Saudi Arabia
Phone Code
+966
Capital
Riyadh
Population
36 Million
Native Name
المملكة العربية السعودية
Region
Asia
Western Asia
Timezone
Arabia Standard Time
UTC+03:00
On This Page
Saudi Arabia opened to international tourism for the first time in modern history in September 2019 — and is transforming at a pace unlike anything in the Middle East. AlUla's ancient Nabatean tombs (Hegra, UNESCO — Saudi Arabia's Petra) are emerging as one of the region's most spectacular archaeological sites. The Red Sea coast is developing world-class diving and resort infrastructure. The Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) is the largest sand desert on earth. Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district (UNESCO) preserves centuries of Red Sea trading heritage. And the mega-projects of Vision 2030 — NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya — are reshaping the country's identity. Mecca and Medina, Islam's two holiest cities, are strictly reserved for Muslims. Despite rapid modernisation (women driving since 2018, cinemas reopened, concerts and entertainment permitted), Saudi Arabia remains a deeply conservative Islamic society with strict laws governing behaviour, dress and religious practice. The e-visa system covers citizens of 49+ countries for tourism — USD 120-160 (includes insurance), valid for one year with multiple entries up to 90 days per visit. Passport must be valid 6 months. Travellers should carefully review cultural codes and legal restrictions before visiting.
Saudi Arabia Visa & E-Visa System
Saudi Arabia launched its tourism e-visa in 2019 for citizens of 49+ countries including the US, UK, EU nations, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and others. The e-visa costs approximately USD 120-160 (includes mandatory medical insurance), is valid for one year with multiple entries, and allows stays up to 90 days per visit (maximum 180 days total per year). Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com — processing is typically rapid (minutes to hours). Passport must be valid 6 months beyond entry. Visa on arrival is also available at major airports for eligible nationalities. Hajj and Umrah visas are separate categories managed through authorised travel agents and Saudi embassies — not through the tourism e-visa system. Work visas require employer sponsorship. Citizens of GCC countries (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) enter visa-free. Strict entry restrictions apply: travellers with Israeli passport stamps may face denial (though this has been relaxed in some cases). Alcohol is completely prohibited — do not attempt to bring any into the country. Dress codes, gender-interaction norms and behavioural expectations are strictly enforced.
Common Visa Types
Tourism E-Visa
For tourism, leisure, visiting attractions, attending events and visiting friends/family. Available to citizens of 49+ countries. Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com — processing typically minutes to hours. Includes mandatory medical insurance. Also available as visa on arrival at major airports.
Hajj Visa
For the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca (mandatory once in a lifetime for able Muslims). Strictly managed through authorised Hajj travel agents and Saudi embassies. Available only during the Hajj season. Not available through the e-visa system. Proof of Muslim faith required.
Umrah Visa
For the minor Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which can be performed at any time of year. Managed through authorised agents and embassies. Not available through the tourism e-visa system. Proof of Muslim faith required. Umrah can also be performed on a tourism e-visa for eligible nationals.
Work / Business Visa
For employment or business activities in Saudi Arabia. Requires employer sponsorship. Business visit visas available for short-term commercial activities. Work visas are tied to the sponsoring employer (kafala system, though reforms are underway).
Essential Information for Saudi Arabia Travellers
Travel Guide
Saudi Arabia is one of the world's newest tourism destinations — and one of its most surprising. AlUla in the northwest is the headline: Hegra (UNESCO), the southern capital of the Nabatean kingdom that built Petra, features over 100 monumental tombs carved into sandstone outcrops in the desert — less visited and arguably better preserved than Jordan's Petra. The AlUla landscape itself — elephant rock formations, palm-filled canyons, ancient inscriptions from Dadanite and Lihyanite civilisations — is extraordinary. The Red Sea coast between Jeddah and NEOM has pristine coral reefs, sea turtle nesting grounds and developing resort infrastructure (the Red Sea Project aims to become a world-class diving and luxury destination). The Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) — the largest continuous sand desert on earth — offers dune landscapes of staggering scale. Jeddah's Al-Balad historic district (UNESCO) is a labyrinth of coral-stone merchant houses with intricately carved wooden balconies (rawasheen). The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) near Riyadh is a dramatic escarpment overlooking an endless plateau. Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, is being transformed into a cultural quarter. And the Vision 2030 mega-projects are reshaping the country: NEOM (a planned city larger than Belgium), Qiddiya (entertainment and sports city near Riyadh), and The Line (a 170 km linear city in NEOM). Saudi cuisine — kabsa (spiced rice with meat), jareesh, mutabbaq, dates and Arabic coffee — is a discovery in itself.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Hegra (UNESCO, Nabatean tombs carved in sandstone — Saudi Arabia's Petra), elephant rock formations, Dadanite and Lihyanite inscriptions, palm-filled canyons, Maraya concert hall (world's largest mirrored building), and the AlUla arts and culture programme. One of the Middle East's most spectacular emerging destinations.
Pristine coral reefs between Jeddah and NEOM, sea turtle nesting, whale shark sightings, shipwreck diving, and the developing Red Sea Project (luxury resort islands). Yanbu and the Farasan Islands offer less-developed but excellent diving. The Saudi Red Sea coast is one of the last largely unexplored reef systems on earth.
The Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali, the world's largest sand desert), Edge of the World escarpment near Riyadh (Jebel Fihrayn), dune bashing and desert camping, camel trekking, and the dramatic landscapes of the Hejaz Mountains. Saudi Arabia's desert scale is unlike anything in the UAE or Oman.
Jeddah's Al-Balad historic district (UNESCO, coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies), Diriyah (birthplace of the Saudi state, At-Turaif UNESCO district), Riyadh's Masmak Fort and National Museum, and the ancient oasis town of Al-Ahsa (UNESCO). Saudi heritage predates the oil era by millennia.
NEOM (planned city larger than Belgium), The Line (170 km linear city), Qiddiya (entertainment city near Riyadh), the Red Sea Project (luxury island resorts), and Riyadh's transformation with Formula E, concerts, and cultural festivals. Saudi Arabia is building the future at an unprecedented scale.
Mecca (the Kaaba, Grand Mosque, Hajj) and Medina (Prophet's Mosque, first Islamic community) — the two holiest cities in Islam. Strictly reserved for Muslims only. Hajj (annual pilgrimage) and Umrah (year-round pilgrimage) are managed through separate visa systems. Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina.
Money & Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Currency code: SAR
Practical Money Tips
Cards and Contactless Work Excellently in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has modern, well-developed payment infrastructure. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, supermarkets, petrol stations and most shops in cities. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) work widely — adoption is high, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah and the eastern province. The local mada debit card system is ubiquitous but for international cards, Visa and Mastercard contactless work seamlessly at most NFC terminals. Cash is mainly needed for souks, small local restaurants and rural areas.
The Riyal Is Pegged to the Dollar — Stable and Predictable
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 3.75 SAR per 1 USD. This makes exchange rates stable and predictable for dollar-based travellers. For visitors with Euros, GBP or other currencies, the SAR/EUR rate fluctuates with the EUR/USD rate. Exchange money at banks (Al Rajhi, NCB, Riyad Bank) or licensed exchange offices — rates at airports are acceptable but city-centre exchanges are slightly better. The fixed USD peg means there is no currency risk for dollar holders.
ATMs Are Everywhere
ATMs from Saudi banks (Al Rajhi, NCB, Riyad Bank, SABB, Banque Saudi Fransi) are found in every shopping mall, hotel lobby, supermarket and petrol station. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits are generous (typically SAR 5,000-10,000 per transaction). ATM fees for international cards vary — check with your home bank. Always decline dynamic currency conversion and withdraw in SAR.
No Alcohol Economy — Budget Accordingly
Alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia. This means no bar tabs, no wine with dinner, no minibar charges. For travellers accustomed to budgeting for drinks, this significantly reduces daily spending. Instead, Saudi Arabia has a thriving café culture: Arabic coffee (qahwa) with dates, specialty coffee shops in Riyadh and Jeddah rivalling any in London or Melbourne, fresh juice stands, and traditional tea houses. Restaurants do not serve alcohol — pricing reflects this.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in Saudi Arabia
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Key origin countries
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Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia? Whether you need a tourism e-visa, help understanding entry requirements, or guidance on cultural codes — get step-by-step support for your application.
Apply for Saudi Arabia Visa