Overview
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, occupying the majority of a landmass shaped by ancient trade routes, religious significance, and dramatic natural geography. For most of its modern history the country was largely closed to leisure tourism, but since 2019 it has opened a tourist visa program and is actively developing its heritage and natural attractions for international visitors.
The country is extraordinarily diverse in landscape: the Hejaz region along the Red Sea coast contains mountains and coral reefs; the Najd plateau in the interior is defined by desert and historic mud-brick towns; the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) in the south is one of the largest continuous sand deserts on Earth; and the Asir region in the southwest offers cool, terraced highlands. This geographic range makes Saudi Arabia a destination that rewards slow, considered travel.
For travelers of faith, the holy cities of Mecca and Medina hold enormous significance — access to these cities is restricted to Muslims. The rest of the country, however, is accessible to all nationalities holding a valid tourist visa, and the pace of new heritage openings, hotels, and infrastructure means the experience is evolving rapidly.
Visitors should approach Saudi Arabia with an open mind and a willingness to engage with local customs. The country is changing, but it remains deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, Bedouin culture, and regional pride — qualities that shape every aspect of daily life and hospitality.
Before You Go
Visas
Saudi Arabia introduced an e-visa for leisure tourists from many countries in 2019. Visa eligibility, fees, validity, and application procedures change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Saudi tourism authority (visitsaudi.com) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for current requirements before booking anything.
Health
No routine vaccinations are specifically required for Saudi Arabia beyond what travelers should keep current in general, but requirements can change, particularly around the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage seasons. Confirm health entry requirements with your country's travel health clinic and verify any declarations or health forms needed at entry.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees in public; women should carry a loose scarf
- Sun protection (hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV sunglasses) — UV intensity is high year-round
- A warm layer for evenings in the desert or highland regions, especially November–February
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for archaeological sites with uneven terrain
- A reusable water bottle — hydration is critical in the heat
Currency and Payments
The Saudi Riyal is pegged to the US Dollar. ATMs are widely available in cities. Major credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still useful in markets, smaller towns, and rural areas. Verify current exchange rates before travel.
Getting There
Saudi Arabia has five international airports that handle significant passenger traffic: King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport (Medina — primarily for pilgrims), King Fahd International Airport (Dammam), and Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Airport (Al Ahsa). Jeddah and Riyadh handle the vast majority of international leisure arrivals.
The national carrier Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) operates an extensive international network. Several Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, flydubai) offer connections through their respective hubs. Low-cost regional carriers including flynas and flyadeal have expanded international routes in recent years. Check current route availability and fares directly with airlines or a trusted aggregator.
Overland entry is possible from Jordan (via the Durra/Mudawwara crossing), UAE, Bahrain (via the King Fahd Causeway), Kuwait, and other neighboring countries. Border crossing conditions, hours, and requirements should be verified locally before travel, as they can vary.
Getting Around
Domestic Flights
For a country of this size, domestic flights are often the practical choice between regions. Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal connect major cities multiple times daily. Routes between Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, and AlUla are frequently served. Book in advance during peak seasons and holidays.
Train
The Saudi Railways Organization (SAR) operates the Haramain High Speed Railway, connecting Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City at speeds up to 300 km/h — a fast and comfortable option for that corridor. The SAR North Train connects Riyadh to the northern regions. Verify timetables and booking on the official SAR website.
Road Travel
Saudi Arabia has an excellent highway network, and self-driving or hiring a car with a driver is a common way to explore the interior and regions not served by rail. International driving licenses are generally accepted for short stays, but verify current rules. Traffic drives on the right. Distances between sights are frequently vast — plan fuel and rest stops carefully, especially in remote areas. As of 2018, women are legally permitted to drive.
Ride-Hailing and Taxis
Uber and Careem both operate in major Saudi cities and are the most practical urban transport option for travelers. Traditional metered taxis exist but negotiating fares in advance is advisable where meters are not used.
Things to See & Do
AlUla and Hegra (Mada'in Salih)
Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains over 100 monumental Nabataean tombs carved directly into sandstone outcrops — a counterpart to Petra in Jordan, but far less visited. The surrounding AlUla valley also features the older Dadanite and Lihyanite ruins at Dadan, the dramatic Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), and a historic mud-brick old town. The Royal Commission for AlUla runs guided tours and ticketed site access; visit experiencealula.com for current schedules and pricing.
Riyadh
The capital offers a strong contrast between traditional and contemporary. The Diriyah UNESCO Heritage Site — the original home of the Saudi state — features carefully restored mud-brick palaces and is being developed into a major cultural district. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh is one of the best places to understand the country's history chronologically. Al Masmak Fortress, a 19th-century mud-and-clay fort in the old city center, is free to enter and historically significant.
Jeddah
Jeddah's Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of remarkable 19th-century coral-stone merchant houses with intricately carved wooden mashrabiya screens. The city's Corniche stretches for kilometers along the Red Sea and is especially lively at evening. Jeddah is also the primary gateway for Red Sea diving and snorkeling — the reefs here are among the most biodiverse and least-dived in the world.
Asir Region
The southwestern highlands around Abha sit at elevations above 2,000 meters and offer a dramatically different Saudi experience: cooler air, terraced mountain farms, and villages where men traditionally wear flower garlands. The Asir National Park and Rijal Almaa heritage village are worth extended time.
The Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali)
Organized desert expeditions into the Empty Quarter — the world's largest continuous sand desert — depart from Najran and other southern gateway towns. These require experienced guides and proper equipment; this is not a landscape for independent first-timers.
Farasan Islands
An archipelago in the Red Sea off the Jizan coast, the Farasan Islands offer mangroves, gazelles, flamingos, and pristine coral reefs with almost no tourist infrastructure — a genuinely off-the-beaten-path destination. Permits and logistics should be arranged locally and in advance.
Food & Drink
Saudi cuisine is closely related to the broader Levantine and Gulf Arab tradition but has its own distinct regional character. Kabsa — slow-cooked rice with meat (usually chicken, lamb, or camel), tomatoes, and a blend of spices including cardamom, cloves, and black lime — is considered the national dish and is eaten communally. Mandi, a similar slow-roasted dish cooked in a tandoor pit, is especially popular in the south.
Jeddah's proximity to the Red Sea means grilled and fried fish feature heavily there, often served with rice and tangy sauces. In Asir, a distinctly earthy, spiced cuisine reflects the highland agricultural tradition — expect honey (Sidr honey from this region is internationally prized), sorghum flatbreads, and hearty stews.
Saudi Arabia is an alcohol-free country — the sale and public consumption of alcohol is prohibited by law. Coffee culture is central to social life: Arabic qahwa (lightly roasted coffee with cardamom and saffron) and strong black tea are served constantly, often with dates. Specialty coffee culture has also grown significantly in major cities, with well-regarded independent cafés in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Dining options in cities range from traditional Saudi restaurants and international hotel dining to a wide spectrum of global cuisines. Outside major cities and tourist sites, restaurant variety narrows considerably. Restaurants typically separate family sections from singles sections, though this distinction has become less rigidly enforced in recent years. Always verify current local norms.
Practical Information
Electricity
Saudi Arabia uses 220V/60Hz. Sockets are primarily Type G (British three-pin) and Type A/B (US-style two/three-pin). Carry a universal adapter.
Internet and SIM
Mobile connectivity is generally good in cities and along major highways. Local SIM cards from operators such as STC, Mobily, and Zain are available at airports and mobile shops — passport required for registration. Many Western travelers find that an eSIM purchased before departure is a practical alternative. Verify which apps and VPN services are accessible in-country, as some may be restricted.
Emergency Contacts
Verify all emergency numbers locally on arrival. Police, medical, and civil defense services each maintain separate lines in Saudi Arabia; numbers should be confirmed through your accommodation or the official government portal (my.gov.sa).
Time and Business Hours
The official weekend in Saudi Arabia is Friday and Saturday. Government offices and many businesses are closed those days. Prayer times vary daily and by location — apps such as Muslim Pro or local schedules posted in hotels can help travelers plan accordingly.
Tips and Etiquette
- The right hand is traditionally used for eating and giving/receiving items
- Remove shoes before entering someone's home and many traditional spaces
- Bargaining is appropriate in traditional souqs but not in fixed-price retail environments
- Tipping is not formally obligatory but is appreciated in restaurants and by drivers — a modest amount is appropriate
Safety
Saudi Arabia's major cities and tourist regions are generally considered safe for international travelers, with low rates of street crime. The country has significant security infrastructure, and visitors rarely report petty theft or violent crime in tourist contexts.
Travelers should review their home government's current travel advisories before departure, as the geopolitical situation in the region can shift. Border regions near Yemen in the south have been subject to travel warnings from multiple governments due to the ongoing conflict; these areas should be approached with extreme caution and are not recommended for leisure travel at this time. Always verify advisory levels at the time of booking.
Road safety deserves attention — traffic accident rates in Saudi Arabia have historically been among the higher globally, though enforcement and road safety campaigns have improved conditions in recent years. Drive defensively, always wear a seatbelt, and do not exceed speed limits, which are enforced with cameras.
Heat is a genuine safety concern from May through September, when temperatures across most of the country can exceed 40°C (104°F) and humidity along the coasts adds additional strain. Plan outdoor activities for early morning, carry significant quantities of water, and recognize signs of heat exhaustion.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Saudi Arabia's culture is shaped by its role as the birthplace of Islam and by Bedouin traditions of hospitality, generosity, and community. Visitors are frequently struck by how warmly local people engage with foreigners — an invitation to share tea or a meal is genuine and should not be declined lightly.
Islamic practice is central to daily rhythm. Five daily prayers are observed, and during prayer times some shops and restaurants may close briefly. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone, including non-Muslims. Ramadan travel requires greater flexibility but also offers a unique cultural experience in the evenings.
Dress codes in public have been significantly relaxed since 2019, but modest dress remains appropriate and respectful — particularly at heritage and religious sites. Women are no longer legally required to wear an abaya in public, but modest clothing covering the body is widely expected and appreciated. Men should also dress conservatively outside beach or resort areas.
Public displays of affection are culturally inappropriate and should be avoided. Photography requires sensitivity — always ask permission before photographing people, and never photograph government buildings, military installations, or religious sites without explicit permission. The legal framework around photography can be strict; when in doubt, do not photograph.