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Overview
Saudi Arabia occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula and is one of the largest countries in the world by area. For most of its modern history it was largely closed to leisure tourism, but since 2019 it has opened its doors to visitors from dozens of countries, part of a wide-ranging economic and social transformation known as Vision 2030.
The country encompasses extraordinary geographic diversity — the rocky basalt plains of the north, the red-sand Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the south, the Asir highlands near the Yemeni border, and more than 1,800 kilometres of Red Sea coastline. Culturally, it is the birthplace of Islam and home to the two holiest cities in the faith, Mecca and Medina, which non-Muslims may not enter.
Riyadh, the capital, is a fast-growing metropolis that balances gleaming modern architecture with historic mud-brick districts. Jeddah, the western gateway, is a UNESCO World Heritage–listed old city packed with coral-stone merchant houses. AlUla, in the northwest, contains the Nabataean city of Hegra — Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site — along with dramatic sandstone formations and rock art spanning thousands of years.
Travelers arriving today will find a country in visible transition: new restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions opening regularly alongside deeply rooted traditions of hospitality and religious observance. Understanding that duality makes for a more rewarding trip.
Before You Go
Visas
Saudi Arabia introduced a tourist e-visa system for citizens of many countries, but entry requirements can change. For current rules, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Saudi Arabia e-visa portal operated by the Ministry of Tourism or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Non-Muslim travelers should note that Mecca and Medina remain off-limits regardless of visa type.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most visitors, though routine immunizations should be up to date. Meningococcal vaccination is required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Heat-related illness is a genuine risk, especially between May and September when temperatures in interior regions regularly exceed 40 °C — carry water, wear light clothing, and limit midday outdoor activity. Tap water is technically treated but most residents and visitors drink bottled water; verify locally.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting clothing; both men and women are expected to dress modestly, particularly outside major hotels and resorts
- A light layer for heavily air-conditioned malls, restaurants, and flights
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain at archaeological sites
- Any prescription medication in sufficient supply, with a doctor's letter if carrying controlled substances
Ramadan Considerations
During the holy month of Ramadan (dates shift annually), eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited by law for all — including non-Muslims. Many restaurants are closed during the day; hours shift significantly after sunset. Travel can be highly atmospheric during this period but requires planning.
Getting There
By Air
Saudi Arabia has five international airports of note. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh are the busiest and best connected to global routes. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport serves Medina (non-Muslims should check access restrictions). AlUla's airport has expanded connections to cater to growing tourism. Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) is the national carrier; many international airlines operate direct routes from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
By Land
Saudi Arabia shares land borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain (via the King Fahd Causeway), Qatar, UAE, Oman, and Yemen. The Bahrain causeway crossing is a common overland route for visitors already in the Gulf. Border crossings with Yemen are not recommended for tourists due to ongoing conflict; check your government's travel advisory before approaching any land border.
By Sea
Ferry services operate across the Red Sea between Jeddah and ports in Egypt and Sudan, though schedules and operators change frequently — verify locally before planning this route.
Getting Around
Domestic Flights
Given the country's size, flying between cities is the most practical way to cover multiple regions. Saudia and budget carrier flynas operate frequent domestic routes between Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, AlUla, Tabuk, Abha, and other cities. Book ahead during peak periods.
Car Rental
Driving is on the right-hand side. Roads between major cities are generally well maintained. A valid international driving permit alongside your national license is advisable; confirm requirements with your rental company. Road distances are vast — Riyadh to Jeddah is roughly 900 km by road — so factor journey times carefully. Fuel is widely available and relatively inexpensive.
Urban Transport
Riyadh has a metro system (the Riyadh Metro) that connects key parts of the capital and is inexpensive to use. Jeddah has bus rapid transit routes. Ride-hailing apps (Uber and local equivalent Careem) operate in major cities and are the most convenient way to get around without a car. Traditional taxis are available but negotiate or confirm meter use in advance.
Bus
SABTCO and other long-distance bus operators run inter-city routes, but journey times are long due to distances. Buses are a budget option, not generally a time-efficient one for tourists.
Things to See & Do
Heritage and Archaeology
- Hegra (Mada'in Salih), AlUla — Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site: over 100 well-preserved Nabataean rock-cut tombs, some monumental in scale, in a setting of extraordinary sandstone formations. Guided tours are required to access the site; book through the Experience AlUla platform or verify locally.
- Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, AlUla — Pre-Nabataean Lihyanite and Dadanite ruins alongside one of the largest concentrations of ancient inscriptions in Arabia.
- Diriyah, Riyadh — The 15th-century mud-brick ancestral home of the Al Saud dynasty, partially restored as a UNESCO-listed historic district (At-Turaif). A major ongoing restoration project means parts may be under development; check current access before visiting.
- Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) — UNESCO-listed old city characterized by coral-stone buildings with carved wooden rawasheen (latticed balconies), traditional souqs, and centuries-old merchant houses.
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) — A dramatic escarpment north of Riyadh offering sweeping views across an ancient seabed; accessible by 4WD and popular for half-day excursions.
Nature and Outdoors
- Red Sea diving and snorkeling — The Saudi Red Sea coast hosts pristine coral reefs, particularly around Yanbu and the NEOM coastal areas. Dive operators are growing in number; verify certification requirements locally.
- Asir National Park and Abha — The cool, mist-covered highlands of the southwest are a counterpoint to desert stereotypes, with terraced villages, green valleys, and endemic bird species.
- Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) — The world's largest continuous sand desert, accessible via organized expeditions from Najran or Sharurah. Not a place for independent exploration without experienced local guides.
Culture and the Arts
- National Museum, Riyadh — A well-presented overview of Arabian history from prehistoric times through the modern kingdom, free to enter (verify current hours on-site).
- Misk Art Hub and JAX District, Riyadh — Emerging creative quarters hosting galleries, studios, and cultural events.
- Winter at Tantora and Seasons festivals, AlUla — Annual events featuring international music performances, art installations, and food; check Experience AlUla for current season programming.
Food & Drink
Saudi cuisine is rooted in Bedouin and Levantine traditions, with rice, lamb, and bread forming the backbone of most meals. Kabsa — slow-cooked spiced rice with chicken or lamb — is considered the national dish and is found everywhere from roadside restaurants to formal dinners. Mandi, a similar slow-roasted preparation, originated in the southwest and is widely popular. Mutabbaq (stuffed pan-fried pastry), samboosa (fried pastry pockets), and jareesh (crushed wheat stew) are common across the country.
Alcohol is prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia by law, both for sale and public consumption. The country has instead developed a sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage culture: Saudi qahwa (lightly spiced cardamom coffee, typically served pale and unsweetened with dates) is the traditional hospitality drink and an important cultural gesture — accepting a cup is considered polite. Fresh juice bars, specialty coffee shops, and elaborate mocktail menus are prevalent in cities.
Jeddah and Riyadh have rapidly expanding restaurant scenes spanning regional Arabic cuisines, South and Southeast Asian food (reflecting the large expat communities), and international dining. Many upscale hotels and standalone restaurants in Riyadh now operate licensed restaurants serving non-alcoholic beer and specialty beverages.
Fasting rules during Ramadan apply in restaurants — many close during daylight hours and open after Iftar (the sunset meal). Non-Muslims eating or drinking in public during Ramadan daytime risk fines.
Shopping
Saudi Arabia's shopping landscape ranges from vast air-conditioned malls to atmospheric traditional souqs. Major malls in Riyadh (such as Kingdom Centre and Mall of Arabia) and Jeddah stock international brands and local designers. For more characterful purchases, traditional souqs are the better choice.
- Gold Souq, Jeddah — One of the largest gold markets in the region; prices are tied to daily gold rates with a separate making charge, so comparison shopping pays off.
- Al-Balad souqs, Jeddah — Narrow lanes lined with vendors selling incense (bukhoor), oud perfumes, spices, traditional textiles, and silver jewellery.
- Dira Souq (Thumairi Market), Riyadh — A historic market area near Masmak Fortress with antiques, handicrafts, and traditional items.
- AlUla craft markets — Local artisans sell date products, pottery, and handwoven items during festival seasons.
Bargaining is customary in traditional souqs but not in malls or fixed-price shops. Saudi oud perfume and incense make distinctive and portable souvenirs; quality and price vary significantly, so buy from established vendors where possible.
Practical Information
Money
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US dollar. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, malls, and mid-range-to-upscale restaurants. Carry cash for souqs, small eateries, and rural areas. Currency exchange booths (sarrafas) are found at airports and in commercial areas.
Connectivity
SIM cards from Saudi operators (STC, Mobily, Zain) are available at airports and telecom shops and offer good 4G coverage in populated areas. Coverage thins in remote desert regions. Some internet services may be filtered; using a VPN has legal ambiguity — travelers should research current regulations before relying on one.
Prayer Times
Five daily prayers are observed, and businesses — including shops and some restaurants — may close briefly during prayer times, particularly outside major hotels. Closures are typically 15–30 minutes. Plan errands with this rhythm in mind.
Emergency Numbers
Verify current emergency contact numbers locally upon arrival, as service numbers can change. As a starting point, the general emergency number in Saudi Arabia has been 911; confirm this is still current on arrival.
Electricity
Saudi Arabia uses 220V/60Hz. Sockets are predominantly Type G (British three-pin) and Type A/B; carry a universal adapter to be safe.
Tipping
Tipping is not culturally obligatory but is appreciated in the hospitality sector. Many restaurants include a service charge; check your bill. Small tips to hotel staff and drivers are welcomed.
Safety
Saudi Arabia's cities are generally considered low in street crime, and visitors rarely report petty theft or tourist-targeted scams of the kind common in other major tourism destinations. That said, some practical cautions apply.
The border regions with Yemen remain dangerous due to ongoing armed conflict and are subject to missile and drone incidents. Most governments advise against travel to the southern border areas. Always check your government's official travel advisory — issued by your foreign ministry — before and during your trip, as the situation can change.
Road safety is a meaningful concern: traffic accident rates have historically been high, though enforcement of traffic laws has increased significantly in recent years. Exercise caution when driving or crossing roads on foot.
Saudi law is strictly enforced and differs significantly from Western norms in several areas: possession of alcohol or drugs carries severe penalties; photographing government buildings, military installations, palaces, and people without consent can result in detention; public displays of affection between unmarried couples are prohibited. Familiarize yourself with local laws before arrival — ignorance is not accepted as a defense.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that same-sex relations are illegal under Saudi law and that no legal protections exist; the risks are serious, and how travelers navigate this is a personal decision requiring careful consideration.
Women traveling solo report generally positive experiences in Saudi Arabia's tourism infrastructure, particularly since the removal of the requirement for a male guardian (mahram) for travel. Standard situational awareness applies, especially in more conservative areas outside major cities.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Islam is central to daily life in Saudi Arabia and shapes schedules, dress codes, social interactions, and law. Visitors do not need to be Muslim to travel here, but a genuine respect for and curiosity about Islamic culture makes for a far richer experience.
Dress is one of the most discussed practicalities. Women are no longer legally required to wear an abaya in public, but modest dress — covering shoulders, arms, and legs — is expected and appreciated away from resort beaches and international hotel pools. Men should avoid sleeveless tops in public areas. In more conservative towns and near mosques, err on the side of caution.
Hospitality (diyafa) is a foundational cultural value. If invited to a Saudi home, the offering of coffee, tea, and food is a gesture of respect — accepting graciously matters more than consuming everything. Greetings can be lengthy and genuine; rushing through them is considered rude. Physical greetings between men (handshakes, cheek kisses) are common; between men and women, it is best to wait for the other person to initiate any physical greeting.
Photography requires consideration: always ask before photographing people, especially women. Avoid pointing cameras at sensitive government or religious facilities. Archaeological sites have specific photography rules that guides will explain.
Friday is the holy day; many businesses and government offices are closed or operate reduced hours. The weekend in Saudi Arabia falls on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday a working day.
