Can Non-Muslims Visit Medina and Mecca? All You Should Know

Introduction

Can non-Muslims visit Medina, or even Mecca? This is a question many travellers ask about the two holiest cities in Islam. The answer is that non-Muslims can now visit Medina with some restrictions, although Mecca is still off-limits in its entirety. Access to the country has become much easier in recent years and laws have been relaxed. I’ll go into detail about these in a moment, having learnt a lot during my own visit to this fun country.

Until 2019, Saudi Arabia was one of the hardest countries in the world to get a visa for. Even if you could get a Saudi Arabia visa, non-Muslims faced extra barriers which restricted access to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina (or Madinah as it’s sometimes known).

The loosening in restrictions is because Saudi Arabia has since thrown open its doors and started issuing tourist visas for the first time in its history. In fact, the giant Middle Eastern nation has a “Vision 2030” which consists of several goals to develop the country including becoming one of the world’s biggest tourist destinations.

Indications are that the country will continue to relax laws as it becomes more globalised. Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and has hinted that rules such as an alcohol ban will be reduced for that… if not before.

I visited in November 2022. This was an unusual time to visit as it was bang in the middle of a transition period. Gone was traditional Saudi Arabia with some of the world’s strictest laws and gender segregation. Yet it is not quite the futuristic superstate that it plans on becoming by 2030.

Saudi Arabia does still have strict laws and gender segregation. But certainly not to the extent of a few years back when women were unable to drive and segregation in public was the norm.

I’ll cover where you can and can’t go when visiting Medina as a non-Muslim. As well as explaining what happens if non-Muslims attempt to visit Mecca.

Can Non-Muslims Visit Medina?

Can Non-Muslims Visit Medina City and the Prophet’s Mosque?

Non-Muslims can now visit the city of Medina. There are restrictions, but you can visit the city regardless of what religion you are these days.

Previously the centre of Medina, Al-Haram, was off-limits to non-Muslims. This is no longer the case, with these rules having been relaxed in 2021.

It is a different story however for Al Masjid an Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) which stands at the centre of Islam’s second-holiest city.

Non-Muslims are NOT allowed inside the mosque grounds under any circumstances. There are reports online of one or two who went in to explore and got away with it, but they shouldn’t have done this. It’s not permitted.

In fact I went right up to the closest point I could get to without entering the mosque grounds. I did this several times throughout the two days I spent in Madinah, and on most occasions locals weren’t bothered even with my western clothing which made me stand out instantly.

Although on my second night, a guard came over and said something in Arabic. He couldn’t speak English but it felt clear I wasn’t welcome at this point. I apologised and made a hasty exit, but this was a clear indicator of ambiguous rules within the Middle Eastern country during this period of transformation.

Therefore, it can depend on which personnel happen to be around during your visit. I would suggest being cautious and asking around if you aren’t sure where you can or can’t go.

Grey areas are common in Saudi Arabia right now. Even the locals don’t know about a lot of current laws.

Saudi law was never codified, with this only changing in December 2023. As a result, the country operates on religious Sharia law with a lot of legal issues open to interpretation.

For you, this means you could come across conflicting information as you travel around the country. I would suggest keeping an eye on Saudi Arabia travel groups and asking for help there. Facebook groups covering travel to specific countries include a lot of locals and recent travellers who are generally happy to help if you have questions.

Can you Visit Mount Uhud as a Non-Muslim?

For example, Medina is also home to Mount Uhud, scene of the second battle between Islamic Prophet Muhammad and polytheists who believed in multiple gods.

I was given mixed messages about whether it was possible to hike up Mount Uhud as a non-Muslim or not. Some online resources when I went in 2022 seemed to think it was possible, others said you can only ascend Mt. Uhud if you are a Muslim. My information on the ground in Madinah was just as patchy. Early indications suggested non-Muslims cannot go up the holy mountain. Yet a local Saudi who I befriended on the gruelling bus journey over from Jordan said I should be fine.

In the end, I walked from the city centre towards Mount Uhud, began walking towards the trail, but soon had second thoughts and headed back having been unable to find a clear answer on whether or not I could go up. After all, Saudi Arabia is a country where if you have any doubts over the legality of something, you should always err on the side of caution. Punishments can be severe for breaking the law here.

As of late 2024, information online appears to have been updated. Now there are very few sites claiming non Muslims cannot visit Mount Uhud. Although no one clearly states that it is allowed either. My interpretation is that you probably can ascend the holy mountain. But I would advise double-checking with people at the mountain’s base first, before you embark on your journey.

Can Non-Muslims Visit Mecca?

No. You cannot visit Mecca if you are not a Muslim. This rule applies not just to the mosque, but the entire city.

Madinah may be the second holiest city in Islam. But Mecca (also known as Makkah) is the holiest.

Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and is therefore the most important city in Islam.

The most famous spot in Mecca is the Masjid al-Haram (Great Mosque of Mecca), best-known for the iconic Kaaba in the middle. This black building is so iconic that Muslims all over the world ensure they pray in the direction of the Kaaba. This is known as the qibla.

If you are a non Muslim in Mecca, you face various punishments including large fines and deportation from Saudi Arabia. In 2022 an Israeli-American journalist faced prosecution after entering Mecca as a non-Muslim. Nothing happened to him as he had already left the country by the time news of his trip became known. However, his driver was arrested, and his fate remains unknown. Being a non Muslim in Mecca leads to risks which by far outweigh the reward.

What to do in Medina

Both Mecca and Medina are primarily religious cities which are not catered towards tourism. Unlike Mecca however, you can at least enter Medina as a tourist. So let’s look at the best things to do in the holy city.

Al Masjid an Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)

As mentioned above, you cannot enter the Prophet’s Mosque as a non-Muslim. But you can at least stand outside (depending on which guards are on duty) and observe the spectacular prayers from a distance. The sounds over the tannoy as locals and pilgrims pray will give you goosebumps. A truly special experience.

Mount Uhud

As mentioned previously, it is a bit of a grey area as to whether you can visit the holy mountain or not if you are not a Muslim. However, the indicators seem to be pointing in favour of visits here being permissible, therefore I will include it in this list.

As alluded to earlier, please ask locals to make sure you can hike Mount Uhud without being a Muslim. They will tell you not only whether it is legal or not, but also whether it is respectful to the local culture to hike up to such a holy place, even if no laws forbid it. The only issue may be the language barrier with surprisingly few English-speakers in Medina.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

One of the most touristy things to do in this city of few tourists is the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. This is the best way to cover the main sights of Medina.

This London-style red double decker bus covers 12 stops across two different routes.

The Green Line takes in the Prophet’s Mosque, and also goes along to Al Baqi Cemetery, the resting place of many relatives of the Prophet Muhammad. One of the other stops is Al Manakhah Square, home to a large souq (Arabic marketplace), whilst as-Salam Gate completes the Green Line route. This gate is one of the entrance points to Masjid an-Nabawi.

The Red Line on the other hand passes through other places including the scene of the Uhud Battle between Muslims and the Quraysh. It also stops at the Trench Battlefield which was another key point of conflict between the two warring groups. On top of these stops, the bus crosses the city’s main upmarket shopping spots including Al-Noor Mall and Abu Bakr Al Siddiq Road.

Whilst the Prophet’s Mosque is only accessible on the Green Line, you can stop at a couple of smaller mosques on the Red Line, with the Masjid al-Qiblatayn Mosque being first on the route. This is where the Prophet Mohammad received instructions from Allah to change the qibla, redirecting the direction of prayer from Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, to Mecca. The smaller Quba Mosque is another stop along this route.

Medina tourism is very much in its infancy, but the bus tour is the best option tourists have for sightseeing here.

Dar al-Madinah Museum

The most popular museum in Medina. This is the place to go if you wish to learn all about the history of Islam’s second holiest city.

It covers the period following the Hijrah – the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in the year 622 AD.

Exhibitions include many galleries and models depicting the history of the holy city. This is the place to go if you wish to learn more about the history of Islam.

Tickets cost from 25 SAR (£5/$7).

Go Shopping and Dining in Medina

The holy city may be best known for religious spots, but it’s also got a fair few traditionally Saudi shops.

Arabic clothing and gifts can be found in several places to both the north and south of the Prophet’s Mosque.

It’s also very easy to find dates here.

Sorry singletons, but I’m not talking about that kind of date.

Dates are sweet and sugary raisin-like fruits that come mostly from the Middle East.

Dates and Islam are closely linked as they were one of the Prophet Muhammad’s favourite foods. As a result they are common in Islamic countries and very popular amongst the locals. One of the main benefits of eating dates in Islam is the fact they are easy to digest and provide a lot of energy. This makes them even more popular to Muslims breaking the Ramadan fast when the sun goes down.

Dates certainly dominate the food scene in Medina. But you can also find many restaurants here. Surprisingly, South Asian restaurants are by far the most common. Arabic cuisine can be found, but perhaps not as commonly as expected given that this is Saudi Arabia. Some western fast food favourites are also found in Medina such as McDonalds and KFC.

Dress Code in Medina

Rules on what to wear in Saudi Arabia were relaxed when the country opened up to tourists in 2019. That doesn’t mean you can wear whatever you want however, so pay attention to the following points.

Also be aware that wearing something that is legally allowed, may still be frowned upon culturally. Tourism in Saudi Arabia (and in particular holy cities such as Medina) is still in its infancy and the locals are yet to become fully accustomed to outsiders.

Dress Code in Medina for Women

For women the rules are stricter than they are for men. Women are no longer required by Saudi law to wear a full Islamic abaya. However, it is still essential to cover up the majority of your skin. In Saudi Arabia now, the law allows women to wear more western-style clothing, and skirts that go below the knees. Head coverings are no longer legally required. However, Medina is stricter than the rest of Saudi Arabia.

In Medina, the expectation is still that tourists will dress modestly. Women will be expected to cover their legs, arms and hair. This doesn’t necessarily mean wearing an Abaya, but you should still wear trousers, long sleeves and a hijab as a bare minimum. Do you have to wear a hijab in Medina? Legally, no, but some form of head covering is necessary to avoid offending local sensitivities, and a hijab is the easiest way to meet this requirement.

Failing to dress modestly is disrespectful to the locals, who are generally more conservative here than elsewhere, given that Medina is Islam’s second holiest city.

Dress Code in Medina for Men

For men the rules are more relaxed, but still not on the same level as Western countries. Non-Muslims can visit Medina with a t-shirt on, but you should still cover your legs.

I wore trousers in the baking heat and it was not comfortable. I would recommend investing in a thobe – the local Saudi male clothing, which will tick all the boxes in Medina. A thobe is cooler to wear in hot weather and you will blend in with the locals.

Although in all fairness, I was the only outsider in Medina during my two days there. The only person not wearing Islamic dress (a t-shirt and trousers). And I never got any funny stares or hostile comments.

How to get a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa

You can obtain a Saudi Arabia tourist visa either online through the Saudi eVisa Portal or on arrival into the country. There is a price difference, with the evisa costing SAR 535 (£112/$143) and the visa on arrival costing SAR 480 (£101/$128).

Who can get a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa?

The evisa is available to people holding passports from any of 63 countries including every EU country and various others scattered around the globe. Canada and the USA are perhaps the most notable of these. Holders of a UK, USA or Schengen visa are also eligible regardless of nationality.

In addition to these, citizens of five countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) qualify for freedom of movement. If you are a citizen of neighbouring Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE or Oman, then you have unlimited access to and from Saudi Arabia.

How Long is a Saudi Arabia Visa Valid for?

Saudi Arabia visas are valid for unlimited entries into the country within one year. Although those visits are restricted to a combined total of 90 days. In good news for us Brits, anyone from the UK is eligible for an electronic visa waiver (EVW) which allows entry into Saudi Arabia for up to 6 months. As of September 2024, only UK citizens qualify for the EVW.

What is Permitted on a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa?

Umrah (visiting Mecca) is permitted on a tourist visa, but only if you are Muslim of course. Even then, this is not permitted during the Hajj period. In this instance, a separate Hajj visa is required to visit Saudi Arabia.

You can also visit family, attend events and go sightseeing on a tourist visa. Working and studying are not permitted.

My Personal Experience of Obtaining a Saudi Arabia VOA (Crossing From Jordan)

I obtained a visa on arrival in November 2022 when crossing overland from Amman in Jordan, to Medina. It worked out eventually, but the process took around two hours. I was the only tourist on this bus, and it was clear they don’t get many backpackers applying for visas on arrival. Most of the staff were confused and had no idea how to process my application, if at all. Eventually it all worked out and I got into the country without issues. Perhaps now the VOA process is easier with more and more tourists using it to get into Saudi Arabia.

Is Medina Safe?

Like pretty much all of Saudi Arabia, Medina is very safe. Crime here is almost non-existent. Partly due to the Saudi government’s zero-tolerance approach towards crime and harsh punishments.

Perhaps the biggest risk for foreigners is not crime as we would know it in the west, but strict Islamic laws which punish activities we wouldn’t see as taboo in the UK or USA for example.

Criticising Islam, the Saudi royal family or the government or Saudi culture is illegal. Anyone falling foul of these laws could be sentenced to a very long spell in a Saudi jail. Probably not the best way to spend your holiday.

Drinking or possessing alcohol, “adult” activities outside of marriage and publicly practicing any religion other than Islam are also illegal here.

As with other Gulf countries, swearing is a no-no and can land you in hot water. One poor chap from the UK was sentenced to 50 lashes in public after swearing at his staff.

Now, this took place over 30 years ago and times have definitely changed since then. However, whilst you may avoid a public flogging, you can still expect a hefty fine, deportation and/or jail time for flicking up your middle finger or saying a rude word.

The bottom line to staying safe in Medina is to respect the local culture and do your research on Saudi laws. Obey these, and you will be fine. Perhaps the biggest danger in this country is either the dubious driving or the intense heat.

How Does it Feel Visiting Medina as a Non-Muslim?

I’m pretty sure I was the only non Muslim visiting Medina during my two days there. As a solo traveller in Western clothing I certainly stood out. Unfortunately my one long-sleeved t-shirt had ended up like most clothing for long-term travellers. In other words, it was too badly damaged to wear any longer and ended up in the bin. As a result I wore a “Backpacking Nicaragua” t-shirt here. Literally every other person I encountered wore Islamic clothing.

Yet surprisingly, I received very few stares. The very occasional look of curiosity came my way, but otherwise the locals treated me as just another one of them.

It would have been nice to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and Mount Uhud. But I believe in respecting local sensitivities and had no intention of trying to sneak into places I know I shouldn’t go.

I befriended a local on the bus from Jordan. He was a massive help with issues I faced, firstly with translation during the bus journey and border crossing. As we arrived in Saudi Arabia, we went to a mosque, then a supermarket together. I picked up some snacks but he refused to let me pay.

Upon arrival in Medina, he drove me to my hotel… which it turned out didn’t exist. He then took me to a very local place near the Prophet’s Mosque, which wasn’t anywhere to be seen on Booking or any other major accommodation sites. It wouldn’t surprise me if I was the first outsider (Non-Saudi/Muslim) ever to step foot inside this place. It was slightly cheaper than the ghost hotel, coming in at SAR 75 (£18/$24 at the time) and much more conveniently-located in the centre of Medina.

Ultimately I felt very welcome in Medina. No one reacted negatively towards me in any way, and I only have good things to say about the people I came into contact with.

Where to Stay in Medina as a Non-Muslim

Fortunately for you, Medina has a few more accommodation options compared to when I first went to the country in 2022.

Budget: Fatih Hostel for Males

The good news is that Madinah finally has a hostel suitable for travellers. The bad news is that only males can stay there at the moment, in-line with Saudi Arabia’s gender segregation laws. Yes, they’re more relaxed now, but they are still there in many cases.

Fatih Hostel is located on the outskirts of the city, with a breakfast option available for £3/US$4. The staff, facilities, cleanliness and cheap prices are popular with other guests.

Mid-range: Diamond Corners Hotel

This clean and comfortable hotel on King Abdul Aziz Road has a 24/7 reception desk with friendly staff who will do their best to help you during your stay.

It also offers airport transfers, free wifi, and a breakfast which costs £7/US$9, although it is included with more upmarket room bookings.

Luxury: The Oberoi Madina

The creme de la creme of hotels in Medina. This luxury offering has both breakfast and dinner included, the latter in an Indian or Japanese restaurant, you choose which!

It offers a spa, a gym and luxurious rooms with five-star celebrity service. It has the perfect location just outside the Prophet’s Mosque. This is the go-to hotel for the mega-rich when they come to Medina.

Is Medina Worth Visiting?

The holy city of Medina is absolutely worth visiting. It is a unique experience where you will see one of the world’s most important religious cities. This is the second-most important city on earth (behind Mecca) for a quarter of the world’s population. You can almost feel an aura in the air here.

I’ll be honest, if you’re coming for touristy things alone, visiting Madinah won’t fully satisfy your needs. Attractions here are limited. This is a city where you come to visit the cultural and religious significance.

There is no bigger cliche in the travel world than “I’m a traveller not a tourist”, but in all honesty, it is the self-proclaimed “travellers” who will most likely appreciate Medina with its fascinating history, impressive mosques and spiritual importance. Whereas the casual “tourist” would be better off hopping across the border into the UAE to check out Dubai as things stand.

I would rate Medina second best from the three cities I visited in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah was incredibly scenic and I absolutely loved its coral buildings and traditional feel. Riyadh on the other hand felt a bit dull and underwhelming.

Saudi Arabia is a country with a tourist industry very much in its infancy right now. It is best to go sooner rather than later with rapid changes on the horizon, if you wish to experience the traditional side of the country before too many tourists arrive. Non Muslims can still visit Medina and appreciate it, despite not being able to access the Prophet’s Mosque.

If you want to read more travel tips and knowledge I’ve picked up on my journey to every country in the world, check out all countries I’ve written about here.