Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦: Everything You Need to Know
Aiko, here! 🇯🇵🧳 and yes, I absolutely fell for Saudi Arabia. It’s modern, glossy, and surprisingly easy to travel once you understand the “rules of the game”. The only problem is… first-timers sometimes land with the wrong assumptions (about visas, weekends, dress, what you can photograph, and how spicy the heat can feel at 2pm).
This guide is your calm little game plan. I’ll walk you through what to sort before you fly, how to dress and behave without stress, which apps make life smoother, and how to plan your days so you’re not accidentally doing “outdoor desert vibes” at the exact hour the sun is trying to cook you like lunch. Practical first, pretty second, always.
Saudi Arabia Tips: Quick Facts at a Glance
✅ Visa rules depend on nationality, but most tourists use an online eVisa or a visa option arranged before travel
✅ Passport rule that catches people out: aim for 6+ months validity after arrival
✅ Health insurance can be tied to your tourist visa setup, so don’t treat it like an optional extra
✅ Alcohol is a hard no (including bringing it in), and penalties around drugs are extremely serious
✅ Holy sites access is not “tourist flexible” and affects planning around Makkah and specific mosques
✅ Best time to be outside is usually the cooler months; summer sightseeing needs strategy (and shade)
✅ Ride-hailing is your best friend in cities, but you’ll want data working from minute one
✅ Dress code is simpler than people fear, but modest and neat wins, especially outside big hubs
✅ Weekends and opening hours can feel different (Friday/Saturday is the main weekend rhythm)
✅ This guide is for first-timers who want to feel confident, respectful, and relaxed
🤚 Must-do: Download your key apps and sort mobile data before you arrive. The first 30 minutes in-country sets the tone.
🔥 My Recommended Tour to get you started in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh: 4×4 Trip to the Edge of the World at Sunset
Quick Saudi Arabia Q&As
Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Most travellers do, and many nationalities can apply online. Always check the official eligibility list for your passport.
What should I wear in Saudi Arabia as a tourist?
Modest, breathable, and tidy works. In big cities it’s relaxed, but covering shoulders and knees is a smart default.
Can non-Muslims visit Makkah or Madinah?
Non-Muslims cannot enter the holy mosque area in Makkah, and there are specific mosque restrictions in Madinah too.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for tourists?
Generally yes, especially in the main travel hubs, but you still need normal city awareness and respect for local laws.
What’s the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
Cooler months are easiest for outdoors. In hot months, plan mornings and evenings and build in indoor breaks.
What apps do I need in Saudi Arabia?
Maps, ride-hailing, translation, and delivery apps make everything smoother, especially in your first 72 hours.
Can I get by without Arabic?
Yes in many places, especially hotels and big cities. A few polite words plus a translation app helps a lot.
Is it easy to get around without a car?
Inside cities, yes. Between cities, trains and flights help, but a car can be useful for certain regions.
👉 Good to know: Saudi travel feels “simple” once your phone works and you understand the do’s and don’ts. It’s not about being perfect, just prepared.
Visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time: the quick answer (what to prep so it feels easy)
When I first went, I expected a lot of friction. It was actually smooth… once I did four boring-but-powerful prep steps. Think of it like packing a little “confidence kit” before you fly. Your goal is to land already knowing how entry works, what’s not allowed, how to handle the heat, and how you’ll move around.
Here are the four prep buckets I swear by:
- Visa/admin: confirm your visa route, passport validity, and your entry docs stored on your phone
- Rules: alcohol, medication, photography, and behaviour basics (this is the big one)
- Weather: plan your days around heat, not around ambition
- Transport/apps: ride-hailing, maps, and translation, ready to go before you leave the airport
If you do just this, the trip feels less like “nerves” and more like “I’ve got this” (very kawaii energy, honestly).
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Save screenshots of your visa approval, hotel address, and return flight in one album called “SAUDI” so you’re not digging at immigration.
🗺️ Travel Essentials: Travel Essentials Checklist: Don’t Leave Home Without These!
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Visas and entry: what to sort before you fly
Visa rules depend on nationality, so your first job is confirming what your passport qualifies for. Many tourists use an online eVisa route, and some travellers have other options depending on where they’re from and what they’re doing in-country. The key is not leaving this to the night before.
Also, don’t ignore the “small” stuff that causes big delays: passport validity, matching names (bookings vs passport), and having your accommodation details handy. A lot of airport stress is just admin stress in a different outfit.
Entry prep checklist (save this)
| Task | When to do it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check your visa eligibility and entry type | 2–6 weeks before | Avoid last-minute surprises and limited options |
| Apply for your visa (if needed) | 1–4 weeks before | Gives you buffer if a detail needs fixing |
| Confirm passport has 6+ months validity | Before booking flights | Short validity can mean denied boarding/entry |
| Make sure your booking name matches passport | Immediately | Name issues are annoying to fix late |
| Check your medication rules | Before packing | Some meds need extra care or paperwork |
| Save digital copies (visa, passport ID page) | Before you fly | Faster check-in and calmer arrivals |
If you want extra peace of mind, I’m a big fan of proper travel insurance even when some coverage is included with visa processes. You want health cover, plus the boring stuff like delays, cancellations, and lost bags.
🤚 Must-do: Treat “passport validity + correct visa route + correct name” as a triple lock. If one is off, travel can get messy fast.
🛂 Official Visa & Immigration Details
🚕 Airport Transfer just in case: Welcome Pickups Singapore
🗺️ Use our entry requirement checker: The Travel Tinker Entry Requirement Checker
Local laws that actually matter to travellers (and how to stay out of trouble)
Saudi Arabia isn’t hard to navigate, but it does have lines you really should not step over. The big ones are alcohol, drugs, and certain types of photography or filming. The rules are enforced, and “I didn’t know” is not the cute get-out clause we all wish it was. Stick to the rules and be respectful, pretty simple imo!
Here’s the simple traveller version:
- Alcohol: not allowed. Don’t bring it, don’t try to buy it, don’t joke about it at the airport
- Drugs: extremely serious penalties. Avoid anything risky, including products that look harmless elsewhere
- Medication: bring prescriptions and original packaging, and double-check controlled meds before travel
- Photography/filming: avoid government buildings, military sites, palaces, checkpoints, and security staff
- People photos: ask first. Always. Especially women and families
- Content creators: posting and distributing certain media can need permission, so keep it respectful and low-key
- Drones: heavily regulated. If you haven’t done official permission steps, don’t pack it
If you stay respectful and calm, you’ll likely have zero issues. Saudi hospitality is real, and the “rules” side is mostly about avoiding obvious no-go behaviour.
👉 Good to know: Airport “kicking off” is a universal bad idea. Keep your voice low, stay polite, and ask for help rather than arguing.
🗺️ Nobody likes the stress of the airport: How to Get Through the Airport Quickly: Expert Tips for Savvy Travellers
Dress code and cultural etiquette: how to get it right without overthinking
This is the part people panic about, but it’s honestly manageable. You don’t need to cosplay as someone else. You just need to dress modestly, neatly, and with a bit of common sense. In Riyadh and Jeddah, you’ll see plenty of variation. In more conservative areas, you’ll feel more comfortable covered up.
My go-to packing formula (works every time):
- Loose trousers or long skirt + breathable tops
- A light layer for shoulders (also perfect for aggressive air-con)
- Closed-toe shoes for walking, plus sandals for relaxed evenings
- For women: a long, light outer layer is handy in conservative spots
- For men: avoid super short shorts and sleeveless tops in formal settings
Etiquette cheat-sheet
| Situation | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | Be polite, calm, and patient | Rush, shout, or get visibly annoyed |
| Visiting mosques | Dress modestly and follow signage | Take selfies or treat it like a photo set |
| In public | Keep affection subtle | PDA that draws attention |
| Photos of people | Ask first | Photograph families without consent |
| In queues/services | Wait your turn | Argue loudly or demand special treatment |
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Pack one “easy modest outfit” you can throw on day one. Arrival days are tired days, and tired decisions are chaotic.
🗺️ Recommended Read about Car Rental: DiscoverCars: Your Ultimate Guide to Hassle-Free Car Rentals 🚗
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Holy sites, Umrah, and timing your trip around busy periods
This matters for planning, even if you’re not travelling for pilgrimage. Some holy areas have access rules that tourists can’t bypass, and there are specific restrictions around the holy mosque areas in Makkah and parts of mosque access in Madinah for non-Muslims. That means you should build your itinerary around what you can actually visit, not what you saw in a random reel.
Busy periods also change the vibe of transport, prices, and road access. During Hajj season, the authorities can restrict access to Makkah for people without the correct permits, and travel patterns shift across the region. Ramadan can also change opening hours and the daily rhythm, especially late afternoons and evenings.
Planning pointers:
- If pilgrimage is part of your trip, confirm the correct visa type and booking systems early
- If it’s not, avoid building your route around Makkah access
- Expect bigger crowds and higher prices around major religious periods
- Book intercity travel and hotels earlier during peak windows
💡 Fact: Holy site access rules aren’t negotiable “tourist rules”, so planning around them is the calmest option.
Weather and timing: heat, sand, and the best months to be outside
Saudi weather is not shy. In hot months, the heat can feel like stepping into a hair dryer that has opinions. The trick is not fighting it. You plan around it, like locals do. Early mornings, long lunch breaks indoors, and evenings for waterfront walks or outdoor dining.
A realistic heat plan:
- Outdoors before 10am: markets, old towns, viewpoints
- Midday indoors: museums, malls, cafes, slow lunch, hotel reset
- After sunset: promenades, food spots, night markets, events
Pack for sun and air-con at the same time (yes, both):
- Sunglasses, high SPF, lip balm
- Electrolytes (or buy them on arrival)
- A light scarf or layer (sun + indoor chill)
- Breathable fabrics and comfy shoes
If you’re sensitive to dust or dry air, bring eye drops and a small mask for sandier days. It’s not dramatic, it’s just practical.
🤚 Must-do: Build your itinerary like a wave: active mornings, gentle middays, fun evenings. You’ll see more and feel better.
🗺️ Best Apps for Navigation: Best Travel Navigation App: Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze?
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Getting around: ride-hailing, taxis, trains, flights, and when a car helps
Inside big cities, ride-hailing makes life so much easier. You can go from “I have no clue” to “I’m getting coffee” in five minutes. For intercity travel, trains and flights can be the simplest, especially if you’re linking Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah or heading to AlUla via air connections.
Here’s the quick comparison:
| Option | Best for | Typical cost | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride-hailing | City trips, evenings out | Varies by demand | Surge pricing at peak times |
| Taxis | Quick hops, hotels | Varies | Agree meter/use app where possible |
| Trains | Major intercity routes | Mid-range | Book ahead in busy periods |
| Domestic flights | Long distances fast | Varies a lot | Luggage rules and peak dates |
| Car hire | Remote areas, flexible road trips | Mid-high | Driving style, parking, long distances |
For first-timers, I’d usually do: ride-hailing in cities, train or flight between hubs, and only add a car if you’re going off the “easy routes”.
👉 Good to know: Save your hotel location pin in your map app. It solves 80% of “where am I?” moments.
🗺️ More guides: Cultural Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts for Respectful Travel
Money and payments: SAR basics, cards vs cash, tipping, and ATMs
Saudi Riyal (SAR) is straightforward to use, and in major cities cards are widely accepted. Still, cash helps for small shops, tips, and the odd place where the machine is “temporarily sleeping” (it happens). ATMs are common, and you’ll find them in malls, airports, and busy areas.
What surprises people most is not the currency, it’s the budgeting rhythm. You can do Saudi on a range of budgets, but costs jump around based on events, weekends, and peak seasons. In big cities, dining and coffee culture can pull you into a “just one more cute cafe” spiral. Guilty, your honour.
Card vs cash mini guide
| Situation | Card | Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels and big restaurants | Best | Rarely needed |
| Ride-hailing | Best | Not typical |
| Small snacks/markets | Sometimes | Useful |
| Tips | Sometimes | Useful |
| Remote areas | Sometimes | Strongly recommended |
Staying connected: SIMs, eSIMs, and the apps you’ll use daily
If you do one thing to make your trip feel smooth, make it this: get data working immediately. So much in Saudi runs through your phone, from ride-hailing to maps to bookings and restaurant planning. Airport Wi-Fi can be patchy and busy, so don’t rely on it.
For most travellers, an eSIM is the easiest setup. You land, switch it on, and you’re online without hunting for a shop. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, a local SIM can work too, but it’s one more task when you’re tired.
Apps that help (mix and match):
- Maps for navigation and saved pins
- Ride-hailing for easy transport
- Translation for menus, signs, and quick polite phrases
- Delivery apps for low-energy evenings
- Your airline app for domestic flights and updates
🤚 Must-do: Set up your data before you fly, or at least before you leave the airport. Your future self will say arigatou.
Where to stay for first-timers: Riyadh vs Jeddah vs AlUla vs the Gulf coast
Choosing the right base is half the trip. Saudi is big, and distances are real, so you want to pick places that match your travel style.
- Riyadh: modern energy, big events, museums, dining, and a “capital city buzz”
- Jeddah: coastal vibe, the Corniche, historic areas, artsy corners, and an easy social feel
- AlUla: landscapes, heritage sites, desert skies, and “wow, this is unreal” moments
- Gulf coast: beachy downtime, calmer pace, and good for families or chill breaks
For first-timers, a common winning combo is Riyadh + Jeddah (urban variety) or Jeddah + AlUla (coast + desert). If you’re booking accommodation, I usually browse neighbourhoods on Booking.com first, just to compare areas and see what’s actually available for your dates.
Quick base picker
| Where | Best base area | Best for | One watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | Central/business districts | Events, museums, dining | Traffic at peak times |
| Jeddah | Corniche or central areas | Waterfront, old town, food | Weekend crowds |
| AlUla | Near key sites | Landscapes, tours | Book early in peak periods |
| Gulf coast | Resort zones | Rest days, families | Less public transport |
🏨 Recommended hotels: Booking.com Saudi Arabia
🛌 Recommended Hostels: Hostelworld Saudi Arabia
🏩 Accommodation from Agoda.com Arabia
🗺️ Useful Guide: Direct vs Third-Party Travel: Your Ultimate Booking Decision Guide
💡 Fact: Saudi itineraries feel better when you pick fewer bases and stay longer in each. Less moving, more enjoying.
Food and coffee culture: what to eat, what to try, and how to order confidently
I’m obsessed with Saudi coffee culture. The cafes are stylish, the desserts are dangerously good, and the hospitality can be so sweet it makes you smile without noticing. Food-wise, you’ll find everything from traditional dishes to global chains, but it’s worth trying local favourites early in the trip.
Easy first-timer choices:
- Grilled meats, rice dishes, and hearty stews
- Flatbreads, dips, and sharable plates
- Dates and Arabic coffee as a cultural classic
- Fresh juices in hot weather
A gentle “first night food plan” (my comfort routine):
- Check into hotel and hydrate
- Order something simple nearby (grilled, rice, soup, bread)
- Save adventurous eating for when you’re rested
- End with a cute cafe stop if you’ve got energy
Also, some restaurants have family sections and different seating setups. If you’re unsure, just ask staff. People are used to visitors learning.
👉 Good to know: If a place feels confusing, pick a busy restaurant in a mall or a well-known area on night one. It’s an easy warm-up.
Safety basics: scams, street smarts, and what to do if something goes wrong
Saudi Arabia can feel very safe in the main tourist areas, but basic street smarts still matter. The biggest risks for travellers are usually the boring ones: heat exhaustion, road safety, losing your phone, or confusion about rules.
Practical safety habits:
- Keep a digital copy of your passport and visa
- Use ride-hailing at night rather than wandering unfamiliar streets
- Don’t photograph official-looking buildings or security areas
- Stay calm and polite if someone challenges you (especially in airports)
- If you feel unwell, get help early, not “after one more stop”
For emergencies, save local emergency numbers and your embassy contact details in your phone notes. If you’re doing longer distances, also tell your accommodation your rough plan, especially in remote areas.
🤚 Must-do: Heat illness can sneak in quietly. If you feel dizzy, headachy, or strangely tired, stop, cool down, and hydrate. No hero points.
🗺️ Think again!: Travel Safety Essential: Why a Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector is a Must-Have ✈️
Women and solo travel: what feels different and what makes it easier
As a woman travelling, the biggest thing I noticed was how much easier things felt when I leaned into modest, tidy clothing and confident, calm body language. Not because you “have to”, but because it reduces friction and helps you feel comfortable in more settings. Solo travel can be very doable, especially in major hubs and well-run tourist areas.
What helps most:
- Stay in well-located accommodation
- Use ride-hailing rather than random taxis late at night
- Dress modestly in public spaces, especially outside big city centres
- Avoid confrontations and keep interactions polite and firm
- Keep a plan for evenings (dinner spot, route back, backup option)
My “confidence kit” checklist
- Portable charger
- Translation app ready
- A light layer for air-con
- A modest outfit you feel great in
- Hotel card/address saved in Arabic and English
Your first 72 hours: a simple landing plan
This is where trips get won or lost. Not in the desert. Not at a famous viewpoint. In the first 72 hours, when your body is tired and your brain is doing 47 tabs at once. Make it easy on yourself.
The landing checklist
- Get cash (or confirm your card works)
- Switch on your data or eSIM
- Use ride-hailing or pre-booked transport to your hotel
- Eat something simple and hydrate
- Do one gentle “orientation walk” in the evening
If you’re arriving late, travelling with family, or hauling heavy luggage, pre-booking an airport transfer can be the calmest choice. It’s one less decision when you’re half-asleep and just want a shower.
Driving and car hire: rules, road style, parking, tolls
Driving can be brilliant in Saudi for certain routes, especially if you’re going to less connected areas or you want full flexibility. Roads are generally good, distances are just… large. Like “oh, that’s three hours” large.
If you’re considering a car:
- Only do it if you’re comfortable with longer drives and confident navigation
- Expect different driving styles in busy cities (more assertive, more lane shifts)
- Use parking garages in big hubs when possible
- Keep water in the car always, especially outside cities
- Don’t drive tired. Heat + long roads can drain you
For a first trip, I’d usually skip driving in Riyadh until you’ve got your bearings. If you really want a car, consider renting for a region-based mini road trip rather than the whole itinerary.
Common mistakes first-timers make (and easy fixes)
I say this with love (because I’ve done half of these): most mistakes are not dramatic, just avoidable. They’re the little “oops” moments that cost time, money, or peace of mind.
Common rookie mistakes:
- Not checking passport validity early enough
- Arriving without data and spending an hour in airport chaos
- Planning outdoor sightseeing midday in hot months
- Taking photos near official buildings or security areas
- Overpacking heavy clothes instead of breathable layers
- Moving hotels too often across a huge country
Easy fixes:
- Do the admin checklist 2–6 weeks before
- Build your day around mornings/evenings
- Keep photography respectful and low-key
- Choose fewer bases and stay longer
- Keep one modest outfit ready for day one
FAQs about Visiting Saudi Arabia
Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Most travellers do, and the process depends on your nationality and trip purpose. Many tourists use an online visa route, but you should confirm eligibility and rules for your passport before booking flights.
What should tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?
Go for modest, breathable, tidy clothes. In big cities it’s more relaxed, but covering shoulders and knees is a strong default, and you’ll feel more comfortable in conservative areas too.
Can non-Muslims visit Makkah or Madinah?
Non-Muslims cannot enter the holy mosque area in Makkah, and there are specific restrictions around the Prophet’s Mosque premises in Madinah. Plan your itinerary around what you can access without stress.
What is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
Cooler months are generally easiest for outdoor exploring. In hotter months, focus on early mornings and evenings, and treat midday as your indoor recharge window.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for first-time travellers?
In main tourist hubs, many travellers feel safe and well looked after, especially in organised areas and well-run venues. The most important “safety” factor is respecting local laws and managing heat and road risks sensibly.
Ready for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is one of those trips that feels surprisingly smooth when you do the prep in the right order. Sort your visa and admin early, respect local laws and cultural norms, plan your days around the heat, and get your apps and data working before you leave the airport. After that, it’s all the good stuff: waterfront evenings in Jeddah, big-city energy in Riyadh, and desert landscapes that make you stop mid-sentence just to stare.
If you’re planning your route, tell me your dates, your rough itinerary idea, and your biggest worry. And if you want more first-timer guides, wander over to TheTravelTinker.com for more trip-planning help.👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Author
Aiko Tanaka
I’m Aiko Tanaka, a Japan-based travel writer with a soft spot for Asia’s big-hitters and its quiet corners, too. I love the kind of trips where you come home with a full camera roll, a slightly battered notebook, and a new obsession (usually a snack you can’t pronounce properly but will absolutely hunt down again).
I grew up bouncing between busy city streets and slower, nature-filled escapes, so my travel style sits somewhere between “let’s find the best night market” and “let’s disappear into the hills for a bit.” I’m drawn to places with strong food cultures, good train journeys, hidden temples, coastal towns, and the sort of local traditions you only notice when you stop rushing.
At The Travel Tinker, I write practical, honest guides to travelling around Asia, from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and beyond. Expect real-world tips, cultural etiquette that actually matters, and routes that balance iconic sights with lesser-known spots, without turning your trip into a military operation.
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