The Hajj leads to Mecca partly with a detour to Medina.
background
The Hajj is the most important pilgrimage in Islam and leads to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Mecca is in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government forbids non-Muslims from going to Mecca, regardless of whether it is Hajj or not. For Muslims there is a separate visa with simpler entry conditions, which is only valid for Mecca and Medina and is strictly forbidden to travel to Saudi Arabia. The best way to organize a pilgrimage to Mecca is to go to your mosque, which will also provide proof that you are a Muslim.
preparation
getting there
While in earlier times the Hajj was an arduous pilgrimage on ships and / or camels, which could sometimes take years, today it is common to arrive by plane. Due to the enormous numbers of people who want to get to Mecca and then back again in a short period of time, the airports are at their capacity limits and flights are particularly expensive at this time. At the airport in Jeddah there is a separate "Hajj Terminal" which is used exclusively to handle pilgrims during Hajj time.
security
Pickpockets can easily occur in the crowds. Mass panic can also quickly end in deaths and serious injuries. The Saudi government has made efforts to reduce these dangers in recent years, but some risk remains.
