Last Updated: Feb 25, 2022
I just returned from a 2 week trip to Makkah and Madinah and wanted to share my personal experience. This article is an information dump of everything I experienced, learned and observed during my trip.
What to Expect
Overall things went fairly smoothly. However, there are restrictions in place and certain requirements need to be met. Madinah is a lot quieter than normal. Restaurants and many shops are closed shut due to lack of pilgrims.
There is a lot of constructions happening in both Makkah and Madinah. This has resulted in a lot closed of areas in both Holy cities.
What do I need?
There are two apps you need to download as soon as you enter Saudia Arabia. Tawakalna and Eatmarna.
Tawakalna
This app is the most important app you need on your phone. The Tawakalna app is activated once you land in the country and it shows your vaccination status. If you are double vaccinated the app will show a green color with the label “immune”. In Madinah, guards will ask you to show the Tawakalna app when entering the Masjid for Prayer, entering any building and shopping mall.
Eatmarna
The Eatmarna app is for getting permits to perform 5 daily prayers at Masjid Al Haram, Umrah, Tawaf in Makkah and for praying in Rowdah and prophet visit in Madinah. The guards do a visual scan of the permit when you are entering the Masjid Nabawai and Masjid Al Haram.
What Restrictions are in Place?
There are many restrictions currently in place to ensure everyone is safe.
Makkah
- Children under the age of 7 are NOT allowed in the Masjid but ARE ALLOWED in the courtyard
- Fully vaccinated children over the age of 7 are allowed to enter the Haram.
- Social distancing is effect when praying
- Masks are required to be worn at all times
- Permits are required to enter the Masjid. You cannot just walk in.
- The mataf(area close to the Kabah) is restricted to only pilgrims in ihram who are performing Umrah.
Madinah
- Children are NOT ALLOWED in the Masjid AND the courtyard.
- Social distancing is effect when praying
- Masks are required to be worn at all times
- You need a permit to pray in the Rowdah
- You need a permit to visit the Prophets grave.
- Many restaurants and businesses are closed.
Zam Zam
Zam Zam is available in Madinah and Makkah.
However, usually I have been able to buy packaged Zam Zam to bring back home at Jeddah Airport. This time around, when travelling through Terminal 1, Zam Zam was NOT avaiable. I would advise to find out about this before you fly our or pack your own Zam Zam from your hotel.
Covid Testing (PCR)
There are many clinics that offer PCR testing services. I was personally staying at the Swissotel Al Maqam in the Clock Tower and they have a clinic in the building. I paid 250 SAR for a nurse to come to my room to do the test and I got my results in 24 hours. They have another option for 300 SAR and the results come in 12 hours.
Questions?
Send me a message on Instagram if you have any questions and I will try my best to answer them.