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  3. Travelling during Ramadan

Travelling during Ramadan

Last updated
Wednesday, 05/04/2023

 

Ramadan is the most important month on the Islamic calendar. It's the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.

Because Muslims follows a lunar calendar, the date of Ramadan changes every year. This year, Ramadan started on 22 March. It lasts for 30 days, ending on 21 April with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Ramadan is a time of abstinence and reflection for Muslims. However, every country that observes Ramadan does so a little differently. If you're visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan, research your destination before you arrive to learn what to expect.

Be respectful of local sensitivities, rules and customs

It's important to be respectful of local culture and customs when you're travelling. When you arrive in your destination, seek local advice about appropriate behaviour. Follow the lead of non-fasting locals.

Food and drink

Non-Muslims aren't expected to fast during Ramadan, but you should still be aware of the local laws and customs around food and drink.

In some countries, it's illegal to eat or drink in public during Ramadan, even if you're not fasting. Tourists have been deported in the past for eating in public during fasting hours. In places where it's legal, it could still be considered offensive or insensitive, regardless of the law. In some places, even chewing gum and smoking in public are considered taboo during fasting hours.

Restaurants may be closed during the day. If open, you could be asked to eat behind a curtain or in a private room. If tipping is standard in your destination, consider tipping more generously. Staff are preparing your food while fasting themselves.

In countries where food is hard to find during the day, talk to your hotel about providing packed lunches or plan ahead and buy food you can prepare in your own accommodation.

Alcohol can be hard to find. In many countries, businesses that sell alcohol will close for the duration of Ramadan.

Clothing and behaviour

It's respectful to dress more conservatively during Ramadan, even as a tourist. Wear clothes that cover your arms, legs and shoulders. If you're a woman, consider covering your hair.

Avoid public displays of affection. These are usually discouraged in Muslim countries but are particularly taboo during Ramadan.

Avoid playing loud music in public during fasting hours, even in a car. 

How Ramadan can affect your trip

Travelling in a Muslim country during Ramadan can be a rewarding cultural experience. But be prepared for changes to normal daily life. Don't assume everything you want to do will be available. Because locals are fasting during the day, Ramadan can affect when services and businesses operate. This can include tourist destinations as well as essential services such as transportation. They may

  • open later in the day for fewer hours
  • open very early then close during the day, reopening after fast has broken and staying open late into the night
  • operate with less staff.

Confirm opening hours when planning your trip, and book ahead of time as much as possible.

Read more:

  • Read more about travel during Ramadan.
  • See our advice about travelling during a major event.

Emergency consular assistance

The Australian Government provides 24-hour consular emergency assistance.

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

1300 555 135 from within Australia

For how we can help you overseas see the Consular Services Charter.

Enquiries and feedback

For non-urgent enquiries, or to provide feedback on consular services that you've recently received, contact us online.

For information on notarial services, email legalisations.australia@dfat.gov.au

For information about Australian visas, contact the Department of Home Affairs.

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Smartraveller is provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

For more information go to about us.

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  • HomeHome
  • Before you go
    • The basics
      • Planning to travel during COVID-19: step by step
      • Destinations
      • Passport services
      • Visas
      • Insurance
      • Schengen
      • Travel advice explained
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      • Dual nationals
      • LGBTI++
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      • Cyber security
      • Demonstrations
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      • Kidnapping
      • Natural disasters
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      • Scams
      • Severe weather
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    • Laws
      • Carrying or using drugs
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      • Female genital mutilation
      • Forced marriage
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  • While you're away
    • When things go wrong
      • Arrested or jailed
      • Lost property
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    • Crime overseas
      • Assaulted
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    • Crisis or emergency
      • Demonstration
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      • Severe weather
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      • Volcanic eruption
      • Bushfire
      • Nuclear incident
    • Australia's biosecurity and border controls
  • Urgent helpLinks to help
  • Our servicesLinks to services
    • Consular Services Charter
      • ميثاق الخدمات القنصلية (Arabic)
      • 领事服务章程 (Chinese Simplified)
      • 領事服務章程 (Chinese Traditional)
      • कांसुलर सेवाओं का चार्टर (Hindi)
      • Panduan Layanan Konsuler (Indonesian)
      • 領事サービス憲章 (Japanese)
      • Karta ng Mga Serbisyo sa Konsulado (Filipino)
      • กฎบัตรว่าด้วยบริการต่าง ๆ ของกงสุล (Thai)
      • Hiến Chương về Dịch Vụ Lãnh Sự (Vietnamese)
    • Travel advice explained
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      • العربية (Arabic)
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