The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Visitors

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a wonderland where ancient traditions and modern developments blend. This country provides an unparalleled cultural experience for its visitors.

Dear first-time visitors, this article is exclusively dedicated to you. Traveling to a country for the first time can be challenging and overwhelming. Knowing the culture, traditions, places to explore, visa processing, etc. Honestly, you are at the right place. We will help you walk you through all of these things.

Let’s get into it.

The Importance of the Saudi e-Visa

For people visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time, obtaining a Saudi e-Visa is an ideal choice. Because the travelers can simply relax and wait for a permit. There is no need to travel to embassies or consulates and wait in long lines with piles of documents. Applying for a Saudi e-Visa eliminates more than half the hassle.

Saudi Arabia introduced the Saudi e-Visa in 2019. Since then, the tourist flow has increased because of its convenience and streamlined process. All you have to do is to visit the Saudi e-Visa portal. Find the application form, check for eligibility, and go for it.

Key Benefits of Saudi e-Visa

• Completion of Application Form – Applicants can complete the application in 15-20 minutes, from the comfort of their own home.
• Fast Processing – The Saudi e-Visa Application Form takes only about 24 to 72 hours to process.
• Validity – The validity of a Saudi e-Visa is 1 year.
• Entries – Travelers holding a Saudi e-Visa can enter the country multiple times within the validity period.
• Stay – Travelers holding a Saudi e-Visa can stay in the country for 90 days in one visit. The total number of stays within a validity period is 180 days.
• Health Insurance – Insurance is required. However, candidates do not need to apply for one or pay extra for it. Travelers will receive their insurance documentation along with their approved e-Visa. The application cost already includes payment.
• E-visa Types– There are various types of Saudi e-Visa dedicated exclusively for visits – Saudi Tourist e-Visa – For sightseeing, recreational, Saudi Tourist/ Family & Relatives – For meeting friends, family & relatives, Saudi Tourist/ Umrah e-Visa– To perform Umrah, Saudi Business/events e-Visa- To attend Business, events, and conferences.

Authorized Entry Ports for Saudi e-Visa Holders

Airports

• King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah
• King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh
• Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Medina
• King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam

Seaports

• King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam
• Jeddah Islamic Port, Jeddah
• King Fahd Industrial Port, Jubail
• Yanbu Commercial Port, Yanbu

Land Border Crossings

• Saudi-Jordan Border
• Saudi-Iraq Border
• Saudi-Kuwait Border
• Saudi-UAE Border

Essential Customs and Traditions

Please ensure that you know and understand the essential customs and traditions of the country before your trip. Understanding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s culture enhances your experience.

Social Etiquette

In Saudi, everyone greets each other whenever they meet. ‘As-salamu alaykum’ which means peace be upon you. And responded with ‘Wa alaykum as-salam’. It is very important to respect people, customs, traditions, and the environment here. It is advisable to dress modestly despite of gender. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in the desert climate.

Respect Public Spaces

Saudi Arabia follows a strong adherence to Islamic principles. Public conduct is very important in this country. Please avoid Public displays of affection. Always ask permission before taking pictures of people as well as monuments, sensitive locations, etc. It is very important to plan your outing according to the prayer times. Businesses pause during the 5 daily prayers.

Dining Customs

Saudi Arabian dishes leave you mind-blowing. They offer a rich experience to your taste buds and soul. In Saudi, communal dining is a part of the culture. They share meals with others and one must have food with their right hand. Try Kabsa, Mutabbaq, Mandhi, Shawarma, Kunafa, etc. like traditional dishes. Saudi Arabian cuisine is known for its flavors. Moreover, guests are honored with Arabic coffee known as Qahwa and dates. It is their custom. Which represents a polite welcome. Please respect the food they offer as well as the people of Saudi Arabia. Please leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate you are satisfied.

Religious Observances

As we mentioned earlier, Islam is the religion followed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are many mosques in this country. The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are also located in Saudi Arabia. Millions of pilgrims visit these places and perform both Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims should dress very modestly during the pilgrimage. Also, they must remove their shoes before entering the mosque. Please note that non-Muslims are not allowed inside Mecca & Medina. During Ramadan, people refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, etc. Restaurants serve Iftar meals after sunset.

Festivals & Cultural Events

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates many festivals most of which are connected to Islam and their cultural heritage like,

• Eid al-Fits
• Janadriyah National Festival
• Saudi Annual Festivals

There are more. People prepare flavorful meals and share them with others. They exchange gifts, there will be expos, concerts, etc. Plan your itinerary accordingly to enjoy Saudi Arabia’s festivals.

Laws & Restrictions

Please be mindful of the laws and restrictions before entering the country. It is crucial to follow the guidelines and rules. Saudi authorities are very particular about the rules. If someone breaches any of them, they might face consequences.

Please note that Alcohol, Pork, Dangerous tools, Loud behavior, Criticizing royalty of the country, etc. are strictly prohibited in the country.

Practical Tips for the First Time Travelers

• Carry your travel documents with you all the time. You can carry them digitally for your convenience.
• Digital money services are available all over Saudi. But it is advisable to carry Saudi currency- Riyal with you.
• Arabic is the official language in this country. However, English is spoken widely here.
• The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is from October to March.
• Carry necessary Health & Vaccination Requirements.
• Protect yourself from the sun with clothes, water, and sunscreen
• Follow all the guidelines and rules.
• Respect everyone and everything
• Apply early to avoid any last-minute hassle.
• Those who are not eligible to apply for a Saudi e-Visa can opt for a Visa on Arrival or a traditional visa.

Places to Explore in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is for everyone. Travelers can explore different faces of Saudi Arabia. Here is a small list of places to explore in Saudi. This is just an outline, there are many, and hard to list them in one article.

• Riyadh
• Jeddah
• Al-Ula
• NEOM
• Abha
• The Empty Quarter
• Mecca & Medina

We hope this article helps you. Please do not miss any chance to visit this beautiful place. Exploring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be an unforgettable experience for you. Plan an amazing vacation in this astounding country.