Makkah is the holiest city in Islam. The birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, the city attracts tourists around the year. During the annual Hajj season, several million pilgrims enter Makkah. A large number of Muslims cherish the dream of visiting Makkah to perform the Hajj if they are financially and physically capable of doing so.
However, entry to Makkah is strictly forbidden for non-Muslims. Violators can get deported or prosecuted if they are caught.
Before your trip to Makkah, ensure you are taking all the correct steps to protect your health and savings by purchasing travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
Makkah Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
It’s always better to stay prepared against expenses caused due to unforeseen health issues while you are traveling. The best way to do so is by buying travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Makkah?
It’s mandatory for all international travelers to have travel insurance before they enter Saudi Arabia. Buy travel medical insurance and ensure your peace of mind.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Makkah?
Getting struck by disease or accident while you are traveling in Makkah will cost you a lot of money if you need to seek treatment. With travel medical insurance, you can get the healthcare you need, without being saddled with an unpredictable, and possibly unaffordable medical bill.
Makkah Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
For many, a trip to Makkah is a lifelong dream. But it involves significant expense. You must pay for flights, accommodations, and other expenses in advance. These charges are typically nonrefundable. If you are forced to cancel your trip, you could stand to lose out on all of this money. Because the risk of cancellation can never be completely eliminated, insure your trip with trip cancellation insurance.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Makkah?
A lot of factors might necessitate trip cancellation. You could become sick or have a family emergency. You can always reschedule your trip, but what about the expenses you incurred on the flight and hotel bookings? Trip cancellation insurance can save you from incurring this financial loss by allowing you to be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Makkah?
As the name suggests, trip cancellation coverage is a primary component of any policy. However, calamities can occur even once your trip begins. Therefore, you should consider an insurance plan that offers the following coverages:
Makkah’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Makkah is a chosen destination for religious tourism for a huge number of Muslims from around the world. The rich cultural heritage of the city also adds to its attraction. Striking a balance between its historical edifices and a slew of modern construction, Makkah offers several eye-catching attractions for tourists.
Kaaba
Unarguably, this is Islam’s holiest piece of architecture. Built by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismael, this cubical stone structure is a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of Allah. Worshippers circle the Kaaba at all times while chanting religious verses. It’s a sight to behold when the area around the Kaaba is swarming with people, everyone eager to try and touch the holy structure at least once.
Jabal Al-Nour
The name translates to “the mountain of light.” It is said that the Prophet Muhammad had his first interaction with divinity in this mountain. He used to spend a lot of time in prayer and meditation in the Cave of Hira on this mountain. And one day, he received the first verses of the Holy Quran from the angel Jibreel in his dreams. Hence, this is another much-revered place for Muslims who visit it in large numbers.
Jabal-e-Rehmat
The Jabal-e-Rehmat is a hill outside Makkah in the Arafat valley. The Prophet Muhammad delivered his concluding sermon here after he completed his hajj. Muslims visit this holy place to pray and perform several religious rituals. They also ask for forgiveness from Allah for whatever sins they might have committed. The Hajj is not considered complete unless the worshipper has visited Jabal-e-Rehmat.
Al Wahba Crater
Moving beyond the religious sites, there are other interesting places to visit in and around Makkah. The Al Wahba Crater is one such place. Located in Makkah’s northeastern desert area, this huge crater becomes a lake in the rainy season. The area has been witness to considerable volcanic activity at some point. Today, you can camp in this area and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the mountainous terrain all around.
Abraj Al Bait
This towering seven-building complex contains one of the tallest buildings in the world. The Fairmount Makkah Clock Royal Tower is a five-star hotel. It is located very near to the famed Masjid Al Haram. The hotel is a paragon of luxury. But even without staying here, you can explore the complex. There are also observation decks that offer excellent views of the city and outlying areas.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Makkah
Islam’s holiest city attracts millions of pilgrims every year. And Makkah contributes substantially to the revenues of the country. Makkah is a safe city, by and large. But being a crowded city, it does pose its share of discomforts for the international traveler. So, do exercise some basic caution while you are here.
Pickpocketing
This is a fairly common incident in Makkah. The crowded streets at all times make it easier for the pickpockets. Be cautious with your wallet and valuables. Use a money belt to keep them safe.
Stay Hydrated
The weather in Makkah is extremely dry and hot. Temperatures can touch 50°C frequently. Be sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Sandstorms are also quite common. So, be on your guard while outdoors.
Traffic Woes
The roads in Makkah are almost always congested. So be prepared to spend long hours stuck in traffic snarls. Public transports are also fairly overcrowded. Be careful about your belongings if you board one of them.
Hygiene Concerns
Avoid undercooked or raw food as much as possible. Before consuming fruits, wash them well with mineral water. And stick to drinking only mineral water throughout your stay in Makkah. Avoid consuming street food, as it might be contaminated.
Fear of Stampedes
This is a very real threat during Hajj, particularly during certain rituals like Jamaarat, owing to the rush of people from one place to the other and the resultant stampede. Don’t rush. Walk slowly and in sync with the crowd. Listen to the instructions given by the authorities and follow them without fail.
Before You Travel to Makkah - Do This
- Carry only modest and loose-fitting clothes with you, as you are traveling to a holy city that is highly conservative in character.
- Keep several copies of your visa and other travel documents, both hard and soft copies.
- Read up on the religious and social protocols that you need to maintain while in Makkah.
- Be prepared for any eventuality with travel medical insurance or travel insurance.