Most of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan each year.
Ramadan is the most important month on the Islamic calendar. It's the month in which the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.
Explore this page to learn:
- where Ramadan is celebrated
- dates for Ramadan
- local laws and customs during Ramadan
- Eid-ul-Fitr, after Ramadan
See our general information and advice on staying safe, and staying within law. Also, read our travel advisory for your destination.
Countries that universally celebrate Ramadan
You can expect to find Ramadan celebrations in countries where Islam is the national religion.
You may also come across Ramadan celebrations in other destinations with Muslim populations. In some destinations, only certain regions are predominantly Muslim.
Dates for Ramadan
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around 23 April 2020.
The exact dates of Ramadan depends on the sightings of the moon. This can vary from country to country. Seek local advice for the country you're visiting.
Local laws and customs around Ramadan
If you're travelling to a country with a large Muslim community, respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs.
During Ramadan, the following activities may be illegal in public during the day:
- eating
- drinking
- smoking
If you're not fasting, avoid these around people who are fasting. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Getting around during Ramadan
At the end of the day, families and friends often meet to break their fast. This may run late into the night.
In the evening, traffic can become congested. Plan your trip accordingly.
Between sunrise and sunset, the following venues may close, or operate with shorter opening hours or less staff:
- restaurants
- tourist facilities
- government agencies
- courts
- shops and other businesses
Seek local advice about business hours and closures and plan accordingly.
Eid-ul-Fitr
The end of Ramadan is usually a busy period in Muslim countries. People traditionally visit their families to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the three day festival marking the end of the fast.
One or more of these days may be a public holiday.
Plan ahead if you're travelling at this time. Roads can be congested. Flights are often fully booked.
Read more
- Read the travel advisory for your destination.
- See general advice getting around and staying within the law.
- If you break the local law, you could be arrested or jailed.
- Understand how and when we can help. Read the Consular Services Charter.
See also
- See FAQs about about Ramadan (Islamic Council of Victoria).
- See the Australian Government calendar of cultural and religious dates (Department of Home Affairs),
- Find an embassy or consulate overseas (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade).