Book cheap flights to Medina

Like most of Saudi Arabia, Medina experiences unfavourable hot temperatures throughout most of the year. Most visitors to Medina are Muslims who go on pilgrimage during Hajj, Umrah and Ramadan, occurring annually at different times but generally during the later months of the year. If you are not going on pilgrimage, but rather to explore the city, then the more favourable time to visit is between October and May when temperatures are cooler; January and February are the coolest months with temperatures reaching a maximum of 28°C. Avoid travelling between June and September when temperatures are unbearably hot!

South African citizens do need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Ensure your passport is valid for up to 6 months after arrival and keep 3 blank pages available for stamps.

You can contact the embassy of Saudi Arabia at the following address:

711 Jan Shoba Street, Hatfield, 0028, Pretoria

Tel: 012 362 4230/40

Tel: 012 342 4011 (Religious Office)

Very little crime occurs in the cities of Saudi Arabia. The justice system is governed according to the Shari’a or Islamic Law. The crime rate in Medina is very low in comparison to other areas outside Saudi Arabia. This is perhaps due to the severe repercussions related to crime that is committed in the city. Nonetheless, avoid carrying large amounts of money and drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.

According to government regulations, travellers are required to be inoculated against Meningitis. It is recommended to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever, but this is not mandatory.

Be aware that non-Muslims are prohibited from entering Central Medina and you may be stopped at checkpoints to show your passport and visa. If you try to enter as a non-Muslim you may face deportation. The outskirts of the city are open to anyone. Christians are allowed into Saudi Arabia for work but they are not allowed to practice their faith openly. Due to the fact that the land is ruled under Islamic law there are many limitations and prohibited actions which are seen as harmless in western-governed societies.

Women in Medina, Muslim or not, must always wear full hijab when out in public. Hijab requires one to dress modestly (wear loose fitting and non-revealing clothing) and make sure they are covered from head to toe with exception of hands and feet. Failure to do so can result in police action. There are also certain limitations on women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, such as not being permitted to walk unaccompanied by a man in the street.

Most of the hotels in Medina are restricted to Muslims only and are located in the centre of town close to the Prophet’s Mosque. You can find many upscale hotel as well as more budget-friendly accommodation a little further from the Masjid Nabavi. These low-cost hotels are fitted with above-average amenities and home comforts. In essence, the further away from the Mosque, the cheaper the accommodation.

On the outskirts of the city are a few hotels catering to non-Muslims and flight crew. You’ll find restaurants and fast-food chains aplenty, serving up eastern and Asian cuisine.

Note that credit cards are mostly unaccepted, so ensure you have enough of the local currency in cash.

The only public transport available is taxis. Be aware of taxi drivers trying to sell you a sob story about their hardships – this is known to be a scam to extract money from unsuspecting tourists. When you leave the airport, make sure you locate a clearly-marked taxi as some men may approach you claiming to be an airport official to extort taxi fees from you.

If you are on the roadside, you may encounter a local offering to give you a lift to your destination for a fee. This is at your own risk and is not encouraged.

Most pilgrims are part of an arranged pilgrimage group and there are special pilgrims’ buses travelling from Jeddah to Medina and Mecca.