Can I visit Mecca as a Tourist?

Can I visit Mecca as a Tourist?

Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, and Saudi law strictly forbids non-Muslims from entering it. Documents will be checked upon entry at dedicated checkpoints, and non-Muslims will be redirected to a motorway that bypasses the city. Pilgrims must show proof of being Muslim (a certificate is needed for those converted to Islam) and women must be accompanied by a Mahram (male guardian). The Saudi Arabian government issues special Hajj or Umrah visas to simplify the process, but the sheer amount of paperwork makes many pilgrims rely on specialised travel agencies to handle that.

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