Saudi Arabia

The Land of Deserts
and Devotion

Flag of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, a country in the Middle East, is renowned for its rich Islamic heritage, vast desert landscapes, and rapid modernization. Home to iconic landmarks like the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the ancient rock-cut tombs of Madain Saleh, and the futuristic skyline of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of historical sites and contemporary development. The country's geography ranges from the Red Sea coast to the expansive Rub' al Khali desert, with oases and mountain ranges in between.

Saudi culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, reflected in its art, architecture, and cuisine featuring dishes like kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and dates. Known for its religious significance, oil wealth, and ambitious Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia presents a captivating destination that combines ancient traditions with modern aspirations.

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Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Saudi Arabia.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Saudi Arabia.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Kuwait) can enter Saudi Arabia with a valid passport or GCC ID card and stay indefinitely without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from most other nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Saudi Arabia, though many (e.g., US, Canada, EU countries, Australia) are eligible for an e-Visa or visa on arrival for tourism purposes.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Saudi visa is required unless the traveler’s nationality is visa-exempt (GCC only).
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) can enter without a Saudi visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they hold a valid tourist or business e-Visa linked to the US/UK visa.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry unless from a GCC country; however, they may be eligible for an e-Visa or visa on arrival.
  • ID Card Entry: Citizens of GCC countries (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) can enter Saudi Arabia using only a valid national ID card.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days (tourist visa, issued as e-Visa or visa on arrival). Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year; extendable for another 90 days with approval from the Ministry of Interior.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days (e.g., work, family visit). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit (Iqama) with approval from the Ministry of Interior or employer sponsorship.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays for GCC nationals are indefinite. Tourist e-Visas allow stays of 90 days, extendable up to 180 days total per year.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship from a Saudi employer. Pilgrimage (Hajj/Umrah) requires specific visas issued via https://hajj.gov.sa/. Travel to restricted areas (e.g., near Yemen border) may require special permits due to security concerns.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Saudi Arabia may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof via the Tawakkalna app.
Toll

Driving in Saudi Arabia

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Saudi Arabia does not have toll roads. Major highways, such as the Riyadh-Dammam Highway (Route 40) and Mecca-Jeddah Highway (Route 15), are toll-free, though the government is exploring toll systems for future implementation.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; there are no toll roads in Saudi Arabia at this time. Updates on potential toll systems can be found on the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services website: https://www.mot.gov.sa/.

Driving in Saudi Arabia

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80-100 km/h
    • Highways: 120-140 km/h (e.g., Route 40)
  • Road conditions are generally excellent; highways like Route 40 are well-maintained, but rural roads (e.g., in Asir or Rub’ al Khali desert) can involve sand, gravel, or flash flooding during rare rains (November-March).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 1 year. A temporary Saudi driving permit can be obtained for short visits; a local license is required for longer stays.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Saudi Arabia does not use a vignette system; there are no toll roads or vignette requirements.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be challenging due to high speeds and aggressive drivers, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. Sandstorms (common in spring, March-May) and fog (winter months) can reduce visibility on rural roads. Night driving in desert areas is risky due to wandering camels and limited lighting.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah); apps like Google Maps and Waze work well, but keep an updated physical map as a backup for remote desert regions like the Empty Quarter.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 911 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire).

Useful Links

Saudi Arabia Currency

The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 SAR
  • Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 halalas; 1, 2 SAR
  • Symbol: SR or ر.س (often written as SAR)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports (e.g., King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh), and authorized money changers in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
  • ATMs are widely available across urban and tourist areas for direct SAR withdrawals; most accept international cards.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred for small transactions, especially in markets (e.g., Souq Al-Zal in Riyadh) and rural areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, malls, and larger establishments; contactless payments are common in urban centers.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and in rural areas, though digital payments are prevalent in cities.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the SAR is pegged to the USD (1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Saudi Central Bank website: https://www.sama.gov.sa/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Saudi Arabia

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Saudi Arabia, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty. Even small quantities can lead to severe charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is illegal nationwide; possession or importation can lead to imprisonment or deportation.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, on public transport, and in some outdoor areas (e.g., near mosques); vaping is restricted under tobacco laws.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Islamic customs; dress modestly in public (e.g., women must wear abayas in some areas, though rules relaxed in tourist zones), especially during Ramadan or at religious sites (e.g., Masjid al-Haram in Mecca). Avoid discussing politics (e.g., royal family, regional conflicts).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with severe penalties including imprisonment or corporal punishment. Public displays of affection may attract legal consequences or social disapproval, even between opposite-sex couples in conservative settings.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, and religious sites (e.g., Kaaba in Mecca). Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially women or during prayers.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: None permitted (importing alcohol is illegal).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over SAR 60,000 (approximately USD 16,000 or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, alcohol, pornography, pork products, and materials deemed anti-Islamic or offensive to Saudi culture (e.g., religious texts other than the Quran in some contexts).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Saudi Tourism Authority or the Ministry of Interior.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Jeddah Corniche, Half Moon Bay) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated at major beaches but not always fully implemented outside tourist zones.

Key Resources

Saudi Arabia Travel Safety

Saudi Arabia is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and modern infrastructure, though remote desert areas and border regions pose specific risks. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Saudi Arabia.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Kingdom Centre in Riyadh) or pilgrimage sites (e.g., Mecca during Hajj). Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Saudi Arabia is considered safe, with increasing openness to tourists. Female travelers should dress modestly (abaya optional in some areas), avoid isolated desert areas at night, and note that solo women may face scrutiny in conservative regions.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to high speeds and aggressive drivers in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
    • Avoid night driving in rural areas (e.g., Rub’ al Khali) due to sandstorms (March-May), fog (November-March), and wandering camels.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory and strictly enforced.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is generally safe in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., kabsa, mutabbaq) is usually safe if freshly prepared.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel). Meningococcal vaccine is required for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims.
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against rare cases of dengue or malaria in rural areas near the Yemen border (e.g., Jazan) during rainy months (November-March).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Abha in Asir at 2,270m, though rarely exceeding 3,000m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated if hiking in high-altitude areas.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: High-quality facilities like King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh and Jeddah offer excellent care. Rural areas have clinics, but advanced care is concentrated in cities.
  • Pharmacies: Widely available in cities and towns; carry essentials for remote desert trips.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, though rarely needed due to robust local healthcare.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 911 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 997 | Fire: 998 | Police: 999.
  • Tourist Police (Riyadh): +966 11 9200 0333.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Renting a car is convenient; a 4x4 is recommended for desert trips (e.g., Edge of the World). Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use guided tours for desert or mountain excursions (e.g., Al Rajhi Grand Mosque trails); extreme heat (May-September) and sandstorms pose risks.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Ramadan customs; avoid eating/drinking in public during fasting hours. Dress modestly at sites like Al Masmak Fortress or during prayer times.
  • Weather Risks: Extreme heat (up to 50°C/122°F in summer, May-September) can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday outdoor activities.

Key Links

Flying to Saudi Arabia

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