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Provided by: Juan Garces
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
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King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
The guide was updated:King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is located in Jeddah and is the largest airport in Saudi Arabia. Often called 'the gateway to Mecca', it has a dedicated terminal for Hajj, which is active during Hajj season (during the last month of the Islamic calendar,) to help accommodate the vast number of pilgrims. Buses and taxis are available at the airport and offer an easy mode of transport to Mecca.
Useful Information
- Address: King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah
- Website: www.jed-airport.com
- Phone: +966 92 001 1233
- Email: info@jed-airport.com
Digital Travel Guide Download
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
Mecca is the holiest city in Islam and Saudi law strictly forbids non-Muslims from entering it. Documents will be checked upon entry at dedicated checkpoints, and non-Muslims will be redirected to a motorway that bypasses the city. Pilgrims must show proof of being Muslim (a certificate is needed for those converted to Islam) and women must be accompanied by a Mahram (male guardian). The Saudi Arabian government issues special Hajj or Umrah visas to simplify the process but the sheer amount of paperwork makes many pilgrims rely on specialised travel agencies to handle that.
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Cultural Norms
When strolling and exploring the city, please make sure you wear the appropriate attire. Women should be covered from neck to ankle and in certain areas scarves are used to cover the face and head. Shorts and tank tops should not be worn outside of your accommodation by women. For men, loose clothing is recommended and shorts are prohibited.
When visiting, please make sure you respect and abide by the laws and culture of the country.
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Passport / Visa
Saudi Arabia introduced a new eVisa system in October 2019, dramatically simplifying visa applications for citizens of multiple world countries, including the USA, Canada, China, Japan, Australia, and much of Europe. The new multiple-entry visa will be processed within record time (as quickly as 30 minutes), issued for one year, and will allow visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days during its validity period. This marks a watershed moment in the country’s history, as Saudi Arabia has historically been off limits to non-Muslim tourists, with visas notoriously difficult to secure.
Citizens of countries not covered by the eVisa program will still need to turn to their nearest consulate to obtain a visa.
Special visas for Hajj or Umrah are issued by the government for those who want to perform a pilgrimage. To apply for a Hajj or Umrah visa, visit the nearest Saudi consulate or embassy or contact an approved Hajj travel agent, who will get the the necessary papers for you.
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Best Time to Visit
The weather in Mecca is hot and dry year round, but there is some variation between summer and winter. Most tourists and pilgrims visit Mecca during the somewhat cooler winter months and avoid the city during the hottest period (June-August). Mecca sees almost no precipitation and winds are usually very calm which, coupled with the extreme temperatures, can make the city scorching hot, so be sure to stay hydrated and avoid too much sun exposure.
As the holiest city in Islam, Mecca is always crowded with pilgrims and unfortunately tragic incidents like stampedes are not uncommon. Thus, visitors are advised to be careful and always pay attention to their surroundings.
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King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is located in Jeddah and is the largest airport in Saudi Arabia. Often called 'the gateway to Mecca', it has a dedicated terminal for Hajj, which is active during Hajj season (during the last month of the Islamic calendar,) to help accommodate the vast number of pilgrims. Buses and taxis are available at the airport and offer an easy mode of transport to Mecca.
Read more
Public Transport
The best way to get to Mecca is by car or bus from Jeddah. Saptco is the company that runs intercity transportation in Saudi Arabia and they provide regular bus lines from Jeddah to Mecca:
www.saptco.com.sa
There is also a metro line in Mecca (planned to be expanded to four), but it only operates during Hajj season to provide safe transportation for pilgrims and reduce traffic congestion.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the Jeddah Airport and in Mecca, but for moving around in the city, especially during Hajj season, it is more advisable to just walk, as traffic is congested. A taxi ride from Jeddah to Mecca takes one hour and can cost between 150 and 200 SAR, depending on the taxi company and local traffic.
Umrah Taxi:
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Pharmacy
Nahdi Pharmacy Makkah Mall:
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Post Office
Central Post Office Mecca:
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Telephone
Country code: +966
Area code: 2
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Electricity
125/215 Volts AC, 50/60Hz
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