can foreigners visit medina

Visiting Medina for the first time? Here is an Ultimate Guide for First-timers

Stunning Madinah aka Medina in Saudi Arabia is famous for its Green Dome and Prophet’s Mosque. There are many things to do while you are in this Holy City. Besides Green Dome, there are many Mosques including The Masjid al-Qiblatain is also located in Medina, Saudi Arabia ( Al Madinah province ). Madinah Weather is mostly hot throughout the year. There are many places to visit in Madinah and we are going to mention the best ones here. Madinah postal code starts from 42210.

Explore Historic and Majestic Al Madinah Province and get to know Madinah Weather

The Prophet’s Mosque, at the heart of the city, is both a Holy site and a striking architectural wonder. Thus, it is known as the City of the Prophet, and the Arabic word for city, Madinah, In fact, it is used by Muslims worldwide to refer to Muhammad’s city.

Madinah is a city on the western side of KSA and the capital of its Al Madinah Region. The city’s name is Arabic for “the city.” Madinah is home to the three oldest mosques, namely Quba Mosque built in 622 CE; Masjid al-Qiblatain build in 634 CE, and Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) built in 622 CE.

Read More: Things to do at Jeddah Corniche

Places to visit in Al Madinah Province

The prophet’s mosque (al-masjid a nabawi).

Among many places to visit in Madinah, This majestic 10-minaret mosque, which can hold 1 million visitors and thus is open 24 hours, houses the Prophet Muhammad’s final resting place. The Prophet’s grave sits in the mosque’s southeastern corner, beneath the mosque’s only green dome.

Following his entrance into Medina, the Prophet Muhammad assisted in the construction of the mosque that was initially an open-air structure. In fact, it was the first structure in the Arabian Peninsula to have electric lights installed, in 1909.

Postal code: 42311

Location : Prophet’s Mosque

Mosque of Quba

The Prophet Muhammad and his companions stopped in the region of Quba on their way from Makkah to Al Madinah in 622 and laid the foundation stone for the world’s first masjid. And since, devotees have gathered here, albeit the current structure is a more recent addition.

Once outside of Medina’s borders, the mosque and its surroundings have been completely absorbed by the city. And Quba Mosque continues to attract a continuous stream of visitors. Dates, fragrances, and other regional specialties are sold at the nearby Quba City Market.

Location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Masjed+Quba/@24.4392471,39.6172886,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x68c70b432f45fa4e?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjTr52XoaX2AhWoyoUKHUshC1EQ_BJ6BAg0EAU

Mount Uhud is one of the most stunning cliffs in the world. It is a major pilgrimage destination where Muslim soldiers headed by the Prophet Muhammad fought Makkan warriors.

The peak, which rises to around 3,500 feet (1,077 meters), maybe ascended to gain a better view of the battleground. The Uhud Martyrs Cemetery lies nearby, and it contains the graves of 85 Muslim troops who died in the war. Moreover, it is located northeast of Medina’s downtown area.

Location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Uhud+Mountain/@24.5223064,39.5875591,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x15bdbdc5db19d3db:0x4c4e6b97282da91f!8m2!3d24.5217701!4d39.6260059!5m1!1e4

Where to stay in Al Madinah

There are a lot of sleeping places to stay at Al Madinah. When contrasted to its international counterparts, the majority of them seem to be local hotel chains that do not fall short in terms of quality or service. Moreover, here are some most popular hotels to stay are as follow:

InterContinental
Hilton

Where to eat in Al Madinah

Breakfast is usually cheap at most hotels; nevertheless, lunch, as well as dinner at the exact restaurant, can be expensive.

Several websites and applications can deliver food to the hotel; Hunger Station, Hellofood, & Talabat all have a substantial presence in the city. Here are some most popular restaurants to eat quality food are as follow:

Where to buy Al Madinah

Herbs are well-known in Madinah; several have been referenced in ahadith. Reports on the Sunnan, and Prophetic traditions, and can be obtained in places near the Haram. The city is known for its dates, which are a must-have.

If you’re seeking a purchasing date close to the Haram, go to the marketplace all around Bilal Mosque. Moreover, Ajwa dates from Madinah are quite famous amongst pilgrims & visitors.

The mint produced in Madinah is recognized throughout Saudi Arabia for its flavor and aroma. On the outskirts of Madinah, on the route to Jeddah, you’ll find the majority of them are being purchased by roadside merchants.

Frequently asked Questions

1 – What is the Elevation and area covered by Al Madinah?

The elevation is 620 m, and area: 587.9 km²

2 – How’s the weather in Madinah?

Extremely hot and dry in summer approx. 45 degrees C, but the night is a slight chill of 29 degrees C. On the other hand, weather in winter goes low to 12 degrees C. To Sum up Madinah Weather, Summers are quite long , sweltering, and arid. However, the winters are short , comfortable, dry, and windy; and it is mostly clear year-round .

3 – What is Madinah postal code of Al Madinah?

The postal code or zip code is 44256, and 44258. However, Madinah Postal Code ranges from 42210 to 42754.

4 – Does it rain in Medina?

There are less than 30 days in a year where rain happens to fall. Other than that it is just Summer mostly.

Final words

In short, Welcome to Madinah, a desert oasis and home of the second holiest place in Islam. The city that has been changed the direction of prayer. Moreover, long a destination for pilgrims and scholars, Medina is home to some of the holiest sites in Islam, many within walking distance.

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Tourists flock to Saudi Arabia as the country opens to foreign visitors

BY Heba Hashem

Non-muslims can visit the holy precinct of medina right up to the perimeter as the kingdom implements its vision 2030 as “a tolerant country with islam as its constitution and moderation its method”..

Dubai: Curious international tourists are discovering an unexpected openness in a society long considered one of the world’s most conservative. Until recently, Saudi Arabia was largely restricted to business travellers, expatriate workers and pilgrims and the holy cities of Madina and Mecca were off bound for non-Muslims.

However, since the country opened to international tourists in September 2019 with the launch of its e-visa programme, things have been quickly changing.

Louise Cotton, a British woman who visited Saudi Arabia in December 2021 with a group of seven non-Muslim friends, said they were able to visit the holy precinct of Medina, right up to the perimeter fence, and openly take photos of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).

Travelling with a UK-based tour company supported locally by a Saudi team, she said they visited religious sites outside the fence, but were told non-Muslims may not cross the gates into the mosque’s outer courtyard.

“I understand the ability to officially visit up to the fence is a recent (2021) development – we were the second group of non-Muslim to have done so with this UK-based tour operator. We were appropriately dressed – loose scarves, long skirts or abayas for women and long trousers for men,” said Cotton.

In its Vision 2030 agenda for economic and social reform, Saudi Arabia laid out a vision for “a tolerant country with Islam as its constitution and moderation as its method”. In 2019, the country announced a more relaxed dress code for women visitors, saying they no longer needed to wear an abaya or hijab. However, tourists are still expected to dress modestly.

No restrictions

Aida Karamesic, an American non-Muslim tourist who visited the kingdom in November 2021, marking off her 154th country, said she visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina after registering on the Eatmarna app. Travelling with her Muslim cousin helped as she followed her lead.

Driving towards Mecca, the two women, who had rented a car at the airport, passed through several checkpoints without being stopped and drove to the Great Mosque of Mecca (Masjid Al-Haram). While modestly dressed in Riyadh without covering their hair, in Makkah they wore hijabs and abayas.

“It was a great experience to see the largest mosque in the world which has a capacity of 4 million people. We also went to Mount Arafat,” Karamesic said in her trip report on the Facebook group Every Passport Stamp.

Saudi authorities have not made an official announcement on whether non-Muslim tourists are permitted to enter Mecca and Medina, but tourists are increasingly confirming their ability to get close to the holy sites.

Samer Kawar, a US national who visited the country in December 2021, said he didn’t encounter any issues entering Medina as a non-Muslim, where he stayed in a hotel overlooking the Prophet’s Mosque. While he was able to walk around the area outside the mosque, like the other tourists, he refrained from entering inside.

Similarly, Calvin Sun, an Asian-American emergency physician and globetrotter who runs travel community The Monsoon Diaries, reported a similar experience .

On his trip with fellow travellers, all non-Muslims, he said their local driver sailed through multiple checkpoints towards Mecca without any guard stopping them.

“Once we reached the King Abdul Aziz Gate, I knew we were at the feet of the holiest site in Islam… We even stopped to see some of the other mosques in Mecca. I’m still confused. And grateful. Something or someone was watching out for us. Or times really have changed,” said Sun, who has visited more than 190 countries.

Signs removed

For Ukrainian tourist Artyom Fedosov, who drove from the seaside city of Jeddah to the mountainous city of Taif, both in Mecca Province, his trip to Saudi Arabia surprised him in countless ways.

“This route is especially exciting because it passes by Mecca, which for decades had the famous sign ‘Muslims Only’, and a so-called Christian Bypass [officially known as the Fourth Ring Road] to drive past the city without entering it. My plan was to drive as far as I can, until I saw those ‘Muslims Only’ signs.

“Eventually I realised I had just passed the turn to the Fourth Ring Road and there were still no signs. I noticed the main entrance to the city of Mecca in the form of an open book of the Qur’an and got nervous since I knew it's a checkpoint where they’re supposed to stop non-Muslims from entering. But the officer just looked at me and said I can enter,” he said.

Arriving in Mecca, he asked a policeman whether he was allowed to be there as a Christian and was assured it was fine. “I was so happy that I actually forgot to ask since when things had changed. I walked freely, took pictures of the mosque and pilgrims and nobody said a word to me. I decided not to try to enter the mosque itself because I felt it was … a wrong thing to do,” he said.

He then stayed at Fairmont Mecca Clock Royal Tower in a room with a view of the Kaaba. “I discovered the ritual circling of the Kaaba never stops; people keep arriving to do it at any time. No matter if it's 3pm or 3am, there will be Muslims praying and walking around it,” he said.

Hidden gems

The mystery surrounding Saudi Arabia, after being closed-off for decades, continues to draw avid travellers fascinated by the country’s hospitality and modernity. Besides Mecca and Medina, visitors are exploring off-the-beaten track attractions throughout a country that is home to six United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites.

Among the highlights of Sun’s trip was a visit to the 120-year-old Al Gadhi Rose Factory; the local souqs where he sampled naturally harvested honey and the Al Shafa Mountains where he visited a rose farm. In most places, his group were the only tourists, he said.

For Rus Margolin, a Belarusian who has visited every one of world’s 192 countries and who documents his adventures on travel2unlimited , his best moments included visiting the world’s largest camel market in Buraidah; climbing the mountains to Taif where he encountered baboons and seeing the heritage villages around Abha city.

Saudi Arabia has already recognised the tourism potential of secondary cities and heritage sites including Abha, Taif and Aseer and is heavily investing in mega projects to transform secondary cities into world-class destinations . In the six months to March 2020, the country issued 400,000 tourist visas – only for the global pandemic to pause that momentum when borders closed. On August 1, 2021 the country welcomed back tourists 18 months after tourism was suspended.

In 2022 Saudi Arabia aims to attract 29.5 million international tourists , a number it wants to increase to 55 million by 2030. Together with domestic travellers, the country is looking to raise the total number of annual visitors to 100 million by 2030.

Read - Secondary cities, domestic tourism pave the way for a tourism boom in Saudi Arabia

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Explore Medina

Plan Your Trip to Medina: Best of Medina Tourism

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Medina Is Great For

Historical tours.

Eat & drink

Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel
InterContinental Dar al Hijra Ic Madinah, an IHG Hotel
Dar Al Taqwa Hotel
Pullman Zamzam Madina
Saja AL Madinah Hotel
Al Baik Restaurant
Arabesque Restaurant
Zaitoon Restaurant
Dar Al Madinah Museum
Al Noor Mall
Al Masjid an Nabawi
Jannatul Baqi
City Sightseeing Al Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Madinah Holy Places / Ziyarat (Private)
Madinah Ziyarats (Private tour)
4WD Adventure in Uhud Mountain

Nov 30, 2021

Visiting Medina as Non-Muslim

Updated: Feb 26, 2023

Saudi Arabia is a place that has remained mysterious and untouchable for years. However, as of 2019 this country that was closed for tourism opened its doors to 40+ nations around the world. At the same time the announcement was made for opening tourism, they also implemented changes such as women coming to the country no longer have to be escorted by a man and wouldn’t be required to wear the traditional abaya and headdress. After opening up in late 2019, only a few months later it was closed again due to Covid-19. Therefore, it has only been within the last few months that tourism has been able to fully resume again. We were excited about this opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia – to see firsthand all that Saudi Arabia beholds!

Our first stop was Medina, the second most holy city in Islam. This definitely isn’t a tourist attraction, so to be honest, we found it a bit difficult to find much information about it. Therefore, but we wanted to share some information about visiting Medina and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi 'The Prophet’s Mosque' as a non-Muslim.

Courtyard of the Grand Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Muslim's Umrah "Pilgrimage" to Mecca

As one of the 5 pillars of Islam, the pilgrimage to Mecca – either Umrah or Hajj -- is something that is truly fascinating. Umrah is when Muslims come any time of the year; whereas Hajj takes places on specific dates according to the Muslim lunar calendar. I won’t get into the details of it, as I am not an expert in this area, and would be afraid to misrepresent something – but I HIGHLY recommend taking some time to read more about this special time during their faith & how they enter a state of holiness upon their arrival. The number of people who come to Mecca for this journey as part of their faith is really astounding.

Jeddah is the Main Entry Point for Umrah

We flew into Jeddah, which is the main airport for Muslims wanting to journey to Mecca. Men & Women come to Mecca to visit the mosque that was the birthplace of the religion by their prophet Muhammad.

There is a series of rituals or rules that they must follow when they are journeying to Mecca and part of this is wearing Ihram clothing. The very basics are that men must wear two white unhemmed sheets, usually a towelling material, and only a belt with no undergarments; whereas, women’s garments can vary more but they do not cover their faces & only wear a hiab. This similar dress is all to represent that in front of Allah all people are created equal, regardless of earthly status, and create a sense of unity among all Muslim believers. However, upon entering the holy area of Mecca (including the airspace above it from my understanding) they must wear these robes. When we departed on our flight from Bahrain, there were only one or two men who were wearing the Ihram garments, but upon deplaning there were several more. Therefore, many of them changed during the flight before they entered the boundaries of ‘Miqat’. When we arrived in to Jeddah, the majority of the arriving men were wearing Ihram attire, and it wasn’t even the time of year for Hajj, so it would be truly eye-opening to see so many gathered here to continue their journey to Mecca.

Mecca is the most holy city and home to the largest mosque in the world; however, non-Muslims are unable to enter it. I completely understand this and to be honest, it is probably best that way, as it is such a sacred trip for them that it would be wrong for others to interfere.

The Second-Most Holy City in Islam - Medina

Medina is the second most holy city in Islam and in more recent years HAS been opened to non-Muslims. It is home to the second largest mosque - Al Masjid an Nabawi, or in English ‘The Prophet’s Mosque.’ The entire city in general has a spiritual feel to it.

We were headed northwest to Al Ula and we wanted to take the time to visit this sacred city, if we would be passing by & we wanted to share our experience with you. However, just to be completely upfront, our experience may or may not be the same for everyone and it does seem to be a bit of a grey area. Some people say that only Muslims should enter the mosque grounds in Mecca, whereas others say that is only pertinent to Mecca. However, we tried to be respectful as possible – always asking for permission and not making any assumptions.

Adapting our Plans | No Kids Allowed in the Mosque

Upon arriving in the area of the mosque, the mid-day prayer had just ended and there were a rush of people exiting the mosque. This was actually quite interesting to see, as there were so many people and you could tell that they were from a variety of places. We also used it as an opportunity to assess what people were wearing to make sure that our attire would be appropriate.

We tried to enter into a parking garage under the mosque that was labeled as ‘Family Parking’ on Google. However, when we entered the garage, the guard stopped us and told us ‘No Children’ and made us exit the garage. For a minute we thought we were hooped; however, we decided we would find parking elsewhere and just take turns if needed.

After finding parking at an open lot within walking distance of the mosque, we proceeded there. The kids and I sat in a shady spot outside, while Alex proceeded to enter the mosque. While he was inside, the kids & I waited outside and observed other families coming to the mosque. Many of them would leave the children outside with another adult and then proceed into the mosque, so we realized that not even Muslim children are allowed to enter.

Entering the Grounds of the Mosque

There were guards at the several different entrances, who monitored the people coming and leaving the courtyard area of the mosque. As Alex approached, he explained he was a tourist and asked if it was okay for him to go look, which they proceeded to let him do. He was able to walk around the courtyard area of the mosque’s grounds, as well as go inside. He asked a couple different people if it was okay if he took photos and they said ‘yes.’ He had an overall smooth experience.

Man wearing white thobe in front of the Medina Grand Mosque, Saudi Arabia

Once Alex was done looking, he came out to let me have a turn. My experience was a bit different. I proceeded to go in the same gate that he had, but was stopped by the guard. He didn’t understand or speak English, so it was hard to communicate. However, he simply said “No English” and shook his head. I pointed to the mosque and ask ‘OK?’ but he continued to shake his head. He wouldn’t let me proceed any further, so I exited. I wasn’t sure if it was just this guard, my attire or that I was obviously not Muslim. Alex went with me to a separate gate entry and he approached one of the guards at that gate and asked if it was okay for me to enter. He said ‘No Kids’ but allowed me to enter at that particular entrance.

Once in I walked around the courtyard and proceed to the women’s prayer hall. All along the outside of the mosque are shades to protect people from the sun & large carpets all along the outside for them to pray. No matter which way you looked around the outside of the mosque the carpets were as far as the eye could see -- often times several rows of them. The amount of people who could be here at one time praying was definitely the most impressive.

White Fan shades & red carpets sit outside the Medina Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia.

Once getting to the entrance of the Women’s area, I removed my shoes and proceed inside. There were women who were sitting at the doors checking bags, etc. I didn’t have anything with me, so they didn’t stop me. I walked around the hall for a few minutes and observed various women praying, resting or studying from the Quran. Unlike Alex, there was an electric sign out front the entrance that had a no photo icon, so I didn’t even ask if taking photos was allowed inside. From the area I could see, plus looking at Alex’s photos later, the women’s prayer hall was much smaller than the total area of the Men’s side of the mosque.

Overall, I think the most important thing to remember is that entry into the gate of the mosque is not a guaranteed. You might be allowed to enter, so don’t come to Medina banking on the fact that you will be able to get in to view it.

Proper Attire for the Mosque

Men’s attire.

From the very little bit of information we could find in English, as long as Alex wore pants and shirt he would have been able to enter. However, he decided to purchase a thobe and in hindsight it was the best decision. Almost all the men were wearing one and he would have definitely looked out of place without one. I also think it probably helped him look more respectful as well.

Women’s Attire

If wanting to fit in and not stand out, then a traditional black abaya with a black headdress would be the best thing to wear.

Otherwise, the basics for women’s attire was the following:

Make sure that the dress goes all the way to the floor & sleeves to cover arms all the way down to the wrists

Have a headdress that completely covers your hair and top of your head

Footwear is your choice. I just wore sandals, so they were easy to slip on and off. I noticed the other Muslim women visiting were wearing a mixture of both – sandals and closed-toe shoes.

Woman wearing full dress & headscarf as appropriate attire to enter the mosque.

If you have visited other mosques as a tourist, often times they will have robes that they will lend or rent out. However, this wasn’t the case here, you had to be fully prepared and have all your own attire, because as mentioned before, this isn’t considered a ‘tourist site.’

Thoughts About the Visit

It was a real honor and privilege to be able to see this significant mosque in person and learn more about the Islamic religion firsthand. Once entering the courtyard and in the prayer halls, there was a real sense of peace and calm . Probably because children weren’t allowed…ha ha! But in all seriousness, its sheer magnitude and thinking about how many people could come here to pray is astounding! Most importantly, it is essential to visit the mosque with respect and reverence.

We definitely started our trip to Saudi Arabia with one of the most important sites in the country. There is so much Saudi Arabia can offer and we are excited to explore more – next up are the mountains and unique rock formations of the northwestern Saudi Arabia in Al Ula.

Our Nomadic Journey
Saudi Arabia

Understand [ edit ]

Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina, where he was welcomed, and taught there for some years before his triumphant return to Mecca. He died in Medina in AD 632 and was buried there, the location on which the Prophet's Mosque now stands. His house where he passed away is still part of that mosque.

Get in [ edit ]

Unlike Mecca , Medina is open to everyone, including non-Muslims. Non-Muslims used to be banned from Al-Haram, the city centre, but this rule was relaxed in 2021, so outside the Hajj season, non-Muslim tourists may now head all the way up to the perimeter fence of the Prophet's Mosque and take photos from the outside. Entry into the Prophet's Mosque is still banned for non-Muslims. However, as of April 2023, enforcement of this rule is lax, as there seems to be no one that would ask questions at the entrance.

If you plan to visit during the Hajj season, you must apply for a Hajj visa .

By plane [ edit ]

For pilgrims, the most common route is to arrive in Jeddah by plane, and get on a special pilgrims' bus to Mecca and Medina, and come back to fly home in a couple of weeks.

By bus [ edit ]

The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) runs luxurious buses several times daily to and from most parts of the country at cheap rates. There are also privately run buses. The SAPTCO terminal is off-limits to non-Muslims.

By train [ edit ]

Medina is linked with Jeddah and Mecca via high-speed railway. Services are frequent, with up to 15 departures per day in each direction. Journey time is just under two hours from Jeddah and 2½ hours from Mecca.

24.473 39.6998 2 Medina railway station , King Abdul Aziz Rd ( East of the centre ). ( updated Dec 2023 )

Get around [ edit ]

Public transport is limited; taxis and Uber are useful for getting around.

If you are on the side of the road, you might find locals willing to pick you up and take you to your destination for a fee, even though they aren't officially taxis, but beware of con artists from among both official and unofficial taxi drivers (see "Stay safe" below).

If you take a non-Uber ride, negotiate the price up front. You can use Uber to establish your baseline (maximum) price. People will often ask for prices well in excess of the Uber price.

There is a shuttle (looks like a train of golf carts) that runs along Qiba Road between the Prophet's Mosque and the Quba Mosque. Payment is done in cash to the driver, and you can hop on anywhere along the way (although payment is the same regardless).

See [ edit ]

Whether you are a practising Muslim or simply curious about Islam, Medina is the perfect place to deepen your curiosity about one of the world's largest religions.

Religious sites [ edit ]

Apart from the main Prophet's Mosque, there are numerous historic mosques scattered around the city. Almost all are working mosques, meaning that visits might be limited.

Museums [ edit ]

24.4768 39.6875 9 Dar Al Madinah Museum ( next to the high-speed railway station ). A smaller, private museum that hosts a number of models of old Medina. ( updated Apr 2021 )

Further afield [ edit ]

Another place worth visiting is the battleground of Khandaq or the Trench.

Do [ edit ]

24.46719 39.61116 1 Masjid Al-Nabawi . The Prophet Muhammad's burial site lies inside the mosque. Off-limits to non-Muslims.

Buy [ edit ]

The streets leading to and around the Prophet's Mosque are lined with shops selling goods of every variety. Visitors to Medina usually buy prayer rugs (some with magnets pointing towards the Kaaba), caps, Tasveeh or rosary beads, Abayas, pictures of the holy city and mosques, religious CDs, copies of the Holy Quran, clocks sounding Azan or the call to prayer (correct to the second) for nearly 5 million cities, etc. as souvenirs to take back with them or as gifts for family and friends. The best of them to take back are dates from Medina.

There are also huge glittering shopping complexes and malls selling goods from all over the world.

Credit cards are largely unaccepted in smaller businesses. Few banks will exchange travelers' checks. Many larger businesses, chains, and convenience stores will accept credit card and even Apple Pay.

Eat [ edit ]

There are restaurants selling diverse foods, largely from across the Muslim world. There are Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants in abundance. Many of these restaurants will serve favourites such as shawarmas and falafel. There is also Chinese, Indonesian, Turkish, Egyptian, and local food.

The Western fast-food chains 24.47375 39.60866 1 McDonald's , KFC , and Hardee's have outlets in the city, as do Saudi chains such as Al Baik and Kudu . The cheapest local specialities are shawarma, taamiyya (a type of vegetable sandwich), foul (cooked beans) with tameez (bread), and Broasted chicken which refers to pressure fried chicken cooked and seasoned similarly to KFC. There are always dates.

As of November 2023, to the north of King Fahd gate, there is a street with numerous street food stalls. The food comes from various countries with significant Muslim populations, including Indonesia, China, India, Pakistan, and other countries in the Middle East.

Drink [ edit ]

As it is everywhere else in the country, alcohol is prohibited. Drinking any kind of beverage during daylight hours during Ramadan is subject to punishment by the religious police and thus shouldn't be done in the open.

Sleep [ edit ]

Medina has many hotels, most of which are very close to the mosque. Numerous 5 star hotels have been and are being constructed all around the Prophet's mosque within a radius of 500 m. Beyond these are many budget hotels extending miles from the Masjid Nabavi. The tariff depends on a hotel's distance from the mosque, the nearer the more expensive. Even these low cost hotels have facilities like proper beds with clean linen, carpeted floors, air conditioning, refrigerator in every room, tiled bathrooms fitted with either eastern or western type WCs (sometimes both), 24 hours running hot and cold water. Kitchens with LPG and burners and sinks are also available for those pilgrims who would like to cook their own meals. But now all of these small old hotels are being demolished on a large scale to make way for starred hotels.

City center [ edit ]

24.47129 39.609482 1 Al-Majeedi ARAC Suites , Northern Central Zone , ☏ +966 4 820 0000 ext 5100 . It offers spacious and air-conditioned serviced apartments, all of which has a telephone, cable TV, and private toilet and shower with bathtub. Some of its amenities are currency exchange, dry cleaning/laundry, and safe deposit boxes. While staying here you can visit some tourist spots like Masjid Al Nabawi, Qiblatayn Mosque, and Masjid Musallah. Best rates on official website start at SR 400 .
24.471227 39.610062 2 Taiba ARAC Suites , Northern Central Zone , ☏ +966 4 820 0000 ext 1005 . It offers air-conditioned suites aptly boasting a private toilet with shower and bathtub, cable TV, and phone. Some of its amenities are currency exchange, dry cleaning/laundry, and safe deposit boxes. While staying here you can visit some tourist spots like Masjid Al Nabawi Al Sharief, Qibalatin Mosque, and Baqi ‘Al-Gharqad. Best rates on official website start at SR 2300 .
24.464393 39.611384 3 Hotel Pullman Zamzam Madina , Amr Bin Al Gmoh Street , ☏ +966 14 821 0500 . ( updated Jan 2017 )
24.471967 39.610766 4 Madinah Hilton , King Fahd Rd , ☏ +966 14 821 9100 . Has 357 rooms with free Wi-Fi and a TV. There is a cafe that works from 10AM to 11:45PM and two restaurants on-site. Parking is free of charge. ( updated Jan 2017 )
24.471524 39.613441 5 The Oberoi, Madina ( فندق اوبروي المدينة المنورة x ), 1880, Abizar Road , ☏ +966 14 828 2222 . ( updated Jan 2017 )
24.47166 39.61154 6 Al Andalous Suites . ( updated May 2023 )
24.47319 39.6109 7 Dar Al Hijra Intercontinental , ☏ +966 14 8207777 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . ( updated May 2023 )
24.47174 39.60775 8 Anwar Al Madinah Hotel , ☏ +966 14 8181000 , [email protected] . ( updated May 2023 )
24.47266 39.61292 9 Al Muna Kareem Hotel . ( updated May 2023 )

Outside city center zone [ edit ]

The following hotels are open to all.

24.488332 39.563812 10 Le Méridien Medina , Khaled Bin El Waleed Road , ☏ +966 14 846 0777 . Previously the Sheraton, this is the only branded hotel in Medina open to non-Muslims. It is near the airport and often used by airline crew. About SR 600 per night .

Stay safe [ edit ]

Scams [ edit ].

Many visitors think that because Medina is a holy city, they need not fear being treated dishonestly. That is not a safe assumption. Below are some scams to beware of:

As you leave the secure area of the Medina airport and into the arrivals hall, if you look like a well-to-do visitor from a wealthier country, you will be approached by a confident and well-spoken man demanding to see your passport. This person is not an airport or government official, but is actually working for a local taxi company and you should demand to see ID if anyone asks for your passport. If you do give him your passport, he will then ask you to follow him to a desk where it will be handed over to someone who will pretend to be scrutinising it carefully for a while and then tell you to follow one of his colleagues to the taxi rank where you will certainly be hideously overcharged for your journey into central Medina. There are standard set prices for taxi journeys from the airport into central Medina, as set by the government, and these will be listed on signs in the car park area. Do not be tricked into paying over the odds.
Beware of taxi drivers, both official and unofficial, selling you a sob story about great hardships at home, or even saying they are about to go and fight Jihad in Palestine, Chechnya, Burma, etc., and will ask you for a donation. These are always lies designed to con you out of money, as they know pilgrims are feeling charitable and won't question the lies. Never fall for this trick.
Beware, as some shops and kiosks will unashamedly short-change you as they know few people will realise and it is easy money for unscrupulous businesses. So if you are from a place where you trust shops to be honest then you need to be much more cynical while you are in Medina. Confirm the price before you hand over cash and then double-check your change. If you get less than you should have, be firm in asking them for the correct change. They will then give you the correct change without complaint as there are severe penalties for theft, which is essentially what short-changing people amounts to.

Respect [ edit ]

Dress appropriately, especially if you will be entering mosques. Even if you aren't visiting a holy site, if you wear shorts, you will often be the only person in view who is doing so, which may draw attention towards you.

Go next [ edit ]

Mecca is the other holy city visited by people taking part in the Umrah (minor pilgrimage) or the Hajj . You can hire a taxi to take you to Mecca, which will cost about SR 500 for up to four passengers. A much cheaper way to get there is to use the SAPTCO (Saudi Arabia Public Transport Company) bus services instead. There are two versions: regular and VIP. The regular service is reasonably comfortable and will cost SR 55 per person. The VIP version (which you can catch from the Crowne Plaza hotel) is slightly more luxurious and will cost SR 100 per person.

The fastest way between the cities is take the high-speed trains, which cover the distance in about 2 hours. The trains operate between Medina and Mecca, with stations at King Abdullah Economic City and Jeddah (Naseem) and King Abdulaziz International Airport.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Saudi Arabia

Travel Advisory January 24, 2024

Saudi arabia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated after periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to the following locations due to the threat of missile and drone attacks and terrorism :

Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as the cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushayt;
Abha airport;
Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

Country Summary : U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission responsibility must adhere to the above travel restrictions. As such, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these locations.

Missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Iran and Iran-supported militant groups have occurred as recently as September 2023. The Islamic Republic of Iran has in the past supplied Yemen-based Houthis and regional proxy groups with weapons to conduct destructive and sometimes lethal attacks using drones, missiles, and rockets against a variety of Saudi sites, including critical infrastructure, civilian airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Past attacks were aimed at targets throughout Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Jizan, Khamis Mushayt, the civilian airport in Abha, Al Kharj, military installations in the south, as well as oil and gas facilities.

Debris from intercepted drones and missiles has also represented a significant risk to civilian areas and populations in the recent past. Militant groups have threatened to conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk if missile, drone, or rocket attacks reoccur.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning. Past attacks have targeted tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and international interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens.

Be advised that social media commentary – including past comments – which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest . This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments about Saudi institutions, policies, and public life. U.S. citizens have been convicted for social media activity under Saudi laws concerning cybercrime, terrorism, and disrupting public order. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years in some cases. Saudi courts do not necessarily consider the timeframe of the posts or the location from which they were made to be material to these cases.

The importation of drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, pork, or any materials that could be considered pornographic or suggestive, is prohibited. Penalties for drug possession, consumption, and trafficking are severe by U.S. standards. An extensive list of banned items is available on our Saudi Arabia country information page .

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas .
Stay alert in large crowds and/or locations frequented by foreign nationals.
Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrest notification and the Department of State’s general information on arrests of U.S. citizens abroad .
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Follow the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border, Abha airport, and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Militants in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets . Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens to enter or exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A minimum of six months’ validity beyond the date of travel is recommended.

One page required for entry stamp.

Required for certain visa classes

More than 16,000 USD must be declared. Customs details are here .

Embassies and Consulates

The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.

U.S. Embassy Riyadh Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundbaout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000 Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700 Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700 Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

See the Embassy of Saudi Arabia’s website for visa information.

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

For residency permit-holders (iqama), an exit/reentry permit is required to leave Saudi Arabia as well as six month’s validity on your passport to request an exit/reentry permit.

Saudi law requires that residency permit-holders carry their residency card (iqama) at all times while in the Kingdom. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 3,000 Saudi riyals and a jail sentence of six weeks.
Females and minors may require a male guardian’s permission to leave the country, including U.S. citizens or dual-nationals.
You must exit Saudi Arabia using the passport for the nationality corresponding to the one on which you entered Saudi Arabia.

Saudi law requires all Saudi citizens to enter and depart the country with a Saudi travel document. If you enter the country on a Saudi laissez-passer (temporary travel document), you may encounter difficulty leaving the Kingdom.

Saudi embassies do not have the authority to adjudicate citizenship claims or issue passports, but they may issue a laissez-passer for presumed Saudi citizens for whom citizenship has not been adjudicated, such as children of a Saudi parent or parents who were married outside of Saudi Arabia. Once admitted to Saudi Arabia on a laissez-passer, the traveler must obtain a Saudi passport before leaving the country. Saudi nationality is not conferred quickly or easily, and the processing time for a Saudi passport in these cases has often been six months or years in some cases. Obtaining a U.S. passport will not help, as you will not be able to leave Saudi Arabia without an exit visa which will not be granted if you entered as a Saudi citizen.

The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer.

Length of Stay: Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period. Carefully check your visa validity and length of stay granted, and clarify any questions on permitted length of stay with Saudi immigration officials on arrival. Dates are calculated in accordance with the Hijri calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar.

If you overstay your visa, you could face significant fines, detention, and/or deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy is unable to intercede, reduce fines, or prevent incarceration if you violate Saudi law.

Travel Bans: When placed under a travel ban, you cannot exit the country, even if you are a U.S. citizen or a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen. Travel bans are rigidly enforced and can take months or even years to resolve. Only Saudi Arabian authorities and sponsors can remove travel bans.

The government may issue travel bans on people who are/have:

charged with criminal offenses;
under investigation;
involved in financial or labor disputes;
failed to report to work according to the terms of the contract (absconded);
unpaid debts or who have passed bad checks.

The list above is not exhaustive. Private Saudi citizens may also initiate travel bans against foreign citizens for various reasons.

Residency Permits: If you are seeking residency in Saudi Arabia, make sure you have all required legal documents authenticated before arriving. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh nor the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran can provide this service.

You should have all U.S. issued documents authenticated by the Department of State Office of Authentications (202-485-8000) and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington D.C.

Work Visas: If you plan on working in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a work visa before you arrive. Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia are subject to the country’s sponsorship system, which concedes substantial legal authority over the worker to the employer. This can include the ability to prevent the employee from leaving the country. American citizens considering working in Saudi Arabia should carefully review the information about employment in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.

If the visitor or business visa has been annotated “not permitted to work,” you are not allowed to legally work in Saudi Arabia. You risk substantial financial penalties, detention, deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia if you work without legal permission. Additionally, without a work visa, there would be no legal grounds to pursue a case against an employer should a dispute arise.

HIV/AIDS: To obtain work and residence permits, you are required to obtain a medical report or physical examination confirming that you are free from contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. If you test positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, you will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has not imposed HIV/AIDS or hepatitis travel restrictions on other categories of travelers. Please inquire directly with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia before you travel.

Vaccinations: Visitors to Saudi Arabia should check vaccination requirements on the Saudi Ministry of Health website.

Yemen Travel: The Department strongly advises U.S. citizens against travel to Yemen due to the ongoing conflict in that country. See our Yemen Travel Advisory for further information. A visa is required to enter Saudi Arabia, and Saudi authorities generally do not permit foreign citizens to enter Saudi Arabia using land border crossings from Yemen. The Embassy and Consulates General cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens seeking to cross the Yemeni-Saudi border.

Safety and Security

The Department of State advises you to exercise increased caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian targets. See the Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia here .

Do not travel:

Within 50 miles of the border with Yemen due to terrorism and armed conflict.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners.

Houthis operating in Yemen have fired long-range missiles into Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure; they have publicly stated their intent to continue doing so. Missile attacks have targeted major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, Riyadh’s international airport, Saudi Aramco facilities, and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Rebel groups are also in possession of unmanned aerial systems (UASs or drones) which they have used to target civilian infrastructure and military facilities in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working on or near such installations, particularly in areas near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk of missile and drone attack.

On October 11, 2018 the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation issued a Notice to Airmen about threats to civil aviation and airports in Saudi Arabia posed by missiles and UASs launched from Yemen. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Government’s Defense Internet NOTAM Service (Type “OEJD” in the search field, then click “View NOTAMs,” then scroll down to W0438/18 and click to view).

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following locations as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to:

Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, including the cities of Jizan and Najran;
Qatif in the Eastern province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

You can find additional details relating to safety and security in our Travel Advisory and Alerts and the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia .

Crime: Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States.

You should be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and secure, and travel with a companion, if possible.
Some Saudi citizens who perceive that a foreigner is not observing conservative standards of conduct or dress have been known to harass, pursue, or assault that person.
Even when released from detention, witnesses to criminal incidents may be prohibited from leaving the country until investigation of the incident is complete.

See the websites of the Department of State and the FBI for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, you should contact the local police at “999” and contact the Embassy in Riyadh or one of the Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran.Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See the Department of State’s webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department can:

help you identify appropriate medical care;
assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
provide a list of local attorneys;
provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: If you are the victim of any form of physical violence, including domestic violence, you should contact the Saudi police by calling “999”. In addition, victims of domestic violence can contact the Saudi National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing “1919.” The Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development runs a network of shelters for women and children. Contacting the domestic violence hotline (“1919”) is the only way to access these shelters. The Saudi National Family Safety Program also runs a Child Help Line “116111” and can assist children in accessing Saudi social services.

When reporting domestic violence, it is imperative to get a case reference number as all Saudi social and legal assistance is tied to this case number. It is also a good idea to document any injuries and obtain a copy of any medical reports. U.S. citizens should be advised that filing a police report or utilizing any Saudi victims’ assistance services may result in the Saudi authorities informing your sponsor or guardian.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Dual Citizenship: Saudi Arabia generally does not recognize dual nationality. Saudi law requires Saudi citizens to obtain official permission from the government before obtaining a second nationality. At times, Saudi authorities have confiscated the passports of U.S. citizens applying for Saudi citizenship. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship. If this happens to you or someone you know, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate immediately. Be aware that Saudi Arabia generally restricts consular notification of the arrest of foreigners to the Embassy of the country that issued the travel document used to enter the Kingdom. If you enter Saudi Arabia with a Saudi travel document, or with the passport of a country other than the United States, it will be extremely difficult for the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services if you are subsequently detained. Persons detained in Saudi Arabia may be held without charges for lengthy periods and denied access to counsel; dual citizens may not have consular assistance. See the Embassy’s webpage for further information.

Drones: The importation of drones for commercial or personal use is prohibited without prior approval from the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). A customs clearance certificate authorizing importation can be obtained as part of the GACA approval process. Visit GACA’s website for further information.

Criminal Penalties: While in Saudi Arabia, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Saudi laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled; arrested; imprisoned; held without trial for lengthy periods of time; interrogated without counsel; subject to corporal punishments, including lashings; or executed.

Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking is death. Furthermore, some laws are prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website .

There are substantial limitations on freedom of speech and political expression in Saudi Arabia. For additional information see the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Saudi Arabia .

Faith-Related Travel Issues: Islam is the official religion of the country and is present in all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. See our Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet .

Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or Muslim religious figures, including on social media.
The government prohibits the public practice of religions other than Islam. Non-Muslims suspected of violating these restrictions have been jailed and/or deported. Church services in private homes have been raided, and participants have been jailed and/or deported.
Muslims who do not adhere to the strict interpretation of Islam prevalent in much of Saudi Arabia may encounter societal discrimination and constraints on public worship.
Public display of non-Islamic religious articles, such as crosses and Bibles, is not permitted.
Non-Muslims are forbidden to travel to Mecca and parts of Medina, the cities where two of Islam’s holiest mosques are located.
See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Saudi Arabia. Violations of Saudi laws governing perceived expressions of, or support for, same-sex sexual relations, including on social media, may be subject to severe punishment. Potential penalties include fines, jail time, or death. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is generally found in the United States. Saudi law does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, and there is no legislation requiring public accessibility. Newer commercial and government buildings, however, often include such access. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, there are numerous government-sponsored centers for people with disabilities. Note that Saudi Arabia has limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities.

Students: See the Department’s Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Residents and Travelers: Married women, including non-Saudis, require their husband's permission to depart the country, while unmarried women and children require the permission of their father or male guardian.

Minor children must have their father’s permission in order to leave the Kingdom. Children visiting their fathers in Saudi Arabia, even when there is a custody agreement, can be prevented from leaving unless the father consents. This is true even if the child is an American citizen. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot obtain exit visas for the departure of minor children without their father/guardian's permission.

If a foreigner and a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia divorce, Saudi courts rarely grant permission for the foreign parent to leave the country with the children born during the marriage, even if he or she has been granted physical custody.

Foreign mothers of Saudi children, who are divorced or widowed, may apply for a permanent residency permit(iqama) without the need for a sponsor. To do so, they must prove maternity and that they were legally married to the Saudi father.

Also see the Department’s travel tips for Women Travelers .

Employment: The Arabic text of a contract governs employment and business arrangements under Saudi law. Verbal assurances or side letters are not binding under Saudi law. In the event of any contract dispute, Saudi authorities refer to the written contract.

Sponsors have wide latitude and responsibilities for employees and family members under their sponsorship, including obtaining residence permits for the employee and for any family members.
All residents should be issued a Saudi residence permit (iqama) and are legally required to carry it at all times.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia cannot sponsor private U.S. citizens for Saudi visas.
Sponsors have been known to demand that residents working in Saudi Arabia surrender their passports while in the Kingdom. Such practices are illegal and should be reported to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development .
Since the Saudi sponsor controls the issuance of exit permits, U.S. citizens may be prevented by the sponsor from leaving Saudi Arabia in the event of a labor or business dispute, which could take months or years to resolve.
To change employers within the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia requires the written permission of the original sponsoring employer.
The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General cannot assist in labor or business disputes, nor can they provide translation or legal services.
U.S. consular officers can provide lists of local attorneys to help U.S. citizens settle business disputes, but ultimate responsibility for the resolution of disputes through the Saudi legal system, and payment for those services, lies with the parties involved. For additional information on Saudi labor law, please refer to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s webpage .
Saudi customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of such banned items as alcohol, weapons, and any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam (such as pork, anything considered pornographic under strict Islamic principles, and religious materials).
Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading matter are censored.
Christmas and other holiday decorations, fashion magazines, and "suggestive" videos may be confiscated and the owner subject to penalties and fines.
Electronic devices may be subject to inspection upon entry or exit. Please see the Department’s Customs Information page as well as the Saudi Customs webpage.

Importing Animals: The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.

Cats and dogs entering Saudi Arabia require a Veterinary Health Certificate and a dated letter from the veterinary practitioner addressed to his/her sponsor to obtain the necessary approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Both documents must be authenticated by the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service Office and the State Department's Authentications Office and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia .
The certificate must indicate that the animal was examined and is free from disease and confirm that rabies and other vaccines are current. Information on the name, breed, sex, color, and age of the animal must also be stated.
Please see additional information on taking a pet overseas .

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: In recent years, increasing numbers of American language teachers have experienced contractual and other problems. Some teachers have complained about arbitrary dismissals, difficult living conditions, salary arrears, unwanted reassignments, restrictions on their movement, and inability to leave the country. Prospective teachers in Saudi Arabia should vet their potential employer and carefully review their employment offer as well as the detailed information found in the Embassy’s Guide to Teaching English in Saudi Arabia . Additionally, prospective teachers should also take care to make sure that they obtain the appropriate work visa prior to coming to Saudi Arabia. The Embassy cannot help you if you violate Saudi labor law.

Standards of Conduct and Religious Police: Norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative. Both the uniformed police and the religious police, referred to colloquially as the mutawwa or al-hay’a, are charged with enforcing these standards.

Mutawwa are required to carry special identification and usually are accompanied by uniformed police.
While a 2016 government decree withdrew the authority of the mutawwa to make arrests independently of regular police forces, visitors should be prudent in their interactions with mutawwa.
An individual must, if requested, present his/her residence permit (iqama) or other identification to the mutawwa or the police.
U.S. citizens who are involved in an incident with the mutawwa should report the incident to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran.

In most areas of Saudi Arabia, and particularly in Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, women wear a full-length covering known as an abaya. Most women in conservative areas also cover their hair with a hijab for modesty, and many also cover their faces with a niqab.

Tourists are expected to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images; women are not required to wear abayas or cover their hair but are expected to cover their shoulders and knees, and men should not go without a shirt. Women who choose not to conform to Saudi Arabia’s dress code face a risk of confrontation by mutawwa, negative or hostile comments by Saudi citizens, and possible detention Guidelines on public decorum for tourists are available at the Saudi government’s official tourism website, www.visitsaudi.com. Many areas of life in Saudi Arabia are segregated by sex to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of mingling (a punishable crime) by unmarried men and women. Less frequently, members of the mutawwa try to enforce this by asking for proof that a couple is married or related. Men and women detained for socializing with individuals who are not relatives may be charged with moral crimes such as khulwa (mixing with unrelated members of the opposite sex). Less frequently, some restaurants may refuse to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative In addition, a few restaurants or cafes do not have a "family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Men not accompanied by a close female family member are not allowed to enter family sections and cannot use services (such as registers at supermarkets) designated as “family.” These restrictions are not always clearly posted.

While there are now movie theaters, musical concerts, and artistic performances in Saudi Arabia, the country remains socially conservative. Social media postings which contravene cultural standards can have legal and/or criminal consequences.

Photography: The Saudi government does not permit photography of governmental facilities, such as military bases and government buildings, nor military, security, or police personnel. The Saudi government is also sensitive to photographs that may be perceived as portraying the country in an unfavorable light. This policy can include photos of mosques, impoverished areas, the local population, and traditional souks (markets). You should not take anyone’s picture without clear consent, and never take a picture of a woman or a place where women congregate. Be aware of local sensitivities whenever you are taking pictures in public. U.S. citizens have been routinely detained for violating these policies. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are unable to intervene if you violate Saudi law.

The Hajj and Umrah: Please review the Department of State’s Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet for useful information on traveling to perform the Hajj or Umrah.

COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 testing is available to U.S. citizens throughout Saudi Arabia at public and private facilities. Private hospitals and clinics charge a fee for COVID-19 testing.  Cost, delivery method, and timing of results varies. Some facilities can electronically deliver results within 24 hours or less.  

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Saudi Arabia. For more information, please see the Ministry of Health’s website.

Visit the FDA's website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high-profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers in Saudi Arabia accept cash or credit card payments. See the Department’s webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation is strongly recommended. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expatriates.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Please note:

Saudi Arabia has a dry climate with extreme heat several months of the year – travelers should stay hydrated.
Air pollution is a significant concern in many parts of Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Al Jubail, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Many infectious diseases, such as measles, typhoid, dengue, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), are present in Saudi Arabia.

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to:

World Health Organization (WHO)
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Saudi Ministry of Health

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage .

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Saudi Arabia can be hazardous due to speeding and aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic.

Beginning on June 24, 2018, women have been able to obtain a driver’s license and can legally drive in Saudi Arabia. With a valid visitor visa and U.S. or international driver’s license, visitors may drive a rental car. However, outside the major cities of Riyadh, Dhahran and Jeddah, visitors—especially women—may experience difficulty renting a car. Female residents with independent sponsorships and U.S. or international driver’s licenses also may obtain a Saudi driver’s license, necessary to drive vehicles other than rental cars. Foreign women residing in Saudi Arabia who are listed as dependents on their Saudi residency permit (“iqama”) may experience difficulties in obtaining Saudi driver’s licenses. To drive vehicles other than rental cars, a Saudi driver’s license, appropriate car registration, and auto insurance are required. Police may detain you if you cannot produce these documents.

See the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior website for further information.

Traffic Laws :

Temporary visitors may drive using their valid U.S. or international driver's license for up to 90 days.
Foreigners resident in Saudi Arabia who wish to drive must obtain a local driver's license from the Department of Traffic Police.
In the event of a traffic accident, U.S. citizens should dial “993” to report the accident. You must remain on the scene until the traffic police arrive. Failure to do so can result in a criminal offense.
Additionally, U.S. citizens should contact Najm, a private company contracted by the traffic police to complete the accident report (+966 9200 00560).
In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, everyone involved (if not seriously injured) is likely be taken to the local police station.
All drivers, regardless of fault, can be held in custody for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid.
Use of front seat belts (driver and passenger) is required by law.
U.S. citizens involved in a serious accident resulting in injury or death should immediately contact their sponsors and the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate.
Residents should update their personal details through one of the methods available here to receive SMS notifications once a traffic ticket is issued.
Delay in payment of any ticket might result in doubling of the ticket amount.
Travelers will need to pay any fines issued through this system before leaving the country.

Public Transportation:

U.S. Government employees are prohibited from using taxis in Saudi Arabia with the exception of Uber Black in Riyadh, Kareem First in Jeddah, and Majestic taxi service in Dhahran. If you must use a taxi, only use established companies, such as those offering cabs with meters. Taxis and lift services are available throughout major cities, and you should arrange a pickup by telephone or via smartphone app when possible.
Avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi, do not travel to unfamiliar areas, and do not enter taxis with unknown passengers.

Please refer to the Department’s Road Safety page for more information. Also, it is recommended that you visit the website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior .

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Saudi Arabia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page .

Information for Mariners:

Mariners should also review U.S. maritime alerts and advisories on the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal .

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Saudi Arabia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Things To Do In Madinah! Sightseeing in Madinah Guide

Categories Middle East , Saudi Arabia

Madinah/Medina, the second most holy place in Islam is an incredibly peaceful city and worth spending a few days in, whether you are Muslim or Non-Muslim. Aside from the most famous Medina attraction – the Prophets Mosque- Al-Masjid An Nabawi , what are other things to do in Madinah and places to visit in Madinah are there?

Here is my guide to things to do in Madinah and sightseeing in Madinah as a tourist and why the Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is the best way to see Madinah!

Things To Do in Madinah

Related Post: I am not a Muslim but I did visit Madinah as I wanted to learn more about Islam, read this blog post for how to visit Medina as a Non-Muslim .

Al-Masjid An Nabawi

I will save you the history lesson as if you’re reading this you probably know more than me about the Prophets Mosque. Of course, this is the most important place to visit in Madinah and the central place to visit and top of the list of things to do in Madinah!

Al-Haram is huge and I loved walking around the outside observing everyone and taking in the tranquillity.

things to do in Madinah, Al-Masjid a Nabawi

Museums in Madinah

There are a number of museums in Medina you can visit and add to your list of things to do in Madinah.

I was recommended to visit Dar Al Madinah Museum.

Assalam Museum is located just outside of Al-Masjid An Nabawi so it’s in a really good location to visit.

Hejaz Railway Museum is also very close to Al Haram, it’s also a stop on the City Hop On Hop Off Bus which I really recommend doing!

The Beautiful Names of Allah Exhibition also shows as a popular museum to visit in Madinah.

From my experience trying to visit museums in Saudi Arabia, I advise double-checking the opening times before visiting as they can seem to open and close whenever they want.

Related Post: Are you visiting Jeddah before Madinah? If so, read my post on how to get from Jeddah to Madinah via bus, train & flight !

things to do in Madinah, Hejaz Railway Museum

Places to Visit in Madinah

For all of the other things to see in Madinah, things to do in Madinah and for sightseeing in Madinah, I am going to recommend that you use the Hop-On, Hop-Off Tourist Bus that runs in Medina.

For me, visiting Saudi Arabia as a tourist has been hard because of the lack of public transport options and tours on offer, however, because Madinah is set up for tourism, it is not an issue here and it makes sense to take this bus to see the many places to visit in Madinah.

Book the hop-on, hop-off bus tour here for a hassle-free sightseeing!

things to do in Madinah, Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Madinah

Look for the best flights to Madinah here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price!

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The bus starts and ends at the ClockTower by Al Masjid An Nabawi.

There are 2 lines, a green line and a red line . The green line is only very short and it only goes around the outside of Al-Haram so you should do the red line to see everything Medina has to offer.

things to do in Madinah, bus stops Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Madinah

The highlight of the bus for me was not only the ease of getting it but the audio guide as I did not take a Madinah tour so this gave me so much historical information about Madinah.

The audioguide is available in 16 languages so it is perfect for everyone visiting!

things to do in Madinah, Audioguide languages, Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Madinah

You can book the bus at the ticket office by the Clocktower in Medina, or you can book and pay for it online . The prices are the same.

Personally, I decided to book online and I recommend you do too.

You can book the Madinah Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus on Get Your Guide here like I did which offers a 24hour free cancellation period.

And you can book it on Viator here too for the same price.

Accommodation in Madinah

I loved my Madinah Hotel so I really recommend it to you too if you haven’t booked accommodation yet.

I stayed at Mawaddah Altaqwa Hotel which I really recommend. I had an amazing view of Al-Masjid a Nabawi from my room, the room was clean and comfy with welcoming staff. It definitely gets used as a hotel for big groups visiting Medina on their Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina but that was not a problem for me!

For more Medina Hotels for your trip, have a look on Agoda here as there is a huge selection!

things to do in Madinah, Mawaddah Altaqwa Hote Medina Bedroom Window View

Also known as Ohud Battlefield , this is one of the extremely historical places in Madina . Once the hop-on, hop-off bus has been around the Al-Haram Mosque it travels out of the city here as the first real stop.

I recommend getting off the bus here so you can visit the mosque and see the views of the city and mountain from a small hill next to the mosque.

things to do in Madinah, Uhud Mountain and Mosque

Al Noor Mall

This is a stop on the Red bus route. I stopped here for a bathroom break and to get lunch. Unless you want either or you want to shop I don’t suggest visiting as it is a pretty standard mall and not different from any other mall in Saudi Arabia.

Sultanah Road

If shopping is on your list of things to do in Madinah , Sultanah Road is a good stop. There are lots of shops along the street and lots of places to eat too.

Masjid Quba

Have you booked your flight to Madinah yet??

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price! Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

Quba Square

For what to do in Medina, Quba Square is a good place to visit on the bus or walking from Al-Haram. It is a good walking street full of shops and one of the good things to do in Madinah at night.

I hope this helps you understand the many places to visit in Madinah and things to do in Madinah. Whether you are visiting Medina as part of a pilgrimage with Mecca or you are visiting only Medina as I did , you can easily spend 2 days in Madinah doing lots of sightseeing in Madinah!

Update: I actually became Muslim 5 months after visiting Madinah. Visiting Saudi Arabia but Madinah especially really sparked my interest in Islam and with Covid happening afterwards I was able to spend time learning more about Islam before becoming Muslim in August!

To SEE all of the best things to do in Madinah, watch my YouTube video here !

For more of my blog posts on Saudi Arabia see:
Visiting Madinah as a Non-Muslim.
How to Get from Jeddah to Madinah via Bus, Train & Flight.
A Complete Tourists Guide to Old Jeddah / Al Balad Neighbourhood!
My Complete Riyadh Travel Guide for Tourists!
Buying a SIM card at Jeddah Airport as a tourist
Buying a SIM card at Medina Airport as a tourist
ALL MY SAUDI ARABIA BLOG POSTS

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Wednesday 29th of November 2023

MashaAllah, I am so happy for you congratulations on your conversion to Islam may Allah SWT bless you, protect you and keep you guided to the straight path Ameen. also great post sis loveeddd ittt:)

TheWanderingQuinn

Jazakallah Khair!

Wednesday 20th of September 2023

MasyaaAllah, subhanallah.... Allah swt have given you his blessing & hidayah for all your pleasant words & respect on his holy city. Even though I have been to Madinah/Mekah 3 times, I found your advise for touring the madinah rather simple and easy to follow. Im rather looking for soemthing different from the normal/usual visiting plans which ive been thro a few time. Preferable the local touch, food and place, which not normal tourist go thro. Insyaa Allah.. I plann to do umrah again this december and while browsing , found yr site. Thank you again for the efforts youve put in to help others... salam,,

Friday 9th of June 2023

Thanks for this post. Most hotels in Madinah check out at 12pm. Suppose you have 4-5 hours before your flight, with kids, what's a good way to spend that time in Madinah (particularly ways to get rest for the kids). I'm not sure if Madinah airport has rest facilities. Please advise, thanks!

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

I found Madinah airport to be quite small but I did fly internally so that might be why. There are plenty of malls near the masjid and around the city you can relax in for a bit and hotels allow you to keep your bags at reception until you need to head to the airport.

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

The hotel you stayed had amazing view but I couldn't find it in google map or booking.com. Could there be a change of name? What is the geographical coordinate? I'll arrive by a rental car, but I'm rather intimidated driving in the city centre. Hotels in the centre may not have parking space. What is your impression of the city traffic?

Monday 8th of May 2023

Hello, yes, it doesn't seem like its on Booking.com anymore but it is on Agoda to book: https://agoda.tp.st/HwMONfDE I didn't drive, I remember it being busy around the hotel areas near the masjid but the outer roads were much quieter, although driving in Saudi is a challenge in itself anyway!

Sunday 24th of July 2022

Do you know if non Muslims are allowed on the hop on hop off bus.

Monday 25th of July 2022

Yes I believe they are, I wasn't a Muslim when I went on but I was wearing appropriate clothing so I think that's why I didn't get questioned anyway,

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The 20 Best Things to Do in Medina: Make Your Pilgrimage Even More Satisfying

Medina, a city of profound historical and religious significance, offers a wealth of experiences for visitors to explore and enjoy. While many people associate Saudi Arabia primarily with religious pilgrimage, there are plenty of diverse activities and attractions to enjoy in Medina.

My recent visit to Medina was a revelation, proving that this city is far more than just a traditional pilgrimage destination. While the spiritual essence of the Prophet’s Mosque remains awe-inspiring, I was pleasantly surprised by the numerous other experiences and attractions that the city had to offer.

I have listed 20 things to do in Medina (or Madinah, however you call it) so that you can enjoy your time to the fullest.

Each of these “must-do things” was picked by me because I thought they were worth it. And I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Medina

Here is a list of the most glorious things that you can do in Medina. Don’t miss them, guys. It will be a really amazing trip; you can trust me on that.

1. Say Prayers at Al-Masjid an Nabawi

If you are a Muslim, don’t forget to say your prayers in the Holy Al-Masjid An Nabawi when in Medina. Also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, this mosque is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but it also has Islamic significance and history.

The Al-Masjid An Nabawi was established by the Prophet Himself (PBUH) to offer congregational prayers without disturbance. It is also the final resting place of Muhammad, which is why this mosque is of utmost significance for Muslims all over the world.

Besides its Islamic significance, the beauty of this Mosque also captured my heart. The beautiful green dome, the intricate works, and the stunning marble floors will surely mesmerize you as much as they did to me. The beauty of this mosque cannot be described in mere words!

However, if you are a non-Muslim, you cannot enter the mosque. You can witness its beauty from the fence and even take pictures there.

2. Explore The Rawdah

Medina is not only for visiting historical places and saying your prayers at the Mosques and Masjids. It’s also about to finding inner peace. And for that, explore no other place than the Rawdah Mubarak (PBUH).

Located between the Propht’s (PBUH) house and the Minbar, the Rawdah Mubarak is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Because He is the last Prophet and the messenger of Allah SWT, it is a must-visit place for the Muslims.

However, you must remember that you cannot visit the Rawdah Mubarak as many times as you want during your stay in Medina. You will be permitted to visit this place only one in every 30 days. Also, prior your visit, you need to get a permission from the authorities.

3. Don’t Escape Masjid Quba

There is nothing like the Al Masjid An Nabawi in Medina. However, the history and beauty of the Masjid Quba also wandered my wandering heart.

Masjid Quba, holds a special place in Islamic history. It is the first mosque ever built by the Prophet Muhammad after his migration from Mecca to Medina. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, laid the foundation of Masjid Quba, and he used to visit it regularly.

Notably, he prayed there every Saturday, often walking the approximately three miles from Medina to the mosque. This practice of a weekly visit to Masjid Quba is known as the “Sunnah of Quba” and is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam

Even though the grandeur of this Mosque will now make you awestruck, it was built very simply in the beginning.

Over the years, they added a second-story platform, seven major entrances, and four parallel minarets to elevate the look and also ensure the convenience of the people who come to pray here.

That’s not all. What caught my eye were the fifty-six mini domes surrounding the mosque to create a boundary.

Trust me, you have to be there to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Masjid Quba.

4. Go For Mount Uhud Hiking

Mount Uhud also has a lot of historical significance. It is the place where the historical battle of Uhud took place.

Even though it’s just a mountain, to Muslims, this place is special. When I went hiking on this mountain, I felt a rush of gratitude for the martyrs of the battle.

In addition to being a sacred place, Mount Uhud is also incredibly beautiful. Even if you are not a Muslim, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit this place.

5. Go To Jannatul Baqi

Also known as the Garden of Heaven, Jannatul Baqi is truly a piece of heaven. It is the main graveyard of Medina, with thousands of years of history and significance.

When I first stepped into this Holy Graveyard, my heart filled with gratitude and emotion while I felt goosebumps all over my body.

This is the final resting place of many of the Prophet’s close family members, His close companions, and many other prominent, pious personalities in Islamic history.

Even though there aren’t many things to see in this graveyard, the resting place of all the significant personalities will surely make your soul happy.

But remember that, like many other places in Medina, Jannatul Baqi is also restricted for non-Muslims.

6. Visit The Holy Quran Exhibition

If you are still wondering what are the things to do in Medina, I will suggest you visit the Holy Quran Exhibition .

This was definitely the highlight of my trip because not only was the museum incredibly breathtaking, but the history and significance of the Holy Book filled my mind and soul.

What made me emotional and had butterflies in my stomach was the sight of the nine original Qurans; the oldest of them was from 1563. The beautiful ornate two-centuries-old copy was really a sight to behold.

Even if you are not a Muslim, you can still visit this place and learn more about this ancient book in Islam.

7. Visit The Islamic University of Madinah

When you are in mood to take a break from all the mosque, graveyard, and historical places, hire a taxi and spend some times at the prestigious The Islamic University of Madinah . Located in Abo Bakr Al Siddiq, Al Jamiah, this modern university is one of most glorious places to visit while in Medina.

It was established King Saud bin Abdulaziz in 1961, the institute is said to have been associated with Salafism. They aim to exported Salafi-inclined theologians around the world. Besides its belief, the premises, the library, and even the spectacular building of this University will satisfy your wondering mind.

8. Go For Shopping At The Al Noor Mall

If you want to see how the shopping malls of modern Medina are, don’t hesitate to spend an evening at the Al Noor Mall in Medina .

From luxury brands like Gucci, Armani to high-street brands and even local products, this mall literally has something for everyone. I was completely awestruck to see the grandeur of this shopping mall, as well as its collections.

In addition to having all these national and international brands, the Al Noor Mall also has a dedicated area for food courts, play zones, and a kid zone.

Also, even though it might sound surprising, this mall has a movie theater for you to enjoy some amazing movies.

9. Stop By The Well Of Salman Al Farsi

There is never a shortage of things to do in Medina. While visiting the city, make it a point to stop by the Well Of Salman Al Farsi. It is located in the Garden of Salman Al Farsi and has a beautiful story behind it.

The Prophet himself planted hundreds of date trees in this garden to free Salman from slavery and hard work.

However, besides its link to the Prophet Mohammed and the beautiful story behind it, this Well and the garden is extremely beautiful and peaceful.

10. Indulge In The Mouthwatering Cuisine

One thing you should never miss when visiting Medina is their mouthwatering cuisines. Tasting their foods should be at the top of your “things to do in Medina” list.

From their local Medina rice to the Makhtoom Bamia Okra with yogurt and saffron and Shorbat Hub, the taste of the foods is just “oh so delicious.”

Also, don’t forget to taste the flavorful Samboosak Buff and Buraik dough pastry to fulfill your gastronomical experience.

In addition to trying out cuisine at different restaurants, don’t forget to hop on a street food adventure. No one can serve authentic flavors than the street food vendors

11. Explore The City On A Hop-On, Hop-Off Tourist Bus

If you don’t have enough time to experience all the things to do in Medina, just hop on one of the stylish red double-decker tourist buses and explore all the best attractions of Medina city.

These buses go around all the tourists and historical places and help you see them without allocating extra days.

From visiting the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi to exploring Al Madinah, Al Baqi Cemetery, Abu Bakr Road, and Quba Mosque, these tourist buses are just awesome.

12. Go To The Bani Waqif Fort

Located in the south of Quba Mosque, visiting The Bani Waqif Fort is one of the best things to do in Medina. It is one of the oldest forts in the region, with a rich history and significance.

Even though it is centuries old, it is believed that the fort was reconstructed during the Ottoman period to make it even better.

This fort holds significance because the Prophet Muhammad had prayed here, and also, the local tribe of this area was special friends of the Messenger.

You should visit this place to go through the memory lane of Islamic history.

13. Visit The Glorious Seven Mosques

Even though it is named the “Seven Mosques,” there are actually six small mosques in the area. Situated on the western side of Mount Sela’ and at the site of the Battle of Al-Khandaq, the 7th mosque of the “Seven Mosques” was demolished by the Saudis. However, it’s still called the Seven Mosque because of its history.

When I went there, I said my prayers in all six mosques because of peace of mind. It’s spiritual, fulfilling, and truly amazing.

14. See The Dar Al Madinah Museum

If you are into history and museums like me, the Dar Al Madinah Museum is a must-see place for you when visiting Medina.

Perfectly curated, this museum is decked up with Islamic heritage and culture that ties to the Prophet (PBUH) in some way or another.

Besides the legacy of Prophet Muhammad, this museum also has a ton of sculptures and other collections to depict the history and legendary stories of the city. I bet you can never keep track of time when going through the halls of this museum.

In conclusion, Dar Al Madinah Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for history, culture, and religious significance. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the roots of one of the world’s most sacred cities and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and heritage that have endured for generations.

A visit to this remarkable museum is a journey through time and a chance to connect with the essence of Medina, making it an enriching experience for travelers from all walks of life.

15. Grave of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib Jiayarat

When making a list of things to do in Medina, remember to include the grave of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib. Even though it’s just a grave, it has a high significance in Islamic history.

Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib was one of the prominent companions of the Prophet and was killed in the Battle of Uhud. He was standing right in front of Muhammad when he was killed, saving the Prophet’s life.

16. Spend Some Time At The Desert of Saleh

The desert of Saleh is one of the most beautiful places in Medina. And I say that with utmost satisfaction. Not only is this place decked with gigantic tombs and graves, but it also has intricate drawings and inscriptions on its walls.

What attracted me most about this place are the remains of the lost Nabataean Kingdom. They preserved the remains so well that they would instantly travel you from the present to the past.

17. Don’t Forget To Experience the Cave of Bani Haram

Another place I absolutely loved while in Medina was the Cave of Bani Haram . Located near the At Al-Masjid An Nabawi, this Cave has special significance in the Islamic Community. And that is because, during the Trench Battle, the Holy Prophet spent numerous nights here for shelter and rest.

Also, many believe that this Cave is the same cave where the Prophet prostrated on receiving Allah’s message. Because of all this significance, visiting this place was a highlight of my Medina trip.

18. Visit King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex

Another highlight of my Medina trip was visiting the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex . Even though to many, it’s just another printing complex, to me, it’s something I wanted to see my whole life. This is the place where the Holy Book is printed.

This printing complex exclusively prints more than 10 million copies of the Holy Quran every year in different languages including Arabic, Indonesian, Russian, Japanese, and others. You can see the whole process of printing from the above.

However, as it is forbidden to touch the Holy Quran without wudhu (ablution), all the Quarans in this complex are displayed in glass cases for safety.

One thing I love about this place is that they gift a copy of the Holy Book to every visitor while leaving. I also received one, which I absolutely love.

19. Go To The Prophet Mosque Expansion Exhibition

When making a list of the things to do in Medina, make sure to include the Magnificent Prophet Mosque Expansion Exhibition. You will not regret it, guys!

Located just opposite the Prophet’s Mosque ( Al Masjid An Nabawi), this exhibition will walk you through the historic expansions of Al Masjid An Nabawi throughout the ages. From the Prophet’s days till date, how this Masjid has evolved is there.

I am sure you won’t regret your time in this place.

20. Taste The Saudian Dates

One thing you should never miss while in Medina is taste their various dates. Mecca and Medina are known for their various dates, and I didn’t miss the chance to indulge in them as much as possible. It was like I was in a “Date” with the Saudian dates.

This desert fruit is extremely delicious, nutritious, and fun to eat. As they are quite small in size, you can also carry them in your purse whenever you travel. The delicious taste of these dates will always keep you happy; I promise you that.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth visiting medina.

Visiting Medina is worth the time and money. It is not only the second-holiest place for Muslims, but this city is also beautiful and serene. If you are into Islamic history, Medina is your place to be.

What Is Medina Best Known For?

Medina is known for its history. This is the place from which Muhammad (PBUH) established the Muslim community after his pilgrimage from Mecca. Medina is also the city where the Prophet’s body is entombed.

Can Non-Muslims Go to Medina?

One amazing thing about Medina is that it is open to non-Muslims, too, unlike the Holy Mecca. It doesn’t matter if you are Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, or of any other religion; you can visit Medina without any restrictions. However, entry to the Holy Mosques and Graveyards in Medina is still banned for non-Muslims.

Should I Go to Mecca or Medina First?

If you are a Muslim and you are going on a pilgrimage, you must go to Mecca first and then to Medina. However, if you are not a Muslim, Mecca is banned for you. So, you have to go to Medina first.

There is no doubt Medina is beautiful. Besides your pilgrimage, there are a whole lot of things to do in this city of Saudi Arabia. Be it shopping, sightseeing, trying out mouthwatering cuisine, or exploring the Holy places, there are numerous things to do in Medina.

And with my guide in hand, you will never be out of ideas to make the most of your time in this beautiful city. Just book the tickets now and explore the breathtaking land of Medina!

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Tips and how to travel to Saudi Arabia in 2024

By Joan Torres 100 Comments Last updated on April 12, 2024

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Once one of the most difficult countries to visit, Saudi Arabia is finally issuing visas for tourism purposes and independent travel.

Before, the only way to travel to Saudi was on a business visa, via a strong local connection who could sponsor your visit, or by getting a pilgrimage visa to visit Mecca and Medina (only for Muslims).

Therefore, the fact that all of a sudden, Western tourists can visit Saudi Arabia on their own, with a backpack, both men and women, is a very radical change.

This incredibly big change, however, didn’t come alone.

During the last couple of years, a lot of their super strict Islamic laws have been softened or, at least, they have become more flexible. For example, allowing women and men to hang out together in public spaces was one of the most significant changes.

All these small changes will make things easier for future international visitors.

Despite everything that you may have read in the media, Saudi Arabia is an incredible country. There is just so much to do and see, a country filled with loads of stunning sites, both natural and archaeological, hugely contrasting landscapes and some extremely hospitable people that could easily rival my beloved friends from Afghanistan , Pakistan and Iran .

I strongly believe that this is the most underrated country on this planet, and here I have compiled a comprehensive travel guide to Saudi Arabia packed with tips and everything you need to know to travel to the Kingdom.

In this Saudi Arabia travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

Travel Insurance
Best time to visit
Top experiences
Getting to Saudi
Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Is it ethical?
Blocked websites
How to behave
Rules to follow
Misconceptions
Saudi people
Solo female travel
Moving around Saudi
Internet and SIM Card
Accommodation
More information

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🪪 How to get a visa for traveling to Saudi Arabia

For visiting Saudi, you can either apply for an e-visa or get a visa on arrival.

Which countries are eligible to visit Saudi with tourist e-visa?

All EU countries + Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine and the United States,

How to apply for Saudi tourist e-visa

You can easily apply for it through visitsaudi.com

This is what the tourist visa for Saudi looks like.

Just follow the steps, and you will be on the way.

How much does the Saudi e-visa cost?

The total visa price is 535 Saudi Rials, which is around 142 US Dollars.

From that amount, 180 Saudi Rials refer to the Saudi travel insurance, a COVID-related requirement.

How long is it valid for?

The visa allows you to stay in Saudi for 90 days, and it has a 1-year validity from the issuance date.

It’s also valid for multiple entries.

This means that, within a year, you travel to Saudi as many times as you want with the same visa, as long as your stay doesn’t exceed more than 90 days.

How to get a visa on arrival (VOA) for Saudi Arabia

In 2023, they also introduced a VOA regime, valid for any entry port into Saudi Arabia.

The VOA on arrival costs 300 Saudi Rials, but they also make you buy travel insurance, which costs an additional 180 Saudi Rials.

The total cost is 480 SR, cheaper than the e-visa.

As of today, nobody understands why should someone go through the hassle of applying for an e-visa, when the VOA costs 55 SR less.

Can single women apply for a Saudi visa?

Yes, they certainly can, no restrictions for being a female.

What about the rest of the nationalities, can they travel to Saudi?

Actually, yes, they can.

A fellow traveler with an Argentinian passport told me that she applied at the embassy in Buenos Aires and managed to get her visa in only 1 week.

She had to present things like a payslip, vaccines, return flight ticket, and things like that.

Also, travelers with valid US and Schengen visas – and that includes Indian and Pakistani citizens – can also get a visa for Saudi on arrival.

Don’t forget to read my 2-week itinerary in Saudi Arabia .

Get this epic travel guide to Saudi Arabia!

My friends Sian & Bob have recently published a full guidebook to Saudi Arabia, containing loads of actionable advice and a great overview of each one of their regions. A great introduction to the country, this must be the only available travel guide to Saudi Arabia !

🚑 Travel Insurance for Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia the Health Care System is private and crazy expensive, so do get proper travel insurance. I strongly recommend IATI Insurance because:

It covers up to 5 million € of medical expenses
Covers senior citizens too
Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

⛅ Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the cooler months, from November to February .

March, April and October could be bearable but outside this ”winter season”, the country could be too hot to enjoy.

By the way, note that the north of Saudi Arabia can be extremely cold in winter, with temperatures below 0ºC in transited regions such as Al-Ula and Tabouk.

🛖 5 Top things to experience in Saudi Arabia

Visiting mada’in saleh, like petra but more epic.

Mada’in Saleh is an archaeological complex composed of hundreds of tombs carved out from rocks and scattered across the desert. Mada’in Saleh was founded by the Nabateans, the same civilization that built Petra.

Being one of the first tourists to ever visit Medina, the second holiest city in Islam

The city of Medina had remained off-limits to non-Muslims for decades but from 2022, Western tourists are allowed to visit the city, as long as you stay just at the entrance of the Holy Mosque, the place where Prophet Mohammed is buried.

Exploring Fayfa, a region of Saudi Arabia with Yemeni-like culture

Fayfa is a southern region bordering Yemen that historically, had been part of Yemen, so several aspects of their culture – including the way they dress and their cuisine – have remained.

Discover the natural wonders from Tabouk region

Tabouk is a northern region bordering Jordan home to incredible wadis, rock formations, deserts and Bedouins.

Snorkelling in the Read Sea

Everybody knows about the beauty of the Red Sea, the reason why Egypt has become a prime diving destination. However, few people know that the same coral reefs can also be found along the Saudi Arabia coast, and I particularly like the area between Yanbu and Umluj.

🛫 How to get to Saudi Arabia

Remember to get travel insurance for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia’s health care is extremely expensive, so insurance is a must. IATI Insurance offers different plans, for all budgets. Get your 5% exclusive discount if purchasing via this link

How to travel to Saudi Arabia by air

The easiest way to travel to Saudi Arabia is by flying in. There are loads of international flights, especially to Jeddah and Riyadh .

Saudia Airlines has many direct flights from Europe and other destinations, while other airlines like Pegasus or Emirates fly there via Istanbul and Dubai, respectively,

How to travel to Saudi Arabia by land

As long as you have a valid visa for traveling to Saudi, getting in to the country by land is totally doable.

Saudi Arabia shares a border with:

United Arab Emirates – Easy to cross.
Oman – The desert road that goes through the Empty Quarter, linking Oman and Saudi was recently open. This border crossing can be quite an adventure. Read my Oman travel guide .
Qatar – Should be easy to cross, now that the displomatic relations between both countries have normalized.
Bahrain – Easy to cross.
Iraq – Since March 2021, it’s now possible to travel to Iraq , so overlanding into Saudi shouldn’t be a big issue.
Jordan – Easy to cross.
Yemen – Not possible to cross. Read my Yemen travel guide

Read: A guide to finding the best area to stay in Dubai

🚶‍♂️ Tourism in Saudi Arabia, what is it like

Interested in off-the-beaten-track countries? Check: Somaliland travel guide Eritrea travel guide

As you may imagine, tourism in Saudi Arabia is in a very embryonic stage.

Random Saudi: Where are you from? Me: Spain Random Saudi: Where do you live, in Jeddah or Riyadh? Me: Nowhere, I am just visiting 🙂 Random Saudi: No, I mean where in Saudi are you working?

I had this conversation over and over. They still don’t know that foreigners can now travel to Saudi Arabia.

When I was exploring the southern part of the country and was walking around the souk with my big backpack, people were asking me if I was carrying a parachute and one even said if it was an inflatable boat.

This was back in 2019, when I visited the southern part of the country. When I came back in 2022, the country had massively changed, so I didn’t really experience any of the above conversations, but that’s partly because I explored the northern part, which is far more developed and receives more international visitors.

So yeah, the idea of having international visitors who are not expats or workers is still a concept they aren’t familiar with.

However, there is a relatively developed domestic tourism infrastructure, so you can find hotels pretty much everywhere, even though they tend to be expensive.

Moreover, as per things to do, you should know that there are loads, loads of things to do in this country.

I mean, just check its size and you will see that it is bigger than any European country. Here you can check my complete Saudi itinerary .

Is it ethical to travel to Saudi Arabia?

When I came back from Saudi Arabia, I received many, many messages from very upset people who claimed that traveling to Saudi Arabia implicated collaborating with a regime that doesn’t respect basic human rights.

Some messages were from friendly, skeptical people who wanted a response, while others were from really extreme haters who I blocked right away.

Well, let me tell you something: like in any place around the world , you find good and bad people and, when I travel, I don’t meet with Prime Ministers but I visit places and hang out with humble locals.

This is a very long and controversial topic, so I recommend you read my article:

Is it ethical to travel to Saudi Arabia as a tourist?

🔓 How to access blocked sites in Saudi

Something you should know is that, in Saudi, the internet is censored .

This means that some websites might be blocked and inaccessible for regular internet users.

Moreover, because of this censorship and, since there is no freedom of speech, the Government reserves the right to monitor your internet activity.

Therefore, if you want to access blocked sites and navigate anonymously, you will need something called a VPN (Virtual Private Network) .

There are several VPNs in the market but the one I personally use and recommend is ExpressVPN , the fastest and the one that works best for Saudi.

If you have no clue about VPNs, read my tutorial: What is it and how to find the right VPN for Saudi Arabia

🚫 Tips on how to behave when you travel in Saudi

Saudi Arabia is the most religious country I have ever been to.

In fact, this is the most religious Muslim country in the world. Everybody knows that.

Most Saudis follow a branch of Islam named Wahhabism , which is characterized for having the most conservative interpretation of Islam and the law of Saudi Arabia strictly follows it.

This means that their penal code includes some very hardcore punishments such as public beheading or getting flogged. This is their country and we are not here to judge and unless you plan to kill someone, smuggle drugs or have sex in public, you shouldn’t be afraid of traveling to Saudi Arabia as a tourist.

Seriously, it is not even close to what you may think.

Saudis prefer to be called Salafis, instead of Wahabis. In their eyes, Wahabism is a few steps ahead than Salafism when it comes to conservatism, meaning that it is really extreme, a term usually used to designate Islamic terrorists. Whereas Salafists are really, really conservative in nature, it is more socially accepted. Thank you, Graham, from Inside Other Places for the clarification

Some rules you need to follow when you travel to Saudi Arabia

Women need to wear an abaya – The abaya is a local dress that covers your body (not your head).

Some public spaces are segregated by sex – You will figure it out by yourself but some restaurants or cafés are still composed of two areas: men and family section. Women or men that go with women need to sit in the family section. This kind of segregation is slowly disappearing, especially in Jeddah and Riyadh.

Depending on where you are, during prayer time, you can’t be inside shops or restaurants – To be honest, this rule has become more flexible but, outside of Riyadh and Jeddah, they kicked me out from shops during the prayers and I could not even stand in front but I had to walk away. A very weird rule.

Don’t drink alcohol – Drinking alcohol in Saudi Arabia is not legal, not even in 5-star hotels.

Seriously, stay away from drugs – Drugs may lead to death sentence, so don’t play with them.

No public shows of affection – Same as when you travel to Dubai or Qatar.

Don’t say you are an atheist – Even if you were, say you are a Christian or any major religion in your home country. Being an atheist can be considered as blasphemy and this is a very serious crime in Saudi. Moreover, you came to Saudi to meet people and make local friends, so saying you are an atheist won’t help you at all.

On Friday, everything is closed until Asr prayer, which is around 4 or 5pm – Not everything will be closed but some restaurants may open in the morning. However, at noon, during Dhuhr prayer, absolutely everything is closed.

Eat with your right hand, always – This is a generic Muslim rule but in Saudi is particularly strict. If you are sharing a meal with more traditional people, try to always eat with your right hand. I am actually left-handed and sometimes I forget about it and Saudi has been the only place where the locals got a bit upset when they saw me eating with my left hand.

Misconceptions about Saudi Arabia – Things you can actually do

Like I said before, in the last couple of years, the laws of Saudi Arabia have become more flexible. Well, this is not entirely right. According to my local Saudi friends, some laws haven’t been changed but the religious Islamic police (mutaween) has lost power, so they aren’t controlling what people do anymore.

Men and women who aren’t family related can hang out together, in public – Some years ago, you couldn’t go to a restaurant or a café with a friend from the opposite sex but now you can do it normally, like in any other country.

Foreign women can travel around the country independently, and alone – I have already lost count of all the women who asked me if they can go there by themselves. Yes, you can travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman, by yourself. Would it be challenging? It would be different from being a man, indeed, but it is definitely legal.

Single foreign women can also visit Saudi on a tourist visa – You can travel to Saudi with your unmarried boyfriend and even if you are single, no problem.

Women don’t need to wear hijab – You don’t need to cover your head but, like I just said, you must cover your body with an abaya. If you travel to Iran , you will see that the clothing rules are even more strict.

Women can drive, including renting a car – From June 2018, women can finally drive and, as a female tourist , you can also rent it.

Men can wear shorts – Nobody will say anything to you.

🕌 The people and the culture – The Saudis

Like in many countries in the Middle East , in Saudi, you find loads of particularly kind people.

Typically, Saudis are so easy to recognize because they wear the thawb , which is the white traditional dress. They also cover their heads with the ghutrah , which can be of different colors but red & white seems to be the most commonly used.

Language in Saudi Arabia

Arabic is the official language. English can be a sometimes problem when you travel in Saudi Arabia, as most people don’t speak it but you will always find someone who does.

Religion in Saudi Arabia

According to the Saudi Government, 100% of the Saudis are Muslim, the large majority being Sunni Wahabbis. There is a large Shia population, as well. Remember that Saudis are very conservative, so try to be respectful and sensitive.

Hospitality in Saudi

Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, I knew a lot of people who had been there on a business visa and the truth is that I am extremely disappointed with all of them because they had told me:

Saudis are arrogant
Saudis are racist to anyone who is not from the Gulf
There is nothing to do in Saudi

Seriously, I don’t know where they have been but, from the moment I met the immigration officer who stamped my passport with a big smile while he tried to improve his Spanish, I have just had positive experiences with Saudi people.

Saudi people are extremely hospitable. From endless coffee and meal invitations to random people who insisted on showing me around the city, I seriously met some incredible locals, some of whom I can call now friends.

Honestly, the experience was no different from the blessings of hospitality in Pakistan , Oman or Iran , no kidding. I shared many short moments with so many locals but there were two Saudis in particular who really changed the perspective of my trip.

First, I met Abdullah, an English teacher from Kharj. He picked me up when I was hitchhiking and drove me to a city that was 80km away (and it was not his way). There, we met with one of his friends, we had lunch at his house and then we visited his camel farm.

Abdullah taught me many interesting things about Saudi culture, especially their interpretation of Islam.

Do you like extreme destinations? Read: How to travel to Syria

A few days after, I met Ibrahim, a real Saudi from Abha. We met at the souk of Abha and, after having a chat, he invited me to his famous village named Rajal Alma.

We had dinner, stayed at his friend’s house and showed me around on the day after. Ibrahim comes from a very traditional Saudi family (his father was actually a famous Imam from the region) but he married a Filipina girl, something quite unheard of from Saudis with a similar background.

Seriously, don’t trust anyone who has just been to Jeddah or Riyadh for business. First of all, you can’t judge a country by the inhabitants of a several-million people city.

And second of all, don’t trust the judgment from someone who has traveled to Saudi Arabia for business because he hasn’t seen much beyond the office, the fancy restaurant, and the hotel.

Saudis are not happy about how the Western media portraits them

Our media doesn’t really do justice to Saudi people, as they portray them as religious fanatics who force women to submit to their Sharia rules.

The reality is miles away from this stereotype.

Like in any country, there are loads of awesome people and, like in any off the beaten track Muslim country, most of them are extra-nice with foreigners.

Local Saudi women

Most women in Saudi wear the black niqab, which covers the whole face except the eyes.

The reason they wear it is that, according to their interpretation of the Quran, women can’t show their face to any man who isn’t their dad, uncles, grandfathers, sons, and husband, of course.

For years, many pro-feminist groups in Europe have been claiming that the use of niqab is sexist, against the women’s rights and they wear it against their will.

Whereas I fully understand their point, I think that their argument is quite simplistic and it just lets you see one tiny side of the whole picture.

Please note that I am not trying to justify the use of the niqab but I just wanted you to know that many Saudi women actually choose to wear it. Really.

They choose to wear it because they think that this is the right thing to do because the Quran says so. They believe they need to wear it as much as men believe it.

Obviously, there will be many cases of liberal Saudi women who will tell you a different story but I am just talking in generic terms.

My point is that this topic is way more complicated than we think and, as tourists, we shouldn’t be talking or trying to change it because you are traveling to Saudi Arabia to learn about their culture and visit beautiful places.

How to deal with women in Saudi

Now that every day you see more and more women working in public spaces, you are likely to talk to quite a few Saudi women who wear the niqab .

If you are a man, don’t try to shake hands and keep a reasonable distance with them but you can talk to them freely and you will see that they are as lovely women like any other.

If you are a foreign woman, they will definitely be extra nice to you and, if you are on the countryside, expect them to invite you to their house.

When I visited Al-Jawf, 1,000km north of Riyadh , I went there to work on an assignment for a local company and I was very lucky to be received by two super nice ladies wearing niqab . I spent the whole day with them.

They showed me around their province, we went to have some coffee and I even went to their house where they fed me until I exploded. They were as hospitable as any Muslim man I had met before and the only difference is that I didn’t see their faces. It was an enriching experience.

Saudis are multi-ethnic

For centuries, Muslims from all over the world came to Saudi on their journey to Mecca and, at some point, decided to settle there.

Over time, they became Saudi citizens and that is why, today, you find Saudis from all types of ethnicities.

From Bedouin to East-African-looking people and even the cultural-Yemeni-like people from the south of the country, in Jizan, Saudi is the most multi-ethnic Arab country.

For me, this was one of the most surprising things about the country.

🍲 Food when visiting Saudi Arabia

The food was another extremely surprising thing about traveling in Saudi.

Before visiting Saudi, I was traveling in Oman for 1 month. In Oman, I felt that, after day 2, I had already tasted all the local food, which was always simplified to different variations of rice with meat, chicken or fish.

Then, I tasted one or two different local dishes in some houses and the rest was all Indian food.

Saudi, however, is a different story. Since it borders with so many Arabic countries, its huge dimensions with many different geographical areas and its multi-ethnic population, the food in Saudi Arabia is a real blend of all the Arabic food you can think of .

From the Yemeni food-like dishes from the south to the olive oil-rich food from the north of the country, Levantine Arabic dishes such as vine leaves and makluba, foul and hummus for breakfast and, of course, the classic Gulf food that includes all sorts of rice with meat, the cuisine of Saudi Arabia also shows the cultural richness of the country.

By the way, traditionally, Saudis eat on the floor and use their right hand to eat. Eating like them is a sign of respect but if you are struggling, you can always help yourself with a spoon.

💃 Solo female travel in Saudi

Since I left Saudi Arabia, I have been bombed with tons of questions from many women who are skeptical about traveling to Saudi.

Sure, Saudi is an extremely patriarchal country, so this kind of reaction is perfectly understandable. However, let me tell you that, as a woman, Saudi Arabia is much safer than you could ever think.

I am perfectly aware that, since I am not a woman, my opinion doesn’t really count here but, luckily, during my journey, I met Nada al Nahdi , a Yemeni / Indonesian girl who was born in Saudi, so she knows the people and culture very well and has traveled around the country extensively.

Nada wrote an article about this topic on my site, so if you want to know more, read:

9 misconceptions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman .

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?

From a crime perspective, Saudi Arabia is just another very safe place to visit in the Middle East . I mean, you should always be aware of your belongings but pickpocketing or being robbed is quite unheard of.

As per terrorism threat, I will not deny the fact that there have been some one-off terrorist attacks but even UK travel advice says that, except for the areas close to the Yemeni border, all Saudi Arabia is safe to visit.

However, I also went to Jizan, the region bordering Yemen and everything was extra peaceful. The war is happening on the other side of the border, not in Saudi.

In my opinion, the only actual threat when traveling in Saudi Arabia are the extremely crazy drivers. Seriously, after all my years of travels, I can now confirm that Saudi people are the most insane people on wheels.

For a more detailed analysis, read this article from Joao Leitao: Is Saudi Arabia a safe country to travel?

💰 Money, budget and costs in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Rial is the official currency and:

1 USD = 3.75 SAR

Exchanging money

Euros, United States dollars or British Pounds are widely accepted. You can even exchange Indian and Pakistani rupees and other Asian currencies, as there is a large Asian population living in Saudi.

Of course, the currencies from other Gulf countries, such as Omani Rials or UAE Dirhams are also accepted.

ATM and credit cards

ATMs are available pretty much everywhere and credit cards are accepted in most modern cafés, restaurants, and hotels. However, bring always some extra cash, as the Indian-run cafés and other more local places don’t accept cards.

How much does it cost to travel in Saudi Arabia?

These are the prices of the most typical things:

Budget Hotel – Double room from 100 to 150SAR
Breakfast in Indian-run café – 5 to 10SAR
Breakfast in local Saudi eatery – 10 to 15SAR
Lunch in Indian-run restaurant – 10 to 15SAR
Lunch in local Saudi eatery – 15 to 20SAR
Lunch in mid-range restaurant – From 30-35SAR
Short taxi ride in Riyadh – 15 to 25SAR

🛺 Transportation: How to move around when visiting in Saudi Arabia

Something you need to know: Saudi Arabia is the least walking-friendly place I have ever been to. That being said, here is what you need to know regarding moving around the Kingdom:

Moving inside cities

Public transportation in Saudi cities is awful and, except in some parts of Jeddah, you must drive with your own car or by taxi. You can’t seriously walk.

If you aren’t self-driving, I recommend you download Uber or Careem, so you won’t have to deal with negotiating a price with a taxi.

Domestic flights

Another problem of Saudi Arabia is that distances are ridiculously huge and the nice places to visit in Saudi are scattered all around the country.

For example, Al-Ula is nearly 1,000km north of Jeddah and Jizan is another 1,000 south of Jeddah. If you are short of time, a very good alternative is taking domestic flights.

I recommend you check on Saudia Airlines , as they have the largest number of domestic connections in the country.

For cheaper flights, check Flyadeal .

Actually, the most effective way to travel in Saudi Arabia would be taking a domestic flight and then renting a car in the destination itself.

Renting a car in Saudi Arabia

Road tripping around Saudi Arabia is the best way to enjoy the country, and I strongly recommend you do that.

Gas is cheap, so are the daily rental rates. However, all companies offer limited daily mileage , around 250-300km a day I think, so if you drive to faraway places like Al-Ula or Jizan, it can get expensive for solo travelers.

By the way, most rental companies won’t rent you a car if you don’t have an international driving license, so remember to convert it before leaving your country.

Moving around Saudi Arabia by bus

You can also move by bus between cities. They are very cheap but the problem is that you will have to rely on taxis once you get to any destination. There is not a single city in Saudi which is walking friendly.

You check all bus schedules and buy tickets on this website .

Hitchhiking

As crazy as it may sound, I hitchhiked all across Saudi Arabia .

I actually hitchhiked from Riyadh to Jizan, 1,300km. I had some really good experiences but, at the same time, I had not so good experiences.

On the one hand, it is relatively easy to get a ride and, normally, Saudis will be extremely helpful and, if you are lucky, they will invite you to their house.

On the other hand, most places in Saudi are connected with highways where people drive extremely fast and, sometimes, they overtake cars by the shoulder of the road, which is extremely dangerous if you are waiting there.

Moreover, many Saudis are crazy drivers, more than in any other country I have been to. On one occasion, I refused to continue with a man because I was seriously afraid of dying. When I finally reached Jizan, I decided not to hitchhike anymore. It was too intense.

💻 Internet and SIM Card

Esim for browsing, calling and traveling in saudi arabia.

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination.

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Saudi Arabia .

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code: AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Connecting to Wi-Fi in Saudi

Saudi is a modern country, with pretty good Wi-Fi in most places.

Getting a SIM Card in Saudi

I got ZAIN which, according to locals, has the worst network but it was the only company I found which you could buy just 1 or 2GB. Mobily is the most popular one but they asked me to buy 10GB, at least, which was around 150SR (40USD). With ZAIN, I think I just paid around 30SR for the SIM Card plus 1GB worth of data.

Remember that, in Saudi, the internet is censored and, if you want to access blocked sites, you will need a VPN. Read: How to find the right VPN for Saudi Arabia

🏨 Accommodation: where to stay in Saudi

In Saudi Arabia, there is plenty of accommodation options.

Typically, budget hotels will be apartment-style hotels , which tend to be a very good value-for-money option when you are two people or more.

In Jeddah and Riyadh, good but basic apartment-style hotel will start at 50-60USD a night, approximately, while in smaller towns, you can find for 30USD.

Read: How to find the right accommodation in Riyadh

Like in any Gulf country, luxury hotels abound in Saudi, especially in big cities.

❗ More information for traveling to Saudi

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Saudi Arabia destination

Travel Guide to Riyadh
Where to Stay in Riyadh
Solo Female Travel Guide to Riyadh
Is it Ethical to Visit Saudi Arabia as a Tourist
Hitchhiking and Backpacking in Saudi Arabia
VPN for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Travel guides to other countries in the Middle East

Iran Travel Guide
Iraq Travel Guide
Travel Guide to Oman
Travel Guide to Lebanon
Syria Travel Guide
Palestine Travel Guide
Yemen Travel Guide

You will also be interested in: Where in the Middle East is safe? and The most beautiful places in the Middle East .

100 comments

Very nice article. I love the way you describe everything to know before going to saudi arabia. It was a pleasure to meet you again and hang out with you for a couple of days. After Iran we met in Saudi… Morocco next meeting. I’m also going to publish an article about Saudi Arabia soon. Big hug all the way from Ouarzazate.

Cheers man! and where is going to be the next after Morocco 😀 ?

Great introduction thanks, hope I can go in the not too distant future. You should appreciate that no Muslim would refer to themselves as a Wahabi as it is an insulting term, albeit deserving for some more extreme believers. Saudis who follow the state approved version of Islam will probably call themselves Salafis, although this term can have a broader meaning elsewhere it is always conservative in nature.

Hey Graham, for some reason I had missed this comment. Thank you for the clarification. I have added a note in the respective section with a link to your blog

Saudi is up for big change. And it is going to be a positive change. It is slowly opening its door for the outside world for them to know more about saudi arabia and its rich cultural heritage and religion. The vision 2030 will have the world see a modern, welcoming, more hospitable and economically stronger Saudi Arabia. I have been living in this country for well over 10 years and I can attest with certainty that this is one of the most family friendly countries in the world. Everything in moderation and the laid back lifestyle will have you a lot of time to contemplate what really matters to you. You will always have a lot of “me time” since there aren’t too much of distraction around. The country is quiet, slow paced, and friendly. Recently, women are able to drive, cafes can have live performances in the form of bands or theatre. Men and women can now congregate in public. Cross my finger, in a few years time we will be seeing hundreds of thousands of tourists to experience Saudi Arabia…and we will be glad to welcome you all. By the way I am a filipino expat in this country.

thanks for your positive feedback!

I wanted to vist my friend in Saudi Arabia. Is it possible?

Hola, Me ha encantado tu artículo, explicas muchísimos detalles interesantes y creo que es un sitio grandioso para visitar. Me encantaría si pudiese ser que nos pongamos en contacto ya que quisiera preguntarte alguna cosa más vía mail.

Hola Lara, si es una pregunta sobre viajar a Arabia Saudita, mejor si lo preguntas aquí mismo, en comentarios. Pero este es el artículo en inglés, así que mejor publícalo en el link en español: https://againstthecompass.com/es/viajar-a-arabia-saudita/

Thank you so much for this … look forward to visit8ng next year after Mada’in Saleh opens up to visitors.

I wish it opens soon as well 🙂

One of my biggest issues as a female living for two years now in Saudi Arabia is that it is practically impossible as a western woman to go outside alone. Men will come up to you and see you as a free ticket to sex. It even happened that a complete stranger started kissing me. Saudi Arabia is not as bad as the media is saying, but please if you’re a woman still be on your guard and do not go outside alone. If you’re accompanied by a male nobody will come talk to you, at most you’ll have people stating at you for being different.

Hi Joan. You’re really giving us the useful info. Thanks a lot. I just wondering if you’re still keeping updated about that e-visa. Is it still available? And does this visa have limit country? Thank you.

Hi Jina, yes, the post contains the latest traveling information. Unfortunately, they stopped issuing visas… Perhaps, they will renew the process in winter

Thank you for the tips. You may need to update the part of the post about men wearing shorts, because that’s now illegal in public (unless you’re at a pool or a gym) pursuant to a new public decency law and you could get fined for it. You might have some leeway if you’re a white foreigner, though.

So it’s mostly walking the streets and malls and shops and stuff where you’re not allowed ot wear shorts. But it may target Saudi men more than anyone else.

so are you saying they changed this law recently, so they are going backwards?

On this particular issue they are going backwards unfortunately. I thought I included a link to the news, but I don’t know if it got posted with my previous post and I’ll try it again. If it doesn’t work, you can just Google “Saudi Arabia shorts stepfeed” and check the news on Stepfeed’s website. Either way, I’d hate for a would-be tourist to read your post and think it’s all right to wear shorts only to go there and get fined the equivalent of $1,500.

Hi Nayef, I delete all links posted because many of them end up being 404, which is not good for my SEO

It’s disappointing to read people from other cultures with other worldviews speak of different dress codes as “going backwards.” Even if it’s a Western value that more dress code freedom is “moving forward,” speaking about this kind of value as if it were a moral fact others are obliged to recognize is very often counterproductive. Different countries, different perspectives, different rules.

Thanks to Joan for an otherwise fun, informative article.

thanks for your comment. However, going backwards refers to the fact that they force you wearing certain clothes. If they forced you wearing a bikini at the office, it would also be going backwards. Not being free to choose whether wether shorts or not is dictatorial

Joan, thanks for being polite in your reply. I respectfully disagree. There are all sorts of opportunity costs to apparently free choices. That a culture considers some effects of freedom acceptable is no reliable litmus for what is “forward,” only what’s acceptable to most in the culture. Every government forces citizens to do many things. It’s an arbitrary decision that some freedoms (like the freedom to verbally bully people online or to operate grisly slaughterhouses) are “forward” while the prohibition of others (like wearing shorts in schools or in public) is “backwards.”

I respect you have your own perspective. We’ll just have to respectfully disagree. Cheers.

Please come on, don’t compare wearing shorts with bullying people online. Wearing shorts doesn’t produce any harm to anyone.

Joan, I appreciate a fair exchange. 🙂 The comparison between the prerogative to wear shorts and the prerogative to bully people online is valid because both the judgment of either as right or wrong is rooted in changing cultural values. In the US, the cultural perception of freedom of speech takes priority over the documented harms of verbal (and online) bullying. Other countries limit harmful speech freedoms, something many US citizens find unforgivable. Very different Western cultural responses to the question of permissible freedom.

While many Westerners don’t see any problem with people wearing whatever they want, other cultures don’t agree. All that says is that a majority of people in a culture feel some way. There’s nothing objective to validate claims of moving forward or backward. I’m not trying to be argumentative. I agree with what you wrote above in your blog, “This is their country and we are not here to judge.” So I was disappointed to read the judgment of the Saudi culture as (moving) “backwards” because it has different dress code rules than our cultures do.

Thanks for the polite exchange and the fun read on Saudi Arabia.

I completely agree with what you said — we should not refer to this change as moving backwards, and the point you made about online bullying was spot-on! Saudi Arabia has a different culture than the Western world and it sounds like they’ve been changing a lot of their rules to make it more liberal lately. Asking people to cover up is not harming anyone, it is just asking that people remain respectful of their culture and the prevailing religion there. I think that as Westerners, we should understand that they want to protect their culture as they begin allowing tourists into their country, and this is a very reasonable law in the grand scheme of things.

can i go to Saudi Arabia with a business visa in july? i was told i may not be allowed in during the period of hajj. i need answer to make some business decisions. thanks

Hi Malik, this is a tourism-related blog. For business visas contact, better contact your embassy

Saudi Arabia e-visas are finally available again 🙂 Read the visa section of this post!

I know Saudi arabia is very nice cantry I was there for about 5 years. in Riyadh. but the problem is I can not go back to Saudi. I ask the Embassy of Saudi arabia here in Addis Ababa but the Answer is No They say to me if you have family only you can visit they say to me.

I want visit visa

Hopefully this doesn’t sound like a silly question, but it is a concern for me. I have travelled to the UAE and to Lebanon, with no issues, other than lots of stares, but I pretty covered in tattoos. Full sleeves on both arms, chest is completely covered and am working on both legs. I have the utmost respect for the culture and faith of Muslim people. I’m assuming that I’d be expected to be covered while there? I would happily wear a thawb or kandoora but I hope it would not be seen as mockery. I’ve worn a kandoora when visiting mosques. Help!!!

Hey Todd, are you asking whether wearing tattoos are illegal or not in KSA? From a legal point of view, I doubt you need to be covered but yeah, if you do, you will definitely avoid continuous stares.

Hola Joan! Thank you for this amazing post. I am planning a trip to Delhi and I found many well-priced tickets with a loooong layover in either Jeddah or Riyadh. Any comments or suggestions about the airports? Same dress code applies inside the airport or covering my head would suffice? Thanks a lot 🙂

Hi Ani, in Saudi, the only compulsory thing is wearing an abaya to cover your body (not your head). Not sure how is it in the airport, but bring one just in case

hi joan, do you know if its going to be a problem travelling to saudi with a iran-visa in the passport? thanks

There are still no tourist visas available for non-religious travel. There were temporary visas issued corresponding to specific events for which they wanted to attract foreigners. Good luck traveling with an unrelated member of the opposite sex!

The issue here is that Vision 2030 and all of their current projects are taking place while there is a law that allows the government to declare just about anything a threat to its existence and allows them to whisk you off the street and keep for as long as they want.

Do not be fooled by the work of countless foreign consulting firms. Women are in jail being sexually abused. Other people have simply disappeared since 2015. Saudi Arabia has not just suddenly transformed, no matter what the under-informed believe.

Good news: e-visa for Saudi Arabia is finally available. The system still has a few bugs and I was not able to apply, but they just launched a few days ago, so we will have to wait.

I have updated the article accordingly. Your experiences are very welcome 🙂

Hi. Do you know if it’s OK to travel with your own car? If so, can you go in from one country and then out to another country?

Yes, it is OK, as long as you have valid visas for your next country

Do you know whether you’ll be denied entry if, like Lebanon, one has an Israeli stamp/visa in your passport? I’m an American but live in Israel.

In the past for sure (even though they could be kind of flexible with resident expats). Now, with the tourism boom that the country will suffer, let’s see how it goes

In the past for sure (even though they were be kind of flexible with resident expats). Now, with the tourism boom that the country will suffer, let’s see how it goes. I am not certainly sure

Juan.. Greetings. Travellinandi from Sudan and Iraq.

So I got my visa….yeah…note to appliers that when you load your foto, it doesn’t show up til the end!! And when you do your bday, after clicking a few hundred times, hold the status bar and a decade year range will show up..

Question.. How much time does one need I. SAYDI.. Jeddah, AL ulra, abha and mountains.. .. As a budget backpacker, seems a bit expensive to hang around.. I have researched internal flights and C-Surfing is possible…. Any sites for 4*4 rental….cheaper to book in country r out of country.. Is a 4*4 needed to go into AL ulra…

Yeah, Saudi is expensive indeed, but there are ways to get around. Couchsurfing in Jeddah and Riyadh is really easy, and I assume in other big cities as well but I couldn’t find a couch in Jizan and Abha.

Distances are huge. For example, Jeddah to Jizan via Abha is around 900km and if you want to go to Al-Ula, then you have to go back to Jeddah and Al-Ula is another 670km (one way). I hitchhiked from Riyadh to Jizan. Hitchhiking to get out of Riyadh was tough but then it was so easy. It took me 3 days to get to Jizan (1100km)

Also bear in mind that cities in Saudi are like in Dubai or Oman. Not walking friendly at all, meaning that once you reach the city, you will have to hitchhike again, or take a taxi, but the locals are generally helpful.

A 4×4 is not needed but the problem with car rental is that you are only allowed to drive X km a day, and then they charge you per km, so doing a loop around the country can turn expensive. I think it would be cheaper if you take a flight to Abha and you rent the car at the airport and explore the Abha & Jizan for a few days. Same with Al Ula.

How many days you need, maybe 3 days in Jeddah, 3 days Abha & Jizan, 2 days in Al Ula + traveling time. Did you check my itinerary? https://againstthecompass.com/en/places-visit-saudi-arabia-itinerary/

Anything you need, let me know!

There is no need women to cover their body with an abaya, any more… Please update your information given

Hi! Thanks for all this. When we apply for the VISA, do we have to tell them where we are going to sleep or can we couchsurf ior choose a place as soon as we arrive? Thanks!

Hey Pedro, I seriously doubt they will ask you for this information but the best way to know find it to test it by yourself and see 🙂 !

Hi, we are Belgian citizens and got our visa very easy online through http://www.visitsaudi.com We fly return with Pegasus from Brussels, Istanbul to Kuwait for 250 euro. For Kuwait we got a single visa only, I called their embassy in Brussels and they told us that we can cross land border in either direction and we can apply our second Kuwait visa at the border coming back from KSA. Hope this was useful. We fly soon.

thanks for the info 🙂

I was totally unaware that Saudi Arabia has so much To offer the adventure crazy traveler. However for acquiring a visa, the procedure seems fairly easy. Hope to visit in 2020.

Hola Joan. He leído que obtuviste una sim Card en KSA. Yo estoy ahora por aquí y se niegan a servirmela porque dicen que necesitan mi huella dactilar, la cual no figura en el pasaporte. Me pregunto como la obtuviste

Hi. I’m a filipino guy working here in Riyadh KSA. I have a girlfriend here in Riyadh also and of course we’re not yet married. My question is, can we sleep on a hotel together? Thank you.

Wonderful article! Question for you – If you had only 4-5 days to spend in Saudi, where would you go?

Jeddah, definitely, and then Riyadh, where you can do a a few day trips t natorual places nearby

Hi, do you know if Australians are elible for the tourist visa. You don’t mention it in visa info section and couldn’t find it online.

Never mind, we can 🙂

I lost a friend there. Is tracing possible there?

Wow, You killed it.. One of the best experience of travel I read. I am living in Saudi Arabia and know most of the things you said, So, I know most of the information you expressed in your blog.

Hi Joan! Thank you so much for this! I would love to travel to KSA and this makes it so much simpler. Any place where we can listen to or learn the local musical instrument – ‘oud’ ? Thanks in advance.

really love all your posts man. Though basically i belonged to Pakistan, yet I love your enlightened posts about Saudia. Really love that one day, all those misconceptions about Saudi people also removed, and I wish they also get their true representatives one day. i mean, i am not against any family, nor I am talking about near past history, yet Saudi people really love others, they also deserve rightly representations one day. I wonder one day, people will get what they actually deserve. And exploring the holy land, well you will definitely get the signs of greatness of ALLAH too, so i think that policy of current Saudi givernment is really worth appreciatable, though many of its policies still needs open arms and thinking. stay bless people of whole Saudia Arabia (both Hijaz and Najd), amen! and thanks for such great and informative vlog. Peace!

Type here..Am so much happy for the wonderful information you give out about the culture and law operating in Saudi Arabia God bless, my dream is to be in Arabia one day not just for anything but to understand the language of Arabia to promote and advance the level of my education even if am to get someone who I will work with in any of his local company , May Allah help us all.

You will just have to secure a visit visa from saudi embassy in the country where you are in right now. Once visa is issued for you, you can enter Saudi Arabia.

I’ve been living in Saudi only since February 2019 (Eastern Province) but the drivers have definitely gotten better over that time. Every day more speed cameras and signalling on changing lanes has become much more of a thing. 😉

That’s very good to know 🙂

Amazing Photos,

Glad you love Saudi Arab and Thanks you share the real experience with your readers because most people things negatively about Saudi Arabs.

Another very insightful and interesting article. Thank you!

Look forward to visiting Saudi Arabia as soon as I can. I have loved Pakistan and Iran where I have studied and worked. Any country that can be compared to these in term of hospitality has to be remarkable.

Hi Joan, Same name with my elder sibling☺️. I’m living here in saudi for two years now. Worked here as a nurse. I stumble on your blog as I am searching on updates regarding saudi (it’s good to be mindful of your surroundings and be updated) and about where I wanna be after my contract here if I still wanna be in saudi. As I read your blog, I am reminded of when I first stepped my foot out of the airport. “Dessert, two years what you will bring to my first tiptoeing”. Here’s really my msg…Reading your blog gave me a new perspective.

Thank you! ᒪᑌᑎᗩ

great article about my beloved country

i suggest to you to redo it again. we had huge changed here in Saudi Arabia.

i would like to clarify some points for you on Friday it is consider as religious holiday as Sunday for Cristian. so the majority of locals and resident sleep till noon and the pray take only one hour so it will be ended before 13:00 afternoon then life start.

normally in Saudi Arabia locals don’t prefer to go out between 12:00 till 4:00 due to the hot weather

Saudi citizen get upset of any person use his left hand due to we are using this hand for dirty stuff (WC and such) so they prefer not to put this hand in the food or even to handle anything with another person ( it is respect and cleanness perspective)

the women traveling alone in Saudi Arabia are more safe than a local person walking alone ( it is 100% safe) Ramadan month is fasting (we don’t eat from Sunrise till sunset ) month and the whole country will be different in good way as the local will start their day from 3 or 4 pm till Sunrise. it is great experience don’t miss it even if you are non Muslim.

The abaya is not mandatory anymore.

about shops during pray time it is not big issue anymore but the locals didn’t get use of it yet so you may face something like what you mention.

i hope you will visit again and we can meet to show you different Saudi Arabia even more extreme than you imagine

best wishes to you

I love your blog and I visit and revisit every time to get information for my own round the world trip.

The only thing is that I sometimes miss information about how countries react to people with a sexual orientation other than heterosexual.

I understand that as a straight man you have no experience with these issues, but I think that since it is possible to bring a point of view about being safe to travel as a woman alone, maybe a note or two about the attention LGBTQIA+ people need when visiting certain places would be interesting too.

I know I can’t visit, for example, Iran and just say I’m gay, but that doesn’t stop me from getting to know the country, right? The information about Saudi Arabia here in America turns out to be very negative and it is difficult to distinguish between what to believe and what not.

Anyway, just a suggestion. ^^

Anticipate visiting Saudi Arabia straightaway. I have cherished Pakistan and Iran where I have considered and worked. Any country that can measure up to these in term of cordiality must be surprising.

Hi all, where is it possible to hire a 4×4 for self-driving through the country? Christian

anywhere, at the airport, 5-star hotels… All major car rental companies are there

Thanks for sharing! The country has long been closed to tourism, so it’s great that we can finally visit the place. Definitely on my list once all the restrictions ease up.

If you’ve been to IRAN and your passport has been stamped in Iran, you might want to check from reliable source if you can enter saudi arabia with such passport with iranian stamp. They don’t allow that here as far as I know.

What site would you recommend for asking the visa ? Is it also a problem between iran and Saoedi Arabia ? Cause I want to go to iran First but don’t want any issues between pasport stamps

The site where you can ask for the visa is linked in the visa section of this blog.

No problem between Iran and Saudi from a traveling perspective

Hello, I want to travel to Saudi Arabia from Slovenia ( Eu country ) by car .Is it possible and which route you suggest? Where I can get more information? Slavko

Hi, you can do Turkey-Iraq-Saudi or Turkey-Iran-UAE (ferry)-Saudi

Hi Thank you for your answer. I’m not a world traveler and I don’t know where to get more information. Can you suggest a kind of forum or something similar where I could find out more about how to plan my trip. Slavko

Cheers everyone! I really like the detailed article as always on this great blog.

It also states that entering KSA from Jordan by land border would be easy to cross – is that information still current as of now?

Anyway I hope you or one of the readers can help me with my questions on crossing the border from Jordan to Saudi Arabia as it’s kind of hard to find any information on that. I’ve already tried several FB groups, TripAdvisor forums, iOverlander and even contacting some travel agencies as well as visitsaudi.com but was not able to get a clear statement (if any).

My questions would be: – Is it possible to cross from Jordan to Saudi Arabia at Al Muddawarah border crossing with a Saudi Arabian eVisa or would I need another type of visa (e. g. from an embassy)? – Are there any restrictions or special requirements on exiting Jordan at the named border (e. g. special visa type needed etc.)? – Are there any public transportation services (at least to the Jordan side of the border and then from the Saudi Arabian side to Tabouk) as I’m not travelling by own vehicle?

For the record, I’m a EU citizen with respective passport and no Israeli stamps, if that’s of concern for my request.

I really would appreciate any hint on the issue. Thank you so much in advance!

Best, Philipp

Hi Phil, I don’t know about public transportation options but I’d certainly try to hitchhike in that area. It will be an adventure.

Cities in Saudi are not meant to walk at all, and Tabouk is so spread out that in the best case, your bus will drop you in the middle of nowhere, having to either hitchhike or taxi a pricey taxi to your hotel or next destination.

The border is fully open with the evisa, as I’ve been told.

Dear Joan, thanks for your advice on that. In the meantime I have also received a statement from http://www.visitsaudi.com on the land border/eVisa question and they confirmed that it should be possible to enter KSA that way. Next step is to check if Jordan let’s us leave via that border with a regular visa ;). Best, Phil

Hi Philipp, I lived in Tabuk (the city) in 2009/10. We often took a taxi from the bus stand (in advance, usually a big people carrier as there were 4 of us) to the border and cross with our multi-exit visas. On return, we’d call the driver and he’d pick us up. One time, he didn’t come and so the 2 of us got a lift on an empty coach to Tabuk, for which we gratefully paid a fee. There was absolutely no public transport on that route; only single cars and trucks and the odd train of camel.

Cheers Justin, weirdly only now I was notified of your comment, so sorry for the late reply. Thanks for sharing your experience!

To whom it may concern: We’ll actually do the tour from Aqaba to Tabouk on 13th of November with just the standard eVisa and hopefully a shared taxi. It’s not clear yet how and where to find them but the tripadvisor forum says they exist as of July 2022: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293991-i4477-k13850870-Hotel_in_Haql_and_shared_taxi_from_Haql_to_Tabuk-Saudi_Arabia.html#115457755 . Otherwise we’ve found a couple of agencies/drivers who offer the trip at a comparatively high rate of 1000 SAR after negotiation but therefore in a huge Chevy Escalade…

Thank you a interestingly objective current read ( which is very hard to find) A mixed group of us are travelling to Riyadh from England in Dec and this has answered a few of my concerns ( female married westerner )

Excellent, thanks!

Hi Joan, I fly to Riyadh in a week. I read that evisa costs 535 SAR and visa on arrival 480 SAR. The only difference I can see is that evisa includes a medical insurance for Saudi Arabia. Since most of us travel with insurance, is there any reason to go for the evisa instead of the visa on arrival? Thank you!

Hello Bego! They just changed the rules recently, thanks for pointing that out 🙂

Hi, does the mileage limit for rental cars still apply in 2023?

I’m really struggling to find information about Ramadan in KSA. It’s the only time I can go next year and don’t know what challenges and possible benefits it might have

KSA is a tough place for Ramadan… Everything will be closed during the day. Benefits? Nightlife and joining iftars but Saudi isn’t like Syria or Jordan, where people are walking and shopping along markets…

I am planning to go to Saudi Arabia alone in the next February. But it is very expensive to join a local tour. For example, if I go to moon crater from Jeddah, it costs me US$900. Madly expensive! Can I rent a taxi /uber to get to tourist spot? Do you have any information about any reliable tour agents?

Hi Wilson, things in Saudi are getting tremendously expensive. You can travel on your one by renting a car, just on rentalcars.com

Thanks for all your posts about Saudi ,that helped me on my two weeks trip from Jeddah to dammam. Very interesting country; Al Ula is excellent 👌 and Riyadh a good surprise ; but in general not easy to travel without a car (saptco national bus company ceased operations oct2023) and little info available. The high speed cars are really everywhere.

thank you for the update Cyril!

Do you have to to provide proof of accommodation on arrival at the airport?

No, you don’t have to

Are there many shared taxis in Saudi?

there are, but they aren’t as common or easy to find as in other countries. I remember taking one from Abha to Jizan

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Can non-Muslims go to Mecca or Madina? Can Tourists Enter?

Table of Contents

Mecca and Medina are the two most important cities in the Islamic world, and millions of Muslims from around the world visit these cities each year to perform Hajj or Umrah.

However, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Mecca, but are allowed to visit Madinah. This raises a lot of questions for people who wish to visit Mecca or Medina, especially for tourists and people of other religions.

Why Are Non-Muslims Not Allowed in Mecca or Madina?

When the question arises, ‘ Can non-Muslims go to Mecca ‘ the answer is No.

Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy cities of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The reasons for this restriction are deeply rooted in the Islamic faith and history.

Mecca and Medina are considered the holiest cities in Islam and are revered by Muslims worldwide. Mecca is home to the Kaaba, the first house of worship dedicated to the one true God, Allah. It is also the site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage , which is one of the five pillars of Islam and mandatory for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it.

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, states that Mecca is a sanctuary that is reserved exclusively for Muslims and non-Muslims cannot vsit Mecca.

It says in the Quran,

“O you who have believed, indeed the polytheists are unclean, so let them not approach al-Masjid al-Haram after this, their [final] year” (9:28). This Quran verse is interpreted by Islamic scholars as a commandment to keep non-Muslims out of Mecca.

Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) declared that Mecca and Medina are sacred lands that are not to be polluted by non-Muslims.

“No unbeliever may enter Mecca. No one may circumambulate the Kaaba naked or perform the pilgrimage naked” (Sahih Muslim, 1355).

This restriction on non-Muslims entering Mecca has been in place for centuries and is strictly enforced by the Saudi Arabian government. Non-Muslims who attempt to enter Mecca can face severe consequences, including imprisonment and deportation.

The rationale behind this ban is to preserve the sanctity and purity of Mecca as holy site for Muslims . Allowing non-Muslims to enter Makkah could potentially lead to the desecration of these sacred sites and compromise their spiritual significance for Muslims.

In addition to the religious and cultural reasons, there are also security concerns that justify the ban on non-Muslims entering Mecca. The Saudi Arabian government takes the responsibility of protecting the holy cities and their visitors very seriously. It believes restricting access to these cities is necessary to ensure their safety.

How Do They Check if You Are Muslim in Mecca?

The passport will be checked at the arrival registration counter at airport when arriving in Saudi Arabia, and if the passport has any visa stamps from Israel, it will be deemed invalid.

Additionally, non-Muslims are not allowed to apply for the special Hajj or Umrah visas, which are required to enter Makkah and Medina.

Furthermore, there are checkpoints and barriers set up on the roads leading to Mecca to ensure that only Muslims enter the city.

At these checkpoints, visitors will be asked to show their Hajj or Umrah visas as well as their ID cards, which will indicate their religion.

Additionally, there are officers who will be observing the visitors’ behavior and dress to ensure that they are adhering to Islamic norms and customs.

What if I’m a Tourist Visiting Saudi Arabia?

If you are a non-Muslim tourist visiting Saudi Arabia, you will not be allowed to enter the holy citiy of Makkah. However, you can still visit other parts of the country, such as Madina, Riyadh or Jeddah, and experience the culture and hospitality of the Saudi people.

The government has also started promoting tourism in the country, and there are many tourist attractions that you can visit.

Can a Revert/Converted Muslim Go to Mecca?

Yes, a revert Muslims can of course go to Mecca.

However, it is important to note that the Saudi Arabian government has implemented strict rules and regulations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and you must follow these rules to perform the pilgrimage.

Can a Christian Enter Mecca?

christian cross christians are not allowed to enter makkah

No, Christians are not allowed to enter Mecca. According to Islamic teachings, Christians are considered to be polytheists, and they are not allowed to enter the holy cities.

However, there have been reports of some non-Muslims being allowed to enter the cities for diplomatic or business reasons, but these are rare cases.

Can a Hindu Enter Mecca?

No, Hindus are not allowed to enter Mecca or Medina. Hindus are considered to be idolaters, and according to Islamic teachings, idolaters are not allowed to enter the holy cities.

However, there have been some exceptional cases of Hindus being allowed to enter Mecca for diplomatic or business reasons.

Can a Jew Enter Mecca?

No, Jews are not allowed to enter Mecca. The Saudi Arabian government strictly prohibits non-Muslims from entering the holy city of Mecca, and this includes Jews.

This rule is in place to preserve the sanctity and purity of the holy sites for Muslims and to prevent any potential harm to the religious and cultural identity of the city.

Is There an Age Limit for Hajj?

There is no specific age limit for Hajj, but the pilgrim must be physically and financially capable of performing the journey. However, due to safety concerns, the Saudi government has set the minimum age for performing Hajj at 12 years .

Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are advised to consult their doctors before embarking on the Hajj journey.

What Happens if a Non-Muslim Enters Mecca?

If a Non-Muslim is found entering Mecca, they will be arrested and deported back to their country.

The Saudi government takes the ban on non-Muslims entering Mecca seriously, and violators can face severe punishment, including imprisonment and fines.

Incidents When Non-Muslims Entered Mecca

There have been instances in the past where non-Muslims have entered Mecca. In 1979, a group of armed militants led by Juhayman al-Otaybi took control of the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

The militants were from Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and they believed that the ruling Saudi monarchy had become corrupt and unIslamic.

The Saudi government eventually regained control of the mosque after a two-week siege, during which many people were killed or injured. This incident highlighted the potential security risks that non-Muslims could pose if they were allowed to enter Mecca.

In 2002, an American Jew and TV journalist in Israel named Gil Tamary secretly entered Mecca to record footage for a travelogue.

Despite the strict enforcement of the ban on non-Muslims in Mecca, Tamary managed to gain entry along with only 17 other non-Muslims known to have done so in recent decades.

The incident caused an uproar among Muslims, Israelis, and Westerners alike, as they feared it would increase hostility. The Saudi government pressed criminal charges against Tamary and his Saudi driver.

Tamary later issued an apology and claimed his intention was to highlight the significance of Mecca and the beauty of the religion to promote religious tolerance.

These incidents demonstrate the importance that Muslims place on the sanctity of Mecca and the need for strict measures to prevent non-Muslims from entering the city.

While there may be some curiosity among non-Muslims about what lies inside the holy city, it is important to respect the religious beliefs and practices of others and refrain from attempting to enter Mecca without permission.

Can Non-Muslim Enter Mosques?

Non-Muslims are allowed and welcomed to enter mosques in Saudi Arabia, however the only mosques they are not allowed to enter is Masjid Al Haram and sacred areas around it.

In many Muslim-majority countries, non-Muslims are allowed to enter mosques, although there may be certain restrictions or protocols that they need to follow, such as dress code and behavior. Visitors are often required to remove their shoes and dress modestly, and photography and loud talking may not be allowed.

In some cases, non-Muslims may be allowed to enter mosques but only in certain areas, such as a designated viewing area or the outer courtyard. In other cases, non-Muslims may be allowed to enter the mosque but only during certain times, such as outside of prayer times. But in most cases non Muslims are welcomed to visit mosques.

There are times when some mosques that do not allow non-Muslims to enter at all. This may be because the mosque is considered to be a particularly sensitive or sacred site or because there have been security concerns in the past.

In general, it is recommended that non-Muslims who wish to visit a mosque should be respectful of Islamic customs and traditions. This may include dressing modestly, removing shoes before entering the mosque, and refraining from any behavior that could be seen as disrespectful or disruptive.

Overall, non-Muslims are permitted to enter mosques, unless that mosque is Masjid Al Haram. With proper respect and consideration for Islamic customs and traditions, it is often possible for non-Muslims to visit and appreciate these important cultural and religious sites.

Islam Is Not the Only Religion That Bans/Restricts Access to Holy Sites

It is important to note that Islam is not the only religion that restricts access to certain holy sites. Many religions around the world have similar practices, and it is often done to preserve the sanctity and religious significance of these places.

For example, in Hinduism, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter certain temples.

In addition, there are also many secular restrictions on access to certain areas around the world, such as military zones, national parks, and private property.

Summary – Can Non-Muslims Go to Mecca or Medina?

The bottom line is non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter Mecca, which are considered the holiest cities in Islam. This is due to the religious significance of these places and the Islamic belief that only Muslims are allowed to enter.

There are strict checkpoints and guidelines in place to ensure that only Muslims are able to enter, and those who attempt to enter without permission may face severe consequences.

However, tourists and visitors to Saudi Arabia are still able to experience the culture and history of the country, and there are many other places to visit and explore.

It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions and to follow all laws and regulations while visiting the country.

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7 Things To Know Before You Fly To Medina: World’s #1 Safest City For Female Travellers

Medina topped the list of the world’s safest cities for solitary female travellers, with a perfect 10/10 score in two distinct categories. So the next time you want to fly solo, consider this stunning locale. (Image by Afif Kusuma .)

Medina — the second-holiest city for Muslims and the world’s number one safest city for solo female travellers. The Saudi Arabian city was rated first in a survey performed by InsureMyTrip , which collected data from several sources including World Economic Forum studies and The Georgetown Institute for Women , Peace, and Security.

Those researchers found Medina (which also goes by the Arabic spelling Madinah) at the top of the list of the world’s safest cities for lone female travellers, with a perfect 10/10 score in two categories. First, safety travelling alone at night , and second, lack of anxiety about gender-based assaults . The source also reached their results by investigating other lifestyle influences such as tourist quality, estimated Google ratings, and the number of postings each location receives on social media.

For Muslims, we are very much aware that Medina is a city held in high respect. It lies more than 400 kilometres north of Mecca, in western Saudi Arabia . Medina is not only embellished with breathtaking vistas but also holds several historical sites that one can visit either on a pilgrimage or for tourism.

That said, this openness is a fairly new development. And, like this lady who’s backpacked as a lone female traveller through Medina says, travelling here has its challenges. So, while yes, Medina is open to tourists (and they don’t have to be Muslim), this is a destination worth the effort only if you’re absolutely certain you wish to visit.

History of Medina

Before the emergence of Islam, this city was known as Yathrib. After Prophet Mohammad’s death, it was called Madinat an-Nabi meaning the ‘Prophet’s City’. Later, it was changed to al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, ‘The Enlightened City’. It is not only the fourth most populous city in Saudi Arabia, but it is also the capital of the Medina Province. Aside from its notable religious sites, the city has a lot to offer to any exploring traveller.

Undoubtedly, Medina is a fascinating destination for female vacationers due to its safety, mesmerising culture, and breathtaking views. But, before you enthusiastically book a flight there, here are a few essential things you should keep in mind.

1. Dress code

Female travellers from countries with a more open or less conservative culture may find Saudi Arabia’s dress standards intimidating, but you should remember that adapting to their culture is part of the journey.

Furthermore, policies are changing, so dress standards in Medina are less stringent than in the past, when women were legally forced to wear abayas or full-length gowns in public. These days, while you need to dress to conform , it’s not as daunting as it used to be.

The regulations governing female fashion have recently been changed . Foreign ladies are now given a bit more leeway. Women are still expected to dress modestly, which means they must cover their shoulders, arms, and legs, but they can now do it in a more fashionable way.

2. Language use

Of course, the people here speak Arabic — the official language of Saudi Arabia. But fret not. There are Saudis who speak English, or at least enough English to communicate effectively. Most traffic signs are also printed in both Arabic and English, making it easier for outsiders to navigate around. You can rest assured that English-speaking travellers like you can get through without learning any Arabic phrases, though speaking a few important local phrases will earn you a friend or two.

3. Public transport

There is a shuttle bus service available at all tourist locations with the frequency of commuting from both directions is every half an hour. The Medina Development Authority operates bus services, and the airport’s bus station is located near the terminal (more information here). The city’s final stop is within walking distance of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina’s heart. The bus ticket is merely SAR10 (approximately RM11.70) per passenger.

Taxi services are also available. Metres are meant to be used to calculate fares. If a metre is not used, make sure to arrange a pricing agreement before getting a ride. If ever you’re unsure, simply inquire with your hotel reception about the usual rates to your destination.

4. Prayer times

Believe it or not, most stores and restaurants close during prayer times, and you will be likely asked to leave the premises. Of course, there will be exceptions at some places. Customers eating inside a restaurant, for example, will be permitted to finish their meals. Prayer sessions take around 30 minutes at most. While a few malls still adhere to the local tradition of closing, there are stores breaking from tradition and staying open during prayer times.

What’s most important is to be respectful during the adhan (call to prayer). If possible, stop what you’re doing for a while and pause loud conversation until the call is finished.

5. Shopping at the famous Old Bazaar

While there are many places to shop til you drop, the Old Bazaar is probably the most popular spot for tourists — it’s where you can land yourself some unique finds! Located in Medina Province, the bazaar is adjacent to the mosque’s gate number seven.

From new items to local antiques, shop for the likes of gold, pearls, and other valuables since they are considerably cheaper compared to other Saudi cities. Even though the majority of the items are moderately priced, don’t forget to negotiate.

As for payment, be sure to bring cash in the local currency — Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR). While you can exchange your money at airports upon arrival, we recommend USD or Euros as certain national currencies are not accepted. And don’t worry, you can find ATMs at all airports and retail centres. Some hotels also provide ATM exchange machines.

6. Tourist visas and insurance

First, all visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months before arriving. Tourist visas to Saudi Arabia (eVisas) are currently accessible to nationals of 49 countries, including Malaysia. Tourists may verify their visa eligibility and apply online . New tourist visas are valid for one year and allow travellers to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

When visiting Saudi Arabia, it is a good idea to obtain travel insurance considering healthcare costs for foreigners may be expensive. Some airlines provide low-cost health coverage for medical situations, while travel businesses can recommend reputable and reasonably priced organisations that provide foreign travel insurance.

7. Malaysia to Medina vaccine requirements

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia announced 10 authorised lists of COVID-19 vaccinations and the number of doses necessary for each of them for pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season 1443/2022 on 4 June 2022. So, as long as you meet these requirements, you should be good to go!

Pfizer-BioNTech, two doses.
Moderna, two doses.
Oxford-AstraZeneca, two doses
Janssen, one dose.
Covovax, two doses.
Nuvaxovid (NUVAXOVID), two doses.
Sinopharm, two doses.
Sinovac, two doses.
Covexin, two doses.
Sputnik V, two doses.

A middle child of three from Shah Alam, Aqilah constantly daydreams about taking a stroll in New York City, yachting in the south of France, or wandering the Trastevere neighbourhood in Rome. When picking a vacation spot, she thinks of exhilarating places that will look breathtaking on Instagram and sound even better on paper.

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Travelling to Madinah (Medina) and videos

So you want to go to Madinah? It is possible, but in my opinion you will enjoy it more if either you are Muslim, or you really are interested in Islamic history. I say this because we have recently travelled to Medina and there is not a whole lot to do there, but see the sights and go to the mosques. Of course if you are Muslim you will be looking forward to The Prophet’s Mosque. We arrived during a sandstorm, so most activities were limited to indoor ones. The sandstorm/dust lasted about 3 days. Most of the city could not be seen past a certain distance, and even when the tour bus got close to the mountain ranges, we could barely see they were there. That’s the power of sand storms for you!

A Conservative City : When you are in Medina you must follow the dress code. Although for foreigners the rules have changed in most of Saudi, here as in Makkah (Mecca), women must wear a hijab or head scarf and an abaya that is closed. Put a mask with that for Covid protection and really you are mostly all covered. Men also need to wear long pants and shirts that cover to their elbow. If this is a problem for you, then probably this is not a good choice of destination. It also gets hot during the day, so people tend to rest indoors and go out at night. It would be best to visit Medina in the winter months. March is getting to see the heat of the day.

Religious City : Medina is the second holiest city in Islam. To go there and visit, is to go back in time to a place that started as a small village and now is a bustling city. However unlike a lot of cities, it has a peaceful, laid back vibe. In one way it is due to the fact that the second holiest mosque, The Prophet’s Mosque, is here, and prayers are said around the clock 5 times each day. There are also a number of other historic mosques in the area which you can pray at which have their own significance. If you have ever been to Egypt then you will definitely find that the atmosphere and city street design feels a lot like what you’d experience in Egypt. Two-story buildings, open stores down the streets, tea cafes, dusty avenues and street cats…kind of everything mixed up together. Two things to do here that are popular: buy and eat the most delicious dates native to Medina (small dark ones) which are very rich and sweet, and feed the pigeons.

Since this is an international destination, the cities’ inhabitants are used to foreigners. Most of the large international hotels surround the prophet’s mosque, so that you can have a view of The Haram (The Prophet’s Mosque), from your hotel window, and easily be able to go to prayer. Many people walk in from the surrounding neighborhood during prayer times, so there is a steady stream of foot traffic. Many go back home after they have said prayers. Check out my blog all about visiting The Prophet’s Mosque: https://datepalmsncamels.com/2021/03/27/al-masjid-an-nabawi-the-prophets-mosque-al-haram/

Hotel Experience : We stayed at the Pullman Zamzam Madina with a city view, which we booked about 3 weeks before. It can be hard to get The Haram view, so book in advance. The beds and pillows were comfortable, and service was good. They have a cafe area and dining room. The food was ok/good, meaning the main dishes were alright, salad bar a bit skimpy, but desserts were great! We paid for 2 adults, and kids ate for free. The only real complaint we had, which can’t be avoided here, is the smoky smell of the air even with the A/C on. Many people smoke, so it gets recirculated throughout the hotel. We noticed a definite improvement in the air quality after the weekend. So, if you want cleaner air, book your stay for Sunday through Thurs, or find a small apartment for rent that caters to non-smokers.

Food : Finding places to eat was a bit tough. You will find many street food vendors in the neighborhoods, more than you will around The Haram area. In fact it is hard to find a good food place except for the hotel cafes and restaurants. There are a few small places like a Dunkin Donuts hole-in-the-wall and some small coffee shops (take out only) near the mosque. It is worth going out and scoping the neighborhood for more choices. We found a great little place out in the neighborhood streets that served shish kabobs, Za’atar, meat pies, etc., and those prices you will find affordable. We ate at Istanbul Shish Kabob and here the chef is making our Za’atar bread, which one of my kids adores.

Most menus may be in Arabic and you may need to scan the bar code to get the menu. If you tell them what you like for example, salad, vegetables, rice…or chicken, meat, cheese, bread, etc you can work it out. For desserts just find a nice bakery and buy a bunch of stuff to try. There is baklava, cookies, dates, ice cream, etc.

City Tour Bus : Highly recommend the 24 hour ticket, double decker tour bus! Don’t miss this unless you don’t like buses for some reason. These are new and definitely a good deal. It will bring you around the city in 2 hours, stopping at 12 significant sites. This is the best way to see just how spread out Medina is, and to get a feel for the surrounding landscape, which is mountainous and dry. Check out my blog just on this tour experience: https://datepalmsncamels.com/2021/03/25/madinah-medina-sightseeing-bus-tour-videos/

Since Covid-19 : Covid has affected Medina in a number of ways. For entry into your hotel you will need to have your temperature taken and show the Tawakkalna App. You will also need to do this for the bus tour. They may check your temperature at the mosques.

Another difference during Covid, is that there are a lot less foreigners or visitors coming into the city. We felt a spaciousness around The Haram, with some people from countries not being able to enter Saudi, while others just wanting to be safer, stay at home. You will see less people at the mosques, and on the tour bus. We felt like it was a good time to visit as you have more space for contemplation.

Ways to Get Here : For airlines that fly internally to Medina, you can choose between Saudia (Saudia.com), and the budget flyadeal (flyadeal.com) and flynas (flynas.com). The budget flights let you on with carryon only, while Saudia allows for regular suitcases.

A road trip to Medina is also an option, and a great way to see different areas of Saudi. It will be hot and dry so be sure to take lots of water and also toilet tissue with you.

There is also a high speed train from Jeddah to Madinah (Medina) and Makkah Mecca) called the Haramain. The service was suspended due to Covid, but now will reopen at end of this month March 2021 . You can read more about it in the articles from 11 Oct. 2018 and 14 March 2021 in arabnews.com links below.

“Saudi Arabia’s Haramain High-Speed Railway opens to public” https://www.arabnews.com/node/1386191/saudi-arabia

“Saudi Arabia’s Haramain High Speed Railway to resume operations after COVID-19 suspension” https://www.arabnews.com/node/1825356/saudi-arabia

For an idea of what Medina area looks like near The Prophet’s Mosque you may enjoy the video below. You will notice all of the large hotels in this area. This is the final leg of the tour bus and at the end you can see the mosque down the street. Also, check out my blog just about the bus tour here: https://datepalmsncamels.com/2021/03/25/madinah-medina-sightseeing-bus-tour-videos/

Enjoy your time in this famous city!

Top 10 Things to do in Medina- A Complete Guide to Visit ‘The Enlightened City’

The 'Enlightened City’ and the city messenger of God, Medina, is considered as the second holiest place in Islam. Being an epitome of culture and spirituality, it has become a major Islamic pilgrimage site. It is believed that Prophet Mohammad got the rights to change the direction of prayer to Mecca. The history of the place has only been narrated in the form of a story, and so, it has yet to be discovered while on vacation.

Things To Do In Medina: To Enjoy The Adventure And History

Renowned as a major religious place of Islam, the majestic city of Medina has a lot more to offer to the tourists. So, to give you an insight into what Medina beholds, here are the top 10 things you can do in Medina to make your visit a complete bliss.

1. Hiking Adventure Paradise At Al Ula

UNESCO's first heritage site, Al Ula is home to numerous ravines and mountains. The bumpy terrain of various volcanic rocks and basaltic flows, very old rock engravings and shiny soft sand makes this place a perfect place for a hiking adventure. Al Ula is also known as the adventure trail and exploring this place is one of the fun things to do in Medina . It is a great fascination for the hikers in Saudi Arabia. The 14 km long cycle trail is also a paradise for adventure lovers. one can enjoy pedaling up on the thrilling canyons to pedaling down on the slopes, to riding through sandy tracks for a perfect thrilling adventure amidst fascinating scenery.

Among the things to do in Medina , hiking is one you should definitely try. Fun is on its peak when we ride near the natural oasis in Al Ula. The gleaming oasis and rock arts will offer you an enchanting unforgettable experience. If you are a star lover, then voila, the 4km sequestered night hike in Al Ula will make your trip even more exciting. Connecting with nature’s beauty and getting lost in the starry constellation on the alpines is bliss.

2. Shopping Merriment at Old Bazaar Near Nawabi Mosque

In great glee, to see that nonpareil charismatic smile you bring back home some frolicsome souvenirs for your loved ones from a holiday. Old Bazaar near Nawabi Mosque will help you to fulfill that endeavor. It is a bazaar full of colorful fabrics, fascinating handicrafts, charming décor artifacts, delicious dry fruits especially piquant dates of Saudi Arabia. The colorful local market in Medina will make your hair upside down and will cherish your shopper soul and satisfy your oniomania. Whee! well honestly, shopping here is a great pleasure because here in local markets you can bargain a little and voila! you can be a little penny pincher, well obviously it will help to buy wonders while paying little.

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3. Flying a Hot Air Ballon over Hegra

Hegra is an ancient untouched site of Media, Saudi Arabia. It is a pristine archeological site, once a thrilling international trade hub, left undisturbed for about 2000 years, now open for tourists. Hegra is also known as Mada’in Saleh. One can unlock the key to an almost unforgotten and flawless ancient civilization of Hegra, get lost in the mesmerizing and magical beauty of rock cut constructions and monuments. Hegra’s beauty, appeal fascination lies in the fact that it is virtually unknown to the world. The monuments here articulate the ancient empire tales of thousands of years ago. Exploring this ancient place from the sky, while flying in the hot air balloon is one of the best things to do in Medina .

You can revive historical colors of this heritage, while flying hot air balloons in Hegra. Hot air balloon festival is celebrated during winters, known as Tantora festival. It’s a great fun and a great tourist attraction.

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4. Relaxing at Yanbu Al Bahr Beach

Known for its beautiful beaches on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, Yanbu Al Bahr Beach, is one of the most tranquil beaches in Saudi Arabia . The charming beach welcomes tourists from all walks of life and one can relish in the golden sand under the sparkling sun and feel the gushing waves of cold sea breeze. The special diving spots on the beach are home to enormous attractions and adventures for tourists. You can take advantage of the phenomenal diving spots along the reef.

There are abundant restaurants and cafes nearby the beach where you can taste some amazing delicacies. Saudi Diving Center is one the best famous in the city which allures focus of many tourists.

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5. Exploring the Cave of Bani Haram, the Icon of Battle of Trench

Located in the northwest of the Prophet’s Mosque, the majestic Cave of Bani Haram is one of the fascinating places that attract tourists from all over the world. Being an important icon of the Battle of Trench, this place will give you a chance to unlock the ancient cultural and historical events of the ancient era. This is one of those places to visit in Saudi Arabia that will make your trip a blessed one. It was a heated battle between Muslims and Quraysh in which Muslims came out victorious. During this war, Prophet spent many nights in this cave and he got prostrated when he received a message from Allah through angel Jibraeel and that’s why the cave is also known as the Cave of Prostration.

Location: Al Fath, Medina 42312 6753, Saudi Arabia

6. Exploring the Assalam Museum

The Assalam Museum will help you step back in time and help in discovering and reviving the historical aspects. Located west of the Prophet’s Mosque, Assalam Museum showcases the great ventures of Medina. By exploring the Assalam Museum you will also be able to know why Medina was undertaken as the ‘Land of Spreading Islam’. Exploring this historical place is one of the best things to do in Medina that will give you a glimpse of the past and rich culture. You will also be able to discover very old writings of the Quran, written on pieces of rock. It also projects different constructional phases and maintenance of Prophet’s Mosque that took place with time that will take you back in time. The best part is that it is open daily 24*7.

Location : West side to Bab al-Salam of the Prophet’s Mosque, Saudi Arabia.

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7. Uthman ibn Affan’s Farm and Well

Uthman was the son-in-law and wealthiest companion of the Prophet. He bought this well, in response to the Prophet’s promise of donating water to the needy in times of drought. Water from this divine well was purchased by Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan and was distributed to those who were in need. Known as the ‘Well of Roma’, the miraculous thing is that this 1400 years old well springs even till today. You can find beautiful palm trees in the surroundings, making the nearby area adorned with lush greenery.

Address : Bir Uthman, Medina 42331, Saudi Arabia

Opening hours : Sun - Thu: 8am - 12pm (closed on Fri & Sat)

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8. Reading the Biography of Prophet at Medina Museum

The Medina Museum, is located at the King Abdul Azeez Street, Knowledge Economic City in Medina. Apart from all other things to do in Medina , this one has a holy connection. This museum showcases the civilization, constructional features and cultural heritage and history of Medina where you will get details on the same. This museum will give you a virtual tour of Prophet’s Biography and knowledge of old Islamic life.

Location: King AbdulAziz Street, Knowledge Economic City Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Opening hours : 9am - 7pm (daily).

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9. City Sightseeing in Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus

If you are planning to visit Medina and want to travel and explore places in 24 hours, without getting much tired, then voila! Hop-on-Hop-off Bus tour will really help you to visit places, hopping at your own pace at any one the 11 stops. You can learn about the sites through audio aids as well. So, are you ready to rejoice in this fantastic audio-visual journey? I am sure you are. Other facilities like wifi, and drinking water.

Departure Point Departure Point- Green Route - Stop 1, Almasged Alnabwi Red Route - Stop 1, Uhod Battlefield Join at Stop 1 for the full tour. Isn’t it great that the Passengers can hop on the tour at any of the stops along the route and can enjoy the most.

Departure Time- 1/1/2022 - 3/31/2023 Monday - Sunday: 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Return Details- At the 'end' of the tour, the bus will return to the first departure point.

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10. Explore the Garden of Salman Al Farsi

Years ago, there was a garden in this place which consisted of a well also. This garden was owned by a Jewish lady who kept Salman as a slave. The Prophet insisted the lady to free Salman. The lady asked the Prophet she will do so; if the slave planted palm trees for her. The Prophet planted palm trees with his hands and thus the slave got free. The well is also called the “Well of the Poor’ and is present till today.

So, are you looking for a rejoicing long vacation with your loved ones blended with historical, spiritual, tranquil and adventurous aspects, then Medina is the best place for you. From shopping souvenirs to hiking, diving and exploring Islamic history at beautiful museums, amazing hotels in Saudi Arabia that will pervade your vacation with luxury and hospitality. Medina has a lot to do and discover. So, are you ready make most of this beautiful destination and complete one destination of your bucket list, So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now. Pack your fancy bags and relish in this beautiful destination.

Medina is the regional capital and the second holiest city of Islam. It is located in Saudi Arabia.

Yes, Non-Muslims may enter Medina, but they must keep a distance from Masjid Al-Nawabi.

One has to drive for approximately 5hrs to reach Medina from Meeca, covering a total distance of 435.22 KM.

The name of the Medina airport is Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. It is one of the two gateway airports for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

The best time to visit Medina in Saudi Arabia is between months of October and May. At this time, the weather is pleasant as compared to other months which experience extreme heat.

Al Ula is a cynosure of fun things to do in Medina and Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO first Heritage site. Starting from hiking, cycling on the bumpy terrain and volcanic rocks, to stargazing during night in the clear dark sky, Al Ula makes the travel full of bliss and adventure.

Hegra was used as a swarming trade hub by the Nabataean Kingdom. This place was left untouched for about two millennia but the site still features breathtaking astonishing architecture consisting of cliffs and beautiful carved structure.

Yanbu is known for its beautiful beaches on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Yanbu Al Bahr Beach, is one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in Saudi Arabia. One can take advantage of the phenomenal diving spots along the reef and plan a lifetime experience of diving in here.

Ayushi Kaushik

I don't want to be a dime a dozen, so I write. An Electrical Engineer who finds her tranquility in writing places to an ardent travel blogger, who loves traversing places and flavoursome cuisines.

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Trump Holds Series of Meetings With Foreign Leaders

The former president has had several private interactions with foreign heads of state and their emissaries. He plans to meet Wednesday with Poland’s president.

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Andrzej Duda of Poland, left, and Donald J. Trump stand next to each other outdoors at the White House, with two microphones in front of them.

By Jonathan Swan , Maggie Haberman and Michael Crowley

Donald J. Trump plans to meet with the right-wing president of Poland this week, the latest in a series of his private interactions with leaders or emissaries from countries from the Persian Gulf to Eastern Europe, many of whom share an affinity with his brand of politics.

Mr. Trump is expected to have dinner in New York with Poland’s president, Andrzej Duda, on Wednesday, his one day off from court this week, according to two people briefed on the arrangements who were not authorized to discuss them publicly. The meeting was mentioned as a possibility by Mr. Duda on X shortly after The New York Times approached his office for comment.

It will be a reunion for Mr. Trump and Mr. Duda, who once proposed naming a military base after Mr. Trump and who now shares power in Poland with a rival whose politics are much more aligned with those of President Biden.

Mr. Trump’s other recent interactions with foreign leaders and their representatives include a phone call he had last month with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, which was previously undisclosed. A senior Bahraini official described it as “a social call.”

The quickening tempo of this foreign outreach is in one sense unsurprising. Foreign leaders read the polls and understand that Mr. Trump could return to power.

Richard Haass, a former diplomat and the president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, said there was nothing inherently wrong with such interactions. “There’s nothing unusual — or to put it positively, there’s everything usual — about foreign leaders meeting with the American equivalent of the leader of the opposition,” Mr. Haass said.

Mr. Trump would cross a red line, however, with any attempt to influence the words or actions of foreign leaders — for instance, by asking for expressions of support or that they take steps to undermine Mr. Biden’s policies, he said. “Then he is carrying out a foreign policy,” Mr. Haass said, adding, “This is all fine in principle. It just depends on the actual content in practice.”

The meetings nevertheless carry political sensitivities. Many foreign embassies are conducting their outreach quietly, through emissaries, to avoid angering the Biden administration. And countries that have connected directly with Mr. Trump through their heads of state tend to be governments whose leaders have quarreled with Mr. Biden, or who had a relationship with Mr. Trump as president.

In late March, for example, Mr. Trump spoke by phone with the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. The call was arranged by Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who was visiting with Prince Mohammed at the time, two people familiar with the call said.

As president, Mr. Trump had a warm relationship with Prince Mohammed, and deflected outrage over the 2018 murder of the Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, in an operation U.S. intelligence officials assessed was conducted on the crown prince’s orders . Mr. Biden by contrast has condemned Prince Mohammed for the killing, although they have since established a working relationship.

Earlier in March, Mr. Trump hosted Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Florida.

Mr. Orban is a right-wing nationalist who has been at odds with Mr. Biden and other European leaders over the war in Ukraine and his efforts to crack down on the Hungarian press and judiciary. Mr. Orban has often appeared — as Mr. Trump has — to be sympathetic to the goals of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and has endorsed Mr. Trump’s campaign for president. He did not meet with Mr. Biden during his U.S. visit.

The dinner with Mr. Duda on Wednesday also fits a similar pattern. Mr. Duda represents Poland’s powerful conservative nationalist party, which dominated the country for years until recently and — in ways similar to Mr. Orban — clamped down on the press and judiciary and feuded with the European Union.

Since national elections in 2023, Mr. Duda has shared power with a bitter political rival, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a former senior E.U. official who casts himself in opposition to Mr. Duda and Mr. Duda’s Law and Justice Party as a defender of democracy.

In March of last year, Mr. Duda and Mr. Tusk set aside their differences and paid a joint visit to Mr. Biden at the White House to show a united front against Russia’s war in Ukraine. Unlike Mr. Orban, Mr. Duda is an unwavering critic of Russia’s invasion.

But Mr. Duda will be rekindling close ties with Mr. Trump, who hosted the Polish president at the White House in June 2020, just four days before Mr. Duda faced a closely contested re-election vote. Some analysts said the meeting amounted to an improper endorsement of Mr. Duda, who during the visit proposed naming a planned U.S. military base in Poland “Fort Trump.”

Brian Hughes, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, said the meetings and calls from world leaders “reflect the recognition of what we already know here at home. When President Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, the world will be more secure and America will be prosperous.”

Richard Fontaine, a former foreign policy adviser to Senator John McCain, agreed that Mr. Trump’s meetings were not extraordinary. But he said it was unusual for a foreign leader to overtly side with the chief opponent of the U.S. president.

“What’s unusual here is that heads of state generally remain studiously neutral in their outreach,” Mr. Fontaine said. “In the case of Orban, at least, he has publicly thrown in with Trump.”

Nothing obliges Mr. Trump to coordinate his meetings with the U.S. State Department. Spokesmen for the agency did not respond when asked whether the department has had any communication with Mr. Trump’s team.

Other foreign outreach to Mr. Trump is less about defying Mr. Biden and more about building a personal relationship to put the country in a more favorable position should Mr. Trump retake the presidency.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has publicly invited Mr. Trump to visit his country to see the war for himself.

A person close to Mr. Zelensky, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said the Ukrainian president appreciated that the Trump administration was the first to give lethal aid to Ukraine — something the Obama administration had not done. This person said that several people close to Mr. Trump who are ardent supporters of Ukraine have pushed a similar message to what Mr. Zelensky has said publicly.

Mr. Trump has made various statements about Ukraine since the invasion that have offered little clarity about his thinking about the conflict, but he has raised concerns by saying that he would encourage Russian aggression against NATO members who fail to meet their financial commitments to the organization.

Current and former representatives of the British government have also been in touch with Mr. Trump. Finland’s ambassador to the U.S., Mikko Hautala, has reached out directly to him and sought to persuade him of his country’s value to NATO as a new member, according to two people familiar with the conversations.

For U.S. officials, Mr. Trump’s conversation with Prince Mohammed was much more worrisome.

Mr. Biden is negotiating a delicate security agreement with Saudi Arabia that could form part of a grander deal — one in which Riyadh establishes formal diplomatic relations with Israel for the first time. Because such a deal could include new steps toward a Palestinian state, Biden officials see it as a critical exit ramp from the Gaza conflict.

But some officials fear that Mr. Trump, whose real-estate company has a deal with a Saudi firm for a project in Oman, could try to persuade Prince Mohammed to wait until after the November election, thus giving Mr. Trump an opportunity to preside over the deal as president.

Jonathan Swan is a political reporter covering the 2024 presidential election and Donald Trump’s campaign. More about Jonathan Swan

Maggie Haberman is a senior political correspondent reporting on the 2024 presidential campaign, down ballot races across the country and the investigations into former President Donald J. Trump. More about Maggie Haberman

Michael Crowley covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times. He has reported from nearly three dozen countries and often travels with the secretary of state. More about Michael Crowley

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

President Biden’s campaign has featured initiatives aimed at young people , union workers and environmentalists as well as calling for tariffs on Chinese steel , but it is not clear that they will be sufficient to rekindle support in those groups.

American voters absorbed their first view of a split-screen campaign: President Biden sprinting across one of the country’s top battleground states and former President Donald J. Trump sitting in a New York courtroom.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that he had secured a spot on the ballot in Michigan, as more than a dozen members of his family endorsed President Biden. Additionally, activists who worked with Kennedy at an environmental nonprofit group urged him to drop his presidential bid .

A Generation Gap: Many older Black voters see moral and political reasons to vote, but younger Black voters feel far less motivated to cast a ballot for Democrats or even at all .

Vice-Presidential Calculations: As Trump sifts through potential running mates, he has peppered some advisers and associates with a direct question: Which Republican could best help him raise money ?

Embracing the Jan. 6 Rioters: Trump initially disavowed the attack on the Capitol, but he is now making it a centerpiece of his campaign .

Mobilizing the Left: Amid the war in Gaza, the pro-Palestinian movement has grown into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States. Democrats are feeling the pressure .

Congress passes bill that could unlock billions in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine

The House passed a foreign aid package on Saturday as well as what's called the REPO Act that will allow the Biden administration to confiscate billions of dollars’ worth of Russian assets sitting in U.S. banks and transfer them to Ukraine for reconstruction.

“By delivering urgently needed aid to Ukraine, the United States has reasserted itself as the leader of the free world and as a reliable partner to its allies," said Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y. "The US has a singular obligation to help freedom fighters fight for their freedom, and nowhere more so than in Ukraine, whose self-defense against Putin’s aggression must prevail."

The REPO Act, which would authorize Biden to confiscate the frozen Russian assets in U.S. banks and transfer them to a special fund for Ukraine, is part of the foreign aid package that was stalled for months in the House. More than $6 billion of the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets are sitting in U.S. banks. Most of the $300 billion are in Germany, France and Belgium.

On Wednesday, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson released the package which would include tens of billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

“I’m going to a allow an opportunity for every single member of the House to vote their conscience and their will on this,” Johnson told reporters, defending his decision to allow the vote to go forward Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government invested heavily in the euro and the dollar over the years to keep the ruble stable, planting some $300 billion worth of foreign currency reserves.

But in early 2022, following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, all of the Group of Seven (G7) countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan banded together and froze all of the $300 billion dollars of Russian foreign currency reserves held in banks in those countries, most of the money in Europe.

“The Russians were surprised when, right after the war started, the Europeans took the exact same measures as the United States, freezing all of the reserves that were there and the Japanese did the same, which is why most of Russia’s reserves today are frozen in western banks,” said Chris Miller a professor at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.

The idea to confiscate the Russian assets emerged last year and has been hotly contested by economists and foreign policy experts.

In a recent op-ed in the New York Times, contributing opinion writer Christopher Caldwell argued that it’s a “terrible idea” to confiscate the Russian funds because other countries might stop investing in the U.S. which could negatively affect the economy in the long run.

“This could weaken the dollar’s status as the main global reserve currency. The dollar is probably the most valuable strategic asset the United States has,” Caldwell argued.

McFaul, whose been lobbying for the REPO Act for months, clapped back at Caldwell’s assertion and said the use of Russian assets for Ukraine would send an important message to autocratic nations around the world.

“There are those that say, 'Well, this will hurt the dollar. It’s bad for our reputation.' I have a pushback to that. I don’t want criminals investing in American Treasury bonds,” McFaul said.

One of the diplomatic challenges would be to convince the other G7 countries to do the same. While the U.K. is on board with the idea, France and Germany have been reticent.

“We’re making good progress in how to access that funds on an agreed basis that I think we can take forward to the G7,” U.K. foreign minister David Cameron told reporters April 9.

Amid the diplomatic maneuverings, one group in the background has been persistently applying pressure on members of Congress, the White House and G7 countries to move forward with the idea of confiscating the funds.

The Renew Democracy Initiative, a Washington DC-based nonprofit organization promoting democracy and American interest overseas sent a letter Friday urging Majority Leader Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to work together to get the REPO Act passed.

“Your leadership through legislative action will increase the likelihood that the administration does what is necessary to confiscate Putin’s billions,” wrote RDI Chairman Garry Kasparov and RDI CEO Uriel Epshtein.

In an interview Friday, Epshtein said he believes it will take U.S. action to bring about a G7 collaboration to confiscate the funds.

“Other G7 countries will only act to confiscate Russian assets if the U.S. leads,” said Epshtein.

Anna Schecter is a senior producer in the NBC News Investigations Unit.

Natasha Lebedeva is NBC's Senior Director for International Affairs, based in Washington.

Matt Bradley is a London-based foreign correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC.

Saudi foreign minister to visit Pakistan on Monday

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U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken holds meetings alongside the 78th annual United Nations General Assembly

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Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru; Editing by Susan Fenton and Leslie Adler

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Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy opens warships for public viewing in Qingdao

South Korea on Sunday protested Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's offering to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine with "deep disappointment" and urged Japanese leaders to show repentance for the country's wartime past.

Dark clouds gather over mountains in Zhaoqing, southern China's Guangdong province.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting, in Tel Aviv

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he would fight against sanctions being imposed on any Israeli military units after media reported that Washington was planning such a step against a battalion for alleged rights violations.

Supporters of the opposition 'Serbia Against Violence' (SPN) coalition gather in front of St. Marko church, in Belgrade

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COMMENTS

How To Visit Madinah/Medina as a Non-Muslim! Is It Possible??
Just seeing the Green Dome of the Prophets Mosque gives my heart so much peace. Medinah can NEVER become a tourist attraction for Non Muslims to visit. As Ahmed Deedat of South Africa said, "Every place has a Visa or Entry requirement and the Visa for Medinah is the Shahadah. Roberto. Monday 10th of October 2022. Hi.
Visiting Medina for the first time? Here is an Ultimate Guide for First
Here is an Ultimate Guide for First-timers. Stunning Madinah aka Medina in Saudi Arabia is famous for its Green Dome and Prophet's Mosque. There are many things to do while you are in this Holy City. Besides Green Dome, there are many Mosques including The Masjid al-Qiblatain is also located in Medina, Saudi Arabia ( Al Madinah province ).
Tourists flock to Saudi Arabia as the country opens to foreign visitors
Non-Muslims can visit the holy precinct of Medina right up to the perimeter as the kingdom implements its Vision 2030 as "a tolerant country with Islam as its constitution and moderation its method". Dubai: Curious international tourists are discovering an unexpected openness in a society long considered one of the world's most ...
11 Places to Visit in Madinah
5.) Jannat al-Baqi: The Garden of Heaven on Earth. Jannat al-Baqi is one of the most renowned historical places in Saudi Arabia. Often referred to simply as "Baqi Cemetery" or "Baqi al-Gharqad," this historic cemetery is located in the holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Its name, Jannat al-Baqi, translates to "Garden of Heaven" or ...
Medina, Saudi Arabia: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024
About Medina. One of Islam's most holy cities, Medina, is a sprawl of minarets and shops wrapped around the landmark, the Prophet's Mosque. Like the rest of central Medina, it's for Muslims only and is surrounded by plenty of hotels and eateries to welcome the pilgrimage crowd.
Visiting Medina as Non-Muslim
Although non-Muslims cannot visit the most holy city of Mecca, within the last few years, the holy city of Medina has opened up to non-Muslims to visit. On our journey northwards, we stopped here to check out this amazing place & inquire about visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi 'The Prophet's Mosque'. This is definitely not a 'tourist destination' & there are no formal way to visit as a non-Muslim.
Madinah
Accommodations. Top Attractions. Shopping. Restaurants and Cafes. Experiences. Around Al-Madinah. Share your feedback. In Madinah, you will be standing among thousands of archaeological landmarks, historical sites and a great Islamic heritage. Visit it now and get to know the cradle of Islamic civilization.
Medina
Medina (Arabic: المدينة, Madinah), officially known as Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah (Arabic: المدينة المنورة, al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah), is a city in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia.. Commonly referred to as the "cradle of Islamic culture and civilisation", it is Islam's second holiest city. Although a visit to Medina is optional (though highly encouraged) and not part of ...
Saudi Arabia International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Things To Do In Madinah! Sightseeing in Madinah Guide
Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. The bus starts and ends at the ClockTower by Al Masjid An Nabawi. There are 2 lines, a green line and a red line. The green line is only very short and it only goes around the outside of Al-Haram so you should do the red line to see everything Medina has to offer. The Stops on the Red Line.
Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements
Are you planning to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, business or cultural exchange? Find out the visa requirements for your specific traveling needs on the official website of Visit Saudi. Discover the ancient heritage, breathtaking landscapes and diverse activities that Saudi Arabia has to offer. Apply for a one-year, multiple entry visa online and have a seamless journey.
The 20 Best Things to Do in Medina: Make Your Pilgrimage Even More
Medina, a city of profound historical and religious significance, offers a wealth of experiences for visitors to explore and enjoy. While many people associate Saudi Arabia primarily with religious pilgrimage, there are plenty of diverse activities and attractions to enjoy in Medina.. My recent visit to Medina was a revelation, proving that this city is far more than just a traditional ...
Saudi Arabia Invites Tourists: What You Need to Know
Ms. Aldosari cited the financial cost of visiting and difficulties of getting around the country as a possible hindrance for tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. "Most places in Saudi Arabia are ...
Tips and how to travel to Saudi Arabia in 2024
Being one of the first tourists to ever visit Medina, the second holiest city in Islam. The city of Medina had remained off-limits to non-Muslims for decades but from 2022, Western tourists are allowed to visit the city, as long as you stay just at the entrance of the Holy Mosque, the place where Prophet Mohammed is buried. ... Single foreign ...
What to know about visiting Saudi Arabia
January is generally the coolest month of the year, with temperatures around 64-68 Fahrenheit (18-20 degrees Celsius). Winter is the ideal season for enjoying Saudi Arabia's many outdoor ...
Can non-Muslims go to Mecca or Madina? Can Tourists Enter?
When the question arises, ' Can non-Muslims go to Mecca ' the answer is No. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy cities of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The reasons for this restriction are deeply rooted in the Islamic faith and history. Mecca and Medina are considered the holiest cities in Islam and are revered by Muslims worldwide.
Medina Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Medina. You can visit Medina, which has a hot and dry climate throughout the year, at any time other than summer months. In the summer, the temperatures can reach up to 45°C. Tourism activities become very difficult due to muggy temperatures. On the other hand, air temperatures changing between 17-28°C in winter have a ...
Tips on Travelling to Medina
Preparing your trip to Medina: advices & hints - things to do and to obey. 1. If exploring religious shrines is not the only purpose of your trip, the best time to visit Medina is between November and February. During this period, there is the lowest concentration of pilgrims in the city. 2.
7 Things To Know Before You Fly To Medina: World's #1 Safest ...
5. Shopping at the famous Old Bazaar. Image by Afif Kusuma. While there are many places to shop til you drop, the Old Bazaar is probably the most popular spot for tourists — it's where you can land yourself some unique finds! Located in Medina Province, the bazaar is adjacent to the mosque's gate number seven.
Travelling to Madinah (Medina) and videos
It would be best to visit Medina in the winter months. March is getting to see the heat of the day. Religious City: Medina is the second holiest city in Islam. To go there and visit, is to go back in time to a place that started as a small village and now is a bustling city. However unlike a lot of cities, it has a peaceful, laid back vibe.
Things to do in Medina- To Revive History and Adventure
Renowned as a major religious place of Islam, the majestic city of Medina has a lot more to offer to the tourists. So, to give you an insight into what Medina beholds, here are the top 10 things you can do in Medina to make your visit a complete bliss. 1. Hiking Adventure Paradise At Al Ula. UNESCO's first heritage site, Al Ula is home to ...
How to Travel Safely in Morocco's Souks and Medinas
Safety concerns in the medina. In both souks and medinas, the biggest hazards are scooters and motorcycles. Drivers are used to pedestrians jumping out of the way, and don't slow down even in the most crowded spots, so don't wear headphones, otherwise you won't hear them coming. As Moroccans will probably tell you when you arrive, the ...
China foreign ministry welcomes Blinken's visit to China as tensions
China's foreign ministry on Thursday welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China as tensions rise between the two countries over global trade, regional conflicts and the ...
Iran president to visit Pakistan from Monday to Wednesday, Pakistan
April 21 (Reuters) - Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will make an official visit to Pakistan from Monday to Wednesday, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.
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Abortion. Immigration. Health care. Taxes. Judges and the Supreme Court. Trade. Foreign policy. The policy contrasts between Joe Biden and Donald Trump are sharpening. Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Trump Holds Series of Meetings With Foreign Leaders
April 16, 2024. Donald J. Trump plans to meet with the right-wing president of Poland this week, the latest in a series of his private interactions with leaders or emissaries from countries from ...
Papua New Guinea to host China, Australia high level visits
April 17, 202411:03 PM PDTUpdated 3 days ago. April 18 (Reuters) - China's foreign minister is expected to sign an economic cooperation deal on a visit to Papua New Guinea on Saturday, just days ...
Congress passes bill that could unlock billions in frozen Russian
April 20, 2024, 8:15 AM PDT. By Anna Schecter, Natasha Lebedeva and Matt Bradley. The House passed a foreign aid package on Saturday as well as what's called the REPO Act that will allow the Biden ...
Saudi foreign minister to visit Pakistan on Monday
A Saudi Arabian delegation, led by foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, will visit Pakistan on Monday and Tuesday as part of efforts to boost economic cooperation, Pakistan's ...