Things to Remember When Visiting Saudi Arabia

From historic locations to warm hospitality, Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer to tourists across the world. This makes tourism one of the biggest reasons why people visit Saudi, other than Hajj and Umrah, and business. 

With 30 million international visitors, Saudi Arabia has seen a 9% increase in 2024 as compared to the previous year. Further, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to increase its numbers and hit the goal of 70 million visitors by 2030.

To facilitate this, Saudi Arabia has designed and implemented the KSA online visa. With a simplified process and fast approval times, the Saudi Visa Application portal makes traveling to Saudi one step easier.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Saudi Arabia has been allowing visitors from 60 plus countries under the e-visa program since October 2023. Further, people who hold prior valid visas to the USA, UK, and Schengen can also get an e-visa for Saudi Arabia.

Under the KSA online visa program, the below e-visas are present:

Tourist Visa: This multi-entry visa allows only tourism and has a 90-day validity.

Business Visa: Allows a visit of less than 90 days for business, conferences, and associated activities.

Umrah Visa: Only valid for Medina, Mecca, and Jeddah for Umrah to visit outside of Hajj season.

Further, visitors may also choose the below options for the Saudi visa application:

• Residence Visa
• Employment Visa
• Companion Visa
• Student Visa
• Family Visa
• Work Visa

However, these need to be filed with the consulate or the embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Visa application calls for the following documents:

• A passport with 6 months remaining validity after your date of departure from Saudi Arabia.
• Digital copies of passport-sized photographs.
• Details of your travel itinerary
  • Flight details for reaching and departing the country.
  • Accommodation details.
• Proof of finances to support your visit.
• Travel Insurance

To apply for the KSA online visa, follow the below steps:

• Fill out the Saudi visa application form with your details.
• Upload all necessary documents.
• Double-check the details only, then hit submit.
• Pay the fee.

On successful completion and submission of your Saudi visa application, you will receive a response via email regarding confirmation or rejection of your application. Usually, the KSA online visa takes 1–3 days to process.

Flight and Travel Arrangements

Buy the flight tickets quite some time before your trip is scheduled. You will need to show your tickets into and out of the country when you are filling out the Saudi visa application form.

To visit Saudi Arabia, a good option is to book travel arrangements via Saudi airline companies. Some good airline options are Saudia, Gulf Air, and Etihad Airways. Further, you can book your flight to the following key airports:

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

Once your flights are confirmed, the next thing to do is book a hotel for your stay. Look at the listings with good reviews and within your budget. You can also look into affordable Airbnb options for your stay.

Currency and Payment Methods

To make payments during your trip, you need to get an internationally accepted bank card. Further, for petty cash, one needs to carry Saudi Riyal (SAR). 

You can get Saudi Riyal (SAR) from the following:

• An Online Forex Marketplace
• Your bank
• Authorized money dealers
• The airport

Set a budget for daily expenses and things that you may need to pay for with cash to determine how much money you need to exchange for SAR.

Cultural and Religious Etiquette

As a tourist, it is important to respect the culture of the places you intend to visit. Thus, on your trip to Saudi Arabia, it is best to dress modestly to show respect to the local customs. Further, avoid public displays of affection. 

Since the official religion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is Islam, public practice of other religions is not allowed. Commercial establishments might close for prayer times. If you are visiting during Ramadan, do not eat or drink in public. This shows respect to those observing a fast. 

To ease communication, you should learn a few common phrases in Arabic:

• Marhaba – hello
• Assalamualaikum – peace be upon you (traditional greeting)
• Waalaikumsalam – peace be upon you too (the reply)
• Shukran – thank you
• Afwan – you’re welcome
• Kaifa halak? – how are you? (for men)
• Kafa halik? – how are you? (for women)
• Ana bekhair – I’m fine
• Fehimt – understood

Food and Dining

An integral part of Saudi hospitality, food plays a huge role. Guests are often greeted with dates and tea in Saudi Arabia, and meals are a communal affair. Food is regarded as a blessing, so make sure you never waste any. 

Further, to keep up with tradition, the food in Saudi Arabia is halal. Thus it does not contain pork, alcohol, blood, meat from carnivorous animals, or meat from reptiles. 

Some of the must-try local Saudi dishes are:

• Kabsa – an Arabian mixed rice dish.
• Mutabbaq – a type of stuffed pancake.
• Mandi – a rice and meat dish cooked in a pit.
• Haneeth – a slow cooked lamb dish.
• Tamees: traditional flatbread.
• Maamoul – nut and date-filled butter cookies.
• Kleicha – a half moon shaped, date filled cookie.
• Knafeh – a spun pastry dessert.

Transportation and Getting Around

Saudi Arabia has a stellar public transport system. You can avail trains, buses, and taxis. You can also opt for Uber or Careem, the two popular car rental apps. 

Trains are the best if you are going to move from one city to another. Plus, you can take domestic flights from your nearest airport. But if public transport is not your thing, you can always rent a car. You will need an international driving license for this.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

With hot, dry weather, summers are harsh in Saudi Arabia. The temperature can be 43 degrees and beyond. Thus, a very good time to visit Saudi Arabia is winter, when the temperature is a pleasant 15-25 degrees Celsius. 

So, for a pleasant stay, plan a trip from October to March. Plus, if you visit in March, you might just be on time for the Riyadh Spring Festival. 

Pack the essentials for a mild winter for your trip to Saudi Arabia.

Health, Medical Considerations, and Emergency Contacts

Before you set out, it is best to take the below vaccinations:

• DTP-IPV for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and whooping cough.
• Influenza
• MMR for measles, mumps, and rubella
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• COVID 19
• Malaria
• Meningitis

Further, it is a good idea to get travel insurance when you plan your trip to Saudi Arabia. This will help cover any expenses for medical attention, loss of luggages, flight cancellations, etc.

Also, travellers should make note of the below emergency contacts for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:

• Unified Emergency Number: 911
• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 997

To add, tourists should also be aware of the contact number of the local embassy for their country.

Tourist Attractions and Things to Do

Saudi Arabia is a historic destination to visit on your next trip abroad. From the modern locations and culture of Riyadh and Jeddah to the coastal cities of Umluj, Jazan, and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer.

Visiting these iconic places should be on your to-do list when planning a trip to Saudi Arabia:

• The Edge of the World, Riyadh
• Ancient city of Diriyah
• Rock-cut tombs of Hegra, Al Ula
• Al Balad, Jeddah
• Al Qarah mountain, Al Ahsa
• Jubbah Rock Carvings, Hail
• Jazan for scuba diving
• Umluj for diving

Taking up the above should give you a fully packed itinerary for your Saudi trip.

Your Saudi Trip: Planning a Safe Visit

Being a cultural and historic destination, Saudi Arabia is an excellent place to visit. With the KSA online visa, planning a trip to Saudi Arabia is now easy. Just make your itinerary, file the Saudi visa application, and await approval. 

For queries, follow up with the KSA online visa portal.