Discover Saudi Arabia Tour

Good to Know

Travel Information

Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information

We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Saudi Arabia.

Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive – you may not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows you have travelled to, or were born in, Israel. You must get an e-visa or electronic visa waiver before you travel or on arrival – e-visas are valid for 365 days, for visits of up to 90 days, with multiple entries (a separate visa is needed for Hajj, and an e-visa for Umrah).

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country with strictly enforced Islamic law – avoid showing affection in public, swearing, playing loud music, or making critical political statements. You must always carry ID, and tourists should carry a copy of their passport and visa. Men and women must wear loose-fitting clothing covering the elbows and below the knees. Do not bring alcohol into Saudi Arabia – it is illegal to drink or be drunk in public, with severe penalties for possession or trade. There is zero tolerance for drug offences, with penalties up to a prison sentence and heavy fine, or worse for dealing and smuggling. Sex outside marriage is illegal, including for tourists.

It is illegal to film or photograph government buildings, military installations and palaces, or to photograph local people without their consent. Same-sex relations are illegal, though legal action is uncommon – all couples should avoid showing affection in public. At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Some medicines are controlled substances in Saudi Arabia and may need official prescriptions with specific documentation – UK prescriptions are not honoured. Healthcare in major cities is high standard. For emergency medical assistance, call 911 and ask for an ambulance.

What to Bring

Lightweight clothing is essential, with a sun-hat and neck protection, though a sweater and light jacket are advisable – early mornings can be very cold in the desert. Women are advised to avoid shorts or revealing dresses, with loose-fitting trousers ideal, and to cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque; men should wear long trousers. Men and women must wear loose-fitting clothing covering the elbows and below the knees, avoiding tight-fitting clothing or clothes with slogans that could be seen as political. Female travellers are not required to wear the abaya or cover their hair. Well-worn low-cut hiking shoes are ideal, with sandals or beach footwear also useful.

Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack – you're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle, and a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.

While You're There

The Saudi riyal (SAR) is the currency of Saudi Arabia, exchangeable in advance or on arrival at the airport, where you'll find both ATMs and a Bureau de Change – the exchange rate is approximately SAR 5.25 to the British Pound. ATMs are also available in major towns and cities. Saudi Arabia uses type G (SASO) plugs, on a 230V/50Hz supply.

Saudi Arabia has a predominantly desert climate, with very hot, dry summers and more temperate winters, and most rainfall falling between November and April. Coastal areas near Jeddah range 22-32°C in winter; the desert plateau around Riyadh, Buraidah and Medina ranges 15-30°C; Ha'il and Al Ula, at higher elevation, can drop to 5°C at night; the mountains around Asir stay temperate year-round with rainfall peaking January to May. Most major UK mobile networks have connections, at least in larger towns – a local SIM card is often better value than roaming. Saudi Arabia has a high internet penetration rate, though internet freedom is relatively restricted.