Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam, after Makkah and Madinah. For many Muslims, visiting Al-Aqsa is a deeply meaningful journey, but it’s also one of the more complex trips to plan. Unlike Umrah, which follows a well-established route through Saudi Arabia, a visit to Al-Aqsa involves separate entry procedures, variable access rules, and a security situation that can change quickly. This guide explains how to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque, what to expect on arrival, and how to prepare properly.
Why Al-Aqsa Mosque Matters
Al-Aqsa refers to the whole sanctuary within the Old City walls, known to Muslims as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, not just the silver-domed Qibli Mosque at its southern end. The site is linked to the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Night Journey and Ascension, and it once served as the first qibla in Islam before prayer was redirected towards the Kaaba.
How to Visit Al-Aqsa Mosque
There are two main routes into Jerusalem, and the one you choose often depends on your passport, background, and personal preference.
1. Via Jordan. Many Muslim travellers fly into Amman and cross into the West Bank via the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, then continue to Jerusalem. This route is popular with pilgrims who prefer to avoid flying directly into Israeli airports.
2. Via Israel. Alternatively, you can fly into Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and travel on to Jerusalem by road, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
Whichever route you take, be prepared for thorough security checks at borders and checkpoints, and allow extra time, particularly at Ben Gurion, where questioning can take longer for visitors with Muslim names or Middle Eastern or South Asian backgrounds.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Passport and entry rules change, so always confirm current requirements before booking. As things stand, British citizens can visit Israel without a visa as tourists and are permitted to stay for up to three months on arrival. Since January 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has also been required before travel, valid for two years and covering visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your arrival date.
The UK government’s travel advice for Israel and the Palestinian territories is updated frequently and has changed several times in recent years, moving between “advise against all travel,” “advise against all but essential travel,” and standard caution for different areas depending on the security situation. Always check the current gov.uk travel advice for Israel and Palestine before booking flights, and again shortly before you fly, since conditions near borders and in parts of the West Bank can shift with little warning.
Visiting Hours and Access
Non-Muslim visitors are permitted onto the wider Temple Mount/Haram Al-Sharif esplanade during set hours, but are not permitted inside the Qibli Mosque or the Dome of the Rock. For Muslims, access to pray inside Al-Aqsa is generally more straightforward, though it is worth knowing that tourist visiting hours to the compound are typically around 7:30am to 11am and 1:30pm to 2:30pm outside of prayer times, and the site is closed to non-Muslim visitors on Fridays.
It’s important to be aware that access for Palestinian residents of the West Bank and Gaza is subject to a permit system controlled by Israeli authorities, which can change from week to week, particularly during Ramadan. International Muslim visitors travelling on foreign passports are generally not affected by these permit restrictions in the same way, but should still expect security screening and, at times, questions to confirm religious identity.
Dress Code and Etiquette
Modest dress is required for everyone entering the compound:
- Cover shoulders, arms, and legs.
- Women should bring a headscarf; men should wear long trousers rather than shorts.
- Remove shoes before entering any prayer hall.
- Avoid loud conversation, photography during prayer, and any behaviour that could be seen as disrespectful.
- Carry your passport at all times, as you may be asked to show it.
Combining a Visit with Umrah or a Wider Trip
Jerusalem is not part of a standard Umrah itinerary, since it sits in a different country with its own entry requirements, and Saudi Arabia and Israel are not connected by a direct travel route. Muslims wishing to visit Al-Aqsa typically plan it as a separate trip, often via Jordan, sometimes combined with visits to other historic sites in the region. If you’re planning a wider spiritual journey and want guidance on how the logistics fit together, our team at Umrah Al Amanah is happy to talk through your options honestly, including what we can and can’t arrange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any Muslim enter Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray?
Generally yes, though all visitors go through security screening, and access can be affected by wider security conditions on the day.
Do I need a visa from the UK?
As a British passport holder, you don’t currently need a visa for a short tourist visit to Israel, but you will need an ETA and a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond arrival.
Is it safe to travel there right now?
Always check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking, as guidance for different parts of Israel and the Palestinian territories changes regularly.
Visiting Al-Aqsa is a profound experience for many Muslims, but it deserves careful, well-informed planning. Take time to check current entry rules and travel advice, and if you’d like help thinking through a wider pilgrimage or Holy Land itinerary alongside your Umrah plans, get in touch with Umrah Al Amanah for honest, practical guidance.
