The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is getting tourists from all over the world. It boasts of rich history and culture and a scenic landscape. First-time travellers to the country should understand the customs, traditions and laws for a hassle-free trip. In this blog post, you will learn about things you should know before you plan a trip to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is known as the birthplace of Islam and is home to the two holiest cities in the world, Mecca and Medina. The Kingdom is also known for vast desert landscapes, Red Sea coastline, modern architectural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors must be aware of the Islamic culture and customs for a respectful travel experience.
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is outside the summer months, as the temperature reaches 40 degrees. You should check the weather for the region you are visiting, as the weather varies across the country. Winter is nice across the country, but during spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant.
Saudi Arabia tourist visas are available for 66 countries and cost 300 SAR plus 140 SAR for health insurance. The visa provides access to the country for three months with multiple entries in a year. Online visas can be obtained in minutes, and the forms are easy to fill out.
Most visitors to Saudi Arabia travel by air as it has several international airports. Main airports are located in Jeddah, Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam and Abha. You can choose to arrive at any of the airports based on the region you want to visit. Saudia is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and operates domestic and international flights in the country.
Other ways for travellers to reach Saudi Arabia are by boat, bus or car, depending on location. Boat services are available from Egypt and Sudan to the various cities along the Red Sea coast. Buses are available from Bahrain and Jordan, which can take you into Saudi Arabia. You can drive a car from the other Gulf countries into Saudi Arabia if you are a resident of the GCC.
In Saudi Arabia, you will find a blend of tradition and modernisation. In cosmopolitical cities like Riyadh, you will find skyscrapers, fine dining and luxury malls. In Diriya and AlUla, you can see old architecture and ancient ruins.
7 Things to Remember While Visiting Saudi Arabia
- Learning Saudi Arabian etiquette is the most important thing if you are visiting the country. You must dress modestly all the time, especially in public places. Men should wear long trousers and shirts, while women should be as covered as much as possible and wear loose-fitting trousers, long skirts, high-neck tops and long sleeves. Women can wear an ‘Abaya’ as a sign of respect, although it is not mandatory. While visiting the religious sites, women must cover their heads. Your clothing should not show any offensive or controversial slogans, and you should not wear anything with religious symbols. Do not make indecent gestures and keep quarrels to a minimum.
- Men are expected to shake hands in meetings, but women should not reach out unless asked to. It is considered polite to accept Arabic dates and coffee if offered. You should eat and pass things with your right hand and not your left hand. Alcohol is not allowed anywhere in the country, and you should not carry any. Alcohol is not allowed in western hotels, at the airport and is not served on planes either. You should not carry pork products or prohibited material in the country. Do not take pictures of people in public without permission. Drugs will lead to severe punishment.
- Before you start packing your bag, you should remember a few necessities. Summer is hot and winter is cold, but bearable; therefore, you should pack clothes accordingly. You should get the required vaccinations, as the international brands are not available at all pharmacies. Learn about the prayer times, as most of the businesses close during this period. You should get travel insurance in case of an unforeseen event. You should book local transport in advance.
- One of the important parts of Saudi culture is hospitality, and guests are often served Arabic dates, coffee and sweets. You should eat with your right hand and not start eating before the host. You should not eat everything on your plate as it is not considered polite, and you should leave a little food on your plate as a sign of satisfaction. In urban areas, you will find Western restaurants that offer international cuisines.
- The local transportation system is well developed in the country, and tourists can easily explore. Most of the cities are connected by domestic flights, and cities like Mecca, Medina and King Abdullah Economic City are connected by trains. In the cities, the Uber and Careem taxi apps are very popular. For travelling to distant areas, you can rent a car. If you plan to drive, then you will need an international driving permit. Women are not permitted to drive in the country.
- In the cities, credit cards are widely accepted, but in smaller towns and markets, you will need cash. The local currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), and ATMs are available in most places.
- The country offers accommodation options to suit luxury as well as budget-friendly travel. You will find international hotel chains and mid-range homestays. Dining in the traditional restaurants costs less than the fine dining experiences. Travellers should budget to reach a balance between comfort and cultural experiences.
Final Thoughts
In your trip to Saudi Arabia, you will get to learn about their culture, history and hospitality. Your trip can be more enjoyable if you follow the above tips. Knowing the tips ahead of your travel will help you to respect the traditions and laws of the Kingdom.
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