Madinah Medina Region, Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
Saudi Arabia offers several visa types, depending on your reason for travel. A Tourist Visa is available to nationals of many countries. Apply for this online (EVisa) or receive it upon arrival if your nationality is eligible. It permits stays up to 90 days and allows multiple entries within a year.
The Umrah Visa applies specifically to performing Umrah. You must apply through an authorized travel agent, and it typically offers a fixed duration (e.g., 15 or 30 days). Pilgrims on Umrah visas must depart Saudi Arabia within the visa's validity.
Tourist eVisa fee approximately SAR 535, which includes medical insurance. Upon arrival, proceed through immigration checkpoints. Officials take fingerprints and facial scans.
Access to the central area around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) generally restricts entry to Muslims. Non-Muslims can visit other parts of Madinah.
Access Restrictions
Access to the central Haram area of Madinah, including Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and its immediate surroundings, restricts entry to Muslims only.
Non-Muslims can visit other parts of Madinah.
Health requirements
Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY strain) for Hajj/Umrah. Yellow Fever if from risk areas. Polio if from endemic countries.
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Varicella), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid.
Health-related entry
Carry proof of Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Travelers from Yellow Fever or Polio endemic countries need valid vaccination certificates.
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency, fixed versus the US Dollar at A SINGLE dollar = 3.75 SAR. ATMs are widely available across Madinah. Currency exchange offices are at airports, major hotels, and shopping malls.
Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Amex, are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. Carry some cash for smaller purchases or local markets.
Not mandatory, 5-10% appreciated for good service.
Small tips (SAR 5-10) for bellhops and porters.
Rounding up the fare is common.
Consider SAR 20-50 per person for good service.
Book hotels in advance, eat at local eateries, use ride-sharing, visit free religious sites.
Prioritize your health and safety precautions when traveling to Madinah. This section covers common health concerns, emergency services, and safety tips.
The desert climate brings high temperatures. Drink plenty of water constantly, stay in shaded areas, wear light clothing, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Exercise caution with your food and drink choices to stay healthy. Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available.
Your daily expenses in Madinah vary significantly based on your travel style.
