Prepared to set out on an extraordinary travel to Saudi Arabia? Get set for an energizing experience with our enlightening direct by your side. We’re here to assist you breeze through visa strategies, travel rules and cultural tips so you’ll be able make the foremost of your trip. Safety is key! From dressing unassumingly to investigating transportation alternatives, we’ve got you secured.
Also, we’ll cover neighborly intuitive, fundamental Arabic expressions and social dos and don’ts – all the things that make your travel more important and less stressful.
So, step onto Saudi Middle eastern soil with certainty. Our guide is like a neighborly companion, making beyond any doubt you explore deferentially and douse up the unimaginable encounters this country has got to offer.
Travel Advice and Tips When Visiting Saudi Arabia
Visa Application
Before entering Saudi Arabia, you should be aware of the country’s visa requirements. The visa application process varies depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. If you are a UK, US or EU resident, you can apply online through the e-Visa application.
You can also apply for a tourist visa on arrival at the international airport in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi eVisa allows you to choose between a 30-day visa and a 90-day visa. However, if you overstay your visa, you will be deported and fined, so be careful!
Required Documents
This may seem obvious, but there are documents required to enter Saudi Arabia in addition to the e-Visa.
- First,youmusthaveavalidMakesureyourpassportisvalidfor6monthsfromthedateofdeparture.Youmayneedtobringtworecentpassportphotos!Moreinformationonvisaexpiryruleshere.
- Thevisaapplicationformisimportant-getitright!Don’tforgetyourStateyourtravelplans,whyyouwanttovisitSaudiArabia,whereyouarestaying,andyourexpectedarrivalanddeparturedates.
- YouwillbeaskedforanItcanbeahotelreservationoraletterofrecommendationfromyourhost.Provideproofthatyoucanpayforyourstay.Thiscanbeintheformofafinancialstatement.
- IfyouareenteringSaudiArabiaforreligiouspurposes(forexample:HajjorUmrah),youmustsubmitdocumentsrelatedtoyourtravel
Travel Regulations
Have you organized your e-Visa and prepared other necessary documents? Now is the time to consider other important travel rules before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia follows Islamic traditions. In other words, dress well in clothes that cover your shoulders, arms and legs. If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia with your partner or spouse, avoid public displays of affection as they are not allowed. They must also adhere to local customs and traditions, such as refraining from criticizing the royal family and respecting prayer times. I will explain this topic later.
Another important factor to consider when traveling is travel insurance. Although not mandatory, it is recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance. This will give you peace of mind while traveling to Saudi Arabia in the event of unexpected illness, travel cancellations, belongings or other unforeseen circumstances. Make sure your vaccinations and health checks are up to date before you travel. You should also prepare for a security search. Airports in Saudi Arabia will cooperate with the authorities when necessary.
Currency and Travel Budget
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Before you travel, check the exchange rates to find out what your currency is worth in Saudi Riyals. Most credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but it’s still a good idea to carry cash for small businesses or places where credit cards aren’t accepted.
To help you manage your Saudi Arabia travel budget, research and plan your expenses in advance, including accommodation, transportation, dining, sightseeing and shopping. If you’re worried about spending a lot of money during your trip, you can choose cheaper activities such as eating street food, taking public transportation, shopping for souvenirs and art, visiting churches and historical sites, and exploring local markets.
It is an economical option. On the other hand, if you plan to go out and are ready to spend a lot of money, you can stay in luxury hotels, choose luxury restaurants, buy luxury brands and book special trips / special experiences. Not hard to find in Saudi Arabia.
Tip: Book a flight to Saudi Arabia and pay later using Alternative Airlines’ Buy and Pay Later plans, including Tabby, Afterpay, Klarna and more.
Travel Advice You Need To Follow
Then you enter Saudi Arabia. What happens now?
Read on for more travel tips that will help you travel safely and respectfully through beautiful Saudi Arabia. When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you should consider staying safe, respecting local laws and customs, and dressing appropriately.
If you are visiting busy cities in Saudi Arabia, such as Riyadh or Jeddah, be careful around crowded places, especially during festivals and religious gatherings.
Dressing Modestly
Pay attention to the laws of Saudi Arabia and avoid behavior that is considered offensive or offensive to the local culture. Saudi Arabia has a dress code, especially for women, so show respect by dressing well. Women are advised to wear loose clothing that covers their arms and legs. You can wear a long shirt or top that falls below the waist with pants or a long skirt. Women can wear an abaya (pink black dress).
It is not compulsory for non-Muslim women to wear a headscarf (hijab), but wearing one as a head covering is a sign of respect in certain situations. Men should also dress comfortably, avoiding clothing such as shorts and sleeveless shirts. Long pants and sleeveless shirts are recommended to avoid unruly behavior.
But what about a swimsuit? While it is acceptable to wear a bathing suit on private hotel beaches or pools, it is not appropriate to wear a bathing suit in public places in Saudi Arabia. If possible, choose a lighter style of swimwear. It should be noted that the dress code may vary depending on the area you visit. Riyadh and Jeddah are considered more cosmopolitan than the rest of Saudi Arabia, so you can be more flexible with your clothing. However, dress appropriately to avoid confusion.
Be Respectful
Besides dressing appropriately, there are some dos and don’ts when visiting Saudi Arabia.
Avoid public displays of affection, such as holding hands and hugging. This is considered right and wrong. Physical contact between unrelated men and women in public places is prohibited.
Do not criticize Islam or the leaders. Do not engage in or promote discussions about Islam or criticism of the Saudi royal family. This is not only dangerous, it is also illegal.
Respect religious traditions. Saudi Arabia is the cradle of Islam. Respect prayer times, avoid disturbances in mosques and do not enter places of worship if you are Muslim.
We respect the gender divide. Many public places in Saudi Arabia have separate areas for men and women. You must respect these designated areas and adhere to gender segregation guidelines.
Non-Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan must refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day out of respect for Muslims who are fasting.
We all like to take pictures when we travel, but in Saudi Arabia you should avoid taking pictures of government buildings, military installations and sensitive areas. Of course, if you want to take pictures of people, especially women, you need permission.
If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia for business, avoid organizing meetings and events on Friday, the Muslim holy day. Whether you’re visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism or business, following these tips will help you show respect for Saudi culture and make a good impression.
Travel Advice You Need To Follow
Then you enter Saudi Arabia. What happens now?
Read on for more travel tips that will help you travel safely and respectfully through beautiful Saudi Arabia. When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you should consider staying safe, respecting local laws and customs, and dressing appropriately.
If you are visiting busy cities in Saudi Arabia, such as Riyadh or Jeddah, be careful around crowded places, especially during festivals and religious gatherings.
Dressing Modestly
Pay attention to the laws of Saudi Arabia and avoid behavior that is considered offensive or offensive to the local culture. Saudi Arabia has a dress code, especially for women, so show respect by dressing well. Women are advised to wear loose clothing that covers their arms and legs. You can wear a long shirt or top that falls below the waist with pants or a long skirt. Women can wear an abaya (pink black dress).
It is not compulsory for non-Muslim women to wear a headscarf (hijab), but wearing one as a head covering is a sign of respect in certain situations. Men should also dress comfortably, avoiding clothing such as shorts and sleeveless shirts. Long pants and sleeveless shirts are recommended to avoid unruly behavior.
But what about a swimsuit? While it is acceptable to wear a bathing suit on private hotel beaches or pools, it is not appropriate to wear a bathing suit in public places in Saudi Arabia. If possible, choose a lighter style of swimwear. It should be noted that the dress code may vary depending on the area you visit. Riyadh and Jeddah are considered more cosmopolitan than the rest of Saudi Arabia, so you can be more flexible with your clothing. However, dress appropriately to avoid confusion.
Be Respectful
Besides dressing appropriately, there are some dos and don’ts when visiting Saudi Arabia.
Avoid public displays of affection, such as holding hands and hugging. This is considered right and wrong. Physical contact between unrelated men and women in public places is prohibited.
Do not criticize Islam or the leaders. Do not engage in or promote discussions about Islam or criticism of the Saudi royal family. This is not only dangerous, it is also illegal.
Respect religious traditions. Saudi Arabia is the cradle of Islam. Respect prayer times, avoid disturbances in mosques and do not enter places of worship if you are Muslim.
We respect the gender divide. Many public places in Saudi Arabia have separate areas for men and women. You must respect these designated areas and adhere to gender segregation guidelines.
Non-Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan must refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day out of respect for Muslims who are fasting.
We all like to take pictures when we travel, but in Saudi Arabia you should avoid taking pictures of government buildings, military installations and sensitive areas. Of course, if you want to take pictures of people, especially women, you need permission.
If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia for business, avoid organizing meetings and events on Friday, the Muslim holy day. Whether you’re visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism or business, following these tips will help you show respect for Saudi culture and make a good impression.
Getting Around Saudi Arabia
You might be thinking, “Okay, now I know how to respect the customs and traditions of Saudi Arabia, but how do I get around Saudi Arabia?” There is a transportation network in Saudi Arabia. Depending on the city you are visiting, there are a variety of transportation options available.
Public Transport
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in its public transport network to improve connectivity between cities and regions. Major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam have developed new and efficient bus networks that offer an affordable and convenient way to travel. You don’t have to worry about the heat of the blue bus. Buses in Saudi Arabia are a popular means of transportation because they are air-conditioned and run on time for residents and tourists.
In addition to buses, Saudi Arabia has introduced a high-speed train system called the Haramain Train. This train connects major cities such as Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City. This is a great and convenient way to travel between these places, especially for those on adventure tours.
Taxis and Ride Sharing
Taxis are always available in Saudi Arabia. Many taxis in Saudi Arabia do not have meters, so it is a good idea to negotiate the price before getting into the taxi. Use a taxi licensed by a reputable company. You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem. These services allow you to make payments and track your vehicle’s performance over time. Payments are made securely through the app.
Car Rental
If public transport is not your thing, you can opt for a rental car. Renting a car for your trip to Saudi Arabia is a good idea if you plan to explore different cities in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has a network of well-maintained roads and highways to make road trips more enjoyable. However, if you plan to rent a car, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid driver’s license from your home country and you know local laws and regulations. All passengers must wear seat belts and use a mobile phone while the driver is restrained.
Domestic Flights
What if you want to explore every corner of Saudi Arabia? The easiest way is to book flights between major cities in Saudi Arabia or domestic flights within Saudi Arabia. The most popular airlines that operate this type of flight are Saudia (the national airline), low-cost airlines Saudi Flynas and Flyadeal. With this flight you can visit various places in Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, Dammam, Abha, Tabuk and Gasim. even you book your flights on Neom!
Whichever type of vehicle you choose, it’s important to plan ahead which cities/towns you want to explore in Saudi Arabia so you don’t get lost and have a fun and stress-free experience.
Language and Communication
Lastly, to ensure you have a smooth and respectful travel experience in Saudi Arabia, you’ll want to think about your communication with locals and using the Arabic language.
Basic Arabic Phrases
English is widely spoken in Saudi Arabia. However, making an effort to learn and use Arabic phrases can improve your interactions and show respect for the local culture while traveling in Saudi Arabia. Here are some compliments you can learn:
“As-salamu-alaykum” (Peace be upon you)
“Wa alaykum as-salam” (peace be upon you)
“Marhaba” (Goodbye)
“Shukran” (Thank you)
“Min Padlik” (please)
Learning these words will help you break the ice and build a good relationship with the locals. The numbers can also be used in everyday transactions, so you should try to learn them, especially if you plan to shop while in Saudi Arabia and negotiate prices. It’s also a good idea to know the names of the places you want to go and the landmarks you want to see!
Respectful Communication
Welcoming deferentially and courteously tending to individuals is an critical social hone in Saudi Arabia. When assembly somebody, utilize the fitting welcoming depending on the time of day. Address individuals utilizing titles and fitting honorifics, such as “Sheikh” for a more seasoned man or “Sheikha” for a more seasoned woman.
When communicating with Saudi Middle eastern local people, you ought to be attentive of non-verbal prompts. Non-verbal communication plays a noteworthy part in Saudi Middle eastern culture. It’s exhorted to preserve eye contact when speaking as this is often a sign of mindfulness and regard. But avoid delayed eye contact between irrelevant men and ladies as this will be considered improper.
In common, keep up a loose and inviting disposition amid conversations. Be watchful of utilizing hand motions when communicating, particularly hand motions that are new or possibly hostile to the neighborhood culture. Thumbs-up and peace signs are by and large caught on but it’s best to depend on verbal communication wherever conceivable.
Learning any unused dialect that you’re not recognizable with can be troublesome – attempt to be quiet and approach each discussion with a neighborly demeanor, particularly once you are attempting to pass on your needs or get it others.
Grasping the Arabic dialect will improve your Saudi Arabia travel involvement and make it more satisfying and exceptional!
Ready to visit Saudi Arabia?
In short, traveling to Saudi Arabia requires a balance between preparation and respect for its culture and traditions. Navigating the visa process, adapting to local customs, dressing well, and communicating using voice and signs are essential to a positive travel experience in Saudi Arabia. Enjoy the beautiful views, feel the warmth of the people and create lasting memories.
It provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and appreciate each other
