Makkah

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Makkah, also known as Mecca, is a city in western Saudi Arabia that holds profound religious significance for Muslims around the world. As the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the location of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam, Makkah is the holiest city in the Islamic faith. Each year, millions of Muslims make the pilgrimage, or Hajj, to Makkah, fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Located in a desert valley surrounded by rugged hills, Makkah is characterized by its warm, arid climate. The city has undergone extensive modernization and development to accommodate the influx of pilgrims, including the construction of towering hotels, grand mosques, and vast shopping complexes. Despite its modern amenities, Makkah maintains its spiritual essence, with ancient traditions blending seamlessly with contemporary architecture.

Makkah is a city of peace, unity, and reverence, where Muslims from diverse cultures come together to perform their religious rites and connect with their faith. It stands as a symbol of spiritual devotion and is a place of profound significance and unity for Muslims worldwide.

Visa requirements	Visa Requirements for Visiting Makkah Traveling to Makkah requires specific visas, as entry is restricted to Muslims due to its religious significance. Here are the main types of visas available: 1. Hajj Visa Purpose: For Muslims performing the Hajj pilgrimage, which occurs annually during Dhu al-Hijjah. Requirements: Proof of Muslim faith (certification from an Islamic center). Completed application forms through an authorized Hajj travel agency. Valid passport with at least six months' validity. Vaccination certificates (e.g., meningitis, yellow fever, COVID-19 as applicable). Issued once per person; Hajj can only be performed every five years. Duration: Valid for the Hajj season. 2. Umrah Visa Purpose: For Muslims wishing to perform Umrah, which is available year-round. Requirements: Proof of Muslim faith. Valid passport with at least six months' validity. Health certificates for certain vaccinations. Typically obtained through licensed Umrah operators. Duration: Valid for up to 30 days. 3. Tourist e-Visa and Visa on Arrival Purpose: Allows for leisure, business, or religious visits, including Umrah. Eligibility: Available to citizens of select countries (mainly Western and some Asian countries). Requirements: Online application or visa on arrival. Valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity. Non-Muslims are restricted from entering Makkah. Duration: Typically valid for a 90-day stay, with multiple entries within a one-year period. 4. Saudi Transit Visa Purpose: For travelers with a layover in Saudi Arabia who wish to perform Umrah. Requirements: Available through select airlines. Valid passport and proof of connecting flights. Vaccination certificates, if required. Duration: Valid for up to 96 hours. Additional Notes Before traveling, check vaccination requirements, as well as any specific rules for women under the age of 45, who may need to be accompanied by a male relative. It’s advisable to consult with the Saudi Embassy or Consulate for the latest information on visa requirements, as they can change frequently.
Languages spoken	Arabic, English
Currency used	SAR
Area (km2)	1,200
Country name	Saudi Arabia

Culture and history info

Visa Requirements for Visiting Makkah

Traveling to Makkah requires specific visas, as entry is restricted to Muslims due to its religious significance. Here are the main types of visas available:

1. Hajj Visa

Purpose: For Muslims performing the Hajj pilgrimage, which occurs annually during Dhu al-Hijjah.
Requirements:
- Proof of Muslim faith (certification from an Islamic center).
- Completed application forms through an authorized Hajj travel agency.
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity.
- Vaccination certificates (e.g., meningitis, yellow fever, COVID-19 as applicable).
- Issued once per person; Hajj can only be performed every five years.
Duration: Valid for the Hajj season.

2. Umrah Visa

Purpose: For Muslims wishing to perform Umrah, which is available year-round.
Requirements:
- Proof of Muslim faith.
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity.
- Health certificates for certain vaccinations.
- Typically obtained through licensed Umrah operators.
Duration: Valid for up to 30 days.

3. Tourist e-Visa and Visa on Arrival

Purpose: Allows for leisure, business, or religious visits, including Umrah.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of select countries (mainly Western and some Asian countries).
Requirements:
- Online application or visa on arrival.
- Valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.
- Non-Muslims are restricted from entering Makkah.
Duration: Typically valid for a 90-day stay, with multiple entries within a one-year period.

4. Saudi Transit Visa

Purpose: For travelers with a layover in Saudi Arabia who wish to perform Umrah.
Requirements:
- Available through select airlines.
- Valid passport and proof of connecting flights.
- Vaccination certificates, if required.
Duration: Valid for up to 96 hours.

Additional Notes

Before traveling, check vaccination requirements, as well as any specific rules for women under the age of 45, who may need to be accompanied by a male relative. It’s advisable to consult with the Saudi Embassy or Consulate for the latest information on visa requirements, as they can change frequently.

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AL HIDAYAH TOWERS

3963 Al Jamiah Dist. 24242-6726, Mekkah Al Aziziah, 24242 Makkah, Saudi Arabia

From PKR

Al Hidayah Towers Hotel in Makkah offers modern comfort just 8 km from Masjid Al Haram. With air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, parking, and a shuttle service, it ensures a convenient stay near key landmarks, perfect for both leisure and religious travelers.

Makkah

Visa Requirements for Visiting Makkah

1. Hajj Visa

2. Umrah Visa

3. Tourist e-Visa and Visa on Arrival

4. Saudi Transit Visa

Additional Notes

Culture and history info

Visa Requirements for Visiting Makkah

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