Overview
Saudi Arabia occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula and is the largest country in the Middle East by land area. For most of its modern history it was largely closed to leisure tourism, but a series of reforms beginning around 2019 have opened the country to international visitors in a meaningful way for the first time.
The landscape is enormously varied: the Hejaz region in the west holds the holy cities and the Hejaz Mountains; the Asir highlands in the southwest offer cooler temperatures and terraced agriculture; the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) in the south is one of the largest continuous sand deserts on Earth; and the Eastern Province borders the Arabian Gulf with its oil infrastructure and Bahrain causeway.
Culturally, Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to the Two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina, access to which is restricted to Muslims. Beyond religious significance, the country holds Nabataean, Dadanite, and Lihyanite archaeological sites of world importance, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Modernization has accelerated sharply since the mid-2010s. Riyadh and Jeddah now have international-standard restaurants, entertainment venues, and infrastructure. Mega-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project are under development, though many remain unfinished at the time of writing. Travelers should verify the current status of attractions before planning around them.
Before You Go
Visas
Saudi Arabia now offers tourist visas to nationals of many countries, including an e-visa option. Requirements, eligible nationalities, and fees change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Saudi Arabia Visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) for current information before booking anything.
Entry considerations
- Non-Muslim travelers are generally not permitted to enter Mecca or Medina. Checkpoints on roads leading to these cities enforce this restriction.
- Dress codes apply throughout the country, though enforcement has relaxed in recent years. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is advisable in all public spaces.
- Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Do not attempt to import it.
- Medications: some prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are legal elsewhere may be controlled or banned. Carry a doctor's letter for any prescription medication and verify legality with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority or your nearest Saudi embassy before travel.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are universally required for most nationalities, but check current recommendations with your national health authority. The Hajj and Umrah seasons bring large crowds and specific health advisories — consult official sources if your travel coincides with these periods.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Getting There
By air
Saudi Arabia has three major international airports: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Jeddah and Riyadh are the busiest hubs and receive direct flights from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. The national carrier is Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines); flynas and flyadeal operate as budget carriers on many regional and some international routes.
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 is a popular overland crossing for visitors already in the Gulf region. Border crossing conditions and requirements vary; verify current status before planning an overland entry.
By sea
Ferry services operate between Jeddah and Nuweiba (Egypt) across the Red Sea, as well as other regional routes. Schedules and operators change — verify locally or through a licensed travel agent before relying on this option.
Getting Around
Domestic flights
Given the country's vast size, domestic flights are often the most practical way to move between major cities. Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal connect Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, AlUla, Abha, Taif, and other destinations. Book in advance, especially around public holidays and the Hajj season.
Road travel
Saudi Arabia has an extensive network of highways in good condition. Car hire is available at all major airports and cities; an international driving permit is generally required alongside your national license — verify current requirements with your rental company. Women have been legally permitted to drive since 2018. Road distances are substantial: Riyadh to Jeddah is roughly 950 km. Drive cautiously; speeding and aggressive driving are common hazards.
Urban transport
Riyadh's Riyadh Metro opened in stages and now serves several lines connecting major parts of the capital — it is inexpensive and air-conditioned. App-based ride-hailing (Uber and the local app Careem) operates reliably in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam and is generally the most convenient option for urban travel. Traditional metered taxis exist but are less consistently available.
AlUla
The AlUla region requires a vehicle to explore properly. Guided tours and shuttle services are available through the Royal Commission for AlUla (experiencealula.com); verify current options on their official site as the tourism infrastructure there is actively developing.
Things to See & Do
AlUla and Hegra
Hegra (Mada'in Salih) is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Nabataean cities outside Petra in Jordan. Monumental rock-cut tombs, some standing over 20 metres tall, rise from a dramatic sandstone landscape. The broader AlUla valley also contains the ancient city of Dadan, the Lihyan lion statues, and the striking Elephant Rock formation. This is widely considered the country's most compelling destination for international tourists.
Diriyah, Riyadh
The At-Turaif district in Diriyah, on the outskirts of Riyadh, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancestral home of the Al Saud family. Its mud-brick ruins and partially restored buildings give genuine insight into 18th-century Najdi architecture and history. A large heritage and cultural development is ongoing around it — some areas may be under construction; verify access before visiting.
Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)
A dramatic escarpment roughly 90 km northwest of Riyadh where the plateau drops away sharply into an enormous plain. Popular for hiking, photography, and camping. Access is by 4WD; guided day trips from Riyadh are widely available.
Jeddah Historic District (Al-Balad)
Jeddah's old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by coral-stone tower houses with ornate carved wooden mashrabiya screens. Wandering the narrow lanes is one of the most atmospheric experiences in the country. The corniche promenade, the King Fahd Fountain (among the tallest in the world), and the vibrant food scene make Jeddah a rewarding base.
Asir Region
The Asir highlands around Abha offer a markedly different Saudi experience: cooler temperatures, misty mountain scenery, terraced fields, and traditional villages with colourfully painted houses. The Asir National Park protects significant biodiversity. A cable car at Abha provides views over the valley.
Red Sea coast
The Red Sea holds some of the world's richest coral reef ecosystems. Diving and snorkelling are available around Jeddah and at developing resort areas. The Red Sea Project (Amaala, NEOM's Sindalah island) is under active development — check current availability before planning.
Riyadh
The capital rewards a day or two: the National Museum of Saudi Arabia provides thorough historical context; Masmak Fortress is a restored mud-brick citadel central to the country's founding narrative; and the Riyadh Zoo and various modern malls reflect the city's contemporary character. The Diriyah Gate development around At-Turaif is expanding rapidly.
Food & Drink
Saudi cuisine
Traditional Saudi food is hearty and meat-focused. Kabsa — slow-cooked rice with lamb or chicken, spiced with cardamom, cloves, black lime, and saffron — is considered the national dish and appears at family tables and casual restaurants alike. Mandi (slow-roasted meat and rice cooked in a tandoor pit) is particularly associated with Hejazi and Yemeni cooking traditions common in the west of the country. Jareesh, a cracked wheat porridge, and margoog, a meat and vegetable stew with thin bread, are other staples.
Breakfast culture is strong: ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), scrambled eggs with tomato, fresh bread, dates, and labneh (strained yogurt) are typical morning offerings at local cafes.
Dining out
Riyadh and Jeddah now have internationally diverse restaurant scenes, including Lebanese, Indian, East African, and Western options alongside Saudi cooking. Standalone fine-dining establishments have expanded significantly. Restaurants were historically divided into family sections and single men's sections; this separation has been largely abolished in recent years, though some traditional establishments may still observe it.
Coffee and tea
Qahwa (Arabic coffee, brewed light and flavoured with cardamom and saffron) served with dates is the cornerstone of Saudi hospitality. Third-wave specialty coffee has also taken hold strongly in Riyadh and Jeddah, with numerous independent cafes. Karak tea (a strong, milky spiced tea) is ubiquitous and inexpensive.
Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. There are no exceptions for tourists. Non-alcoholic beer and mocktail alternatives are widely available at restaurants and hotels.
Shopping
Saudi Arabia's cities are home to numerous large malls — some of the biggest in the world by floor area — stocking international brands. For travelers interested in locally made goods, the following categories are worth seeking:
- Oud and perfume: Arabian oud (agarwood) and attar (concentrated perfume oils) are of genuine quality and cultural significance. Specialist perfume shops are found throughout Jeddah's Al-Balad and in souqs across the country.
- Dates: Saudi Arabia produces hundreds of date varieties. Medina's Ajwa dates are particularly prized. Packed dates make practical gifts and are available at airports, markets, and date shops.
- Traditional crafts: Asiri embroidery, silver jewellery, and Najdi daggers (khanjar) are traditional crafts found in heritage markets. Quality varies; buy from established vendors.
- Gold: Jeddah's gold market is well known regionally. Prices are based on daily international gold rates plus a making charge; compare between shops.
Souqs in older city areas — including Jeddah's Al-Balad and Riyadh's Dira Square area — offer a more atmospheric alternative to malls.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are widely available in cities and accept major international cards. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Carry some cash for smaller establishments, souqs, and rural areas.
Communications
SIM cards from Saudi operators (STC, Mobily, Zain) are available at airports and phone shops. Coverage is good in cities and along major highways; remote desert areas have limited signal. Many international services including social media and VoIP apps function normally, though some content may be filtered.
Electricity
Saudi Arabia uses 220V/60Hz with Type G (UK-style three-pin) sockets in most buildings, though Type A and B (US-style) are also found. Bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Emergency numbers
Verify current emergency numbers locally or through your embassy upon arrival, as numbers can vary by service and region. Your hotel front desk is a reliable first point of contact in most non-life-threatening situations.
Embassy registration
Register your trip with your country's embassy or consulate before arrival. This is especially advisable given the rapidly changing regulatory environment and ongoing large-scale construction projects affecting transit routes.
Safety
Saudi Arabia's major cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam — have low rates of street crime and are generally considered safe for tourists. Petty theft exists but is not prevalent by regional standards.
The border regions with Yemen present a different picture. Saudi Arabia has been involved in a military conflict in Yemen since 2015. Areas near the southern border, particularly Najran, Jizan, and Asir governorates closest to Yemen, have at times been subject to cross-border fire including drone and missile incidents. Check your government's travel advisory for the latest guidance on specific border areas before visiting the south of the country.
Road safety is a meaningful concern. Saudi Arabia has historically had high rates of traffic accidents. Exercise caution as a driver and pedestrian, particularly on inter-city highways at night.
Always check the current travel advisory issued by your own government before and during travel. Conditions and regulations in Saudi Arabia have changed rapidly in recent years and continue to do so.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Religion and public life
Islam shapes daily life profoundly. The call to prayer sounds five times daily; shops and services have historically paused during prayer times, though this is enforced less strictly in major cities than in the past. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone, including non-Muslims.
Dress
Modest dress is expected. Women are no longer legally required to wear an abaya in public, but covering shoulders and knees is respectful and practical. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts in conservative areas. Swimwear is appropriate at beach resorts and hotel pools.
Social norms
- Public displays of affection between couples — including between married couples — should be kept minimal in traditional settings.
- Photography of government buildings, military installations, and some religious sites is prohibited. Ask before photographing people, especially women.
- Greetings between Saudi men often involve handshakes and sometimes a touch of the nose. Follow the lead of locals when greeting across genders.
- Accepting hospitality — tea, coffee, dates — is a meaningful gesture; declining repeatedly can be seen as rude. A polite acceptance, even briefly, is appreciated.
Friday
Friday is the Islamic day of prayer and the equivalent of a Sunday. Many businesses, government offices, and some attractions are closed in the morning. The weekend in Saudi Arabia is Friday–Saturday.
