Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.
Makkah Province is generally safe for tourists visiting Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu, with low rates of violent crime against visitors. The most common risks are heat-related illness, traffic accidents, and administrative issues with visa or access restrictions.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions when visiting Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu. Be aware that Makkah city is strictly off-limits to non-Muslims. During Hajj season, avoid the entire Makkah region due to extreme crowds. Check your government's latest travel advisory before visiting.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to the threat of terrorist attacks and the regional security environment. Missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia from Yemen have occurred. Follow news closely.
Normal Precautions
The threat from terrorism in Saudi Arabia is high. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. Remain vigilant in all public spaces.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Non-Muslims must absolutely never attempt to enter Makkah city — it is illegal under Saudi law and enforced at multiple checkpoints; penalties include arrest and deportation
Stay hydrated in extreme heat — summer temperatures exceed 40°C in Jeddah and 43°C in Makkah; carry a large water bottle at all times
Dress modestly throughout the province — women should cover shoulders and knees; full abaya not legally required for foreign women but modest loose clothing is essential
Respect prayer times — businesses close 5 times daily for 20-30 minutes; plan activities and transport around prayer schedules
Use only licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) — avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers, especially at airports
Avoid public displays of affection — kissing or embracing in public is illegal and may result in police attention
Keep your passport and official documents on your person or in hotel safe at all times
Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, checkpoints, and people (especially women) without permission
During Hajj season, Makkah and surrounding areas become dangerously overcrowded — non-pilgrims should avoid the entire Makkah city area
Do not bring alcohol into Saudi Arabia — it is strictly prohibited with severe legal penalties
Never carry non-prescribed medications without a doctor's certificate — some common medicines are controlled substances in Saudi Arabia
Be aware that eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours is illegal for everyone
In the event of an emergency, call 911 — Saudi Arabia has a unified emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended — healthcare for foreigners can be expensive
Respect the sanctity of mosques — enter only if Muslim and appropriately dressed; non-Muslims should observe from outside
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed drivers at Jeddah airport approach arriving passengers and quote inflated fares
How to avoid: Use only Uber or Careem app, or go to the official licensed taxi queue inside the terminal
Fake Umrah/Hajj Packages
Unofficial agents sell counterfeit Hajj or Umrah packages that are not recognized by Saudi authorities
How to avoid: Book Hajj and Umrah packages only through officially authorized agents in your home country
Souq Price Gouging
Some vendors in tourist souqs significantly inflate prices for clearly foreign tourists
How to avoid: Bargain confidently, know approximate market prices, and compare prices at multiple stalls
Makkah Access Scam
Rare reports of individuals claiming to arrange illegal access to Makkah for non-Muslims for a fee
How to avoid: Never attempt to illegally enter Makkah — the legal consequences are severe
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine mandatory for Hajj and Umrah visas. Hepatitis A recommended. COVID-19 vaccination may be required — check current regulations. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries.
- Water
- Tap water is technically treated but bottled water is strongly recommended. Zamzam water widely distributed in Makkah is safe to drink.
- Food
- All restaurants are government-certified halal. Street food is generally safe in established areas. Avoid very cheap unlicensed food stalls during Hajj season when hygiene standards may slip.
- Facilities
- King Abdullah Medical City in Jeddah is a world-class facility. King Faisal Hospital in Jeddah and multiple private hospitals. Emergency care available at all major hospitals throughout the province.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu are generally safe for solo travelers. Exercise normal urban precautions — stay aware of surroundings in crowded areas, use official taxis or ride apps, and avoid isolated areas after midnight. Solo women travelers are now able to travel without a male guardian (mahram) requirement since 2019 reforms.
Female travellers
Female travelers are now legally permitted to travel independently in Saudi Arabia without a mahram. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees; hijab not legally required for non-Muslims in public). Separate facilities (family sections in restaurants, ladies-only queues) are widely available. The Corniche, Al-Balad, and shopping malls are all comfortable for women. Be aware that some ultra-conservative areas may have stricter expectations.
Families
Makkah Province is very family-friendly — Saudi society is family-centered and children are warmly welcomed everywhere. Family sections in restaurants provide privacy. Jeddah's beaches, parks, and malls cater specifically to families. The main risk for families is heat — keep children hydrated and in shade during summer.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Saudi Arabia under Islamic law and may result in severe penalties including imprisonment and deportation. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion. Saudi Arabia is not recommended as a destination for LGBTQ+ travelers who cannot conceal their identity, as there are no legal protections whatsoever.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 911
- Embassy
- Contact your home country embassy in Riyadh; most have 24-hour emergency lines
- Tourist Police
- 920000560 (Jeddah Tourism)