Can I go to Mecca as a tourist?
Yes, I can go to Mecca as a tourist because Mecca is the holiest city of Islam where Hajj and Umrah are performed. This destination is only for Muslims. However, I must believe in one God and His last Messenger Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Beliefs here mean being a Muslim, there is no other way to go to Mecca as a tourist.
There are several checkpoints at all the entrances to Mecca where the religion of the visitor will be confirmed whether he is a Muslim or a non-Muslim. And if they become non-Muslims, they will be sent to a highway around the city. Therefore, it is obligatory to present proof of being a Muslim before entering Mecca. The Saudi government issues special visas for Hajj or Umrah.
These special visas are the Hajj visa and Umrah visa. Today, the Saudi government has launched an online portal for obtaining all types of Saudi visas. It’s not difficult, anyone can apply for a visa. But the best suggestion is to give a travel agency the right to obtain Hajj or Umrah and tourist visas while booking Hajj packages and Umrah packages to deal with any objections.
What do you need to know about Mecca?
For all Muslims in the world, Mecca is the holiest place on earth, because it is the birthplace of the Holy Prophet. Millions of visitors from all over the world visit this destination every year. Among the important pilgrimages (holy places) of Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad (PBUH), Kaaba, Black Stone, Safa and Marwah, Maqame Ibrahim, Ghar Hira and Thawr, Janat-ul-Mawlah, Masjid Qaba etc.
Mecca is an ancient city and one of the most modern cities in the world. The Royal Clock Tower in Mecca is one of the tallest recent buildings in the world.
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When Can I Go to Mecca?
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. However, Muslims believe in performing Hajj once in a lifetime because it is obligatory to do it once. But it is not necessary to repeat it, but there is no objection to repeating it.
Being a Muslim, I can go to Mecca without any hindrance to perform Umrah except on the days of Hajj. The number of these days is 5. But since no foreigner from UK or US can go to Mecca for Umrah after 31 Shawwal, this is the month of the lunar calendar. The dates of the lunar calendar are different from the Gregorian calendar.
Being a foreigner, I can’t visit Mecca for Umrah from Shawal to Dhul Hijjah.
Suggestion:
One can visit Mecca from Sunday to Thursday. They can buy whatever they want there. Most businesses and markets are not open until the end of Friday prayers. There are many open markets and shopping malls equipped with all the luxury and desired products.
Here, it is clear, first of all, that I have to be a Muslim to see Mecca with naked eyes. If someone has recently converted to Islam, be sure to pack a Muslim certificate along with other necessary documents to enter Mecca. If some people do not know the rules and regulations then it is better to contact a reputable travel agency.
