Visiting Madinah as a Non-Muslim: What You Can and Can’t Do (2025 Guide)
Visiting Madinah as a Non-Muslim: What You Can and Can’t Do (2025 Guide) Madinah (also spelled Medina) is one of the holiest cities in Islam, second only to Makkah. It holds deep religious, historical, and cultural significance for Muslims around the world. But if you’re a non-Muslim living in or visiting Saudi Arabia, you may be wondering: Can non-Muslims visit Madinah? What areas are accessible? And what should you know before going? In this detailed guide, we explain the current rules (as of 2025), areas you can visit, what to avoid, and how to be respectful when exploring Madinah as a non-Muslim. Can Non-Muslims Visit Madinah? Yes — non-Muslims are allowed to visit the city of Madinah itself. Contrary to a common misconception, the entire city is not off-limits. However, there are certain restricted areas that are only accessible to Muslims. The area immediately surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) — called the Haram area — is restricted, and entry is...