Visa & entry
Tourist e-visas are available for many nationalities since 2019 — rules evolve quickly. Umrah/Hajj visas are separate. Check official Visit Saudi platform for your passport.
→ Full breakdown: visa requirements for Saudi Arabia
When to go
November–February is coolest for Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. Summer interior heat is extreme — Red Sea coast slightly more bearable. Ramadan affects restaurant hours; respect fasting in public.
Getting around
Domestic flights link Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Uber and Careem in cities. Car rental for AlUla and desert sites — distances are long. High-speed rail expanding between holy cities and Riyadh.
First-time tips
- Abaya not required for foreign women in tourist areas but modest dress is law — loose clothing covering arms and legs.
- Alcohol is prohibited nationwide.
- Photography of government buildings and people without permission can cause issues.
- Friday prayer midday — some shops close briefly.
Start planning
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