Are non-Muslims still not allowed in Mecca and how can they tell who’s who?

Non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter the city of Mecca, which is considered the holiest city in Islam. This restriction is based on Islamic law and is intended to preserve the sanctity of the city for Muslim pilgrims performing the Hajj pilgrimage and Umrah.

The Saudi Arabian government strictly enforces this restriction, and non-Muslims are typically not issued visas to enter the city of Mecca. There are checkpoints and barriers in place to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the city.

In terms of identifying who is a Muslim and who is not, Saudi authorities may rely on a variety of factors, including:

Documentation: People entering Mecca may be required to present documentation proving their Muslim identity, such as a valid Hajj or Umrah visa, which is typically issued to Muslims.

Appearance and Attire: While appearance alone cannot definitively determine someone's religious affiliation, Saudi authorities may observe attire and other visual cues that are commonly associated with Islam, such as wearing traditional Islamic clothing or performing Islamic rituals.

Questioning: Individuals attempting to enter Mecca may be questioned by Saudi authorities about their purpose for visiting and their religious affiliation. Those who are unable to provide satisfactory answers or who are suspected of being non-Muslims may be denied entry.

It's important to note that the restriction on non-Muslims entering Mecca is based on Saudi law and Islamic tradition and is subject to change at the discretion of the Saudi government. Additionally, exceptions may be made for certain non-Muslim individuals, such as diplomats or non-Muslim spouses of Muslim citizens, under specific circumstances.