Makkah. The environment of the Saudi Arabia is unique and you will most likely come across many people. Therefore, you will need to take some important health precautions.
If you are planning to undertake a Hajj or Umrah Pilgrimage, you will need to get the Meningococcal Meningitis . Apart from this, safeguard yourself against any common health issues by taking vaccinations or following good health practices.
If you have any pre-existing health conditions, make sure to check with your doctor before the travel. Also, carry all the medications that you need (they should be allowed in Saudi), so that you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable visit.
During some seasons, the number of people in the Saudi Arabia will be more than expected. So, make sure to be aware about your surroundings and avoid crowded areas if you feel overwhelmed.
These are some of the most important things to know before visiting Makkah . Just make sure to follow these tips for a smooth visit .
If you are thinking about going to the Makkah for a pilgrimage then the best way to do it is by booking a good Umrah travel package. This will help you to navigate all the travel needs and give more time to your pilgrimage.
No, the holy city of the Makkah is strictly reserved for the Muslims travellers and pilgrimages. People who belong to the other religions or the Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the city.
The best time to go to the Makkah to see it is during the months of winter which start from the November and goes on till February. During this time, the climate of this place is much cooler but be ready to come across many people as this season is the busiest period.
Yes, you need an Umrah visa to perform Umrah. This is different from a regular tourist visa.
Yes, you are required to wear a modest dress is required. This applies for both the men and women. The men are required to wear long trousers and shirts that comfortable cover their shoulders. On the other hand, women should wear clothes that are loose-fitting and they should cover everything except the hands and the face.
It’s advisable to book at least a few months in advance , especially if you’re visiting during peak seasons like Ramadan or Hajj.
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