Traveling during Ramadan - yes or no?
Some travel guides strongly advise against traveling to Arab countries during Ramadan. How a Ramadan trip can still be an unforgettable experience and what travelers should definitely pay attention to.
A mosque in Istanbul. During Ramadan, the daily breaking of the fast begins at sunset with a call to prayer.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the most important season for Muslim people. For almost a month, believers refrained from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset, they do not smoke and regularly pray towards Mecca. Muslims deal intensively with their faith, use the time for reflection, focus on the essentials and on developing as human beings. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam (along with the creed, regular prayer, pilgrimage to Mecca and zakat, alms). The end of Ramadan is celebrated together with family or friends and plenty of food. This time is also known as Eid al-Fitr in Arabic and Ramazan Bayrami in Turkish.
When does Ramadan take place?
Islam is based on the lunar calendar and not on the sun and the Gregorian calendar. The Islamic year has 354 instead of 365 days. As a result, Ramadan moves forward by ten or eleven days every year - and sometimes takes place in summer, sometimes in winter. Ramadan begins on the ninth month of the lunar calendar with the new moon. That is why the beginning of Lent is also known as the "birth of the new moon".
Ramadan dates:
Ramadan 2025:
February 28th to March 30th
Ramadan 2026:
February 17th to March 18th
Ramadan 2027:
February 7th to March 8th
Ramadan rules: What is not allowed during Ramadan?
During the month of fasting, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. During this time, they get up before sunrise to eat and drink. During the day they eat nothing and only after sunset the fast-breaking begins which is heralded with the Ramadan prayer (Arabic: "Iftar").
The daily fast is traditionally broken with dates, usually with milk or water.
Did you know? Many Muslims eat an odd number of dates, one, three or five, because Mohammed did it that way.
However, there is more to fasting than just abstaining from eating and drinking. Alcohol, smoking and sex are taboo. Small sins like lies and arguments are avoided.
Muslims should refrain from things that could distract them from God and their faith. This can also be things you do just for fun, such as listening to loud music. In addition, many people don’t wear flashy clothing, perfume or make-up.
Only those who are physically and mentally able are required to fast.
People who don’t have to fast:
Menstruating, pregnant and lactating women
Chronically ill
Decrepit people
Pre-adolescent children (although they are encouraged to fast as long as they can or skip a meal)
Adults who cannot fast should bring a fasting substitute for each missed fasting day and, for example, invite a needy person to eat.
Do travelers have to follow the rules?
In most countries, tourists are not required to follow Ramadan rules. In order to respect religion and culture, however, travelers should be careful not to attract negative attention in public - for example not drinking, eating or smoking. Otherwise, this can quickly lead to conflicts with Muslims who take the month of fasting very seriously. It is also recommended to abstain from alcohol during the Ramadan period, even after breaking the fast.
As for clothing, travelers to Muslim countries and areas should keep a low profile regardless of the season. That means: cover shoulders and knees, especially women. During Ramadan, travelers should be aware of this, because some locals are very sensitive to moral violations.
Of course, travelers can try fasting themselves. However, heat and unfamiliar surroundings demand a lot from the body. Therefore, be sure to stop if you notice that you are feeling uncomfortable.
Important: One country in which travelers must also comply with Ramadan rules is the United Arab Emirates. In the UAE it is a criminal offense to eat, drink, smoke (including in the car) or even chew chewing gum in public. Even being drunk in public is forbidden. So not a good idea to have a drink in the hotel bar and then go out into the street.
Do Muslim travelers have to fast?
Muslims who are traveling are exempt from fasting. They should make up the fast when they have finished their journey.
Ramadan on vacation: How the month of fasting affects travel
If you are traveling in Muslim countries at the time of Ramadan, life there takes on calmer traits and many things are a little different.
A few insights:
Opening times of shops during Ramadan
Many shops are closed during the day and only open in the early afternoon. To break the fast around sunset, shops close again so owners and employees can rush to see friends and family. After an hour or two, the shops open again and are usually busier than during the day. Some banks and offices are completely closed.
Overall, the pace of life and work slows down as the end of the month of fasting approaches.
Restaurants during Ramadan
Some restaurants are completely closed during the day and only reopen just before sunset. Including many local restaurants. For tourists who are not fasting, in most cases there is still something to eat and drink - especially in places with a high number of tourists. There are rarely restrictions in hotel restaurants.
Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town, Zanzibar – during Ramadan, people flock here late into the night and eat local delicacies
Public transport during Ramadan
During the month of fasting, the departure times for buses and trains are often changed. So it's best to ask locally and not rely on the internet and old travel reports.
Attractions during Ramadan
During the fasting month of Ramadan, sights may be closed or access may be restricted. It is therefore best to find out about possible changes in advance.
All about breaking the fast
The daily breaking of the fast is heralded by the call to prayer from the mosque at sunset. In countries near the equator, the sun sets at around 6 p.m. So much earlier than, for example, in the European summer.
When breaking the fast and at night, the streets can get quite crowded. So keep your eyes open while being outside.
Traveling during Ramadan – conclusion
Although many travel guides strongly advise against traveling in Arab countries during Ramadan, a journey during this time can be a particularly interesting experience. Especially if you are open to new things, want to immerse yourself completely in the culture and if you can be flexible and patient. Incidentally, private local contacts are very helpful – and make a trip during Ramadan even more unforgettable. You break the fast together, are invited to the family - and exchange ideas about culture and religion. For travelers who have no local contacts, it can be a little more difficult because fasting is a very personal thing. Individual travelers should definitely take a detailed look at the Do's and Don'ts during Ramadan beforehand.
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